10 September 2026
While much of the new Crime and Policing Act 2026 focuses on policing and criminal justice, it reflects a wider national commitment to protecting vulnerable children and adults, tackling abuse and exploitation, and strengthening safeguarding practices. In addition, important changes have been introduced regarding volunteers working with children.
For ISTD teachers, now is a good time to review your safeguarding arrangements and ensure that everyone involved in your school understands their responsibilities.
Your role as a Trusted Adult
Dance teachers often build positive relationships with students over many years and may be among the first adults to notice changes in a child's behaviour, wellbeing or attendance.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces strengthened measures relating to issues such as stalking, harassment, child exploitation and violence against women and girls. While these offences are unlikely to arise directly within most dance schools, they highlight the importance of early intervention and reporting concerns when something doesn't feel right.
As a dance teacher, you don't need to investigate concerns yourself, but you do need to know how to recognise potential safeguarding issues and how to report them through the appropriate channels.
Access the government guidance on the removal of supervision exemption
New rules for volunteers working with children
One of the most significant changes for many dance schools came into force on 1 September 2026.
The Government has removed the previous supervision exemption for volunteers working with children in regulated activity settings. Previously, some volunteers who were supervised by a suitably checked member of staff did not require the same level of DBS checking. From 1 September 2026, this exemption no longer applies.
This means that dance schools should carefully review volunteer roles and consider whether volunteers who regularly work with children now require enhanced DBS checks, including barred list checks, depending on the activities they undertake.
This could include:
- Volunteer teaching assistants
- Class helpers
- Chaperones
- Backstage volunteers
- Workshop support volunteers
- Volunteers assisting at performances, events or holiday activities
If your school uses volunteers, it is important to review your safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures to ensure they remain compliant with current requirements.
Review your safeguarding procedures
Even if your school already has robust safeguarding arrangements in place, this is a good opportunity to ask:
- Is our safeguarding policy up to date?
- Do all staff and volunteers know how to report concerns?
- Are DBS checks current and appropriate for each role?
- Have staff and volunteers received safeguarding training recently?
- Are our codes of conduct and professional boundaries clear?
Regular reviews help ensure that safeguarding remains an active part of your school's culture rather than simply a policy document.
Don't forget online safety
Many dance schools communicate with students and families through social media, messaging platforms, email and digital learning tools. The increasing focus on online safety within recent legislation serves as a reminder to review digital communication practices and ensure that professional boundaries are maintained at all times.
Consider whether your school has clear guidance on:
- Communicating with children online
- Use of personal and professional social media accounts
- Photography and videography
- Sharing images and videos
- Obtaining parental consent
Clear policies help protect both students and teachers.
Creating safe and positive dance environments
The overwhelming majority of dance teachers already demonstrate exceptional care and professionalism in supporting their students. These legislative changes are not intended to create barriers to teaching or volunteering. Instead, they seek to strengthen the safeguards that help keep children and young people safe.
By maintaining up-to-date policies, ensuring appropriate DBS checks are in place, providing regular training and fostering a culture where concerns can be raised openly, dance teachers can continue to offer the safe, nurturing and inspiring environments that are central to dance education.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and remains one of the most important ways we support the wellbeing of the children and young people entrusted to our care.
This article provides general guidance only and is not intended as legal advice. Teachers and dance schools should refer to official Government guidance and seek professional advice where necessary.
Access ISTD Safeguarding resources
We've teamed up with Due Diligence Checking (DDC) to help our with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Access Dance 508 article on teacher etiquette on social media and how to use social media safely and professionally.
