Thereafter, parents are normally invited to observe their child’s last class of term once a year to view progress but please note that no young children or babies are allowed into the studio with their parents to watch a class. This is for the benefit of the children participating so that focus can be sustained.  On the occasion we feel that a class is not ready for observation, we would notify the relevant parents in advance.

Written progress reports are given to children in Primary ballet and Grade 1 tap / modern and above each July.  Below these grades and in subjects other than ballet, tap and modern, we feel it is unnecessary to provide a formal report; we would however, contact the parent / guardian if appropriate.

The best opportunity to obtain detailed feedback from your child’s teacher is on enrolment day which is held each term.  If a teacher had any concern regarding a child’s development or behaviour, rest assured we would contact you immediately. Likewise, if you have a particular concern and it cannot wait until enrolment day, please call or e-mail the office.  As changeover times between classes are minimal and teachers need to have a break and reset equipment, we ask that parents / guardians choose a more suitable time to discuss progress. 

Moving up to the next level class(es) without examination

A child can remain in a level for one to six terms due to differing rates of physical and cognitive development; it is not unusual to remain in a level for over a year.  Work is not repeated, it is developed at a rate suitable for the individual.

If your child’s teacher decides that they are ready to move up to the next level of class from the following term, the invoice you receive a few weeks before the end of term will provide full details of the new class day and time so please always read your invoice carefully and contact use if you have any problems.  It is always useful to keep up to date with the entire school timetable (see timetable page,  brochure and studio notice boards) so that you can foresee which class(es) your child will move up to next and inform us of any potential timing challenges so that we know well in advance and we can try to accommodate your needs.

As our teachers are qualified and experienced professionals, we politely request that parents / guardians don’t question their judgement over whether a child is ready to move up to the next level, but we do suggest parents attend enrolment day to obtain feedback from the teacher on their child’s progress and development.

Physical Development

New Students aged 9 years plus

Absences

If a child is not preparing for an examination, we do not need to be informed if they will miss only one or two lessons.  However, please do notify the office if your child will miss three or more lessons in succession.

Lateness

It is essential that we minimise interruptions from latecomers. Our ‘lateness policy’ is therefore crucial as it ensures that the lessons are focused and productive.  Our ‘lateness policy’ is as follows;

If your child is in Melody Movement, Nursery dance 1, Nursery dance 2, Preparatory dance and tap, Pre-Primary 1 ballet  or Junior ‘Funky Moves’ they will not be allowed into the class if they are more than 10 minutes late.

Please respect this policy otherwise it disrupts the rest of the children in the class.

If your child is inPre-Primary 2 ballet, Primary modern, Pre-Primary tap, Level 1 street / jazz, Boys Street (I), Primary National and Grades above or Gymnastics skills classes and you are late, please knock the door and wait for an answer.  The teacher will decide whether they can participate or watch the class; the teacher’s decision will depend on:

• How late the child is
• How often the child has been late before
• The stage of the class and exercises planned for the remainder of the lesson
• How close the lesson is to the examination / presentation / show date

The teacher’s decision should be respected for the child’s safety and in consideration of the other class members (each case will be considered on an individual basis).

Thank you for your effort and co-operation.

Please ensure that you call or e-mail the office, or write a note and put it through the office door if you change address, telephone number or e-mail address.

South London Dance Studios Rules & Procedures

1. It is assumed that you / your child will continue classes from term to term.  If not, half a terms notice is required in writing.  If no notice is given, a full terms fees will be charged in lieu.
2. Parents may watch the first class their child attends and thereafter by invitation only.  However,  we always try to accommodate guests whenever a special visit is arranged in advance.
3. After an initial period of half a term it is expected that your child will be wearing the appropriate  uniform. Please clearly label all items of uniform.
4. Children to be collected promptly at the end of their classes by a parent or guardian. Notify the teacher at the start of the class if someone else will be collecting your child.
5. South London Dance Studios accepts no liability for any injuries sustained whilst participating in a dance class or on the premises.
6. South London Dance Studios accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of personal belongings whilst on the premises.
7. South London Dance Studios reserves the right to exclude a student at any time.
8. Teachers at South London Dance Studios may use tactile feedback and instruction to support verbal feedback and instruction where appropriate.
9. Teachers at South London Dance Studios will administer basic first aid if necessary, and will act “in loco parents” in an emergency situation.
10. Students at South London Dance Studios may not attend another dance school unless prior permission has been granted by the Principal.
11. If a student requires to take medication whilst participating in South London Dance Studios activities, their parent / guardian should take full responsibility, and ensure teaching staff are informed.
12. South London Dance Studios reserves the right where appropriate to record or photograph students for educational / promotional purposes. South London Dance Studios also reserves the right to sell DVD’s and photographs of students performing at events to other members of the school.
13. South London Dance Studios reserves the right to permit the recording and photographing of students by staff and audience members during an open class or show.
14. No eating in the studios, no smoking, chewing gum or alcohol on the premises.
15. Lambeth Council have enforced that everyone much exit through the back door of the studios onto Milkwood Road.
16. Buggies must be stored at the side of the building (next to the bicycle stands) in the undercover area.  Only buggies with sleeping children inside them will be allowed to remain inside the building.
17. Additional rules and guidelines may be published from time to time on the main noticeboard.

• If the fees for an adult student or a child in class(es) of Pre-Primary and Grades above has not been paid by the given date, a reminder invoice or e-mail will be sent with an extended payment date and an administration fee of £10.00 will be added to the account.  If fees are not paid by the extended payment date and the space is still available at the start of term, the fee will increase the £20.00 to rejoin the school.  Due to time constraints over our busy enrolment period, the reminder invoice will not be sent to children in Nursery dance and Preparatory dance & tap classes; the space will automatically be given to a child on our waiting list if payment in not made by the given date.
• Any cheques that bounce will incur the banks fee of £20.00
• Post-dated cheques will incur a £10.00 administration fee
• No change will be given so please ensure that you enclose the correct amount if paying cash
• No refunds will be given

South London Dance Studios adheres to the‘Health and Safety at Work Act’ (1974) and to the ‘Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations’ (1997) ensuring a safe environment is maintained for staff and students.

South London Dance Studios adheres to the ‘Data Protection Act’ (1988) so that confidentiality can be assured.

• Child Protection Policy
• Duty of Care Policy
• Code of Professional Conduct

In addition we have the following insurances / licenses:

• Public Liability Insurance
• PPL and PRS Music Licenses

South London Dance Studios is a member of the Federation of Small Businesses