School Policies
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
At Littleover School of Dance (LSOD) we believe the welfare and safety of all young people is of paramount importance. Should any concerns arise in this regard, LSOD has a duty to follow the NATD Safeguarding Policy. For further information: https://natd.org.uk/dance/natd-policies.
LSOD will endeavour to ensure the welfare and safety of young people by:
- Providing a safe environment to learn and teach in for all of our students and staff.
- Listening and taking seriously any concerns raised or shared by a student or parent/carer.
These will be documented and the information/concerns communicated to the appropriate agencies. - Preventing and responding to any evidence of bullying or inappropriate behaviour.
- Ensuring all staff undergo a DBS check.
They must also complete an Emergency First Aid Course and have regular updates. - All students under 16 years are to stay inside the premises until collected by a responsible adult.
- Teachers will always ensure students (under 18 years) have been collected before leaving the premises. Any alternative arrangements MUST be notified to the principal.
- Personal data (including emergency contact telephone numbers and email addresses) is stored on the school’s system and is password protected. It is accessed by teachers only.
CODE OF CONDUCT
LSOD prides itself on creating a happy and safe environment to enable the enjoyment of learning to dance. Any disruptive behaviour either in class or in waiting areas will not be tolerated.
- Students are the responsibility of the teachers only when on the premises.
- For younger children, it is a request that parents remain on the premises until their child has entered class.
- Students must arrive promptly to lessons.
- Regular attendance to classes is essential for individual progression.
- Hair must be secured in a bun for all ballet classes and neatly tied back for all other genres.
- Correct uniform must be worn and appropriate to the class attended.
- For health and safety, no jewellery is permitted (stud earrings acceptable).
- Only photos/videos of your own children should be shared on any social media platform.
- Parent/carer emergency contact numbers are required and must be kept updated.
- It is the responsibility of parents/carers to view emails issued. This will facilitate awareness of forthcoming events within the school and the sharing of any other important information.
- Attendance to class is deemed as acceptance of the above codes.
CLASS FEES
Class fees are due in full by the first Saturday of each half-term. However, class fees of over £100 may be divided into two payments – 50% is due by the first Saturday of the half-term and the remaining 50% is due by the fourth week of the half-term.
- Late payments will incur a £10 charge. This will be applied to the next half-term’s invoice.
- There are no refunds for missed lessons. Any long-term illness/injury will be considered on an individual basis.
- Class fees will not be waived for family holidays during term time, school trips/exams or short-term sickness or injury.
- Should it be necessary to cancel any class, this will be offered at an alternative time. Should attendance to the re-arranged class not be possible, a refund will be offered against the following term’s invoice.
- Attendance to class is deemed as acceptance of the school’s fee policies.
EXAMINATIONS
LSOD strives to offer all students entry into the NATD syllabus examinations in ballet, tap, modern and gymnastic dance. There are usually several exam sessions during the year (a few less when the school production is being prepared!!)
The NATD is an OFQUAL and CDET recognised Awarding Organisation and, as such, NATD qualifications may be referred to in a UCAS application. Grades 6/7/8 and Intermediate examinations (all genres) qualify for points according to the UCAS tariff which may be accepted by universities and colleges. This acceptance may vary between institutions.
- Examination entries are decided upon by the teacher of the relevant genre. This decision is based not only on the technical standard necessary in order to achieve the grade being studied, but also syllabus/theory knowledge. The teacher’s professional opinion needs to be respected when making this decision.
- Invoices for examination fees are issued before the examination date(s).
- All fees must be paid by the exam date.
- Any extra exam practices will incur an additional fee. These must be paid for before the allotted class time.
- If exam classes are arranged and not attended this may result in exclusion from the exam.
- Attendance to class is deemed as acceptance of the school’s examination policies.