Child Protection
Press release by David Corfield 06/08/07

Recent legislation covering children in sport does mean that we will have to reconsider the way in which dance competitions are organised. Any event where an admission charge is made for children or parents or where it is the intention of the organiser to make a profit will fall within the scope of this legislation. This legislation covers all sports, not just dancing.

All Local Authorities are in the process of setting up a Safeguarding/Child Licensing Unit under the overall guidance of The National Children's Employment and Entertainment Licensing Unit.

Our Lead Child Protection Officer, Colin Brewer and I are talking to the Head of this unit and other interested bodies such as the NSPCC on behalf of EADA and the British Dance Council and hope to be able to produce a sensible set of agreed guidelines as soon as possible.This is not easy as they have limited resources, most of which are devoted to the establishment of the system etc.

The officers of the Local Authority have the ability to summarily close any event if they are not satisfied that the required procedures are in place and we are trying to advise promoters on ways in which they can avoid this happening.

There is bound to be some disruption and inconvenience in the meantime, and I know that I can count on your co-operation and patience

David Corfield