Associate Member of ABD (The Associated Board of Dance)

 Associate Member of BATD (The British Association of Teachers of Dance)

GQAL Registered Centre for Dance & Performing Arts

_______________________________________________________________________________________________


COLEBROOK SCHOOL OF DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS POLICY

STANDARDS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS No 1

The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all dancers and staff/ volunteers associated with the school.

To ensure the effective running of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts and to protect all individuals connected with the school it is important that the following codes of conduct are read, respected and adhered to at all times.

• Dancers must participate within the school rules and respect all the teachers/staff and their decisions.
• Dancers must respect their fellow school pupils/students.
• Dancers must arrive for training on time or inform the Dance Teacher if they are going to be late.
• Dancers must not distract, bully or harass other pupils/students during the class.
• Dancers must not use bad language, they must be polite and display good manners at all times.
• Dancers must treat all equipment with respect and clean up after themselves.
• Dancers must wear the The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts uniform for classes.
• All body jewellery must be removed.
• Long hair must be tied back in a bun for ballet and pony tail for all other classes.
• Food, drink and chewing gum are strictly prohibited in the main studios (dancers may bring a sealed drinking bottle into the studio but it must only contain water).
• All litter must be placed in the bins provided.
• Please leave all valuables at home – The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts will not be held responsible for the loss of any items.
• Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off in the Studio.  
• Dancers must inform the Dance Teacher before the warm up begins if they have an injury or illness.
• Dancers must inform their teacher immediately if they begin to feel ill or sustain an injury during the class.
• Dancers must remain with teachers at the end of the class until they are safely collected by their parent or guardian.
• Dancers must keep all noise inside and outside the dance studio to a minimum.
• Dancers must not wear outside shoes in the studio. (If trainers are required for class these must be clean of dirt and NO black soles)
• Dancers are responsible for their own dance uniform/shoes. Make sure these are labelled with your name.
• Dancers must ensure when leaving the studio they have the appropriate warm clothing, especially in colder months.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS No 2

The Colebrook School of Dance is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all dancers, members and staff associated with the school.

To ensure the effective running of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts and to protect all individuals connected with the school it is important that the following codes of conduct are read, respected and adhered to at all times:

• Encourage your child to learn the student code of conducts and perform within them.
• Ensure the Think Smart Customer Portal App has been downloaded and activated to ensure smooth communication between the school and parent/carers.
• Arrive with plenty of time to get your child ready for their class and ensure they have been to the toilet before the session begins
• Inform the Dance Teacher if you are going to be late by accessing the facility on the Think Smart Customer Portal.
• Ensure your child is dressed appropriately and in the School Uniform with long hair tied up and make sure they have plenty of water to drink with them.
• Ensure that your child has enough food/ snacks for the duration of classes.
• Understand that no Parent/Guardian will be allowed in to the studio during classes as set out in a separate safe guarding policy.
• Discourage challenging and inappropriate conduct towards teachers and other dancers.
• Help your child to recognise good performance and progression.
• Be realistic with regard to their ability and do not set expectations too high - It can be very damaging for children if they feel they are falling short of their parents’ expectations.
• Discourage comparison against other dancers - Each dancer is an individual with different goals and objectives and they must be praised on their own personal achievement.
• Set a good example within the dancer’s environment by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for poor performance or making mistakes. It is through mistakes that performers learn and develop as a dancer.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.
• Encourage and guide your child to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
• Keep the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts informed if your child is ill or unable to attend classes by way of using the Think Smart Portal App.
• Endeavour to establish good communications with the school, teachers and staff for the benefit of all.
• Never challenge or threaten a teacher or member of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts team
• Never contact the school or its teachers/staff via social media either via the school pages or personally, please use the correct channels for contact only.
• Do not raise issues of disagreement publicly or via social media platforms, ensure the grievance/complaints procedure is followed to allow us to rectify any areas of concern .
• Ensure all associated class fees/invoices are paid on time and within the set fees policy outlined, late fee's will be applied that must be paid once placed on file if we have not been made aware of payment issues.
• Please keep all noise level to a minimum when dropping/collecting your child.
• Street shoes are not allowed on the dance studio flooring, please collect from the door.
• If needing to speak to a teacher please contact via the school office email to book an appointment.
• Please name/label all dance wear, to include shoes, Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts will not be held responsible for lost items.
  
• Please untie any knots in any laces before your child's next class.
• Please provide your child with the correct footwear for classes, NO black soles and no dirty outside shoes
• Please understand that breach of this code of conduct may have repercussions and in extreme cases may result in your child/children losing their place at the school.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEACHERS / STAFF No 3

The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all dancers, members and staff associated with the school.

To ensure the effective running of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts and to protect all individuals connected with the school, it is important that the following codes of conduct are read, respected and adhered to at all times:

• We will always consider the well-being and safety of dancers before the development of performance.
• We will develop an appropriate working relationship with dancers, based on mutual trust and respect - Never abuse our authority or power as a teacher.
• We will always work within the boundaries of our qualifications and the safe gaurding policy.
• We will ensure we have valid insurance cover and valid DBS (previously CRB) along with up to date first aid training.
• Ensure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the dancers.
• Treat every dancer as an individual and set realistic goals and targets that are obtainable - Unrealistic goal setting can have damaging effects on a dancer.
• Always promote the positive aspects - Dancing should be fun for all so we will provide plenty of encouragement and create a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
• Attend any CPD days required within the year to ensure training is up to date.
• We will never punish or demean a child for losing or making mistakes. It is through mistakes that performers learn and develop as a dancer.
• We will display consistently high standards of behavior, language and appearance.  
• We will follow all guidelines laid down by The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts.
• We will not exert undue pressure on performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• We will encourage participants to value their performances and progressions.
• We will encourage dancers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior.  
• We will always report any incidents, referrals or disclosures immediately, following the appropriate guidelines set out in the Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy.
• We will make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless with the express approval of the individual concerned.
• We will always remain upbeat and positive while teaching.

STUDIO & CLASS CONDUCT FOR ALL MEMBERS No 4

• Please do not disturb a class in progress.
• Students should be on time for class, plan to arrive approximately 5 minutes before class and be ready for your first subject.
• Screens/ Blinds/ Curtains will sometimes be used within classes depending on class location and term.

The screens will be used for one of 3 reasons.

1. Limit parent distraction of lessons,

2. Show work / festival work / exam work,

3. The child/children are not performing as we know they can, due to separation anxiety, “out of sight of mind”

• All regulation class wear should be worn at all times, no exceptions, if your child is cold during “warm up” the woolen wrap-over cardigans/Colebrook onesies or tracksuits can be warn.
• Car parking is in the designated car parks, NOT outside the main studio doors, this is reserved for teaching staff and the residents in the flats above the studio premises.
• No drop off or pick up of students is to be made from the hard standing outside the main studio.
• Parent/Guardian/ Volunteer observations is at the discretion of the class teacher AND only with a valid designated chaperone licence issued by Lincolnshire Council.
• All outside shoes and coats to be stored within the changing or waiting areas.
• All outside doors to main building will be locked internally to ensure the safety of staff and children in session, doors will be unlocked at class change over time.
• All outside and internal doors must be securely locked and barred when leaving the studio buildings for the day/evening.
• All heating devices must be switched off at the wall.
• All studio areas must be kept in clean usable condition, using the sweeping brush and any other cleaning appliances or products that may be required to ensure this.
• All internal lights must be switched off when leaving the main studio areas.
• All external lighting/heating timers must never tampered with.

STAFFING AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY

We provide a high staffing ratio to ensure that children have sufficient individual attention and to guarantee care and education of a high quality. Our teaching staff and assistants are appropriately qualified and are checked for criminal records through the Criminal Records Bureau.

• We hold staff meetings to undertake exam and show planning and to discuss children’s progress, their achievements and any difficulties which may arise from time to time.
• We work towards offering equality of opportunity by using non-discriminatory procedures for staff recruitment and selection. Religious belief, ethnic origin or sexual orientation applicants will not be placed at a disadvantage by us imposing conditions or requirements which are not justifiable.
• Our dance school staff hold a Foundation degree in early years and Associate level teacher of dance qualifications. Our student teachers and assistants are all trained within the same practices.
• We always encourage all staff to obtain further qualifications.
• We support the work of our staff by holding regular supervision meetings and appraisals.
• We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice.
• We obtain references and criminal record checks through the CRB for staff and volunteers who will have substantial access to children
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their suitability for the post, regardless of marital status, age, gender, culture,

STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY

This dance school recognises that qualifications and training make an important contribution to the quality of the care and education provided by dance schools. As part of our commitment to quality we offer in house placements for students to have the opportunity to train to become qualified dance teachers.

We aim to provide for students on placement with us, experiences which contribute to the successful completion of their studies and which provide examples of quality practice in early years care and education.

• We supervise students under the age of 17 years at all times and do not allow them to have unsupervised access to children.
• Students above the age of 17 years and who have studied dance with the school on a long term basis may be deemed competent to run a dance class unsupervised
• We take out employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance which covers both trainees and voluntary helpers with ABD.
• We require students to read and apply our confidentiality policy.
• We provide students, at the first session of their placement, with a short induction on how our dance school is managed, how our sessions are organised and our policies and procedures.
• We communicate a positive message to students about the value of qualifications and training.
• We make the needs of the children paramount by not admitting students in numbers which hinder the essential work of the dance school.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Statement of intent

This school believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our school a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers.

Aim

We aim to make children, parents and staff aware of health and safety issues and to minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Methods

The member of staff responsible for health and safety is The School Principal, she is competent to carry out these responsibilities as she has undertaken extensive health and safety training and regularly updates her knowledge and understanding.

Risk assessment

Checking for hazards and risks indoors and outside, and in our activities and procedures. Our assessment covers adults and children;

• Deciding which areas need attention; and developing an action plan that specifies the action required, the timescales for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required.
• We maintain lists of health and safety issues, which are checked: daily before the session begins.

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and employers' liability insurance with BATD and Simply Business.

Awareness raising

Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and understand their shared responsibility for health and safety.

• Health and safety issues are explained to any new children so that they understand the part played by these issues in the daily life of the school.
• Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions and routines.

Children's safety

• We ensure all staff employed have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and that they hold an up to date first aid training certificate.
• Children are supervised by adults whilst attending class.

Injury

By choosing an accredited dance school such as ours, the teaching methods employed will ensure the developing bodies of young children are protected from damage.

Should any injury occur the following should be adhered to:

• Any injury or potential injury should be treated as serious and must be reported to the principal.
• An injury form must be completed at the time of injury and reported into the accident/ injury book.

Should an injury occur either during dance and performing arts lessons at the school or any outside site the school visit as part of our training or at another location where students are not in our care the school should be made aware at the first available opportunity by contacting the school principle.

No children will be permitted to take part in lessons if an injury is displayed either by visual disability/pain, verbal communication via the student or visual aids being used such as bandages and the school have not been made aware prior to the lesson taking place.

Once professional medical advice has been sought either by a general practitioner or at the hospital accident and emergency department and an injury is identified the school will follow the correct advice given by health professionals when dealing with injuries for a period of rest to recover.

Typically a mild to moderate injury will incur a 6 week sit out period from all physical lessons at the school. A severe injury being indicated by a professional medical person could result in further time out of lessons, every circumstances will be assessed on the information provided to the schools head teacher and relayed to the parent of the student displaying an injury for a planned phased return to lessons.

Festival Team and Exams students should be encouraged to attend all lessons where a practical area for sitting out and observing lessons will be found.

We want to make sure all out students are safe and healthy, this includes their bodies, bones and muscles.

There are no exceptions to be made when dealing with an injury no matter what commitments have been made to the school prior to injury.

Before a student is permitted back into their usual lessons a Doctor/ Physiotherapists or Consultants note is required to assure the school and its staff that the student is fit to return to their training.

Security

Registers are taken at the beginning of each class via the Think Smart Teachers APP, these are then communicated to the registered parent/carer "in the moment" by way of an automated email letting you know that your child is present in class with us.

Class assistants are placed on each door at the end of class to ensure no child leaves without their appropriate adult.

A member of staff is on site at all times to prevent unauthorised access to our premises whilst classes are taking place.

Dancers must inform an adult if leaving the premises to attend the local shops. This is only recommended from 11 years old and upwards and with parental consent.

Doors/Surfaces

All surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged.

Floors are swept and mopped daily.

Kitchen

Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen.

All surfaces are clean and non-porous.

Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored in a locked cupboard and out of children's reach.

Electrical/gas equipment

All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.

Our boiler/electrical switchgear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.

Fires, heaters, electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them.

Storage heaters are checked daily to make sure they are not covered.

There are sufficient sockets to prevent overloading.

The temperature of hot water is controlled to prevent scalds.

Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas.

Hygiene

We have a daily and weekly cleaning routine for the school, depending on studio usage during the week.

The toilet area has a supply of liquid hand soap and hand towels. Replenished by the cleaner.

There are no nappy changing facilities or disposal.

We implement good hygiene practices by:

• Checking toilets regularly
• Providing nose tissues in class.
• Encouraging use of own individual drinking bottles.

Food and drink

Staff who prepare and handle food receive appropriate training and understand - and comply with - food safety and hygiene regulations.

• All food and drink is stored appropriately.
• Adults do not carry hot drinks through the student area(s) and do not place hot drinks within reach of children.
• Snack and break times are appropriately supervised and children do not walk about with food and drinks.
• Drinking water is available to the children at all times via the kitchen.

Outings and visits

We have agreed procedures for the safe conduct of outings.

• Parents always sign consent forms before major outings.
• A risk assessment is carried out before an outing takes place.
• Our adult to child ratio is high, normally one adult to five children depending on age of the children.
• Named children are assigned to individual staff to ensure each child is individually supervised, to ensure no child gets lost and that there is no unauthorised access to children.
• Staff take a mobile phone on outings, and supplies of tissues, wipes etc as well as a mini first aid pack, and water. The amount of equipment will vary and be consistent with the venue and the number of children as well as how long they will be out for.

Fire safety

Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from inside.

• We operate a strict no smoking policy within any part of our buildings.
• Smoke detectors/alarms and fire fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.
• Our emergency evacuation procedures are approved by a Fire Safety Officer and contained within this policy:
• Evacuation procedures are explained to new members of staff, volunteers and children, they are then practiced regularly with students.

First aid and medication

At least one member of staff with current first aid training is on the premises or on an outing at any one time. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children.

Our first aid kit:

• complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981;
• is regularly checked by a designated member of staff and re-stocked as necessary;
• is easily accessible to adults; and
• is kept out of the reach of children.

At the time of admission to the school, parents' written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is sought. Parents sign and date their written approval.

Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital

Administration of medication

In the unlikely event of medicines needing to be administered. Only prescribed medication may be administered. It must be in-date and prescribed for the current condition.

Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend the school.

Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication. This states the name of the child, name/s of parent(s), date the medication starts, the name of the medication and prescribing doctor, the dose and times, or how and when the medication is to be administered.

Accident or Emergency

Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to either call the emergency services or take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.

Sickness or Illness

Our policy for the exclusion of ill or infectious children includes procedures for contacting parents - or other authorised adults - if a child becomes ill while in the school.

• We do not provide care for children, who are unwell, have a temperature, or sickness and diarrhea, or who have an infectious disease.
• Children with head lice are not excluded, but must be treated to remedy the condition.
• Parents will be notified if there is a case of head lice in the school.
• Parents will be notified if there is an infectious disease, such as chicken pox.
• Good hygiene practice concerning the clearing of any spilled bodily fluids is carried out at all times.

Safety of adults

Adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.

• All warning signs are clear.
• Adults do not remain in the building on their own or leave on their own after dark.
• The sickness of staff and their involvement in accidents is recorded. The records are reviewed each term to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Records

In accordance with , we keep records of:

Adults

• Names and addresses of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have substantial access to them;
• All records relating to the staff's employment with the school, including application forms, references, results of checks undertaken etc.
• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of the person responsible for fee payments and any emergency contact person held on file with DanceBiz, this needs to be kept up to date by our members via the think smart portal.

Children

• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of parents and adults authorised to collect children from school;
• The names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in case of children's illness or accident;
• The allergies, dietary requirements and illnesses of individual children;
• Consents for outings, administration of medication, emergency treatment, permissions from home to leave without adult supervision.

CCTV and Security procedures

For the protection, safety and security of all students/parents/carers/ teachers/visiting persons/hirers and the security of all main studio buildings there is CCTV fitted within all internal and outside immediate public areas and access doors to the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts.

The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts operates a CCTV system to deter anti-social and/or criminal behavior.

This system will aim to provide a secure & safe environment for the student/ parents / guardians/ teachers and any other visiting persons.

• Access to the CCTV system display monitor will be limited to the School Principal and the designated security officer.
• Access to recorded footage will be limited to the School Principal and designated security officer, and is password protected.
• Recorded footage will be accessed by the school principal and designated security officer if a serious offense, allegation, or incident has taken place.
• An offense, allegation, or incident will be defined as serious if it includes Anti-social behavior, allegation or a crime. 
• Should an offense, incident, or allegation lead to a criminal investigation or lawsuit, the recorded footage may also be accessed for this purpose.
• During closed hours, the premises is locked and alarmed.
• The recordings will be held on the system for 31 days from the date of recording. The operating system hard drive will then be overwritten.
• It should be noted that all cameras are visible.
• It should be noted that there are signs in place to notify individuals of the presence of the cameras.
• It should be noted that cameras are not located in private areas, such as the toilets and/or change rooms.
• Should an offense, incident, or allegation lead to a criminal investigation or lawsuit, the recorded footage may also be accessed for this purpose.

Emergency and Evacuation Procedure

In the event of any emergency situation arising within the studio areas where students may need to leave the premises for their own safety we have a designated meeting point.

An emergency evacuation situation could cover fire, utilities leaks, structural/ unsafe damage, any act of terrorism or any emergency situation arising that the teacher feels necessary to safe guard the students within their care.

MARKET RASEN VENUE: Meeting Point: In John Street Car Park, Rear of Mattu's Store on the cross hatching's by the entrance to CLIP..

WRAGBY VENUE: Meeting Point: In Turnors Arms Car Park, towards the car park entrance at the further wall point away from the premises.

• A register will be taken at the meeting point which can be accessed via the teaching staffs Think Smart App.

Should we have a need to use this procedure all students are asked to leave the studio as calmly as possible, leaving all their belongings behind.

• The teacher taking class will have their phone with them and when safe to do so will start to make contact with parents with the assistant of administration staff and or school principal.

• All parents are asked to keep their phones on and with them when their children are taking classes with The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts.

• All parents are asked to safely and efficiently collect their children from the designated emergency meeting point as quickly and as calmly as possible.

• Any left belonging within the studios once any emergency situation has elapsed will be securely locked away and can be collected upon the school opening again.

In the event of a student falling ill during classes.

• Emergency first aid will be administered by trained staff if necessary.

• Any student falling ill will be made comfortable within classes until a parent can collect.

• The phone number on file for the lead parent will be contacted in the first instance.

• The emergency phone number will be called if the first point of contact is unavailable.

• Please make sure that all phone numbers are current and correct on your files via your own Think Smart Portal Apps.

• 999 will be called in cases of emergency and parental details passed to the ambulance staff.

• If in the event of a parent/carer being unavailable to accompany the student if a hospital visit is required then a member of staff, if the situation allows, will attend until your arrival.

In the event of a teacher falling ill during classes parent/carers will be contacted by the phone number or emergency number held on student file to collect their child immediately.

DROP OFF AND COLLECTION OF CHILDREN POLICY

Drop off time  

Under no circumstances must a child be dropped off by car or other means at the road on Union Street on the yellow lines.

All children under senior school age MUST be brought directly to the studio buildings via the main door entrance. Car parking facilities in the John Street car park are free for 2 hours when displaying a valid parking ticket up to 6pm in the evening. No ticket is required past this time or on Sundays.

Pick up time  

Under no circumstances may a child leave the school to walk home or across the car parks without prior written emailed consent from the parent/carer in place for the school year.

ALL children under the age of 11 must be collected from the parent waiting area after class time has finished.

Extra charges for early drop off/ late pick up of children

Circumstances depending and unless prior notice agreed, we reserve the right to charge parents for the additional time our staff are the sole carer for your child.

This is set at £5.00 for every 15 minutes they arrive early for class or are late to be collected. Any extra time will be invoiced by the school administrator within 7 days of the overstay occurring.

Statement of intent

In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of their classes/day and if the school does not already have on file notification from the child's parent/carer, the school puts into practice agreed procedures. These ensure the child is cared for safely by an experienced and qualified teacher who is known to the child.

Aim

In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult, we will ensure that the child receives a high standard of care in order to cause as little distress as possible. We inform parents/carers of our procedures so that, if they are unavoidably delayed, they will be reassured that their children will be properly cared for.

Methods

• Parents of children starting at the school are asked to provide specific information which is recorded on our Registration Form and then held on your own Think Smart portal Apps for updating as or when required by the parent/carer with access to the APP, including:
• Home address and telephone number - if the parents do not have a telephone, an alternative number must be given, perhaps a neighbour or close relative;
• Place of work, address and telephone number (if applicable);
• Mobile telephone number (if applicable);
• Names and telephone numbers of adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the school, for example a childminder or grandparent;
• Please be realistic in your approach to appointing no more than 3 designated persons collecting your child, it is impossible for staff to hold records for more than this amount.
• Information about any person who does not have legal access to the child; for example, someone who has parental responsibility for the child with a court order in place to halt collection/ someone who has had this responsibility removed must be communicated to the school office immediately.
• We agree with parents how to verify the identity of the person who is to collect their child. Passwords on file are a good way of ensuring we are keeping children safe and following your wishes.
• Parents are informed that if they are not able to collect their child as planned, they must inform us so that we can begin to take back-up procedures.
• We provide parents with our emergency contact telephone number (only to be used in such circumstances as outlined here).
• We also inform parents that - in the event that their children are not collected from school by an authorised adult and the staff can no longer supervise the child on our premises - we apply our child protection procedures as set out in our child protection policy.

If a child is not collected at the end of their classes or if classes need to be abandoned for any reason, we follow the following procedures:

• Parents/carers are contacted at home or at work via the phone numbers held on the Think Smart Portal App.
• If this is unsuccessful, the adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the school - and whose telephone numbers are recorded on the Registration Form/ Think Smart App - are contacted.
• All reasonable attempts are made to contact the parents or nominated carers.
• The child does not leave the premises with anyone other than those named on the Registration Form/ Think Smart Portal App.
• If no-one collects the child after one hour and there is no-one who can be contacted to collect the child, we apply the procedures for "uncollected children".
• The child stays at school in the care of staff until the child is safely collected either by the parents or appointed agreed person; A full written report of the incident is recorded.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT

The Colebrook School Of Dance and Performing Arts is committed to providing equality for all children and families and we strive to provide a caring and welcoming atmosphere to ensure that everyone may achieve his, her or their own potential whilst encouraging respect for others.

We promote the integration of children with differing needs as follows: -

1. The Dance School welcomes each child and adult as an individual, promoting a caring and welcoming atmosphere to ensure everyone may achieve his or her own potential.

2. As we live in a multi-cultural society, it is the School’s intent to enable our children to grow up with the knowledge and acceptance of other people’s cultures. We do this by using a variety of music from around the world, attending theatre trips, looking at themes for shows such as Animals or Around the World, and ensuring all relevant areas of learning encompass this ideal.

3. The School promotes the integration of children with differing needs whilst ensuring that the stated teachers are aware of their needs.

4. We are able to carry out the above by implementing the following:-

a) By knowing the needs of each individual child and meeting them openly, honestly and with respect for their individual needs whilst encouraging respect for others.

b) Ensuring staff have access to special needs training such as sign language, knowledge of appropriate disabilities should this be required.

c) Ensuring children whose first language is not English are made to feel welcome and two-way communication is established by initially, building a checklist of ‘key’ familiar words. If needed and where possible, liaison through an interpreter may be sought; this may be through a member of the family.

d) By promoting understanding and respect of all, regardless of gender, religion, disability or culture.

The dance School will consult with other professionals for advice if needed in order to support a child in whatever capacity.

We will, as far as possible: -

• Meet individual uniform requirements due to religious beliefs or medical factors.

• Ensure all the children, regardless of gender or age (when safe to do so), have a chance to experiment with all the classes.

• Monitor and evaluate policies and procedures and current practice to ensure quality of care is maintained at an optimum.

All children, no matter what sex, ability, race or religion, are encouraged to respect or care for their fellow human beings.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY

All children from an early age are encouraged to respect each other and their immediate environment.

Staff, parents and children have an active role to play within this process and by working together we will enable the children to become caring and thoughtful individuals.

In order to achieve this. the staff in the school will ensure-:

• Adults in school will endeavor to be a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy.
• Praise and endorse desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share.
• Apply the rules consistently so that children have the security of knowing what to expect and can build up useful habits of behaviour.
• Take positive steps to avoid a situation in which children receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour.
• We recognise that codes for interacting with other people vary between cultures and require staff to be aware of — and respect — those used by members of the school.
• We do not use techniques intended to single out and humiliate individual children.
• Constructive critique is required within some lessons for students to progress with techniques
• We only use physical restraint, such as holding, to prevent physical injury to children or adults and/or serious damage to property. Details of such an event (what happened, what action was taken and by whom, and the names of witnesses) are brought to the attention of our school manager. A parent is informed on the same day.
• In cases of serious misbehaviour, such as racial or other abuse, we make clear immediately the unacceptability of the behaviour and attitudes, by means of explanations rather than personal blame
• We handle children’s unacceptable behaviour in ways which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development — for example by distraction, discussion or by withdrawing the child from the situation.
• We work in partnership with children’s parents. Parents are regularly informed about their children’s behaviour by their class teacher in the first instance. We work with parents to address recurring unacceptable behaviour to help us to understand the cause and to decide jointly how to respond appropriately
• Labeling words such as ‘naughty’ are not used.
• Children who misbehave will be given one-to-one adult support in seeing what was wrong and working towards a better pattern.
• Where appropriate this might be achieved by a period of ‘time out’.
• Staff will not shout or raise their voices in a threatening way.

Should a child consistently display unacceptable behaviour staff will work in consultation with parents in order to support each other in ensuring consistency in the management of the child’s behaviour.

Bullying

Colebrook School of Dance have a zero tolerance towards bullying.

If your child feels they are being bullied or victimised by any student, parent or staff member associated with the school either within class, the studio areas or social media platforms then we please ask that you contact the School Principal via email or phone in the first instance to arrange a meeting.

Please DO NOT contact via Facebook inbox, Instagram, Snap chat or Text with any concerns, we need to follow correct grievance procedures as outlined within our code of conduct held within.

Bullying involves the persistent physical or verbal abuse of another child or children.

We take bullying very seriously.

If a child bullies another child or children:

• We intervene to stop the child harming the other child or children
• We explain to the child doing the bullying why her/his behaviour is inappropriate;
• We give reassurance to the child or children who have been bullied;
• We help the child who has done the bullying to say sorry for her/his actions
• We make sure that children who bully receive praise when they display acceptable behaviour
• We do not label children who bully
• When children bully, we discuss what has happened with their parents and work out with them a plan for handling the child’s behaviour; and
• When children have been bullied, we share what has happened with their parents, explaining that the child who did the bullying is being helped to adopt more acceptable ways of behaving.

We believe children will enjoy being in an environment in which they know what is expected of them where they can play and develop in a safe environment without fear of harm.

To enforce this we would like the children to respect each other and to respect and take care of equipment.

A full investigation will be held and appropriate consequences will be put in place as outlined within.

DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

• Dancers that breach the code of conduct will first of all be reminded of the rules.
• Repeatedly breaching the code of conduct may result in separation from other pupils/students (dancer will be asked to sit out of class participation).
• Continuous breach of the code of conduct will result in the parents being informed at the end of the class by the Class Teacher to discuss the situation.

If there is no improvement, then parents will be contacted by the School Principal and will be invited to discuss the future behaviour of their child and agree joint strategies for monitoring.

In extreme cases where physical violence, verbal abuse or intentional damage to property is involved, the sequence of actions outlined above will be by-passed and the School Principal will contact the parents as a first step.

Exclusion of the child from the school may be considered.

Behaviour Management Statement

All children from an early age are encouraged to respect each other and their immediate environment. Staff, parents and children have an active role to play within this process and by working together we will enable the children to become caring and thoughtful individuals.

Staff (and parents) are responsible for ensuring appropriate behaviour is fostered by school examples and being good role models, by encouraging "please and thank you" and by asking the child to say sorry if appropriate.

Good manners are encouraged and all children are included in making choices, are asked to respect people and property and to help each other in whatever way is appropriate.

As we all appreciate occasional problems arise when inappropriate behaviour is displayed; these needs to be addressed initially by staff and children, when the need arises, by staff and parents. The whole process of dealing with this issue is two-way.

We are working towards:

• Biting - Friendliness
• Spitting - Respect for others
• Violent behaviour - Non-violent behaviour
• Rudeness - Politeness
• Repetitive defiance - Effective and open communication
• Bullying - Caring for others
• Snatching/taking away - Sharing
• Impatience -Patience

Partnership with Parents

The staff at The Colebrook School of Dance and Performing Arts respect and recognise that parents and carers are the prime educators of children in their care.

The aim of the school is to support their essential work and not to supplant them. Therefore we will:-

• Ensure all new parents/carers are aware of the schools policy and procedures.
• Ensure that parents are informed on a regular basis about their child’s progress.
• Ensure that parents have opportunities to contribute to the school from their own skills, knowledge and interests.
• Ensure that parents are fully informed about the dance school’s intentions, events and calender information through email and newsletters.
• Make known to all parents the procedure for complaints.
• Provide opportunities for all parents to learn about the school’s dance styles.

If a parent has any difficulties for whatever reason in understanding our written policies they are very welcome to speak to the office manager.

Any information shared with us regarding a child or family will be treated in the strictest confidence at all times.

If your child has been unwell or had any accidents or upsets please inform us so that we can show any appropriate sensitivity towards the child.

Admissions and Attendance

• It is our intention to make our dance school accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community.
• We aim to ensure that all sections of our community have access to the school through open, fair and clearly communicated procedures.
• We ensure that the existence of the school is widely advertised in places accessible to all sections of the community.
• We ensure that information about our school is accessible—in written and spoken form—and, where appropriate, in different languages.
• Describe the school and its practices in terms which make it clear that it welcomes all parents and carers from all cultural, ethnic, religious and social groups, with and without disabilities.
• We arrange our waiting list on a first come first served basis, within each intake period. In addition our policy may take into account the following siblings already attending the school.
• Children already attending the school have priority for new classes over the waiting list.
• We keep a place vacant, if this is financially viable, to accommodate an emergency admission.
• We monitor the gender and ethnic background of children joining the group to ensure that no accidental discrimination is taking place.
• We make our equal opportunities policy widely known.
• We consult with families about the opening times of the school to avoid excluding anyone.
• Classes fees are payable in advance of the month. (If for any reason this is not possible please make an appointment to discuss this in confidence with the school office manager as soon as possible. If fees are not paid in full by the agreed term period then this will result in your child’ place being withdrawn.)
• Class fees to be paid in full during absences holidays/illness/ injury in order to secure the child’s place at the school.
• Ask parents/carers to submit child’s registration form supplied by the school and keep all information up to date e.g. new telephone numbers via the Think Smart Parent Portal App.
• Expect one months written notice by the 1st of the month prior to the child leaving the school, if this does not occur you will be invoiced to pay the equivalent in fees.

REGISTER, ATTENDANCE, REFUND & CANCELLED CLASS POLICY

• A register for each class is maintained by the teacher on their Think Smart App and records student attendance for the purposes of health and safety and security. 
• Persistently late students (3 times or more within a month) will result in parents being contacted to address any potential issue for the purpose of the well being of students and class progress .
• All absences/sickness need to be reported on the Think Smart Parent Portal App at the earliest opportunity to ensure teachers are able t plan their class time appropriately.
• If a student is absent from class for 3 or more consecutive weeks without contacting the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts then your child's name will be withdrawn from the register, you will be invoiced for the missed classes and the length of time your child's place was held open, to include any notice period required for cancelling classes.
• No refunds will be given for missed private lesson or group classes, credits will be applied to accounts only if a teacher has the need to cancel a private lesson, those credits must only be used towards rescheduled private lessons and not for monthly class fees.
• Refunds for over payments will be issued by cheque or bank transfer.
• If a class is cancelled due to the sickness of the teacher, a health epidemic, severe weather conditions or any other seen or unforeseen event, the School will endeavour to reschedule the class or revert to zoom lessons. This may be on a different day or a different time or both from when the class was originally scheduled, and might involve an extension to a class time or term timetable.

       NO refunds will be given in these cases.

• Should we need to cancel/postpone lessons a message to parents will be posted on the classroom DOJO App and the private facebook group.
• The School closes in line with most of the major academic school holidays. Any other closed lessons will be arranged in advance where possible, please consult the yearly timetable on the website for further information.

SCHOOL FEE & PAYMENT POLICY

•  A non refundable £20.00 registration fee is payable (per new family) upon a class place being offered and the registration form being successfully submitted by the joining family.

• When an offer is applied to your initial inquiry response this may have an expiration date attached, this will usually be detailed in your emailed information/ offer of a class price email.

• ALL class fees are payable on monthly installment as detailed within the fee information page on our website, 1 month in advance of lessons for 12 months of the school year via standing order/ regular          payment, 

       The school year runs between September 1st – August 31st,

• If a free class trial is offered, this will only apply to one class within the school, not one per subject. This must be taken on the date offered, unless the school change the date, the free trial offer has no cash value.

• Where a free class trial is applicable your first months fee notice will detail the discount on the invoice clearly, the reduction will have already been applied to your balance due.

• 1 months notice in writing via email is required for changing, leaving classes or leaving the school, please email socialmanager.csod@gmail.com when wanting to cancel a class or school place before the 1st of the month, your child will then be able to continue lessons for the following month before we are able to remove any information held on file the account balance will need to be cleared.

• The 1 month notice period is not applied to new starters within their first month of lessons with us, so long as the 2nd month of lessons are not taken either in part or full.

     

Fee Collection Procedures:

1. Invoices are placed on our customers individual customer portal apps 14 days in advance of class fees being due, they are emailed on the same date to the address held on file, This serves as the first reminder of fees becoming due for payment.
2. An automatic reminder invoice is sent a day after fees are due if they have been paid or a payment has not been found to allocate to your fee account.
3. A reminder invoice will be sent 7 days after due date by a member of DanceBiz and each week thereafter with an additional £7.00 late fee per week for the time taken in the credit control department to ensure fees are paid.
4. A final invoice reminder will be sent with notice of class termination if class fees remain unpaid 4 weeks after the due date of the invoice.
5. Any unpaid fees upon leaving or having your place withdrawn will be sent to our collection department for recovery, these may incur extra charges and effect your ability to obtain credit in the future.

 

Please ensure emails from the accounts department are read fully, NEVER respond direct to these emails they are sent by the server and any replies end up in the ether, therefore never seen by a human.

If you have any account inquiry these must be sent to the office manager on socialmanager.csod@gmail.com.

In summary:

• All fees are to be paid 1 months in advance of classes taking place.

• Any registration fee's must be paid at the time of sending the registration form to the school. a delay in sending the registration fee will create a delay in registering your pace at the school.

• No place at the school is held until the registration fee has been received into the school account, you may forfeit your offered place if the fee does not accompany the registration form, there is a 24 hour grace period after registration before your place may be offered to another family.

• All fees must arrive into The Colebrook School Of Dance & Performing Arts bank account ON or BEFORE the 1ST date of each month

• All fees must be paid by Standing order. regular payment, these needs to be set up with your bank yourselves.

• All fees will be invoiced for students starting part way through a month, with any amendments taking into account for missed weeks and will need to be paid before your Child's first class.

• All Private lessons will be invoiced at the start of the month and must be paid in full before the first lesson date.

• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts reserves the right to implement a late charge fee of £7.00 PER WEEK that the fees remain unpaid from the 1st of the month.

• If a late invoice including the charges have not been paid within 2 weeks of the 1st of the month (unless otherwise agreed) the student will not be accepted into any class until fees and late fees are paid in full.

• Any outstanding/unpaid fees following the departure of a student from the school/classes will still need to be paid in full.

• Any fees past 1 month overdue will be passed to our legal representative for a letter of action to be sent to the address given and held within our files for the bill payer.

       This may result in a county court judgement being raised via small claims court.

• All exam fees need to be paid upon booking your exam or by the deadline set. Failure to do so will result in your child being removed from exam sessions. If you leave or are unable to take the exams on the agreed date no refunds are given.

• All competition fees will be invoiced and sent via email, fees are non refundable once commitment has been agreed. Failure to pay on receipt of invoice will result in your child not being entered into that competition.

• All unpaid fees that are passed to our creditors could severely effect your credit rating.

• All other information on fees and payments can be found in our “fees and payments” link included with any welcome email and under a separate heading on our website and the Think Smart Customer Portal App.

CANCELLATION AND NOTICE PERIOD

Parents/bill payer are required to give one months written notice if they wish to withdraw from classes, these should be emailed to the office manager via email: socialmanager.csod@gmail.com

Failure to inform The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts of withdrawal and where fees remain unpaid, proceedings will be made to collect any debts that might remain unpaid for all students classes, Including any late payment fees and interest occurred.

If giving notice to quit classes part way through a month, the following months fees due on the 1st will still remain payable, following the notice period and assuming all balances are paid any details held on file will be removed.

If a student wishes to change class or to start an additional class, 1 half term notice is required, the parent/guardian must give their consent in writing to the Dance School Administrator by email.

SETTLING IN

We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the school and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents to have confidence in both their children’s well being and their role as active partners with the school.

We aim to make the school a welcome place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families.

• Before a child starts to attend the school, we use a variety of ways to provide his/her parents with information. These include written information (including our prospectus and policies),
• A half term "settling in" period, not to exceed 6 weeks, is granted to any new starters before the 1 month notice period is activated.
• When a child begins to attend lessons with us, we work with his/her/their parents/carers to decide on the best way to help the child to settle into the school
• 6 weeks is the time frame we have found works best for a child to understand the full working knowledge of a class and to build confidence with their teacher, peers and own ability.
• Within the first four weeks of starting we discuss and work with the child’s parents to inform them of their achievements and advise if purchasing dance uniform is appropriate.
• Due to our school safeguarding policy we are not able to allow parent observation/participation in any classes when children are above the age of 4 years old unless a parent is able to display a designated safeguarding badge awarded by the Lincolnshire Council.
• A visit to the school before attending can be arranged outside of class working hours for any prospective family/child to have a look around our facilities.
  
  

CONCERN AND COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Our school believes that children and parent/carers are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our school and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the school.

We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff. If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns.

We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our school to a satisfactory conclusion for all of the parties involved.

How to make a complaint

Stage 1

• Any parent/carer who is uneasy about an aspect of the school’s provision should make contact with the school office via email to arrange an appropriate time for all to talk over, first of all, his/her/their worries and anxieties with the designated class teacher.

Stage 2

• If this does not have a satisfactory outcome, or if the problem recurs, the parent may move with concern to Stage 2 of the procedure by putting the concerns or complaint in writing to the dance school principal.
• Most concerns/complaints should be able to be resolved informally at Stage 1 or at Stage 2.

Stage 3

• The parent can request a meeting with the school principal, class teacher or or a member of the designated chaperone team. The parent can have a friend or partner present if required. An agreed written record of the discussion is made. All of the parties present at the meeting sign the record and receive a copy of it.
• This signed record signifies that the procedure has concluded.

Stage 4

• If at the Stage 3 meeting the parent and school cannot reach agreement, then the Friends Of School Committee is invited to help to settle the complaint.
• The FOTS will listen to both sides and offer advice. The purpose of the FOTS is as a mediator and has no legal powers but can help to define the problem, review the action so far and suggest further ways in which it might be resolved.
• The FOTS mediator keeps all discussion confidential.
• They can hold separate meetings with the school personnel (school principal, senior staff, class teacher and office manager) and the parent/carer, if this is decided to be helpful.
• The FOTS mediator keeps an agreed written record of any meetings that are held and of any advice s/he gives.
• Everyone present at the meeting signs the record and receives a copy of it. This signed record signifies that the procedure has concluded.

PROPERTY OF THE COLEBROOK SCHOOL OF DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS POLICY

RIGHTS

All Choreography, music edits, costumes, props, trophies/awards, and or other borrowed/loaned items relating to the school remain the sole property of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts.

The school office manager holds a book to record any items loaned to students/parents/carers and will requested a date signature of agreement these items will be returned in good condition when required or if leaving the school within 14 days of departure.

If leaving the school the above notice must be respected and adhered to and every effort must be made to return any property belonging to the school within 14 days of last lesson (to include costumes, team kits, props and awards)

Any own purchased costumes for groups, trios and duets should be first offered to the school to purchase back before being sold outside of the school.

PERMISSIONS

Choreography, music edits or costuming MUST NOT be used outside of the school setting unless permission granted prior to any outside performance.

All video and images remain the property of the school, no video sharing for the purpose of learning should be done without the express permission of the choreographing teacher.

No video or images are to be shared on social media without permission granted by the school first.

Failure to comply with any of the above will result in legal action being sought.

AWARDS

The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts hold an annual awards presentation evening for all students to attend and receive their class certificates and medals.

During this ceremony various other awards are loaned for a designated length of time to students who have been recognised for their hard work by their teachers.

These awards are sponsored and donated by Parents and friends of the children attending the dance school and/or by local business, therefore the awards are loaned to the pupil for the award period time only.

All awards remain the sole property of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts.

If leaving the school we ask that any awards held at home are returned with 14 days of your last lessons, preferably on your last lesson at the school.

We do please ask that if your child is the recipient of an award that you please treat it with respect and return the award in the condition it was awarded ready for the next child to proudly display in their family home.

We do fully understand that sometimes accidental damage can occur. If whilst a loaned award becomes damaged or lost in any way we do ask you to please make contact with the school principle so we can work together to get the situation resolved with plenty of time before the next receiver is awarded.

If in the case of loss, non returned or damage to a loaned award we need to inform all parents/carers and the class fee bill payer that all costs associated with the repair or replacement of any lost, non returned or damaged award will be recovered from the named adult responsible for the student who has the award in their care, this will include the cost of re engraving from any previous years winners names.

UNIFORM AND COSTUME RESPONSIBILITY 

• All uniform must be purchased within 6 weeks of joining the school.

• All uniform orders are to be paid before the order is placed and on receipt of invoice.

PLEASE MEASURE YOUR CHILD CAREFULLY .

 Any uniform/shoes or costumes ordered in the wrong size, made in error by the parent/carer will require a further payment on account to ensure the items ordered are sent back to the supplier at no loss to the school financially. In this instance you may sell it on to another parent in the school via our facebook pre-loved uniform and reorder the correct size.

All show/competition costumes hired from the school or an outsourced supplier will incur a low rate hire payment fee of £5.00 per costume to cover alterations/repairs and laundry and in some cases a separate hire agreement signed by the bill payer.

• All show/competition costume hire MUST be paid by the payment deadline advertised . Failure to do this will result in your child having no costume and being removed from the show/team.
• All costumes hired/loaned remain the property of the school on loan, occasionally  from an outsourced supplier and MUST NEVER be removed from the studio or show/ competition locations by student or parent.
• Any missing hired costumes following any performance will be invoiced for the full face value of replacement to the fee bill payer.
• All festival/competition costumes must be paid for by the invoice deadline, no refunds will be given for costumes or festival team kits and you may only sell on once permission has been sought.
• All sponsored uniform for competition team members remains the property of The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts,

Costume hire, more information:

Our Friends of the school and principal work hard trying to raise money for our school wardrobe fund to provide as many costumes for our students to use during the school productions and festival competition team each year.

We hold one full school performing arts show a year for all students and abilities to showcase and we attend 2-3 dance competitions a year, with this in mind we are constantly evolving to try keep costs to a minimum as well as minimise the loss to the school and its wardrobe.

Costumes can be very expensive and our friends of the school try to ease costs by raising the funds to provide costumes for students to hire on loan where possible.

If you are hiring/borrowing a costume or other items from The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts wardrobe there are associated low cost fees to cover the cost of wear, tear, alterations, laundry and ironing of garments.

The hire/ loan agreement may need to be signed for each hire period by way of reply slip to the school when letters are handed out detailing the hire costs.

We ask that you please take extra care with your costume/props/accessories, we are very limited in supplies with a lot of our costumes/props and accessories being handmade not being easily replaced.

We also would like to ask parents to not put their child’s name in costumes belonging to the dance school to avoid confusion when loaned to another student.

We do fully understand that sometimes accidental damage can occur. If whilst a loaned/hired item becomes damaged or lost in any way we do ask you to please let us know immediately.

Lost Property

• All property AND uniform/shoes needs to be labelled with your child’s full name, we do not take responsibility for any lost items of clothing.
• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts will not be held responsible for any lost or damaged property.
• Any belongings left behind at the end of lessons will be placed in the lost property box, please ask your child to check here for any mssing items.
• Any lost property in the boxes by the end of the term will be sold on for donations towards the school fund raising efforts.

PERFORMANCE TEAM AND SHOW COMMITMENT POLICY

We hire a local venue to host our shows and presentation evenings, all code of conducts held within the document must be adhered to at any outside venue or event the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts attend or hire.

We enter dance festivals and competitions throughout the year and only if the teacher deems that child suitable for either a group or solo dance will that child be asked to join the team.

When a student is asked to join the show work/ festival team class they are expected to ascertain a level of extra commitment to their teacher and class friends, to turn up to classes each week and show loyalty to their peers. Many missed lessons without good reason may result in exclusion from the show or team or catch up lessons on a 1/1 basis to ensure your child is understanding of their role/routine.

If you have agreed for your child to take an active role as part in any of our shows and/or competitions, no matter how small or young, we please ask that you see out the term required for the routines to get to stage, pupils leaving part way through a commitment and after setting new choreography and group placings results in extra time and work for all the other remaining students and staff when they have to re-block time to rearrange and essentially start from scratch, resulting in weeks of wasted lesson time, we feel this does not set a good example to the children.

PERFORMANCE TEAM DESIGNATED CHAPERONES AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Our school is committed to the safety off all students in our care, this extends outside of our standard safeguarding policy within the confines of our usual classes held at our studio and into our performance team rehearsals, both on and off site and attending festivals/ competitions and other performance opportunities where the school are responsible for the children in our care. 

During any performance team rehearsals, either on or off site there is a minimum of one qualified dance teacher, one designated safeguarding lead and one designated licensed chaperone in attendance for the duration of rehearsals. This is to ensure the safety of all children attending, the integrity of the school, its staff and volunteers. During rehearsals it is necessary periodically to hold costume fittings sessions within the time frame specified. All children attending performance team rehearsals must do so with a nude leotard under their team garments to ensure the dignity of the children when needing to try on various costumes.

No person is permitted into the performance team rehearsals without holding a designated chaperone licence approved by the local council and without invitation to do so by the principal.

No adult males regardless of relationship to a child are permitted in changing areas in either the studio, off site dress rehearsals or during any dance festival or event where children will be changing. Changing areas at big events such as festivals are often shared with other schools, the integrity and reputation of the school and dignity of the children attending our school, along with others must be protected above all else. This is an important aspect of our whole school safeguarding policy and is not intended to single out nor discriminate against any member of our school.

We understand that on occasions male relatives may need to bring a child to performance team events, where no female is available to assist within the child's family in the changing areas there are other options to enable your child to continue to enjoy their team without the need for the male to be present in the changing areas, please be mindful that the safeguarding off ALL children in the team and those other children and schools in the vicinity must come above convenience.

If there are occasions arising where your child may need to be brought to an event or festival by a male relative and you are unable to find an alternative care giver, such as a female relative or mother within your child's performance team, then we request that you make contact with Miss Vonny at the first opportunity as soon as you are aware. We have tried and tested systems in place that are working well for fathers or other male relatives who have found themselves in the position of needing to bring a child to an event/festival or competitions, for such events to ensure the children do not miss out by which arrangements can be made for one of our registered chaperones being able to accompany your child into the changing areas and assisting with costume changes if necessary. The contact number of the designated licensed chaperone for your child will be given to you in advance of an event and can be used during the duration your child is in their care in changing areas and/or backstage areas.

This policy does not clash with the requirement to do your own child's hair and make up as these can be done at home before setting off on in any of the communal areas available at any event/festival or competition attended. 

GDPR RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

 

• The Colebrook School of Dance holds information about our students to enable us to carry out our business as a membership, dance education and training organisation. This information includes the contact details you supply to us and may also include information on examinations, courses and student records. 
• The Colebrook School of Dance will not disclose your information to third parties outside the School Group except where the law allows or requires, or where you have given your permission to do so. We may from time to time contact you individually about other carefully selected School services which we think will be of interest to you.
• Please see separate Data Protection policy document held within our website homepage.

The Dance school working closely with children and families will bring us into contact with confidential information. To ensure that all those using and employed within the school we will respect confidentiality in the following ways;-

• Parents will have access to the files and records of their own child via their own Think Smart Portal App, but will not have access to information regarding any other child.
• Staff will not discuss individual children other than the purposes of group management with people other than the parents/carers of the child.
• Information given by parents/carers to the school principal will not be passed on to other adults without permission.
• Any anxieties/concerns and evidence relating to a child’s personal safety will be kept in a confidential file and will not be shared within the school except with management/class teacher.
• Students/helpers within the school will all be informed of confidentiality policy and be required to respect it.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

This policy is in place to minimise the risks to our business through use of social media.

• To protect children, young people and vulnerable adults
• To protect staff members, the school, its members and volunteers.

The Dance School has a variety of official social media sources all of which are secured and controlled by The Colebrook School of Dance & Arts admin and teaching staff.

These consist of:

• Facebook – Colebrook School of Dance and Performing Arts (Public for marketing only)
• Facebook – Colebrook Dance Parents Information Page (Private group for registered parent/carers/students only)
• Facebook - Colebrookdance market-rasen (Friends only)
• Instagram – csod_marketrasen (Private for registered families only)
• TikTok - @colebrookdanceschoolmar0 (Friends only)

Use of Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, You Tube, Blogging or any other forms of social media vehicles is commonplace.

This policy is intended to provide The Colebrook School of Dance Staff, Parents and Students with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media.

Key Points:

• These media sources will contain the official Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts logo. We as a School ,are not responsible for, or involved in any other unofficial pages, channels or accounts.
• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts social media sources are internally moderated and content uploaded or posted that we designate as illegal, inappropriate or abusive will be immediately removed and reported to the relevant sources.
• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts advises anybody visiting or using social media sites to avoid posting their personal data.
• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts will never publish personal data including addresses or contact details of any child.
• The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts takes no responsibility for any content found on any external sites, links or pages including Twitter handles and YouTube channels.
• Many student members and parent/carers of the School use social media sites successfully as communication tools.
• Inappropriate postings/uploads or slander of the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts could be used in disciplinary and/or legal action.
• You DO NOT have permission to reveal any information that compromises The Colebrook School of Dance, by this we mean you are forbidden to share personal information about the studio owner, teaching staff, administration staff, other students or their families. Or anything that is proprietary and/or confidential to them or The Colebrook School of Dance.
• Students, staff and parents should neither claim nor imply that they are speaking on behalf of The Colebrook School of Dance or their staff members.
• Never post anything that compromise the self-esteem of any student who attend the Colebrook School of Dance or any other competing dance studios.
• If you are to post/share any videos of class work or rehearsals NEVER post the choreography in it entirety. The Colebrook School of Dance owns the copyright to all choreography taught at the school.
• Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation of character, discrimination, harassment, copyright and fair use.
• Ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with all the policies you have agreed to.
• STRICTLY ensure that no contact is made with the school via private message facilities via social media accounts or private/personal staff social media accounts.

ABOUT THIS POLICY

1. This policy is in place to minimise the risks to our business through use of social media, to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults and also to protect staff members.
2. This policy deals with the use of all forms of social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn,Twitter, Google+, Wikipedia, Instagram and all other social networking sites, internet postings and blogs. It applies to use of social media for business purposes as well as personal use that may affect our business in any way.
3. This policy outlines the standards we require staff to observe when using social media, the circumstances in which we will monitor your use of social media and the action we will takein respect of breaches of this policy.
4. This policy covers all employees, volunteers and class assistant, interns, casual workers and agency workers.
5. This policy supplements our IT Policies – Acceptable Use and Security – and our safeguarding guidelines for using social networking services and social media: promoting safe and responsible use.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS POLICY?

The school principal and staff have a specific responsibility for operating within the boundaries of this policy, ensuring that all staff understand the standards of behaviour expected of them and taking
action when behaviour falls below its requirements.

• All staff are responsible for the success of this policy and should ensure that they take the
  time to read and understand it.

COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED POLICIES AND AGREEMENTS

• Social media should never be used in a way that breaches any of our other policies. If an internet post would breach any of our policies in another forum, it will also breach them in an online forum.
• For example, you are prohibited from using social media to:

1.2 Breach our obligations with respect to the rules of relevant regulatory bodies;
1.3 Breach any obligations contained in those policies relating to confidentiality;
1.4 Breach our Disciplinary and Dismissal Procedure;
1.5 Harass or bully other staff in any way;
1.6 Unlawfully discriminate against other staff or third parties or breach our Equal Opportunities Policy;
1.7 Breach our Data Protection Policy (for example, never disclose personal information about a colleague or student online); or
1.8 Breach any other laws or regulatory requirements.
1.9 Students/parents/carers/ staff/ volunteers should never provide references for other individuals on social or professional networking sites, as such references, positive and negative, can be attributed to the
organisation and create legal liability for both the author of the reference and the school.

Students/parents/carers/staff/ volunteers who breach any of the above policies may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or place held in the school.

PERSONAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AT THE SCHOOL

We permit the incidental use of social media websites for personal use subject to certain conditions set out below. However, these guidelines treat the use of social media as a privilege and not a right. It must neither be abused nor overused and we reserve the right to withdraw our permission at any time at our entire discretion.
The following conditions must be met for personal use to continue.
(a) Use must not breach any of the rules set out in paragraph 9 below.
(b) Use must not interfere with school commitments;
(c) Use must comply with our policies including the Equal Opportunities Policy, Data Protection Policy and Disciplinary and Dismissal Procedure.

PROHIBITED USE

• You must avoid making any social media communications that could damage the school,operational and educational interests of the School or adversely affect to its reputation, even
  indirectly.
• You must not use social media to defame or disparage The Colebrook School of Dance, our staff, other parent/carers. students or any third party; to harass, bully or unlawfully discriminate against staff or students or third parties; to make false or misleading statements; or to impersonate colleagues, students or third parties.
• You must not express opinions on our behalf via social media, unless expressly authorised to do so by the school principal. You may be required to undergo training in order to obtain such
  authorisation.
• You must not post comments about sensitive topics, such as our performance, or do anything to jeopardise our confidential information and intellectual property.
• You must not include our logos or other trademarks in any social media posting or in your profile on any social media.
• Any misuse of social media should be reported to the Principal.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA  FOR TEACHERS/ STAFF/ASSISTANTS AT THE COLEBROOK SCHOOL OF DANCE

• You should make it clear in social media postings, or in your personal profile, that you are speaking on your own behalf. Write in the first person.
• Be respectful to others when making any statement on social media and be aware that you are personally responsible for all communications which will be published on the internet for anyone to see.
• If you disclose your affiliation with us on your profile or in any social media postings, you must state that your views do not represent those of your employer. You should also ensure
  that your profile and any content, including images, you post are consistent with the professional image you present to clients and colleagues.
• If you are uncertain or concerned about the appropriateness of any statement or posting,refrain from posting it until you have discussed with the school principal.
• If you see social media content that disparages or reflects poorly on us, you should contact the school manager.

MONITORING

We reserve the right to monitor, intercept and review, without further notice, staff activities using our IT resources and communications systems, including but not limited to social media postings and activities, to ensure that our rules are being complied with and for legitimate business purposes and you consent to such monitoring by your use of such resources and systems.

BREACH OF THIS POLICY

Breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any member of staff suspected of committing a breach of this policy will be required to co-operate with our investigation,

• You may be required to remove any social media content that we consider to constitute a breach of this policy. Failure to comply with such a request may in itself result in disciplinary
  action.

PERSONAL PROFILES AND SAFEGUARDING

At The Colebrook School of Dance we have a duty of care to all students enrolled in our classes. For this reason, we ask that all staff adhere to the following guidelines:
 

• Do not accept personal friendship requests on social networking or messaging sites from current staff, parent/carers, students or vulnerable adult service users.
• Do not use your personal profile in any way for official The Colebrook School of Dance business.
• Do not engage in private conversations with staff/parents/student on any social media channel.
• If you are going to be a friend of the schools official social networking group, ensure you have a separate professional Colebrook School of Dance profile and do not use your personal profile.
• Operate your professional profile in the same way in which the school operate their social media platforms for current members of the school.

DISCLAIMER

Any person who participates in dance and performing arts classes provided by The Colebrook School of Dance shall do so at his/her/ their own risk.

He/she/ them/ they shall assume all risk involved, including but not limited to all loss or stolen property, cost, claim, injury, damage, or liability sustained while participating.

The Colebrook School of Dance will not be held liable for any misfortune that may occur.

By agreeing to the policy acceptance you are agreeing that your child is in good health or that a doctor may have been consulted prior to you beginning with the school.

WAIVER

Physical contact may be necessary by members of the teaching staff to position your child correctly or to support them for tumbles/ acro tricks etc. If you have any concerns over this please contact the Dance School Principle. 

PHOTO/VIDEO PERMISSIONS

• All photographs and video taken by the Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts remain the property of the school and will be used for promotional purposes and the schools social media and website.
• I acknowledge and consent to allow The Colebrook School of Dance to use: photos/videos of my child/myself in publications such as flyers/brochures/advertisements/newspapers/social media/studio website/ or      other advertising materials.
• I further understand that in some cases, my child and/or myself may not be used in advertising for the school.
• I further understand that no compensation will be for use of these photos/videos.
• I further understand that upo leaving the school that any photographer images or video recordings may or may not be removed from the school archives and or scoial media.

FIRST AID AND MEDICAL PERMISSIONS

• Parents are required to give permission for a first aider to give immediate and/or necessary first aid treatment should accident or injury occur,
• Parents are required to give consent to an ambulance/ doctor being called should urgent medical attention be required for their child.
• Please see Health and Safety policy for further information and the schools procedures.

CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Colebrook School of Dance & Performing Arts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any amendments will be emailed to parents.

Last amendment date to the school policy: 2022/2023 Variation 9 - April 2022

Most recent amendment date to the school policy: 2023/2023 Variation 10 - April 2023

School Internal Contact Information

Website: www.colebrookdance.co.uk

Email: School Office Manager & Administration - socialmanager.csod@gmail.com

Email: School Accounts Manager – accounts@colebrookdance.co.uk

Phone: School Principle via WHATSAPP

All communication sent to the school emails/ class apps will be answered between the hours of 10.00am and 2:00pm Monday to Wednesday strictly.