Separated Parents Policy

EMMA PILLING DANCE ACADEMY
SEPARATED PARENTS POLICY

At Emma Pilling Dance Academy (EPDA) we prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of every child in line with EPDA’s Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures.

This policy outlines how we manage relationships with separated parents while ensuring a supportive and secure environment for all students. By implementing this policy, we aim to create a supportive environment where all students can thrive, regardless of family circumstances.

1. Child Protection and Safeguarding

EPDA is committed protecting all children in accordance with the EPDA Safeguarding Policy.

2. Disputes Between Parents

Parents should resolve personal disputes related to their separation independently, without involving EPDA. EPDA shall always maintain neutrality and focuses solely on the child’s welfare.

Note that if disputes affect the child’s health, safety, safeguarding or wellbeing, EPDA may consult with the local authority statutory child protection agency or other relevant child protection agencies.

3. EPDA’s communication with a ‘Nominated Person’

As part of EPDA’s student enrolment process a ‘nominated person’ should be identified. This nominated person must be a parent or legal guardian (for example if in foster care).

As part of the enrolment process, the nominated person must:
• Provide accurate and up-to-date emergency contact information.
• Notify EPDA of any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs their child may have.

EPDA will inform a nominated person of key arrangements for the child, for example drop-off and pick-up times for classes or performances.

3. Parent’s Communication with EPDA (Change of Circumstances)

Any change of circumstances between separated parents that impact the child’s safeguarding or welfare should be communicated formally, in writing, to the EPDA Child Protection Lead (CPL) in accordance with EPDA’s Safeguarding Policy.

A change in circumstances include:
• Any changes related specifically to safeguarding that could put their child at risk, for example changes to who picks up a child or not allowing the child access to specific family members.
• Court orders or other legal paperwork restricting access to a specific parent or family member in any setting while in the care of EPDA.
• Changes to the agreed communication methods at any time during the child’s enrolment at EPDA (such as a change to the nominated person).

Upon formal notification of any safeguarding changes, appropriate steps will be put in place to accommodate the changes.

Note that one-off changes that may need to be accommodated by EPDA that don’t present a safeguarding risk (such as a Grandparent picking up their child from class who wouldn’t normally do so) should be communicated verbally or in writing by the nominated person.

4. Adherence to Legal Requirements

EPDA will strictly follow any court orders or other legal requirement concerning a parent’s contact with their child or access to relevant information.

Parents are required to provide evidence of any relevant court orders or legal paperwork to EPDA in a timely manner and update the CPL / EPDA Principal of any further changes. Staff members will be informed on a need-to-know basis to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Strict confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

5. Confidentiality and Neutrality

EPDA maintains confidentiality in all communications regarding family matters, sharing information only with appropriate parties as necessary.

EPDA remains neutral in any parental disputes, prioritising the child’s best interests above all else in line with appropriate guidance and legislation.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing should be reported to the EPDA Child Protection Lead (CPL) in line with EPDA’s Safeguarding Policy. The CPL will take appropriate action in line with EPDA procedures, including liaising with external authorities if required.