Tracy Witney

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Head of Learning & Participation / Designated Safeguarding & Prevent Lead

BA Hons Degree in Dance

Additional Qualifications:

Designated Safeguarding & Prevent Lead

Prevent WRAP Trainer

First Aider in the Workplace

Mental Health First Aider

Role and responsibilities:

As a member of the Senior Management Team, Tracy has overall responsibility for NSCD’s outward facing Learning & Participation and Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Programmes.

Her work contributes towards the strategic development and delivery of NSCD’s Access and Participation Plan activity. Other responsibilities include cementing and resourcing partnership work with organisations, businesses, and networks locally, nationally and internationally.

Tracy is also the Safeguarding & Prevent Lead for the whole school.

Who am I?

Born and bred in Oxfordshire my first introduction to dance was at my local village hall, which not only ignited my passion for dance but also community provision. After completing my degree at Bretton Hall, University of Leeds, I decided to stay in Yorkshire and work as a freelance artist.

Leeds has been my home for the last 25 years and I love the vibrancy of the city, so much so, that my roots are now firmly embedded here with my family.

Educational Background and Expertise Supporting Curriculum Development

As a member of the Senior Management Team, Tracy has overall responsibility for NSCD’s outward facing Learning & Participation and Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Programmes.

Tracy completed her undergraduate training in Dance at Bretton Hall College, Leeds University, before embarking on a career in as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer on varying projects across the UK.

In 2000, she joined Phoenix Dance Theatre, teaching extensively in Primary, Secondary an FE / HE level. She moved upwards through the Education team to become Interim General Manager. During her time at Phoenix she worked under the artistic direction of Thea Nerrisa Barnes, Darshan Singh Bhuller and Javier De Frutos.

Tracy joined NSCD in the role of Head of Learning & Participation and has expanded the provision and reach of the department.

As a passionate advocate for dance, Tracy holds roles across a number of networks, supporting and developing community and prevocational dance.

Chair of the National Centres for Advanced Training (CAT) Managers Group
Co-Chair – Strategic Action Group – Children and Young People’s Dance Network North
Strategic Member of PIPA – Parents in Performing Arts Network

Network Member:

Dance Schools Safer Working Group
Dance Learning & Participation Network
Leeds Cultural Education Partnership
Leeds Dance Strategy Group
Regional Dance Development Network
Northeast Regional Prevent Group (HE)
Alumni 2023 – Senior Leaders Programme, Common Purpose
Community and Safeguarding Governor at Hillcrest Academy (Primary)

Supporting Students Pastoral Care

Tracy oversees the Learning and Participation team, which directly feeds into the undergraduate courses, giving her a comprehensive understanding of students’ backgrounds and needs from outreach provision through to undergraduate studies. This enables her to support students’ development in a holistic and informed manner.

Tracy plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and supporting students throughout their educational journey. She serves as the Safeguarding and Prevent Lead, addressing the needs of vulnerable students and working closely with Student Services to ensure timely, effective support.

Tracy embeds safeguarding, Prevent, and outreach delivery into her teaching, on as a tutor in the CERTHE, Degree, and MA programmes, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. She provides guidance and mentoring to help students navigate both academic and personal challenges, actively listening to their concerns. When more specialised support is required, she collaborates with the well-being team, referring students to appropriate resources, while integrating well-being practices into her teaching. Additionally, Tracy is a qualified First Aider and Mental Health First Aider, enhancing the holistic support available to students.

Career History

In 2000 she joined Phoenix Dance Theatre, teaching extensively in Primary, Secondary an FE / HE level. She moved upwards through the Education team to become Interim General Manager. During her time at Phoenix she worked under the artistic direction of Thea Nerrisa Barnes, Darshan Singh Bhuller and Javier De Frutos.

Tracy joined NSCD in the role of Head of Learning & Participation and has expanded the provision and reach of the department.

As a passionate advocate for dance Tracy holds roles across a number of networks, supporting and developing community and prevocational dance.

Professional activity

Chair of the National Centres for Advanced Training (CAT) Managers Group
Co-Chair – Strategic Action Group – Children and Young People’s Dance Network North
Strategic Member of PIPA – Parents in Performing Arts Network

Network Member:

Dance Schools Safer Working Group
Dance Learning & Participation Network
Leeds Cultural Education Partnership
Leeds Dance Strategy Group
Regional Dance Development Network
Northeast Regional Prevent Group (HE)
Alumni 2023 – Senior Leaders Programme, Common Purpose
Community and Safeguarding Governor at Richmond Hill Academy (Primary) & Hillcrest Academy (Primary)

Continuous Professional Development

Equality and Diversity Training
A Guide to UK Data Protection: Education Training
Raising Awareness of Child-on-Child Abuse Training
First Aid Essentials Training
Understanding Anaphylaxis Training
Understanding Diabetes Training
The Prevent Duty (Colleges and Universities) Training
Safeguarding Young People Colleges and Universities Training
Prevent WRAP Trainer
First Aider in the Workplace Training
Mental Health First Aider Training
Home Office Prevent Awareness Course
Home Office Prevent Referral Course
DfE Manchester Arena Inquiry Focus Group
Basic Introduction to County Lines Training
Working together to safeguard children Training

Research/Professional Interests

Raising attainment in pre-16s
Learning to Level-up? Conference presentation
Professional Interests – Boys / Male identifying pathways into dance