Dance Classes Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Progression to pointe/acro/aerial — Introduce high-risk skills only after documented screening of age, strength, alignment and injury history, use staged pre-pointe or acro progressions with spotting aids, cap exposure per session, and remove any pupil who reports pain, numbness or instability.
• Bags, coats and floor obstacles — Designate bag and coat zones away from exits and travel lines, use racks or cubbies along walls, sweep the floor between groups, remove unused chairs, and keep doorways clear so evacuation routes remain unobstructed at all times.
• Slippery or contaminated floor — Before each class, sweep and spot-mop the floor to remove dust, spills and rosin build-up; prohibit food and open drinks; require suitable footwear; isolate any slick patch immediately; and delay travel sequences until grip is confirmed by the teacher.
• Changing rooms and privacy — Operate changing areas with clear privacy rules and, where feasible, two-adult presence, restrict phone use, manage numbers during busy transitions, and provide inclusive options for pupils needing assistance under the school’s intimate-care policy.
• Supervision, competence and ratios — Set ratios by age and genre, keep full line of sight across the studio, verify teacher competence for higher-risk techniques, brief cover adults before class, and stop activity immediately if safety rules are ignored.