A DANCE teacher from Dumbarton has made preparations to safely bring pupils back to her classes.

Lauren Millar, principal teacher at Believe Dance Academy, has bought new equipment for her school, completed courses in child protection during the Covid-19 lockdown and invested in hand sanitising stations.

She told the Reporter: “The health and safety of these children is vital which is why I have taken all the precautions necessary.

“My aim is to get back to full timetable as soon as we can however safety of children and staff will always come first.”

She decided to dispose of all old equipment that was in the building, located near Cardross Road, and spent thousands on new unused gear whilst completing courses specifically about health and safety to prevent Covid-19 and young people.

The entrepreneur has felt the impact the pandemic has had on her business, but is excited to start accepting new pupils to her school.

She added: “I have worked really hard to get to where my business is now. I can’t wait to see all of my children again.

“I am ensuring that classes are smaller and social distancing is put in place to teach them that they can still dance whilst being safe.”

The dance teacher has been keeping the children active during lockdown with daily Zoom classes and themed competitions. Lauren believes that staying positive is key to fighting the pandemic to have an aspect of normality back.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone for the continued support in this difficult time. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it won’t be much longer until we are all back together.

“I have just been wanting to keep the kids busy and keep them going until everything goes back to normal with classes.”

She is hoping to reopen the academy for July 23 if government guidelines permit.

Once the school re-opens she will be offering the first week free to families with budding dancers as well as NHS and frontline workers a discount.