Affinity Dance School

Terms and Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS 

 

Affinity Dance School welcomes all students to learn to dance with us, whether pursuing dance as a career or as a fun hobby and we actively encourage all students to work towards reaching their full potential with the emphasis on enjoyment. All our invoices and payments are dealt with through our Class Manager Parent Portal.  If you decide to register your child with Affinity Dance School, we will enrol you onto our parent portal. You will be invoiced for the remainder of the month and thereafter all fees will be due on the 1st of each month when you will receive a monthly invoice. Invoices are due 7 days after issue.    


PLEASE NOTE:  Lessons need to be paid for in advance of the month.

 

Please note the following payment terms & conditions apply:

 

Parent Portal App.

To manage your account and billing please download our Class Manger App and log into your parent portal. This app can notify you when invoices, news or information are placed in your parent portal.

 

Late Payment Policy


As above lessons need to be paid for in advance.   If invoices are not paid according to our payment terms than Affinity Dance School operate a late payment policy.

  1. Invoices will now be sent 7 days in advance of the due date 1st of each month. 
  2. If payments become 7 days overdue. A payment reminder will be sent for those fees.
  3. If the invoice reaches 14 days overdue an automatic late payment fee will be added to the account.
  4. If the invoice reaches into the next month a second late payment fee will be added to the account
  5. If payments are more than 6 weeks overdue, students will be unable to participate in any classes until payment has been made in full (this includes any late payment fees)

We totally understand that financial hardship can fall upon us at any time, and it is important to communicate with us so we can try and come to some form of payment plan to assist.
Any queries on invoices should be directed to [email protected].  emails sent to the wrong account may get missed or go unanswered.


Cancellation Policy

Although we don’t want to see anyone leave, we understand that situations change and the need to cancel may be necessary.
 
If you wish to cancel your child’s classes with us, we require one months notice for each class attended to be given to us in writing to [email protected] (text messages and messages via social media will not be accepted).
 
Your notice period will be taken from the date we receive your email. You will be permitted to continue with the classes until the notice period has ended. If you child chooses not to take the classes during the notice period. Payment is still required as part of you agreement with Affinity Dance School.
 
For example: If you are contracted for 2 classes per month at £7.20 each week and you give us your notice by email on 15th September. You will be required to pay for a full month up to and including 14th October. In this example, it would be £36.00.
 
If you wish for your child to rejoin at a later date, you will be required to pay a rejoining fee of £5 for administration purposes if this is after 3 months.
 
 

UNIFORM

It is important that your child wear the correct dance shoes and clothing for each subject they are taking, to ensure they are able to perform the correct techniques for each subjects. Loose fitting shoes or fancy dress shoes are not appropriate and dangerous.

Once your child has settled into lessons and you have begun monthly payment, we would ask that they wear the correct attire for each of the subjects they are taking.

HOW TO ORDER


The school uniform can be ordered via Affinity Reception Desk- please email [email protected]. to arrange your appointment.  Details of the attire required for each class can be provided at our reception desk and also samples are available for your child to try on prior to ordering. 
Payment for uniform is required at the time of placing your order.


Studio Etiquette
·         No food or drink, except bottled water is allowed in the dance studios.
·         Please remove all outdoor footwear including sibling's shoes, before stepping inside the Dance Studios. Please do not wear dance shoes outdoors. (They bring dirt and grit into the studio and damage the dance floor)
·         Please ensure you take your child to the toilet before class.
·         Please ensure your child arrives on time for class. Late arrivals are very distracting and disturb the other children in class.
·         Please inform the Teacher before class of any illness or injury your child may have.
Code of Conduct PolicyIt is the policy of the Affinity Dance School to provide efficient, up-to-date, enjoyable and safe Instruction in dance to all pupils who enrol in the school or join in the classes or activities.
1)    All instruction will be geared to the previous experience and abilities of the pupil(s) and no person will be required to perform movements beyond their intrinsic capabilities.
2)    Staff will be sensitive to all pupils’ age, disability, gender, racial heritage religious beliefs, sexual orientation and culture. All students have equal rights.
3)    No energetic instruction will be given without pupils undergoing a “warm-up” session, and after an energetic session completing a “warm-down” session.
4)     No very young pupil will be allowed to leave the school premises until collected by a parent, guardian or other adult authorised to do so by a parent or guardian. A member of staff will remain on the premises until all pupils have left.
5)    No pupil under age 16 will be driven home by a member of staff in his/her car without the permission of a parent or guardian or in the event of an emergency.
6)    Normally no member of staff will be alone with a young pupil for any substantial period of time without the consent of a parent or other authorised person.
7)    If appropriate, changing facilities will be provided. Where possible parents should supervise their own children in the changing area
8)    No child may be photographed or videoed without the consent of parent or guardian.
9)    No staff will knowingly be employed who have a criminal record for child molestation. Where appropriate suitable checks will be made with the Protection of Children Act list and the DfEE List 99 and if the applicant is recorded on either s/he will not be employed in a position that involves dealing with children.
10) Only suitably qualified persons will be employed in a teaching capacity while any student engaged to assist with teaching will only work under the supervision of a qualified member of staff.
11)In the event of activities outside the school premises the instructors will regard themselves as being in “loco parentis” and, so far as applicable and within their control, apply the preceding and subsequent guide lines as if the event was in their own studio.
12) Teachers will avoid any unnecessary physical contact with pupils. However parents should understand that some aspects of teaching involve some contact. Where it is necessary teachers will use the utmost discretion and, will ask permission of the pupil before correcting their technique physically.
13)The school principal(s) will ensure that s/he and the members of staff are properly covered against incidents involving public liability and professional negligence insurance.
14)The school principal(s) undertake not to involve in misleading or false advertising.
15)No form of discrimination, by religion, colour, and the child’s background and so on will be tolerated in the school.
16)At all times, all staff will endeavour to keep the highest standards of instruction and behaviour. The school principal retains the right to discharge any staff member who breaches the above code of conduct.
17)The school principals retain the right to discharge from the school any pupil who persistently disrupts the tuition, uses offensive language, or other anti-social behaviour


Physical Correction Policy

Appropriate Physical Contact in Dance Policy

 

Teaching dance is a physical activity and appropriate physical contact between students and teachers in class is essential to training. Teachers can make physical contact with a student to illustrate a concept or to adjust a student’s alignment (especially with the younger students).
 
For all techniques posture often requires adjusting the rib cage and the buttock area simultaneously and it is sometimes necessary to move the inner thigh into correct placement, especially with younger students. In classes, teachers will demonstrate with students in ways which will involve supporting and lifting. In choreographic teaching, teachers demonstrate positions and movements to the students by moving parts of the students’ bodies and by moving dancers in relation to each other: this often involves a considerable amount of contact with students.
 
Affinity Dance School recognises that such physical contact is a potentially complex area; and also fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding students and teachers and for protecting their welfare.
 
The following principles and procedures are in place to fulfil Affinity Dance Schools obligations:
 
·         Contact by the teacher is made with particular awareness of the needs of each individual, to assist the dancer in correcting placement.
·         All teachers will treat any physical contact with due sensitivity and care, and with due regard for the wishes of the student.
·         Contact will not involve force or the use of any instrument.
·         Teachers will be mindful of location and avoid situations where they are isolated with a student; all classes should be held in studios and dance areas.
·         Students should be encouraged to discuss any worries with the Principal or any member of the staff or an independent listener.
·         Both students and teachers should feel free to report any concerns to the Principal of the Dance School who is responsible for safeguarding.
 
Photo and Filming consent Policy
Affinity Dance School promotes itself through facebook, Instagram and general advertising. As a part of lessons, event and shows we sometimes take videos and photos and share this to promote the successes of our students, as well as show parents what we are doing in classes. . Student personal details are not shared on social media, any special reports will only feature first names. If you would prefer us not to use images of your child on social media platforms and wish to withdraw consent for photography please email [email protected] and we can provide us with our photo form, so we are aware of your wishes.

 


Health and Safety Guidelines
Statement of Intent
Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for ourselves and all our staff and pupils and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose. I / We also accept responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by my or our activities.
Where reasonably practicable, this policy will seek to provide and encourage:
·         A safe place to work and safe access to and from it.
·         Safe arrangements for the use, handling and storage of equipment.
·         Sufficient information, instructions, training and supervision to ensure all employees are well equipped to avoid hazards and contribute positively to effective Health and Safety at work.
 
The policy will be kept up to date, particularly as I or our organisationchange in nature and size to ensure our responsibilities are met in relation to:
·                     Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)
·                     Management Regulations (1999)
·                     Other relevant current legislation
 
To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed annually.
Responsibilities for all Staff
It is the responsibility of all staff to help maintain the safety and security of the pupils and the working and dancing environment. This includes being aware of the risks, knowing the appropriate action to take and identifying any potential safety issues.
Each member of the teaching staff within the organisation has a duty to exercise care and attention with regard to their own safety and that of their pupils.  Under this responsibility, each teacher shall:
·         Ensure reasonable care is taken during their work activities to avoid accidents or injuries to themselves, pupils and any other personnel within the building.
·         Observe all safety instructions and procedures incorporated in this document.
·         Report all potential hazards affecting Health and Safety to the Principal or, if appropriate, designated Health and Safety Officer.
·         Report all accidents in the appropriate manner and record in the accident book.
 
Accidents and First Aid


All accidents are to be reported to the Principal or, if appropriate, designated Health and Safety Officer and recorded in the accident book.
Unless there is good reason, First Aid should not be administered without the permission of the child’s parent or accompanying adult.  If the parent is not at the premises, obtain their phone number and try and make contact. However, if a child is alone and seriously injured or unconscious, the situation will need to be dealt with immediately.
 
If at all possible, treatment should only be given by a trained First Aider of Affinity Dance School
Provided this does not in itself put the child at risk, always try to administer First Aid with another adult present.  We will always tell the child exactly what you are doing and why.  Unless it is irrelevant, will ask the child if they use medication (e.g. for asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy) or have any allergies. Some children have allergic reactions to stings.

Parents must informed Affinity Dance School of any pre existing medical conditions.


If a child comes to a staff member for comfort because of a minor accident or fright, as a part of our code of conduct it is acceptable with the Code of Behaviour to comfort the child in an appropriate manner
·         We will only do this if physical contact will help comfort and calm the child, and they are asking for comfort from us. Examples of this will be holding their hand, or putting our arm around the child.

If a child needs a doctor or hospital, we will call the emergency services and contact the emergency contact for the child involved.

Medical Needs form

If a child has any extra medical needs, it is important for our parent to fill out a medical form for us and provide us with a medical plan to instruct staff what to do during an emergency.

 

Fire Safety

Affinity Dance School organisation operates a no smoking policy in its premises. All staff will be advised of the fire action procedure, location of fire alarms and fire exits at their induction.
Fire alarm points have a regular operational check, ensuring each point is operated in turn over an annual period.

 

Fire Evacuation Procedure

 

In the event of hearing the fire alarm

·         Staff will evacuate pupils in our classes from the building immediately on hearing the alarm by using the nearest fire exit. If possible take a quick head count. 

·         Under no circumstances stop to collect any personal belongings or equipment.
·         Assemble at the fire point and supervise an orderly and quiet line.
·         The designated Health and Safety officer will take the register and wait for further instructions – any absences or concerns should be reported immediately to the Principal

·         Do not re-enter the building until you are informed to do so by the Principal

 

Security Policy

Anyone wishing to enter the Stapleford studios must be escorted by a member of staff.
 

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy


This policy applies to all staff, teachers, helpers and volunteers at Affinity Dance School
The Purpose of this policy;
·         To protect children and young people who receive Affinity Dance Schools Services.
·         To provide staff and volunteers with overarching principles that guide approach to safeguarding and child protection

·         Affinity Dance School aims to provide a happy and safe environment where children can learn to dance.
·         Affinity Dance School believe that children have the right to be safe and secure and free from threat, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs.

·         Affinity Dance School will act with integrity, treating children with respect, listening to their concerns and acting upon them.

·         Affinity Dance Schools Code of Conduct commitment to Students and Parents will ensure that students will receive professional tuition from a qualified teacher with appropriate facilities following safe practice.
 
Legal Framework
 
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seek to protect child namely
 
·         Child protection Act 1989
·         United Convention of the Right of the Child 1991
·         Data Protection Act 1998 & GDPR regulation 2018
·         Human Rights Act 1998
·         Sexual Offences Act 2003
·         Children Act 2004
·         Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
·         Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
·         Children and Families Act 2014
·         Special Educational need and Disability (SEND) code of practice 2014
 
This Policy should be read alongside our policies and procedures on
·         Code of conduction for Staff and volunteers
·         Health and Safety policy
·         Data protection and GDPR policies
·         Physical Correction Policy
·         Photography and filming consent
 
We Recognise that
·         The welfare of the child is paramount as enshrined in the Children Act 1989 
·         All children regardless of age disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief,sexual orientation or identity have the right to equal protection form all types of harm or abuse.
·         Some children are additionally vulnerable because of previous experiences, their level of dependency and communication needs or other issues
·         Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by
·         Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
·         Appointing a designated Safeguarding Officer for Children and Young people.
·         Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
·         Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training.
·         Recruiting all staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
·         Recording and Storing information professionally an securely and sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers
·         Using our safeguarding policies to shares concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know.

·         Ensuring we have provided a safe physical environment for our children and young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with law.
 
Contact Details
 
Designated Safeguarding Officer
 
Name:               Gemma Haigh
Email:               [email protected]
Phone:             07557 901 909