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Enseignement de la danse : les règles spécifiques de l'enseignement public

How is a contract staff member’s remuneration determined?

The remuneration of a contract staff member comprises the same components as that of a civil servant: it consists of a basic monthly salary and any allowances applicable to their circumstances (family allowance, residence allowance, etc.). It is always based on a pay scale index for the employment category to which the staff member belongs. Unlike civil servants, this index is negotiated on a case-by-case basis upon taking up a post, depending on the duties performed, the qualifications required to carry them out, the qualifications held by the staff member and their professional experience. Only civil servants benefit from automatic career progression. Pay increases for contract staff are not automatic. They are negotiated at each contract renewal for staff on fixed-term contracts or, for staff on permanent contracts, at least every three years during the ‘pay review’.

How does unemployment benefit work within the local civil service?

Public-sector employers are not required to join the unemployment insurance scheme; however, they are obliged to insure their employees against the risk of unemployment. There are two options:

  • Self-insurance: the employer is responsible for managing and funding unemployment benefits for its staff.
  • Management agreement: the employer bears the financial cost of unemployment benefits for its staff but entrusts the administrative management of the scheme to France Travail. 

Do you need to hold the Certificate of Competence (CA) for dance teachers in order to teach as a PEA?

No.

The CA qualification is only compulsory for sitting the external PEA competitive examination.

It is therefore possible to become a PEA without holding the CA qualification:

  • By sitting the internal competitive examination
  • By sitting the professional examination
  • As a contract staff member

Further information: CND factsheet on dance teaching in local government

Should we ask every pupil to provide a medical certificate every year in order to take part in a dance class? What about one-off dance courses?

Yes. According to Article R 362-2 of the Education Code, before the start of each term, the dance school must ensure that pupils have a medical certificate confirming that there are no medical contraindications to their participation in dance lessons. This certificate must be renewed every year (and not every three years, as is the case for participating in sport).

Since the reform simplifying access to sport and the government’s aim to reduce the administrative burden on doctors, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain this medical certificate in order to enrol on a dance course. However, only the Sports Code has been amended, not the Education Code, which governs the teaching of dance. If you encounter difficulties in obtaining this certificate from a doctor, it may be helpful to refer them to Article R 362-2 of the Education Code, which remains in force.

Finally, the requirement to obtain a medical certificate under the Education Code does not specify a minimum number of teaching hours.

It applies to all dance teaching establishments, even for one-off classes. No exemptions are provided for in the legislation.

Has the medical certificate confirming fitness to practise dance been replaced by a questionnaire?

No. According to Article R 362-2 of the Education Code, before the start of each term, the dance school must ensure that pupils have a medical certificate confirming that there are no medical contraindications to their participation in dance lessons. The questionnaire relates to sporting activities and activities governed by the Sports Code.

Further information: CND factsheet: Dance teaching in local government ; Dance teaching in the private sector
 

In what circumstances can a fixed-term contract for a contract staff member be terminated?

3 scenarios:

  • Expiry of the contract: once the fixed-term contract has expired, the parties are free of any further obligations. The staff member leaves without notice or compensation.
  • Resignation: a contract staff member may resign from their post without being required to give a reason. They must, however, give notice.
  • Dismissal: a contract staff member does not enjoy job security and may therefore be dismissed.

Further information: CND factsheet on dance teaching in local government
 

In which job categories and grades can dance teachers be recruited?

Dance teachers may be recruited either as local authority arts teaching assistants (ATEA) or as arts teaching staff (PEA).

There are two grades available for local arts teaching assistants in dance (category B):

  • Senior Arts Teaching Assistant, 2nd class
  • Senior Arts Teaching Assistant, 1st class

There are two grades available for arts teaching staff (category A):

  • Standard-grade teacher
  • Senior-grade teacher

Further information: CND factsheet: Dance teaching in local government 

Is there a limit on the number of pupils per class?

No. There is no legislation stipulating a maximum number of pupils per class.
 

What are the mandatory provisions of a contract of employment for a contract staff member?

The mandatory details to be included in the contract of employment are:

  • The specific reason for which the contract is drawn up: the relevant section of the General Civil Service Code or the Act of 26 January 1984 justifying the appointment of the contract staff member must be specified
  • The date on which the appointment takes effect, its duration and the date on which it ends
  • The post held and the hierarchical category (A or B) to which the post belongs
  • The terms and conditions of employment and remuneration
  • The rights and obligations of the staff member
  • Where applicable, the duration of the probationary period and the possibility of its renewal.

Further information: CND factsheet on dance teaching in local government