EQUALITY & DIVERSITY POLICY

TOF DANCE COMPANY

Rationale

Twist-O-Flex Dance Company strives to ensure that the culture and ethos of the dance school are such that, whatever the heritage and origins of members of the dance school community, everyone is equally valued and we all treat one another with respect.

  • We value each individual’s voice
  • We build self-esteem and confidence
  • We understand good and bad
  • We show respect and understanding for others
  • We value the community and world in which we live
  • We are proud members of the school community


We seek to ensure that no member of the dance school community or any other person, through their contact with the dance school, receives less favourable treatment on any grounds which cannot be shown to be justified.

We aim to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and are given equality of opportunity.


A ‘protected characteristic, under the act covers the groups listed below:

  • age (for employees not for service provision),
  • disability
  • race
  • sex
  • gender reassignment
  • maternity and pregnancy
  • religion and belief
  • sexual orientation
  • marriage and civil partnership (for employees)



 
Our Legal Duties under the Equality Act 2010

We share the public sector equality duties to:

  • eliminate discrimination and harassment
  • advance equality of opportunity
  • foster good relations between different groups

 

Our approach to equality is based on the following 5 key principles:

1. All members are of equal value. Whatever their special educational needs, whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin or national status, whatever their gender and gender identity, whatever their religious or non-religious affiliation or faith background and whatever their sexual orientation.


2. We recognise, respect and value difference and understand that diversity is a strength. We take account of differences and strive to remove barriers and disadvantages which people may face, in relation to their special needs, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, dance, teach and visit here.


3. We foster positive attitudes and relationships. We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.

4. We foster a shared sense of cohesion and belonging. We want all members of our dance school community to feel a sense of belonging within the dance school and wider community and to feel that they are respected and able to participate fully in classes, workshop and Twist-O-Flex events.

5. We observe good equalities practice for our staff. We ensure that policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees in all aspects of their work, including in recruitment and promotion, and in continuing professional development.



What we are doing to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation

  • We aim to ensure access and participation to all age-appropriate school classes for all dancers.
  • All appointment panels give due regard to this policy so that no one is discriminated against when it comes to employment, promotion or training opportunities.
  • We take seriously the need to consider the equality implications when we develop, adapt and review any policy or procedure and whenever we make significant decisions about the day today life of the dance school.
  • We actively promote equality and diversity by creating an environment which champions respect for all.





Behaviour, Exclusions and Attendance
The dance school Policy on Behaviour Management takes full account of, and takes full account of the duties under the Equality Act. We make reasonable, appropriate and flexible adjustment for individual dancers.

 

Addressing prejudice and prejudice-based bullying
The dance school challenges all forms of prejudice and prejudice-based bullying, which stand in the way of fulfilling our commitment to inclusion and equality:

  • prejudices around disability and special educational needs prejudices around race, religion or belief, for example anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, Travellers, migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum
  • prejudices around gender and sexual orientation, including homophobic and transphobic attitudes



We treat all bullying incidents equally seriously. In line with our anti-bullying policy – we will not tolerate bullying of any kind. Incidents of prejudice-based bullying will be recorded and reported to them parents/ carers and the local authorities if necessary.

 
What we are doing to advance equality of opportunity between different groups

  • We know the needs of our dance school population very well and we are constantly reflecting on what we need to provide in order for our dancers to flourish and achieve to their best potential.
  • We have procedures, working in partnership with parents and carers, and multi-agencies to understand the individual needs of each pupil
  • We avoid language that runs the risk of placing a ceiling on any dancers’ achievement or that seeks to define their potential as dancer, such as ”less able”.
  • We use a range of teaching and coaching strategies that ensures we meet the needs of all pupils
  • We adapt our language and use augmentative communication to meet the communication needs of all pupils
  • We are alert and proactive about the potentially damaging impact of negative language in matters such as race, gender, disability and sexuality.
  • We provide well-targeted and proportionate support for individual dancers to ensure they feel safe and are calm and ready to dance.



 
What we are doing to foster good relations

  • We promote a whole dance school ethos and values that challenge prejudice based discriminatory language, attitudes and behaviour.
  • Ensure the dance school is warm and welcoming to all dancers and their guardians, no matter what their cultural background, age, race, gender, gender identity, special educational needs may be.
  • We allow opportunities for dancers to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures. (ie. We often allow dancers to choose the music they dance to and allow them to infuse their own culture into their dance).




Other ways we address equality issues

  • We respond to all parents and carers concerns showing respect for their views and aiming to secure a resolution which is mutually agreeable.
  • We offer flexible payment methods for all families but especially for those with low income streams
  • We work in partnership with parents to ensure that the medical, cultural and dietary needs of children are met when necessary. (ie. At shows, competitions, events where the parent/ carer may not be constantly present).


In order to ensure that the work we are doing on equalities meets the needs of the whole dance school community we review and analyse relevant feedback from online reviews and verbal feedback.



Directors and Coaches
The directors and coaches at Twist-O-Flex Dance Company, Emma Thorne and Laura Hazell,  are responsible for implementing the policy; for ensuring that all staff/ volunteers are aware of their responsibilities and are given appropriate training and support; and for taking appropriate action in any cases of unlawful discrimination.

 
All Staff and Volunteers at TOFDC (including the directors)
All directors, staff and volunteers will:

  • promote an inclusive and collaborative ethos across the dance school and challenge prejudice and discrimination
  • deal fairly and professionally with any prejudice-related incidents that may occur
  • maintain the highest expectations of success for all dancers



We go through the principal expectations and duties of the Equality Act at a whole staff meeting at the start of every dance school year.

 
Visitors
All visitors to the dance school, including parents and carers are expected to support our commitment to equalities and comply with the duties set out in this policy. We will provide this policy on our website for all to access and understand.




Written: May 2020

Date of last review: April 2022

Policy written and reviewed by: Emma Thorne

Approved by: Laura Hazell

Date: 04/04/2022

Date of Next Review: April 2023