2 July 2020 16:52

Dance Classes Can Resume in July

Following further guidance issued by the Department of Education today, we are delighted to announce that dance schools and dance studios in England will be able to re-open for classes in July. The guidance states that for Reception, and Years 1 & 6 classes can resume from 4 July, but we believe this only applies if they remain in their school class bubble. For other school age students over the age of 5, classes may resume from the end of the School Summer Term. We do not believe these guidelines apply to older students.

Please note: This information has since been updated.

The sector spoke with one voice asking for clarity and a date for re-opening  and the government it seems, are listening; citing the importance of extra-curricula activities on the health and wellbeing of young people.

There are requirements on schools with more than 5 staff or volunteers to adhere to specific safe practices, however, as a professional membership organization the RAD strongly advises that all our teachers follow the best practices as laid out in the government guidelines and to follow the RAD’s guidance. Specifically, RAD teachers should have completed the following:

  • Undertaken a COVID-19 Risk Assessment
  • Created a written Health and Safety Policy specifying extra measures to be taken on account of COVID-19
  • Have a Designated Safeguarding Lead identified. If you have not received this training we strongly urge you to undertake this as soon as possible, but if training in your area is unavailable please try to identify someone who may act in this capacity during the interim
  • Have a first-aider on site.

Official guidance

We furthermore suggest that you all read and comply with the latest UK government advice on this topic:

Although class sizes may be up to 15 students plus a teacher we would underline that all other safe practices including safe distancing may reduce that number in specific situations.

The Guidance for parents and carers of children taking part in activities in out-of-school settings, explicitly states:  

“Children will be able to attend settings such as tuition and learning centres, extracurricular clubs (such as ballet classes, gymnastics training, football coaching), uniformed youth organisations (such as Scouts and Guides), supplementary schools, private language schools and religious settings offering education (for example madrassahs, yeshivas, and Sunday schools).”

Guidance for providers to help them put in place protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and it seeks to set out clear guidance on the protective measures, that all providers are able to open and offer their activities in:

  • their own premises
  • education premises, such as schools or colleges (where providers would be using them outside of school hours, or when closed over school holiday periods), and
  • community-facing premises including village halls, community centres and places of worship

Key Measures that need to be in place

  • Minimising contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms do not attend classes. This also applies if a member of their family has symptoms or if they have been advised by NHS Test & Trace as ‘a close contact’ to isolate at home
  • Encouraging all staff and students to wash their hands more often than usual, including before and after class and before and after using toilet/washroom facilities
  • Ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often than usual using standard products, such as detergent or bleach
  • Increased frequency of cleaning of toilets and washrooms
  • Minimising contact and mixing between classes and groups of students by adapting classes and teaching  to allow for social distancing and creating small consistent cohorts of students (pods or bubbles)

Practical guidelines for teachers

Visit the Members' Area to read our practical guidelines and to download the COVID-19 Preparedness Self–Assessment Checklist.
Find out more

Getting Back to the Studio Safely

RAD Teachers, sign up in the Members' Area to attend a further Getting Back to the Studio Safely online meeting hosted by Gerard Charles on Monday 6 July at 10.30am.
Sign up