TERMS & CONDITIONS
Thank you for joining us at Spotlight Dance Academy.
Contact information:
Tel: 07565 961993 Email: hello@spotlightdanceyork.com Web: www.spotlightdanceyork.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where every student regardless of skill or ability can learn, gain confidence, improve and have fun while nurturing a love and respect for the art of dance. We pride ourselves on giving high quality classes to all pupils and students no matter how far they wish take dance.
Contacting SDA
Should you have any questions or queries we are contactable in person, via phone (call, text WhatsApp) and email. As parents/carers you are welcome to book a one-to-one talk with the owners, Sarah and Issy or in some cases the class teacher. Teachers are not always able to talk after class due to consecutive classes, however we are always happy to help and try our best to respond to queries quickly.
Dance Classes
• Pupils will be collected from and returned to the changing area before and after class.
• As a carer/parent please remain in the changing area, if leaving during your dancer's class please ensure we have up to date contact details for you.
• Pupils cannot be left more than 5 minutes before the start of their class, unless prior arrangement has been made. Pupils must be collected on time, unless prior arrangements have been made, if you are going to be late, please contact us via text or WhatsApp. Pupils who are dropped off more than 5 minutes before class or collected 5 minutes after class will be charged accordingly.
• Our priority is to those in class, our receptionists are volunteers. If a pupil is late, they should politely knock on the door, when the music has stopped, and apologise to their class teacher. If a dancer is repeatedly late this will reflect their ability to take part in shows and awards and may result in them losing their class place. Warming up safely and correctly is an important part of dance, missed warmups are taken seriously by SDA teachers.
• SDA staff are not responsible for pupils waiting in changing areas before and after class, unless prior arrangements have been made.
• We have regular watching weeks and showcases so parents can see work.
• Siblings/pupils waiting in the changing area are the responsibility of those who bring them to SDA. Please respect SDA property.
Dancing Bus
Spotlight Dance Academy provide a school collection service from Clifton With Rawcliffe School. This is a paid for service and is available to any child attending the school and a dance class on the relevant day.
The purpose of this service is to:
• Assist working parents/carers, enabling them to provide their child with a performance and dance experience, otherwise unavailable to them.
• Look after and care for children between school collection and dance class starting
• Provide children with an appropriate snack to ensure energy for dance class
• Assist children in getting ready for class with the correct uniform provided by parents/carers
What the Dancing Bus cannot be used for:
• Childcare with no intention of allowing your child to attend class
• After class child care. Children must be collected at their class finishing time
The Dancing bus is a paid for service as part of the monthly subscription.
Note on dance teaching
When dancing we will sometimes be required to physically place the dancer in the correct position. This will simply involve the teacher moving the body into the correct place, helping them remember how the body should feel when dancing. If your child has any discomfort or has a known injury, please inform us immediately so we can address the issue. If you have any questions, please contact/see Mrs Sarah, Miss Issy or Miss Heather. If pupils incur an injury out of dance and their teacher is not notified before class SDA teachers cannot address the issue and provide alternatives. SDA is not responsible for further injury if staff are not notified before class starts.
Toilets
Please check your child has been to the toilet before class. Pupils will not be helped with undressing/toileting by staff. Children in Mini Movers will be led to the toilets by a class helper, who will then stand outside the door until the child is done. This is prevent them locking the door and help them reach the light switch ONLY.
Developing a dancer
As dancers’ progress through the school they are encouraged to take part in at least 2 or 3 classes a week. Older students are encouraged to audition for extra dance programmes, with their dance teachers permission. This helps in the development of technique, flexibility and the ability to pick up routines, all key skills a dancer should have. The skills we teach in class build confidence, discipline, presentation, teamwork and much more; all transferable skills that can be applied to all walks of life.
Extra programmes compliment the dance training at SDA, they are not to replace classes taken at SDA. Should dancers wish to audition they must speak to their class teacher first and inform SDA that they plan to audition. If successful please share your success with SDA so we can continue to support all dancers.
We provide different types of classes with different commitment levels, please ensure you and your dancer understand the commitments you make to SDA and the class team.
Uniform
Correct uniform must be worn for each class. We do not accept alternatives to the SDA uniform, this includes warm ups. We have a range of hoodies, jumpers and cardigans on sale to suit most budgets.
Why we have a uniform:
• All pupils dressed alike and equal, the only logo in class is SDA
• To create that inclusive, team feeling
• Pupils are dressed appropriately for their dance class, to reflect the style and for safety
• Extra purchases are kept to minimal at show time as every child wears the same brand/style shoes, socks and tights
Hair must be tied back neatly with bobbles, soft hair bands and grips. Please, no hard headbands or hair clips. A classical bun should be worn for ballet from the age of 7.
No outdoor shoes are allowed in the dance studios.
For safety please remove earrings, if they cannot be removed please ensure they are covered with plasters or tape.
To purchase class uniform, visit our shop during opening hours (found on posters in the waiting room) We stock all uniform ourselves and may sometimes ask you to wait up 2 weeks for stock to come in. Please check the website for an up-to-date uniform list. If pupils are not dressed appropriately for class, they will be asked to sit and watch.
Fees
Class and Dancing Bus fees are to be paid on time via Pebble. You may choose to pay upfront for the year or in monthly instalments.
• Fees are non-refundable.
• Extra fees will be requested for shows or awards, paid separately – these are optional extras
• A membership fee is paid following your trial. This covers extra cost not covered by class fees. Insurance, training courses, first aid, safeguarding, building maintenance etc.
• Monthly fees begin on the next scheduled class following your trial
• If your son/daughter chooses to stop taking class(es) or using the dancing bus services (this is includes leaving SDA or switching classes) the following, consecutive, full months payment is required as notice, we must have given notice in writing.
If fees are being paid by monthly instalments and we do not receive payment on the given date you will be notified via email and the pupil will be asked to sit and watch until fees are paid. A late fee of £10 per week will be applied. If fees are continually late and late fees are ignored this will affect pupils class place.
Dancers are required to be collected upon their class finishing time.
Late collection or early drop off can be arranged and paid for up to 48 hours before class. If no arrangement has been made and a dancer is dropped off before class time or collected 5+ minutes after class finishing time a fee of £20 per time will be added to your next months payment. This covers additional staffing and childcare costs.
Absences & Closures
Please notify SDA in writing if dancers will be absent. Unexcused absences of up to 4 in a term will result in the loss of class places.
Payment is required for all classes, attended or otherwise.
Should SDA be required to close by forces beyond our control, monthly fees are required, any paid fees are non-refundable. We will provide alternative classes as appropriate to the situation.
Health and Safety
Spotlight Dance Academy takes their responsibility seriously to ensure the safety of their pupils. All pupils must complete a Registration Form when joining the Academy with clear information regarding emergency contacts and any relevant medical history. This information is kept on SDA premises.
1. It is the parent's responsibility to notify the academy of any changes to their emergency contact details
2. In case of a Fire emergency all teachers have a clear understanding of responsibilities. They must be understood by all following the procedures of the relevant studio.
3. The School will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding the SDA building and any premises hired and any concerns will be raised with the appropriate party.
4. We are committed to ensuring all employees/volunteers are competent to do their tasks and to give them adequate training
5. It is the academies responsibility to keep a fully equipped First Aid Box on the premises. In case of an incident – an Accident / Incident report must be made
6. If required the academy will contact the emergency services first, then the parent / guardian of the student(s) involved by the telephone number on contact forms.
7. Parents understand that dance is as active as engagement as any sport, and whilst every effort is made to avoid them, injuries can happen. The school accepts no responsibility for injuries sustained via any means other than a teacher's negligence
8. Pupils will be supervised during class time only and parents / carers must ensure the safety of their children in the waiting, changing and toilet areas
9. Students/parents or guardians should inform the teacher of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in class
10. Parents must be responsible for ensuring your child's punctuality. Teachers are not available to supervise late pickups. Students may be refused entry if they are continuously late for class as they are missing out on warming up safely for class
11. Dress code must be observed at all times, especially footwear for safe dance practice. Only indoor dance shoes to be worn in the studio to protect the floor and for health and safety
12. Pupils should not wear any jewellery that may pose a risk to themselves or others (stud earrings, and jewellery worn for religious or cultural reasons are acceptable)
13. No food (or chewing gum) is allowed in the studio. Water is permitted in cap bottles. Bottles containing other liquids, such as, but not exclusive to, juice, electrolyte drinks, fizzy drinks etc, will not be allowed into the studio.
Public Insurance Liability
The principal of Spotlight Dance Academy has public liability insurance, this information is available to view should you wish. Please contact Sarah Colestead to request this information. Any locum teacher who teaches classes will be either covered via this insurance or will have their own personal insurance.
Smoking Policy
Spotlight Dance Academy has a non-smoking policy, and smoking is not permitted anywhere within the building or outside areas.
Drugs & Alcohol Policy
Spotlight Dance Academy has a strict no drugs & alcohol policy. Any pupil, teacher or volunteer found using drugs or alcohol whilst attending classes or working at the school, will be presented with a verbal warning. Parents will be advised if the pupil is under the age of 18 years. Parents under the influence of drugs or over the legal alcohol driving limit when collecting children or attending SDA events will be asked to leave the premises.
Child Protection Policy
Spotlight Dance Academy believes that:
• The welfare of children is vital
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff (paid/voluntary) working within SDA have a responsibility to report concerns to the principal or other identified staff
SDA has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in dance from harm. All children have a right to protection and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account. The dance school will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in dance through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines. A child is defined as under 18 (The Children Act 1989).
Policy Aims
The aim of Spotlight Dance Academy Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:
• Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the studio
• Allow all staff/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues
Promoting Good Practice
Spotlight Dance Academy will encourage the following:
• Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoid private or unobserved situations and encouraging an open environment i.e. no secrets)
• Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity
• Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals
• Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with dancers (e.g. it is not appropriate to have an intimate relationship with a child)
• Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision making process
• Making dance fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play
• Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the IDTA. Care is needed, as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Young people should always be consulted and their agreement gained. Some parents are becoming increasingly sensitive about manual support and their views should always be carefully considered
• Keeping up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and insurance in dance
• Involving parents/carers wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility of their children in the changing rooms). If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure parents/teachers/coaches/officials work in pairs
• Being an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people
• Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
• Recognising the developments/ needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults – avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will
• Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
• Requesting written parental consent if dance academy officials are required to transport young people in their cars
Practice not acceptable
You should never:
• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games
• Share a changing/toilet space with a child
• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
• Reduce a child to tears as a form of control
• Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon
• Do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults that they can do for themselves
Guidelines for use of photographic filming at dance events
Videoing as a training aid: there is no intention to prevent the use of video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, dancers and their parents/carers should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme and care will be taken in the storage of such films. Students/parents/carers are not allowed to record or take photos during classes or performances, unless this has been verbally stated by the class teacher before the class begins.
Parents/Guardians have the choice to remove photo permission at any time. This should be done via your Pebble account
Recruitment and electing staff and volunteers
Spotlight Dance Academy recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with children.
When undertaking pre selection checks the following should be included:
• All volunteers/staff should complete an application form. This will elect information about an applicant’s past and a self disclosure about any criminal record
• Consent should be obtained from an applicant to seek information from the Criminal Records Bureau (DBS CHECK)
• Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children. These references must be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact
• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo)
Responding to suspicions or allegations
It is not the responsibility of anyone working in SDA in a paid or unpaid capacity to take responsibility or to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities. SDA will assure all staff/volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith reports his or her concern that a colleague/volunteer is or may be abusing a child. When there is a complaint against a member of staff there may be three types of investigation:
• A criminal investigation.
• A child protection investigation.
• A disciplinary or misconduct investigation.
The results of the police and child protection investigation may well influence the disciplinary investigation
Suspected abuse
Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to the principal who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.
Action to help the victim and prevent bullying in dance:
• Take all signs of bullying very seriously
• Encourage all children to speak and share their concerns
• Help the victim to speak out and tell the person in charge or someone of authority
• Create an open environment
• Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe
• Speak with the victim and the bully/ies separately
• Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else
• Keep records of what is said (what happened by whom, when etc)
• Report any concerns to the Principal Action towards bullies
• Talk with the bully/ies explain the situation and try to get the bully/ies to understand the consequences of their behaviour
• Seek an apology to the victim/s.
• Inform the bully’s parents
• Provide support for the teacher of the victim
• Impose sanctions as necessary
• Encourage and support the bully/ies to change behaviour
• Hold meetings with the families to report