School Policy & Terms and Conditions

These School Policies and Terms & Conditions apply to all students attending Dancemania Dance Company classes. Parents and guardians should read them before accepting a class place.

1. Dance Fees & Reserved Places

All new students are offered one free trial class.

Following the trial class, if a student wishes to continue, fees are payable in advance for the remainder of the current half term.

Dance fees are payable half termly, one week in advance of the new half term commencing, except for the Summer term - (Term 6) where half the fee is due on the 1st August and second half on 1st September. A half term is normally between 5 and 7 weeks, depending on Oxfordshire County Council school term dates.

Fees are charged for the place reserved for the student within the class for the relevant half term and are not calculated on a pay-as-you-attend basis. By accepting a place in a class, parents/guardians are committing to that place for the relevant half term.

If a student does not attend an individual class for any reason, including holidays, illness, personal commitments or choosing not to attend, the class fee remains payable unless Dancemania Dance Company has agreed otherwise in writing.

Where a student leaves during a half term without providing the required notice, the parent/guardian remains responsible for fees falling within the applicable notice period, subject to these terms and applicable consumer law.

Dancemania Dance Company may use reasonable discretion in individual circumstances. Any agreement to reduce or waive fees will be confirmed in writing.

2. Giving Notice / Leaving Classes

Due to the limited availability and popularity of our classes, a full half term’s notice is required when withdrawing a student from a class.

For example, if a student wishes to leave at the start of Term 2, notice must be provided at the start of Term 1.

Notice must be provided in writing by email to Dancemania Dance Company.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that notice has been received and acknowledged by the Principal. Parents/guardians should not assume that notice has been received unless acknowledgement has been provided.

If the required notice is not provided, fees remain payable for the applicable notice period, subject to these terms and applicable consumer law.

3. Class Changes

Dancemania Dance Company may occasionally need to change a class day, time, teacher or venue due to operational requirements.

Where a class needs to be changed, we will communicate with parents/guardians and, where possible, discuss suitable alternative arrangements.

Where a student moves to an alternative class following discussion and agreement with the parent/guardian, the new class becomes the student’s allocated class.

Where Dancemania Dance Company is unable to provide a reasonable alternative following a significant change or cancellation, the arrangements under Cancellation of Classes will apply.

4. Attendance & Missed Classes

Parents/guardians should notify Dancemania Dance Company if a student is unable to attend a class.

Missed classes do not normally qualify for a refund or reduction in fees, as the student’s place remains reserved.

Where Dancemania Dance Company is able to offer a suitable make-up class, this may be offered at our discretion and subject to availability. A make-up class is not guaranteed.

5. Late Payment

If a parent/guardian is unable to pay a fee by the due date, please contact Dancemania Dance Company as soon as possible to confirm when payment will be made.

No additional charge will normally be applied where a parent/guardian has contacted us and agreed a payment date.

Where payment is overdue and no communication has been received, reasonable administration and fee-chasing costs may be applied where permitted by applicable law and where the charge is fair and proportionate. Any applicable charge will be communicated to the parent/guardian.

6. Uniform

After the first half term, students are expected to wear the correct attire for their dance class.

Uniform requirements may vary according to the dance discipline and grade.

7. Class Rules

Students are expected to work positively as part of a team; wear the correct attire; keep hair secured away from the face (with a bun where appropriate for combined Ballet, Tap & Jazz); respect teachers, helpers and fellow students; arrive at least 5 minutes before class; bring a suitable drink; not bring food or fizzy drinks into the studio; and not use mobile phones during class.

Ballet, Tap and Jazz shoes should not be worn outside where this could damage the soles or affect their suitability for class.

Parents/guardians are not permitted to stay and watch classes except during designated occasions when invited.

We understand that younger children may initially need parental support to settle into class. Parents/guardians are expected to remain responsible for their child during Pre-School classes unless otherwise agreed.

8. Health, Illness & Injury

Students should not attend class if they are unwell or have a contagious illness.

Parents/guardians must inform Dancemania Dance Company of any medical condition, injury, allergy, medication or other relevant health information that may affect participation.

A health registration form must be completed when joining and updated if relevant circumstances change.

Teachers may modify or restrict participation where reasonably necessary for the student’s safety or the safety of others.

9. Cancellation of Classes by Dancemania

If Dancemania Dance Company needs to cancel a class, we will provide prior notice wherever reasonably possible and endeavour to provide a suitable replacement lesson.

Classes may occasionally be affected by circumstances outside Dancemania Dance Company’s reasonable control, including severe weather, extreme cold, extreme heat, snow, ice, flooding, unsafe travel conditions, loss of access to a venue, venue closure, public health emergencies, government restrictions, utility failures, fire or other emergencies.

Where reasonably possible, Dancemania Dance Company may provide an alternative arrangement, such as a Zoom or online lesson, where appropriate for the class and circumstances.

Where an appropriate online or alternative lesson is provided, the normal class fee will remain payable and no separate refund will be due for that period.

Where no reasonable alternative can be provided, Dancemania Dance Company will consider an appropriate credit or refund having regard to the circumstances and applicable consumer law.

Safety will always be the priority when deciding whether a class can take place in person.

10. Venue Access & Safety

Dancemania Dance Company will take reasonable steps to ensure classes are conducted in a safe environment.

Parents/guardians and students must follow safety instructions provided by Dancemania Dance Company or the venue.

Students must not attend class where their condition or injury makes participation unsafe.

Dancemania Dance Company may suspend participation where a student’s behaviour or circumstances create a significant safety risk.

11. Social Media & Communication

Parents/guardians are encouraged to keep up to date with Dancemania Dance Company events and opportunities through our official social media channels.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dancemania-Dance-Company-730924160275405

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancemaniadance.co

Important information about fees, class changes, cancellations and other contractual matters will be communicated through appropriate direct channels and should not be assumed to have been communicated solely through social media.

12. Child Protection & Safeguarding

Dancemania Dance Company takes the welfare and safeguarding of students seriously. Teachers are professional dance teachers and hold appropriate insurance and relevant training.

No child under 18 will be permitted to leave the premises unattended by an adult unless written permission has been provided by the parent/guardian and this is considered appropriate and safe.

Toilet visits: teachers will wait outside the toilet area where appropriate to ensure the student returns safely to class. For Pre-School classes, parents/guardians remain responsible for supervising their own child where requested.

Parents/guardians must provide accurate and up-to-date emergency contact details and notify Dancemania Dance Company of changes.

13. Physical Contact

Appropriate physical contact may sometimes be required to correct posture, alignment, positioning and technique, or to help prevent injury.

Teachers will use appropriate professional judgement and act in the student’s best interests. Students have the right to communicate if physical contact makes them uncomfortable.

Any physical contact will be appropriate to the teaching activity and carried out with due regard to safeguarding requirements.

14. Photography, Filming & Promotional Material

Students may be photographed or filmed during classes, rehearsals, shows, competitions and other Dancemania Dance Company activities for school records, teaching, feedback, website content, social media and promotional purposes.

Parent/guardian permission will be obtained through the registration process before photographs or filming are used for promotional purposes.

Student names will not normally be used alongside photographs or videos on social media or promotional material unless specific additional permission has been obtained.

Parents/guardians should notify Dancemania Dance Company if they wish to change or withdraw photography/filming permission.

15. Online & Pre-Recorded Tutorials

Adults and students should only participate when they are well enough and physically able to take part safely.

Students under 18 must have appropriate adult supervision when participating in online or pre-recorded tutorials.

Parents/guardians and adult participants are responsible for ensuring the exercise area is suitable, clear of hazards and appropriate for the activities.

Participants should follow the teacher’s instructions and stop exercising if they experience pain, dizziness, illness or other concerning symptoms.

Participation is voluntary and undertaken subject to Dancemania Dance Company’s legal responsibilities under applicable law.

16. Liability & Insurance

Dancemania Dance Company maintains appropriate liability insurance for its activities.

Dance and physical activity involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, strains, sprains, dislocations, soft tissue injuries and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Dancemania Dance Company takes reasonable steps to reduce foreseeable risks and provides appropriate instruction and supervision.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

17. Emergency Medical Care

By completing the registration form, parents/guardians provide relevant medical information and authorise Dancemania Dance Company staff to take reasonable steps in an emergency.

Where necessary, this may include providing first aid, contacting emergency services and arranging appropriate medical assistance.

Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as reasonably practicable in an emergency.

18. Behaviour & Respect

Dancemania Dance Company aims to provide a positive, inclusive and respectful environment for all students.

Bullying, harassment, abusive behaviour, threatening behaviour or persistent disruption will not be tolerated.

Where behaviour presents a significant or ongoing issue, Dancemania Dance Company may discuss the matter with the parent/guardian and agree appropriate steps.

In serious circumstances, or where reasonable measures have not resolved the issue, Dancemania Dance Company may withdraw a student’s place, acting fairly and in accordance with applicable safeguarding and consumer requirements.

Parents/guardians are also expected to communicate respectfully with teachers, staff and other families.

19. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring Dancemania Dance Company has accurate contact, emergency and relevant medical information.

Parents/guardians should read communications relating to their child’s class, including changes to timetables, venues, fees, events and school policies.

Notice to leave a class or requests for changes should be made by email so there is a clear written record.

20. Complaints & Concerns

We encourage parents/guardians to raise any concern with Dancemania Dance Company as soon as possible so that we have an opportunity to understand the issue and resolve it fairly.

Where a complaint concerns fees or a contractual matter, parents/guardians should provide the relevant details in writing by email.

Dancemania Dance Company will consider complaints reasonably and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

21. Acceptance of Terms

By accepting a place at Dancemania Dance Company, the parent/guardian confirms that they have had the opportunity to read and understand these School Policies and Terms & Conditions.

These terms are intended to be clear, fair and transparent and will be applied in accordance with applicable consumer protection legislation.

Dancemania Dance Company may update its policies where reasonably necessary. Where a change materially affects a customer’s rights or obligations, reasonable notice will be provided.

22. Parent/Guardian Agreement

By submitting the registration form and accepting a class place, I confirm that I have read and understood the Dancemania Dance Company School Policy & Terms and Conditions.

I understand that class fees are payable in advance and that fees relate to the place reserved for my child rather than individual attendance.

I understand the notice requirements for leaving a class.

I understand that classes may occasionally be cancelled or moved online because of circumstances beyond Dancemania Dance Company’s reasonable control, including extreme weather, and that where an appropriate alternative lesson is provided the normal class fee remains payable.

I confirm that the information supplied on the registration form, including emergency and health information, is accurate and will be updated if circumstances change.

Dancemania Dance Company • School Policy & Terms and Conditions

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