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Hi there,

I'm hoping to start up a drama club for children aged 8-16 on Saturday mornings. At the mo i'm still in 'idea' stages and am just asking around for any info or help and trying to find out what is involved. Does anyone out there have any advise or knowledge to offer in terms of this ie; registration and legislation or anything else I may need to be aware of?
Thanks
Louise.

Speak to your local authority about this soon, they need to run checks on you etc which may take some time and on those you will be helping you.

Hi George
Thanks. Both myself and my colleague have been Police checked as we both work as teaching assistants. Is that what you were referring to? Also we both have childcare qualifications.
Cheers

That's the one....! Glad that's over with... Takes ages at the moment...

Next step would be Insurance and a place to rehearse... I suppose..

QUOTE

Both myself and my colleague

Just a thought and I hate to bring gender into this Louise, but you do need to consider having representatives of both gender on board for your own protection. (Assuming you will have a mixed group of youngsters.)

Also, while not mandatory, it's worth spending time explaining your plans to Social Services or the LEA to give them a chance to comment. It means they start out on your side so, should they get a query, they know who you are and what you are up to!

I guess also you need to think about quite what you are aiming to do and document it for parents. It's all about managing expectations. I.e. How often must the children attend to be in shows? How often will there be shows and how long will they run? What is the audition policy? What is your policy towards disabled/disadvantaged children? If appropriate, what will be the travel arrangements to shows? Etc. Etc. Then you need to consider the cost to carers: joining fee, subs, show fees, costumes, shoes, trips to theatre etc.... If these costs would exclude some sections of the community, do you have any 'community' fund?

Posting a question to the 'legal beagle' here might highlight other legal difficulties.

The only other thing I can think that you need to be aware of is that it will take more personal time and money than you anticipate!

Well done for wanting to have a go.

Good luck ..... Robin