Sarah Olney visited the Royal Ballet School last week. She reports:

“One change which has impacted the school is the removal of the dedicated parks police unit. The location of the school means it can take a while for forces to attend, and I was concerned to hear that students feel more vulnerable having lost the constant presence that the parks police team brought.

“Another matter which we discussed was the central funding provided to music and dance facilities. Performing arts are often seen by politicians as being one of the least important sectors to contribute funding towards, however, London is famous for its theatres and acting, and the sector does contribute towards our economy.

I was disappointed to hear that the communication the school has received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, showed an attitude that those who choose to go into performing arts are normally already well-off, so funding support is less urgent. This attitude only entrenches class divides in performing arts, and a lack of funding support will prevent working or even middle-class families from supporting their children’s ambitions.”