School Policies

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Terms and Conditions of attending classes with Big Stars Theatre School.

At Big Stars Theatre School the health and safety of our students and teachers is our priority. We have rules and regulations in place. Risk Assessments on each and every building we run our classes from have been completed and are available to view upon request.

Fees:

• Fees must be paid up front every half term. Half term lengths run the same as schools and are usually 6-8 weeks.
• Class fees are non-refundable.
• Fees should be paid via bank transfer. If this is not possible, fees can be paid in cash on the first lesson of term brought in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on the front.
• You will receive a message via Whatsapp at the end of every term explaining how much is due to be paid for the following term, you will be given a date that this must be paid by. We ask that payment is sent by this date. If payment is late or delayed you will receive a follow up message from Big Stars Theatre School. Big Stars Theatre School will message up to three times, after this we may deny your child access to lessons.
• A new student may attend a taster lesson making a one off payment of £3. Should this student decide to continue with classes, remaining payment for the term should be paid in full ahead of their next class. 
• If a class teacher is unable to teach a class we will do our best to arrange a cover teacher. If we are unable to arrange class cover, we will rearrange the class for a later date, if this is not possible the class will be cancelled. The cost of this cancelled class will then be deducted from next terms payment.
• Clothing and Merchandise must be paid for ahead of receiving items.
• School holiday club payment is non-refundable.

Classes:

• A registration form must be completed ahead of your child's first class.
• Big Stars Theatre School will inform you ahead of your child starting a class with us what time the class is. A copy of our class timetable can be found on our website under the “Classes” heading.
• Big Stars Theatre School runs classes one after the other, with a 5 minute changeover gap in between. You must ensure you are on time to collect your child.
• Big Stars Theatre School has a no spectator policy. Parents are not permitted to stay during lessons to watch their child. Big Stars strives to provide a safe environment for children to express themselves, some children attend our classes due to lack of confidence, these children find having an audience daunting. In our experience some children find having a parent present during the lesson distracting. 
• Sometimes Big Stars Theatre School might need to change the time of lessons, though this is rare. In these circumstances advance notice will be given. Please note, this is usually for a dress rehearsal or additional rehearsal time in the lead up to a show, this is for the benefit of the students.
• Students participate in lessons at their own risk and parents/guardians are obliged to inform Big Stars Theatre School of any existing injuries or medical conditions their child may have.
• Big Stars Theatre School asks that all participants abide by the Health and Safety requirements of the venue.
• Big Stars Theatre School accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage of property or personal injury during class time.
• By enrolling in our classes you are agreeing to take part in our annual performances. Once your child has been given a part in a performance you are letting down the other students by your child not fulfilling their part.
• We are not responsible for students outside of class time.
• Students should not bring toys or games to class.
• Big Stars Theatre School reserves the right to substitute teachers without notice.
• Any problems, concerns or issues should be raised with Jessie outside of lesson time. 
• Students are expected to be respectful towards their teacher and fellow students. Big Stars Theatre School has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in relation to bullying.
• Students can bring along a drink to lesson. Drinks brought in a disposable bottle or carton will be sent home with the student to dispose of.
• Mobile phones, tablets and electronics are not permitted in lesson. 
• Children attending dance classes with long hair must have this tied back.
• Children should arrive to classes wearing appropriate clothing that they are able to move freely and safely in. Skirts, dresses, sandals and flip flops are not suitable for classes.
• Uniforms are not compulsory but are preferred.
• If a child becomes unwell or injured during lesson parents will be contacted at the earliest possible point.
• The class teacher must be informed if a different adult, not the child’s parent or guardian, is collecting a child from lesson.
• The class teacher must be informed if you have given your child permission to “walk home alone”. We will not allow a student to leave unless we have been informed of this.
• If your child cannot attend a lesson or you are running late, please inform Jessie.
• Photographs and videos may be taken by Big Stars Theatre School during lessons. Big Stars Theatre School will ask every parent/guardian to fill in a registration form on their child’s first day, a clause in this document is that you give consent to your child’s image being used on social media, our website and for advertising purposes. It is your responsibility to inform Big Stars Theatre School if you do not want your child’s photograph being taken. Parents have a right to change their mind and withdraw consent for their child’s image to be used, they should inform Jessie as soon as possible.

Additional Information:

• Emails, messages, enquiries etc will be responded to Monday-Friday. Any enquiries sent over the weekend will be dealt with on Monday.
• Sessions can be booked with us via the Contact Us section of our website or by contacting us on Facebook. 
• The class timetable can be revised at any time.
• It is a parents responsibility to inform Big Stars Theatre School of any changes to contact or medical information relating to their child.