Nothing in UK law says you must hold a dance teaching qualification to run a class. Other rules do apply, though. If you teach children, safeguarding duties and DBS checks matter. If you employ people, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. You may also need to register for tax. This is general information, not legal advice.
The short answer
The NSPCC notes that anyone can set up a dance school without a teaching qualification, and the Royal Academy of Dance has said there is no legal requirement for dance teachers to hold a relevant teaching qualification to lead a class. That is the legal minimum. It isn’t the same as good practice, and it doesn’t mean “no rules”.
Yes, you can teach dance without a qualification in the UK, but you still need the right checks, insurance and safeguarding in place. In this article we’ll walk through what the law and official guidance do expect, what parents and venues often ask for, and where qualifications fit in. We last checked the official sources on 28 October 2026. Rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they change, so always check the current guidance for where you teach.
What isn’t required
- A dance teaching qualification. There’s no single legal route or licence to teach dance in the UK.
- A particular syllabus or exam board. You can choose a style, a syllabus or your own approach.
- Membership of an association. Joining is voluntary, though some venues, insurers or parents may like to see it.
That freedom is a big reason so many teachers start with a small class in a village hall. It’s also why it matters to be clear about the things you do have to get right.
What does apply when you teach
Safeguarding and DBS checks
If you teach children, you have a duty of care, and safeguarding should be part of how you run every class. The Department for Education’s out-of-school settings guidance for England is non-statutory, which means it is guidance rather than law. It is still the clearest official picture of what good looks like. It covers a safeguarding policy, a designated safeguarding lead, safer recruitment, risk assessment and what to do if you have a concern.
On DBS checks:
- It is a criminal offence for someone who is barred to work in regulated activity with children.
- Teaching, training or instructing children can be regulated activity if it happens often enough. The government’s guidance on regulated activity with children says this is on more than 3 days in a 30 day period.
- The DfE guidance says that, following changes in 2026, self-employed people doing regulated activity can now apply for an Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check on their own behalf. If there is a contracting organisation, such as a school or an agency, you can still ask them to make the suitability decision and to submit the application for you.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes, so check the rules where you teach.
Our post on the 2026 DBS changes for dance teachers goes into more detail. A DBS check is only one part of keeping children safe, so also read our safeguarding guide for dance schools.
Insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance is compulsory if you employ staff, under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. Check the current rules on GOV.UK for details and exceptions.
- Public liability insurance isn’t generally a legal requirement for a sole trader, but many venues ask to see it, and it is sensible protection. The DfE guidance says to make sure you have appropriate insurance cover, and to check your venue’s own cover.
Ask your insurer what they need to know about your training and experience, and be honest in your answers. Insurers and venues set their own conditions.
Tax and running a business
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to tell HMRC. GOV.UK’s sole trader guidance says you must register for Self Assessment if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year from self-employment. Our post on Self Assessment for dance teachers explains the basics in plain English. You may also need to think about business records and, if you play music in class, a music licence. We cover that in our guide to music licences for dance classes.
Childcare registration
Most settings that provide care for children aged 8 or under must register with Ofsted, unless they’re exempt. This can apply to dance camps and some longer sessions. Our post on dance camps and Ofsted childcare explains what to check. If you’re unsure, ask Ofsted or your local authority before you start.
First aid, risk assessment and data
Plan what you’ll do if a child is injured. Complete a simple risk assessment for your venue, and keep a record of any accidents. If you hold information about children, such as medical details or photos, you also have data protection duties. Our posts on first aid for dance teachers and data protection for dance schools are good places to start.
If you teach in a school, club or council venue
Schools, clubs, leisure centres and councils can ask for more than the law does. They might want a DBS check, proof of insurance, a safeguarding policy, first aid training or a particular qualification before they let you in. Ask for their requirements in writing before you start, and keep copies of what you send. That way you both know what’s agreed, and nobody is surprised later.
If you hire a hall rather than work for an organisation, the hall’s own rules may apply too, for example on insurance, fire safety and who can use the building. The DfE guidance suggests checking the venue’s public liability insurance statement and its safety arrangements before you begin.
What parents and venues often ask
Even though no law says you must be qualified, families and venues often ask questions such as:
- Are you DBS checked?
- Do you have insurance?
- Are you qualified, and with which organisation?
- Have you done safeguarding training?
- Do you have first aid training?
You don’t need a perfect answer for every one on day one. You do need honest answers, and a plan for the ones you can’t answer yet.
Where qualifications fit in
A qualification isn’t a legal requirement, but it can do a lot of good. It can build your teaching skills, give you a syllabus and a network, and help parents, venues and insurers trust you. Some teachers start with a short course and add exams over time. At Teach.Dance, Jackie and Jess have trained teachers in person for their qualifications, so we’d never tell you they don’t matter. But we also know many people start teaching first, then study.
If you’d like to explore your options, read our guides to dance qualifications for teachers in the UK and dance teaching exam success.
A sensible starting checklist
- Decide whether you’ll teach children, adults or both, and where.
- Write a short safeguarding policy and name a designated safeguarding lead.
- Get the right level of DBS check for your role, and ask your venue or contracting organisation what they require.
- Take safeguarding training.
- Arrange insurance and tell your insurer what you do.
- Check your venue’s rules and complete a risk assessment.
- Plan first aid and an accident record.
- Register as self-employed if you need to, and keep simple records.
- Check music licensing if you play music in class.
- Decide how you’ll keep learning, with courses, exams or both.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DBS check to teach dance?
There’s no single rule that covers everyone. If you regularly teach children you may be doing regulated activity, and the DfE guidance says lone providers should apply for the level of DBS check they’re eligible for. Check the government guidance, and ask any school, venue or agency you work with what they require.
Do I need insurance to teach dance?
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ staff. Public liability insurance isn’t generally a legal requirement for a sole trader, but many venues ask for it, and it protects you. Speak to an insurer who understands dance classes.
What about exams?
Exams aren’t legally required to teach. They can help you teach with confidence and give your students a pathway. If you plan to enter students for exams, check what the exam board needs from teachers.
Do I need to register as self-employed?
If you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, you generally need to register for Self Assessment. GOV.UK has the current rules, and it is worth speaking to an accountant if you’re unsure.
Is it okay to start teaching before I’ve done any training?
Legally, yes, you can start. In practice, we’d recommend starting with safeguarding training, which can be done in under an hour, then adding teaching skills as you go.
Next step
A very practical first step is our free Introduction to Safeguarding in Dance (Level 1), a BDSA course powered by Teach.Dance. It takes about 35 to 45 minutes and suits teachers, assistants and volunteers.
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