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DfE have now updated their guidance on dance education during lockdown. You can read more about the key points below.

Can I continue to teach dance classes in school/college?

Schools have the flexibility to decide how physical education, sport and physical activity will be provided whilst following the measures in their system of controls. This means that dance can be undertaken in school (also music and drama) so long as safety precautions are undertaken. Advice is provided in the full opening guidance for schools.

Can planned in-school arts activities happen where an external freelance artist or teacher goes into the school to lead the class/activity?

Providing that precautions are undertaken, yes. Schools can work with external coaches and organisations where they are satisfied it is safe to do so. Full advice is provided in the full opening guidance for schools.

Are children’s private dance school classes and other out-of-school dance activities permitted to take place?

As outlined in the guidance for education and childcare settings on new national restrictions from 5 November, where provision is taking place outside of school, this provision should only operate where the primary purpose is to provide registered childcare or the provision is reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, search for work, or attend education or training, or where it is used for the purposes of respite care, including for vulnerable children.

Out-of-school activities that are primarily used by home educating parents as part of their arrangements for their child to receive a suitable full-time education (which could include, for example, tuition centres, supplementary schools, or private tutors) may also continue to operate.

All other out-of-school activity, including school-based extra-curricular activity, which is not being primarily used by parents for these purposes, should close for face to face provision but can offer remote education, for the duration of the national restrictions.