NGU DANCE SCHOOL – RISK ASSESSMENT
Responsible Person: Nina Ely
Premises: NGU Dance Studio
Studio Size: Approximately 11m × 9m
Classes: Children and adults, Monday–Saturday
1. Purpose and Scope
This risk assessment identifies the main risks associated with activities at NGU Dance School and the measures in place to keep students, staff, parents/carers and visitors as safe as reasonably practicable.
2. General Studio Environment
The studio is kept clean, tidy and suitable for dance activities. Floors and walkways are kept clear of unnecessary equipment and belongings. Teachers check the studio before classes and any hazards identified are dealt with or reported before activities begin.
3. Dance Activity and Physical Injury
Dance involves physical movement and may carry risks including slips, trips, falls, strains, sprains and other injuries. Teachers provide suitable warm-ups and cool-downs, demonstrate movements and monitor students throughout the class. Activities are adapted where necessary for age, ability, experience or physical limitations. Students are encouraged to work within their own ability and must inform the teacher of any pain, injury or illness.
4. Higher-Impact Dance, Floorwork and Breaking
Some classes involve jumping, floorwork, inversions, breaking, weight-bearing movements and other higher-impact activity. Teachers assess suitability and progression before introducing higher-risk movements. Students are taught appropriate technique and are not expected to attempt movements beyond their current ability. Suitable space is maintained around students during higher-impact activities.
5. Heels Classes
Heels classes carry additional risks including slips, trips, ankle injuries and falls. Students are encouraged to wear appropriate, secure footwear and clothing and to participate at a level suitable for their ability. Teachers monitor footwear, technique and floor conditions and adapt activities where necessary.
6. Studio Flooring
The dance floor is checked regularly for damage, uneven areas, loose sections or other hazards. The floor is kept free from unnecessary objects and spillages are dealt with promptly. Students are expected to use appropriate footwear for their class and not enter the studio with wet or unsuitable footwear.
7. Mirrors
Mirrors are treated as a potential hazard and students are instructed not to lean against, touch or run close to them. Teachers monitor activity around the mirrors, particularly during travelling, floorwork and higher-energy exercises. Any damage or concern regarding mirrors is reported and dealt with promptly.
8. Electrical Equipment, Music Systems and Cables
Music and electrical equipment is positioned safely and cables are kept away from areas where students may trip. Equipment is checked for visible damage and faulty equipment is removed from use. Students are not permitted to interfere with electrical equipment.
9. Class Size, Space and Supervision
Class numbers are managed according to the size of the studio and the activity being taught. Teachers maintain appropriate supervision throughout lessons and consider the available space when planning activities. Where necessary, activities are adapted to reduce overcrowding or the risk of collision.
10. Children and Young People
Children are supervised by appropriately responsible adults during classes. Teachers maintain clear boundaries and follow NGU Dance safeguarding procedures. Students are expected to follow instructions and behave appropriately. Any safeguarding concern is dealt with in accordance with NGU Dance’s safeguarding and child protection procedures.
11. Toilet Access and Shared Corridor
The studio has access to one toilet, located outside the studio via a shared corridor/communal area. Children are encouraged to use the toilet before their class. Students should inform the teacher if they need to leave the studio during a lesson. Leaving the studio means entering an area where the teacher cannot maintain the same level of direct supervision. Where a child requires supervision outside the studio, the teacher may need to pause or interrupt the lesson to maintain appropriate supervision. The teacher will not leave the remaining class unsupervised. Parents/carers may be contacted where appropriate to assist with supervision. Children are encouraged to return directly to the studio after using the toilet. Any hazards within the shared corridor are reported to the relevant building/venue management.
12. First Aid and Injuries
A suitable first aid kit is available. Teachers respond appropriately to injuries and assess whether a student can safely continue participating. Parents/carers are contacted where appropriate for children. Serious injuries or emergencies are dealt with by contacting the emergency services where required. Accidents and significant incidents are recorded in accordance with NGU Dance procedures.
13. Fire and Emergency Evacuation
Emergency exits and evacuation routes must remain clear. Students and staff must follow instructions during an emergency and leave the building calmly using the designated evacuation route. Teachers are responsible for supervising their class during evacuation and following the procedures of the premises. Emergency procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed as necessary.
14. Illness, Hygiene and Infection Control
Students and staff should not attend class when they are unwell or unable to participate safely. Good hygiene is encouraged and the studio is kept clean. Spillages and contamination are dealt with promptly. Parents/carers are contacted where appropriate if a child becomes unwell during a class.
15. Personal Belongings
Students are encouraged to bring only essential belongings to class. Bags, coats, phones and other personal items must be kept safely out of dance areas to prevent trip hazards. NGU Dance cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings left unattended.
16. Parents, Carers and Visitors
Parents/carers and visitors are expected to follow studio rules and not interfere with teaching or supervision. Where parents/carers remain on the premises, they must follow any instructions given by NGU Dance staff. Children must be collected by the appropriate authorised person in accordance with NGU Dance procedures.
17. Lone Working, Opening and Closing
Where staff are working alone, reasonable precautions are taken to maintain personal safety. The studio is checked before opening and after classes, including ensuring equipment is safely stored, exits are clear and the premises are left secure. Any concerns regarding the premises are reported to the relevant building management.
18. Shared and Rented Premises
NGU Dance operates from rented/shared premises. Building-related matters such as structural issues, communal areas, fire systems or other responsibilities outside NGU Dance’s direct control are reported to the relevant premises or venue management. NGU Dance remains responsible for the safe management of its own classes, equipment and activities within the areas it uses.
19. Incidents, Accidents and Near Misses
Accidents, injuries, safeguarding concerns and significant near misses are recorded and reviewed. Where an incident identifies a new or increased risk, appropriate action is taken to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
20. Review and Monitoring
21. Overall Commitment
This risk assessment is reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to the studio, equipment, activities, class structure or working arrangements, or following a significant incident.
Responsible Person: Nina Ely
Date: 02/09/2026
Review Date: 02/09/2027
NGU Dance is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students can develop their skills and confidence while enjoying dance. Safety is considered alongside the needs, abilities and age of students in all classes and activities.