Terms & Conditions
FEES
● All classes are payable half-termly.
● Fees are due 2 weeks before the start of the half-term. Prompt payment is appreciated. Failure to pay on time may result in your child being denied entry to class.
● A minimum of one full calendar month’s written notice is required to cancel your subscription.
● Fees are generally non-refundable. Refunds may only be issued in exceptional circumstances, at our discretion, and in accordance with consumer protection laws.
● Fees remain payable in the event of absence due to illness or holiday, as our costs are fixed.
● A 10% sibling discount applies to families with more than one child enrolled.
● Children must attend only their booked class unless a transfer is agreed in advance with the principal.
● If we must cancel a class for reasons beyond our control, we will aim to provide a make-up session. If that is not possible, a credit will be applied to your next payment.
CODE OF CONDUCT
● Students must arrive promptly and wear suitable clothing for Performing Arts activities.
● Participation requires full attention, willingness, and adherence to our safety rules.
● Bullying or disruptive behaviour is not tolerated. Disciplinary action may include warnings, suspension, or removal.
● Mobile phones must be silenced and stored away during class.
● Equipment must only be used with instructor permission.
● A warm-up must be completed before joining the main class.
HEALTH & SAFETY
● Participation in acro activities involves physical risk. All students take part at their own risk.
● Physical contact may be necessary to ensure safety and correct technique. See our contact policy below.
● Students under 15 may not leave the studio alone without written parental consent.
● Inform teachers of any injuries before class begins.
● All students must bring water to class, in a non-spill bottle, to stay hydrated.
● We reserve the right to adjust the class timetable; changes will be communicated in advance.
● Act One Studios is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
● While we take precautions to minimise risk, we cannot guarantee the prevention of illness (including COVID 19). If your child is unwell, please inform us immediately.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
● We encourage independence. Please bring children dressed for class (e.g., leotard under outerwear).
● Parents are asked to wait outside the studio and not enter during class.
● Teachers are not available for discussion during teaching hours. All concerns must be communicated via email or phone during office hours.
● Emails will be answered within 5 working days. Urgent safeguarding concerns should be marked accordingly and will be prioritised.
PHYSICAL CONTACT POLICY
● Acro instruction may involve necessary physical contact to correct posture, ensure alignment, or assist safely with equipment.
● Teachers may, when appropriate, touch areas such as the back, waist, hips, and inner thighs, always with care and professionalism.
● Physical contact will never involve force and will always be mindful of a student’s comfort.
● Parents give consent for such appropriate contact by enrolling in classes.
● Private classes must take place in visible areas or in the presence of a parent/carer.
● In emergency situations (e.g., preventing a fall), instructors may make contact as necessary and will debrief with the child afterward.
● Any concerns should be raised with our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Rebecca Wood.
● Our full Safeguarding Policy is available on request.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Purpose: To protect the privacy, safety, and reputation of all members of Act One Studios Guidelines:
● Students and parents must not post or share personal information, images, or videos of Act One Studios staff, students, volunteers, or their families without explicit written consent.
● Do not share content (including images/videos) of other students without obtaining prior consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Overview: Act One Studios is committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and supportive environment. All members of our community are expected to behave with integrity and kindness.
Expectations for Students and Parents:
● Take responsibility for personal actions.
● Demonstrate self-discipline and support others.
● Use good manners and show respect to people and property.
● Approach learning with enthusiasm, individuality, and high standards.
Staff Responsibilities:
● Model respectful, inclusive behaviour.
● Set and maintain high expectations for all students.
● Encourage independence and minimise disruption through a well-organised environment.
● Use praise and positive reinforcement to support good behaviour and learning. Parental Involvement: We believe in strong partnerships between staff, students, and parents. We will engage parents proactively when behaviour concerns arise and work collaboratively toward positive outcomes.
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Scope: This policy applies to all students, staff, and associated adults involved with Act One Studios . Statement: Bullying in any form, including physical, verbal, emotional, discriminatory, or cyberbullying, is unacceptable. Act One Studios is committed to identifying, preventing, and addressing all incidents of bullying.
Definition: Bullying is defined as deliberate, repeated (or severe one-off) behaviour by an individual or group intended to cause harm or distress.
It can be based on, but not limited to: ● Race, religion, or culture ● Special educational needs or disability ● Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation ● Appearance, family situation, or any other difference Forms of Bullying: ● Physical: hitting, pushing, or violence ● Verbal: name-calling, insults, threats ● Emotional: exclusion, manipulation, intimidation ● Cyber: misuse of technology to harass, humiliate or intimidate ● Sexual: unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments ● Discriminatory: targeting based on protected characteristics
Key Responsibilities:
● All staff, students, and parents are responsible for preventing and reporting bullying.
● Instructors must remain vigilant, foster trust with students, and respond swiftly to concerns.
● Incidents will be addressed impartially, thoroughly, and recorded in the bullying incident register maintained by Rebecca Wood. Support & Action Plan:
● All allegations are investigated objectively and confidentially.
● Both the victim and the perpetrator will receive appropriate support.
● Reconciliation and reintegration are encouraged where possible. ● Persistent or serious cases may be escalated to the Principal and, where necessary, external authorities (e.g., police or social services).
Cyberbullying: This is treated with equal seriousness. Screenshots or digital evidence should be preserved and submitted. Misuse of social media or messaging platforms by students or parents targeting instructors or peers is unacceptable. Safeguarding: Where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, the incident will be treated as a child protection concern and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
FIRE EVACUATION POLICY
Objective: To ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of all individuals in the event of a fire.
Responsibilities:
● All staff and students are required to understand and follow fire evacuation procedures. Fire Marshals and trained staff are responsible for evacuation leadership.
Procedures:
● On discovering a fire: activate the nearest alarm and evacuate immediately via the closest fire exit.
● On hearing the alarm: evacuate calmly, leaving belongings behind.
● Under-18s must be accounted for and supervised at all times.
● Proceed directly to the assembly point: Top of rear yard.
● Teachers must take registers and conduct roll calls.
● The Fire Marshal checks that rooms are clear and that all individuals are accounted for.
Fire-Fighting Equipment:
May only be used by trained staff if it is safe to do so and has been authorised by the Fire Marshal.
PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans):
● Required for anyone who cannot evacuate unaided.
● Teachers are responsible for executing PEEPs
. ● Copies of completed PEEPs are retained by Rebecca Wood and must be distributed to relevant staff.
TOILET POLICY
Safeguarding and Supportive Practice:
● Staff may accompany children aged 5 and under to the toilet upon request.
● Staff will not enter cubicles or enclosed areas. They will remain outside and provide verbal support only.
● Children are encouraged not to lock cubicle doors.
● A step-stool will be provided to assist younger children with independence.
Important: We do not provide intimate care. If your child requires assistance beyond this policy, they must not be left unattended. Children must be fully toilet trained before attending any classes.
REVIEW & COMPLIANCE
● These policies are reviewed annually or as needed based on changes in legislation or organisational needs.
● Next review due: January 2026
● Policies are available to all parents on request and form part of the wider safeguarding framework. By enrolling with Act One Studios, you agree to the above Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our safeguarding and safety policies.