Opinion with Aimee McGoldrick

Why isn't there a governing body overseeing Drama lessons when they occur in out-of-school settings? That is a very good and important question. From the Football Association to British Gymnastics (and so many alike) there are various governing bodies who have safeguarding departments with designated Safeguarding Officers; an individual whose role is to ensure that rigorous vetting and background checks are undertaken before permission to work with children and young people is granted. These individuals are separate to the companies providing the classes and their aim is solely to protect the child. Granted, these governing bodies have previously been under a microscope due to failings within them. Are we – those teaching the performing arts – simply waiting for the same microscope to fall upon us before we put something concrete in place to protect those vulnerable in our care?

As it currently stands, anyone is able to open a Drama or Performing Arts class, because we do not have our own governing body ensuring background checks. Facilities that hire their spaces may choose to ask due diligence questions. While most Performing Arts classes ensure that their staff have a valid DBS and first aiders on sight, do we really think everyone is asking the correct questions to ensure that children are safe? Particularly in today's volatile economic climate, organisations are struggling financially and staff are stretched further than ever before. Will Drama class providers or event spaces cut corners and not ask questions? The sheer number of providers up and down the country suggests that this is highly likely, as there isn't a system in place demanding that checks are being made. Do parents ask to see copies of a DBS, Public Liability Insurance or first aid certificates before leaving their child in a person or company's care? I think most parents are blissfully unaware of this massive gap and potential risk in the system.

There's an even bigger question at play here though. Is it each industry's responsibility to realise the potential for harm through this missing regulation? Or should there be a wider regulation for all out-of-school providers to enter, with governance and rules in place that are consistent across the board? There is ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ legislation to ensure the safety of children during school hours. But, surely the policy should simply be ‘Keeping Children Safe’ no matter what the hour, where they are and what they are studying?

- Aimee McGoldrick