Safeguarding Dance Events

With over 15 years of experience in child protection, ISTD member and safeguarding expert Kayleigh Chambers shares her top strategies for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved in your dance events. From planning to post-event reviews, here's what you need to know to create a secure environment for your dancers.

Taster Tips:

• Costume Considerations: Plan costumes that dancers can change into and out of independently, reducing the need for adult assistance and ensuring privacy.
• Chaperone Ratios: Ensure you have an appropriate number of trained chaperones to supervise young dancers, keeping their safety the top priority throughout the event.
• Travel Safeguards: Avoid being alone with young dancers during travel to events—always have another adult present, and never share accommodation with pupils.
• Informed Consent: Always obtain clear, informed consent for any photography or filming at your events, ensuring that participants and parents are fully aware of how images will be used and stored.

More Safeguarding resources can be found on the public Safeguarding page, or ISTD members can log in to view Safeguarding for Members and the free Introduction to Safeguarding and Child Protection webinar. 

This except is from Dance Magazine issue 502. Members can read the full article as part of their membership. Non-members can purchase the issue online or in our shop.