Dance teacher news: DBS rules from 1 September

If you’re halfway through a summer school, or finally having a week off, here’s your dance teacher news for the week. This week brought good news on DBS checks and fresh research on what dance training costs. There’s also a new way for families to apply for Music and Dance Scheme funding. Here’s what it all means for your school.

Good news on DBS checks from 1 September

From 1 September 2026, the supervision exemption is being removed from the legal meaning of regulated activity with children in England and Wales. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) set this out on 4 August in its notice on the change to regulated activity with children.

Put simply, some helpers will be in regulated activity even when a checked teacher is supervising them. That applies if they teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children often enough, or overnight. That means their organisation can ask for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. Think of the assistant at your Saturday baby ballet class, or the chaperone who helps every show weekend. It’s a positive step that gives families even more reason to trust us.

Our partner, the British DanceSport Association (BDSA), has already published a clear members update on the Crime and Policing Act 2026 changes. It has practical steps for studios and clubs. BDSA’s Dance Schools and Studios membership also includes a DBS checking service.

What this means for your school: list who helps with children, how often they help and whether any of it is overnight, so you’re ready for 1 September. This is general guidance, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about a particular role, check gov.uk or get advice.

Is dance training being priced out of reach?

New research for the Sky Foundation found that six in ten people believe the next generation of dance talent will find the industry too expensive. Over half (55%) think only people from wealthier backgrounds can realistically have a career in dance.

The findings came with the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, backed by Ashley Banjo. They’ll support 20 dance makers with funding, mentoring and industry visibility. One Dance UK shared the details on 4 August in next generation of dance talent is being priced off the stage.

What this means for your school: cost is on parents’ minds. It’s a good moment to look at trial classes, sibling discounts or a small bursary pot. Tell any choreographers on your team about the bursaries too.

A new way to apply for Music and Dance Scheme funding

Got a student heading for a specialist school or a Centre for Advanced Training (CAT)? On 4 August the government published new guidance on how parents and carers apply to the Music and Dance Scheme for funding.

Families need a place, or to be registered with a provider, before they start. The online form has up to 76 questions and takes around 30 to 45 minutes. It can’t be saved, so it has to be done in one go. Parents then send evidence of income to the school or CAT.

What this means for your school: share the link with families early, so they can gather P60s, payslips or tax returns before they sit down to apply.

Celebrating great dance teaching

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) announced the winners of the RAD Awards 2026 this week, presented at its Members’ Conference late last month. UK winners included Anne Desbruslais (Mentorship and Advocacy Award) and Emma McMahon (Wellbeing and Inclusion Champion Award). Imogen Knight received the President’s Award.

What this means for your school: recognition matters. Who on your team deserves a proper thank you this summer?

This week’s tip

Use a quiet hour this week to update your September welcome pack. Add your timetable, uniform list and the name of the person parents can talk to about safeguarding. It’s a small touch that helps new families feel at home from week one.