Terms and Conditions
DATA COLLECTION
Data Collection: As part of the enrolment process, we collect personal information, including but not limited to your child's full name, date of birth, age, address, emergency contact details, medical conditions, and any other information necessary for us to ensure your child’s safety and provide the appropriate level of care. This information is collected in accordance with UK Data Protection laws and is used for the purpose of providing dance education, communication, and safeguarding purposes.
Data Storage and Security: We take the security of your personal data seriously. All data is stored securely:
- In physical form, it is kept in a locked filing cabinet.
- Electronically, it is stored in a password-protected system that is regularly backed up to prevent data loss.
Data Retention: We will retain your personal data for as long as your child is enrolled at Farnborough Academy of Ballet and for a period of six years after their departure. After this period, your data will be erased securely.
Data Sharing: We do not share personal data with third parties unless required by law or as necessary to facilitate dance classes and related activities. Your personal data may be shared with:
- Teachers and staff at Farnborough Academy of Ballet for the purpose of providing dance instruction, ensuring student safety, and meeting safeguarding requirements.
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), Acrobatic Arts or other examination bodies for the purpose of registration and examinations.
- Class Manager for administrative purposes, including registration and attendance records.
- External third parties involved in video production (e.g., Wizard Video Productions) for performance credits during our school shows. This data is limited to the student’s name.
- Medical professionals if emergency medical attention is needed, as part of our duty of care.
Consent Withdrawal: If you withdraw your consent for the processing of your personal data, we will be unable to continue with your child's enrolment at Farnborough Academy of Ballet. As a result, your child's enrolment will be immediately terminated. Please be aware that consent is required for certain services, and without it, we will not be able to provide the full range of educational, performance, or administrative services.
Consent for Data Use: By signing this agreement, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal data as outlined above and in accordance with the UK Data Protection laws. If you do not consent, please inform us in writing. Please be aware that without consent, we may be unable to process your child’s enrolment or provide some services (e.g., performances, examinations, etc.).
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Social Media Policy: Students and parents are not permitted to share choreography or class videos online without permission.
Photography/Video Consent: We take pictures and videos during class time, performances, and other events for promotional purposes, including use on our website and social media. If you do not wish for your child’s face to appear in these pictures, please advise us below. If you do not give permission for your child's face to be visible, we will ensure their face is blurred in the images.
Additionally, during our school productions, we film the event with an external company. As these videos are produced by an external party, we are unable to blur the faces of students. These videos are not shared publicly but will be available for parents to purchase for personal use only.
FEES AND PAYMENT
Term Fees: As outlined in the welcome email.
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: £25.00 (applied to the first invoice)
Payment Plans: Payment plans are available upon request. A £9.00 surcharge will be added to the total invoice amount if a payment plan is chosen.
Additional Costs: Uniform costs, examination fees, performance fees, and costume fees will be communicated separately.
Refund Policy: Fees are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Principal. Refunds will not be issued for missed classes. If a teacher is absent, classes will be rescheduled or covered where possible.
ATTENDANCE AND CANCELLATION
Attendance: Regular attendance is expected. Examination classes require at least 80% attendance for eligibility.
Notice Period for Withdrawal: A full term’s written notice is required to withdraw from any class. Failure to provide notice will result in full payment for the following term. Please note, this does not include any holiday periods.
If notice is received once the term has commenced, a full term’s fees will be required.
Make-up Classes: Offered at the discretion of the principal and subject to availability.
Class Cancellations: In the event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., severe weather, teacher illness), we will attempt to reschedule. Refunds will not be issued for occasional cancellations.
Force Majeure: In the event of closure due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., pandemic, natural disaster), alternative provision (such as online classes) will be offered. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Studio Safety: Students must follow all safety instructions given by teachers. Running in the studio or changing areas is not permitted.
Supervision: Farnborough Academy of Ballet is responsible for students during class time only. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children before and after class. Students under 10 years must be dropped off and collected by a parent/guardian from the studio door. Students over 4 years old will be permitted to use the toilets unaccompanied.
Arrival and Collection: Students should arrive before class and be collected promptly. Farnborough Academy of Ballet must be informed if someone other than the usual parent/guardian will be collecting a child.
Illness:
Students should not attend class if they are unwell, particularly if they have a contagious illness. Students should not return to class until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Personal Belongings: Farnborough Academy of Ballet cannot accept responsibility for any personal belongings brought to the studio. Valuable items should not be brought to class.
UNIFORM AND GROOMING
Required Uniform: Students must wear the official Farnborough Academy of Ballet uniform appropriate for their class. Uniform requirements will be provided upon enrolment.
Hair:
- •Ballet and AcroDance: Hair must be in a bun.
- •All other classes: Hair must be tied back securely.
Jewellery: No jewellery is permitted except for small stud earrings.
Uniform Purchasing: Uniforms can be purchased from our dedicated dance shop:
Second-hand uniform is available upon request.
EXAMINATIONS AND PERFORMANCES
Examinations: We follow the syllabi of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and Acrobatic Arts. Examination entry is at the teacher’s discretion.
Show Participation: We hold a large, whole-school production once every two years, and all students will be invited to participate.
Additionally, we host two school showcases per year—one in the Summer Term and one in the Winter Term. However, in show years, only a Winter showcase will be held. Participation is open to all students from Primary level and above.
Show Rehearsals: Mandatory rehearsals are scheduled before performances and may incur additional charges. All dates and charges will be communicated in advance.
Costumes: Costumes are charged separately, and efforts will be made to keep costs reasonable.
Workshops and Masterclasses: Farnborough Academy of Ballet occasionally offers special workshops and masterclasses. These are charged separately and will be advertised via email and social media.
Performance Opportunities: Students may be invited to participate in additional performances or competitions. Participation is optional and may incur additional costs.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Student Conduct: Students must behave respectfully towards teachers, staff, and fellow students. Disruptive behaviour, bullying, or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Parent/Guardian Conduct: Parents/guardians are expected to support the studio’s policies and behave respectfully.
Disciplinary Procedures: In cases of unacceptable behaviour:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Suspension from classes
- Permanent exclusion
Technology Policy: Students must not take pictures or videos during class unless explicitly instructed to do so by the teacher.
Mobile phones must be switched off and stored securely in the dancer’s bag before entering the studio. Phones may not be accessed during class or rehearsals.
COMMUNICATION
Communication Methods: We primarily communicate via email. Important updates will also be posted on the studio notice board.
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
Liability Waiver: Dance involves physical activity, and while every effort is made to ensure safety, Farnborough Academy of Ballet cannot accept responsibility for injuries sustained during classes or performances.
Insurance: We hold public liability insurance. Details are available upon request.