If a parent has ever lost their temper with one of your assistants, this week’s dance teacher news is for you. A change to employment law arrives on 30 October. Plus two ISTD dates, a vocational school open day and a new CEO at the IDTA.
New harassment duties for employers from 30 October
From Friday 30 October 2026, new harassment protections in the Employment Rights Act 2025 come into force, under commencement regulations made on 1 October. There are two big changes.
First, sexual harassment. Employers already have to take reasonable steps to prevent it. From 30 October, that becomes all reasonable steps. Acas says this means taking every step that’s reasonable for your organisation, not just some. The focus is on prevention, not only reacting to incidents.
Second, harassment by third parties. Employers could be liable if a worker is harassed by someone who doesn’t work for them, unless they’ve taken all reasonable steps to prevent it. Acas guidance on third party harassment lists customers, contractors and people at events. For us as dance teachers, that could mean parents, hall hirers, visiting examiners or the audience at a competition.
What this means for your school: if you have staff, this is a positive chance to show your team they’re looked after. Acas suggests a clear policy, more than one way to raise a concern, and training. Your terms can tell customers how you expect them to behave. A line in your parent terms and a chat at your next staff meeting are simple first steps. Not sure if your teachers count as employed? Our guide to hiring your first dance teacher explains the difference. This is general guidance, not legal advice. If you’re unsure how the law applies to you, check Acas or get advice.
Two ISTD dates for next week
ISTD is running an online session, Safeguarding for Shows, Competitions and Events, on Monday 19 October from 9:30 to 10:30. Kayleigh Chambers and Victoria Race cover licensing of children, risk assessments, changing rooms and filming. It’s worth one CPD hour and isn’t recorded. ISTD usually closes bookings three days before, so book soon.
ISTD members can apply for the Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance until 12:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October. Up to two awards of up to £2,000 each support projects that bring dance to new people.
What this means for your school: show season is close, and good safeguarding builds parents’ trust. Our free Introduction to Safeguarding in Dance (Level 1) course, from BDSA and powered by Teach.Dance, is an easy start for your team. Planning a raffle too? Read our Christmas show raffle rules.
Elmhurst Ballet School open day on 5 November
Got a student dreaming of full-time ballet training? One Dance UK reports that Elmhurst Ballet School in Edgbaston, Birmingham, holds its annual Open Day on Thursday 5 November. It’s for dancers aged 11 to 17 and their families, with two morning sessions that include a student-led tour. It’s free, but you must book.
What this means for your school: it’s an easy way for families to see vocational training up close. Elmhurst says around 80% of its students get financial support in a typical year, which is worth passing on.
A new CEO at the IDTA
Darren Kelly started as Chief Executive Officer of the International Dance Teachers’ Association on Tuesday 13 October. When it announced his appointment in April, the IDTA said his plans include modernising digital infrastructure and deepening member engagement.
This week’s tip
If you work for yourself and your turnover is over £30,000, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to you from 6 April 2027. HMRC is urging sole traders to sign up now. You’ll keep digital records and send short quarterly updates through compatible software. Turnover is your gross income before expenses, so check it carefully. Already in at over £50,000? Your second quarterly update is due on 7 November. Our guide to Self Assessment for dance teachers covers this year’s dates.
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