School Policies

Mountway School of Dancing Policies

Fees

The breakdown of the fees structure is available on www.mountwaydancing.co.uk/timetable-classes/

Fees are paid on a termly basis (based on 12 week per term). Single fees (i.e. only attending one class per week) MUST be paid within 2 weeks of issued invoice. Failure to do this will result in a late fees payment of £10.00.

If you attend multiple classes/have siblings or other family members attending classes, you can split the terms fees into two equal instalments. The first instalment MUST be paid within the 2 week invoice period. The second instalment MUST be paid NO LATER than the week after the half term break. If you wish to split the payment, please email Miss Verity to request this.

Failure to do this will result in a late fees payment of £10.00.

If you are new to Mountway or an existing student trying a new genre, you are entitled to a free trial class. This will be deducted from the full terms fees if you wish to join and continue thereafter. If you are new and joining part way through a term, the remaining fees will be calculated and worked out on a 12 week per term pro rata basis and inclusive of any free trials. But still complying with the above payment policy.

Exam fees are applicable if/when partaking in examinations in both boards-ISTD & RAD. These fees are billed separately and paid to Mountway, with whom submit the fees to the examining board upon entries. After submission of entries, these fees are NON REFUNDABLE, unless you have a legitimate/medical reason for withdrawing, whereby written evidence (eg, Doctors note) will need to be given to the examining board along with various other forms to cancel. The board at their own discretion will then make a decision and issue part refunds.

Notice to terminate classes

Please note that you are committed to a FULL TERMS commitment from starting your classes. If you wish to terminate your classes, YOU MUST contact me via email/text/Facebook to give up your place. If this is part way through a term, you will still be liable to pay the full terms payment. This declaration must be signed on the registration form when starting.

Studio Closures

If by law, we are forced to close the studios (i.e. COVID19 pandemic), we will convert our classes to online with immediate effect to cover the period of closure within that particular term. NO classes will be cancelled. And NO refunds/transfer of fees will be offered. We pride ourselves at Mountway to offer additional resources via YouTube, where private links will be emailed (copy rights reserved by Mountway School of Dancing), and also we will allow you access to all online links for Zoom, whereby you can utilise and attend additional classes within your term fees online.

Partaking in Examinations/Shows

As a student at Mountway, you are under no obligation to take part in any exams and shows. However, if you do wish to take exams, you will be expected to attend an additional compulsory exam coaching session for the term leading up to the date of the exam, along with an extra lesson during the half term, alongside your normal term classes. These extra lessons are billed separately to the normal terms lessons and are payable on the date of the exam and no later. If you can’t commit to the extra lesson, then please do not opt to take the exam. You can continue as normal and move up to the next grade the following term with fellow peer.

We do a bi-annual show at Mountway, whereby the whole school is involved. You are not obliged to take part in these shows and a declaration to take part must be signed. However, if you do, there are often additional classes/rehearsals to attend, which must be attended (at no extra cost). There is no fee to take part in our shows and ticket sales, after covering costs/overheads, go towards the studios and facilities, along with large donations to Musgrove Park Hospitals children’s ward.

Locally sourced costumes (arranged/organised by the teachers at Mountway) are to be paid for by parents /carers upon invoice, for students to the keep after the show. A deposit for show costumes will be invoiced with the declaration to take part the term prior to the show date. The remaining costume monies are invoiced after the arrangement of the costumes, taking off the deposit paid. NO deposit=NO costume=NO show!

*Please note the Costume/Uniform account is completely separate to the fees account as it is non-profitable to the school.

The entrance of Market House Studios (Disclaimer):

The 4 digit entrance code for the studios will only be given out after you have registered to join us at Mountway School of Dancing.
This code is to be kept private and ONLY used for entering the premises for lessons/exams.
The code will be changed on a regular basis for secuirty and you will be given notice of any changes.
Please read the following disclaimer written by Taunton Deane Borough Council:

“I undertake and declare that I will only use the entry code for the West Wing door at Market House Studios, Taunton for the purposes of entry to the Dance Studios.

I will only enter the building while a representative of Mountway School of Dancing Limited is on the premises and I will not disclose the code to any other person whatsoever or allow access to non-students.

I will take utmost care not to let any outside person overlook use of the code pad and see the entry code.”

UNIFORM

It is compulsory/integral to attend every class with the correct grooming and full uniform required. Please see the Uniform requirements online at: www.mountwayschoolofdancing.com

Failure to attend class without the correct uniform and grooming will result in notices to parents/carers and the withdrawal of classes. Please LABEL all uniform. Mounwtay School of Dancing hold no responsibility for un-named uniform items. Any lost property will be left in the box in the window in the common room and disposed of within 3 months if not retrieved.

Please ensure that hair is tidy and off the face for Tap, Modern and Jazz (braided, pony tails etc). And in a classical ballet bun for ballet for every class.

You can order all affiliated Ballet uniforms and all dance footwear (along with other accessories, warm up gear etc) online at ‘My Dance Store’ which is also guided and categorised for your ease.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE BALLET UNIFORM FROM SUPERMARKETS!! T is not the correct affiliated uniform required and does not comply with our uniform regulations.

Catsuits for Modern/Jazz and also Tap leotards are from a separate supplier, and are only available to order direct via Miss Verity, where a choice a colours are available to choose. Please see/email Miss Verity to place and order and make you colour choice. These will be invoiced separately in advance and payable into the Costume account only as this is non profitable!

Character skirts (applicable for Ballet Grades 1-8 ballet) are made to measure and ordered through Miss Verity. Payments for character skirts are to ‘T. Chorley’ with whom makes them and will be invoiced in advance.

Hoodies for all sizes with our logo can be ordered and purchased direct through ‘Imprints’ in Taunton with a choice of Pink or Blue glitz and Navy for the boys/men.

Break Policy

I am aware that some students have breaks and sometimes get dropped off early and like to wait before their lessons start and during shows. I am happy for this to continue as long as parents understand that we are not responsible for them during this time. I would certainly advise that younger students are not left by themselves. The dance school is not responsible for damaged or lost items or valuables during lesson times and it is advised valuable are brought down into the class. For more guidance please see the unsupervised child policy.

Collecting/dropping off your child

All parents/carers must come into the centre to collect their child if they are under 7yrs (Primary level and under). Young children will not be allowed to walk out into the town centre/ car park by their selves, it is also not the responsibility of assistant teachers to walk students out to the car parks.

PLEASE SEE POST COVID POLICIES FOR DROP OFFS/COLLECTIONS OF CHILDREN.

During show time you are given specific timings for arrival and departure and your child will be with chaperone/s until you sign them in/out

Waiting Areas/Changing Areas

All people using the waiting areas need to show respect to all other members of the school. Please ensure that your conversations are child friendly and no student should overhear bad language or swearing.

Please note that waiting areas are for students and their parents/carers only please do not bring friends/boyfriends/girlfriends to wait for you during classes. Do not disclose the entrance code to the studios to anyone non related to Mountway!!!

PLEASE DO NOT WAIT OR CHANGE ON THE STAIRS OR ON THE OFFICE SIDE OF THE BUILDING (LEFT SIDE STAIRS). This is a huge safeguarding issue.

Please see the ‘Post COVID policies’ document for updated waiting/changing policies.

Guidance and Policy for Unsupervised Children

What age can children be left unsupervised at dance (including classes, exams, shows or other events run by the Mountway School of Dancing)?

The NSPCC recommends that all children under 13 years must be supervised by their parent, carer or guardian. This is due to concerns that they may not be mature enough to deal with an emergency or certain situations.

It is a parent’s decision as to what age they allow their child to attend dance venues unsupervised.

It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their child how to respond to emergencies or situations that may arise outside the house, so they feel confident when their child is not under their supervision.

Mountway School of Dancing’s policy on unsupervised children

Children in lessons are under the care and supervision of the principle teacher and or any other cover teacher

Children who have breaks between classes or wait for classes to start are NOT under the supervision or responsibility of Mountway School of Dancing, the venue in which classes take place are also NOT responsible for your child during these times. Children under the age of 12 years should be supervised during any break times when taking dance classes. It is the parent’s responsibility to put plans into place to find suitable supervision during break times and the child should be informed of this.

Children under the age of 12 who are not supervised by an adult must sign the below waiver form (which is now on the registration form) and return it to Mountway School of Dancing as soon as possible.

At dance events like shows and performances the Mountway School of Dancing will ensure all children are supervised by the correct amount of chaperones backstage. These chaperones will have attended an in house child protection meeting and be aware of the Mountway School of Dancing’s policy regarding supervising children.

At other dance events like exams and competitions children under the age of 12 years old should be supervised by an adult over the age of 18 years+

Qualifications

If you wish to see copies of the principal and staffs’ DBS check and/or qualifications please ask.

Health and Safety

Mountway School of Dancing takes seriously their responsibility to ensure the safety of their pupils. All pupils must complete a Registration Form/student portal to create an account online through our App when joining the school with clear information regarding emergency contacts and any relevant medical history.

A copy of emergency contact numbers will be kept on file.

It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of any changes to their emergency contact details
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 centre.
The School will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding premises hired and any concerns will be raised with the providers
We are committed to ensuring all employees/volunteers are competent to do their tasks and to give them adequate training
It is the schools responsibility to keep a fully equipped First Aid Box at all hired premises. In case of an incident – an Accident / Incident report must be made
If required the school will contact the emergency services first, then the parent / guardian of the student(s) involved by the telephone number on the class registers
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
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
Students/parents or guardians should inform the teacher of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in class
Parents must be responsible for ensuring your child’s punctuality. Teachers are not available to supervise late pickups.
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
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)
No food (or chewing gum) is allowed in the studio. Water is permitted in cap bottles

Public Insurance Liability

The principal of Mountway School of Dancing has public liability insurance and the certificate is available on request. Any locum teacher who teaches classes will be either covered via this insurance, or will have their own personal insurance.

Smoking Policy

Mountway School of Dancing has a non-smoking policy, and smoking is not permitted anywhere within the centres where lessons take place. This is due to the health hazards of smoking and passive smoking, and also because the centres regularly holds activities which involve young children.

Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Mountway School of Dancing 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.

Child Protection Policy

Mountway School of Dancing 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 in dance have a responsibility to report concerns to the principal or other identified staff

The dance school 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 Mountway School of Dancing will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in dance through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines which is authorised on the registration when you join the school. A child is defined as under 18 The Children Act 1989.

Policy Aims

The aim of the Mountway School of Dancing 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

Mountway School of Dancing 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.
Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with dancers (e.g. it is not appropriate to have an intimate relationship with a child). A disclaimer regarding “safe” contact with students when necessary in teaching is authorised on the student registration form when joining.
Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision making process
Making dance fun, enjoyable and promoting team spirit.
Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the FCD, RAD and ISTD. Young people should always be consulted and their agreement gained. Parents/guardian views are 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 particularly during shows
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 parental consent if dance centre 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 room 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

If any kind of photographic material or video of your child is required e.g. DVD of a performance or for advertisement material/purposes then parental permission will be requested. Students/parents/carers are not allowed to record or take photos during classes or performances.

Recruitment and selecting staff and volunteers

Mountway School of Dancing 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:

Volunteers are required to arrange their own DBS check and are required when asked by the principal/staff to provide a copy when necessary.

Staff are required to provide 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 at Mountway School of Dancing 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. Mountway School of Dancing 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 but can ensure will only involve those necessary.
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 on progress
Inform all appropriate members of the action taken
Keep a written record of action taken (whom, when etc)

Payment of fees/reserving your place and giving notice to finish-Reiterated!

Single fees payments MUST be paid within the first half of the term, and the second instalment the week after the half term break without fail. Additional late fees will apply if you do not comply with this. If you need to make other payment arrangements, then this must be done and arranged via the principal, Miss Verity. (See the ‘Fees’ link for more information and also Exam Fees Link).

After registering to attend Mountway School of Dancing, your place is instantly reserved until notice from the parent/carer/guardian via email, telephone or in person. You are otherwise committed to a FULL TERM each rolling term. It is common courtesy to let the principal know if you no longer wish to continue-as in many cases this could be a place for someone on a waiting list.