Principle Letter

Firstly, I would like to give you a big warm welcome to the Louise Wright Theatre School!

Here at LWTS we are all about the good vibes, offering fun and creative classes that inspire and educate our students in the arts. We firmly believe that the arts are for everyone and play such an important part in supporting children’s personal development, confidence, and social connections.

Facilitating a safe environment that promotes healthy and happy relationships, professional teaching and encourages our students to believe in themselves, is always at the heart of what we do. We are not a competitive school and from day one I have always encouraged our students to be respectful and supportive of one another.  As the Highschool Musical sings ‘We’re all in this together’!

Our Parent Handbook is designed to provide the information you need to answer any questions you may have.  If, however you still have a query, please do feel free to get in touch. The full Handbook is available on our parent’s portal Class Manager and contains the following information: 

Student happiness is fundamental to us, and we all want to make your child’s time with us beneficial and enjoyable.  If at any time you are concerned or need to make me aware of your child’s needs, please contact me via the following:

Tel: 07900 992803                          Email: info@lwtheatreschool.co.uk          Web: www.lwtheatreschool.co.uk

We have a highly active and informative social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lwtheatreschool and Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/lwtheatreschool/?hl=en please like our pages and give us a follow to keep up to date with class and event information, you can also contact me through these forums.

Performance is a fundamental part of the arts, and providing opportunities for our students to shine is key to our school. We love putting on a show, performing at local events, and attending performing arts festivals and we invest in musical theatre productions, to provide our students with well-rounded experiences of the theatre and performance. Our Watching Week is a great opportunity to come along and meet the teachers and see first-hand what your child has been learning and enjoying over the term.

We offer a variety of performing arts classes to provide opportunities for our students to dance, sing and act and take exams in their chosen area, and we are proud to have the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) as our governing bodies.

The handbook and all its associated documents are reviewed annually.  I hope our handbook answers all your questions and we look forward to teaching your child and watching them grow and shine at LWTS!

Miss Louise xx

Terms & Conditions

Mission Statement

To support and develop our student’s ability and confidence through the arts, through professional teaching in dance, acting and singing. Provide opportunities for our students to flourish through performance and exams, and facilitate a community that inspires, educates and encourages our students to grow into healthy young people.

Introduction

LWTS believes in the importance and benefit of the arts for our students.  Our range of classes are designed to support students in embracing their individuality, encourage self-expression and grow in confidence.  We are committed to providing a fun, nurturing environment and welcome all students to dance, sing and act with us irrespective of their demographic, age, gender, sexuality, race, disability, educational attainment, or economic circumstance.  We always promote the safety of all students in our classes and believe that everybody has the capacity and the right to engage in the arts, making LWTS the ideal place for your child. 

To ensure we maintain this and that classes run smoothly, safely, and successfully, we ask that new parents read and agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy and GDPR Policies before enrolling on Class Manager.

Our Terms and Conditions will include the following areas:

Fees and Payment

We charge every half term for all our classes.  If you join part-way through a term, you will only be invoiced for the classes you have not yet attended.  Invoices will be sent out before the end of each half-term with a due date.  All invoices are generated and sent via our online administrative system Class Manager and must be paid one week before the new term commences.

Payment is to be made via BACS: LW DANCE LIMITED Account Number: 02001039 Sort Code: 40-27-02 or Cash (must be in a named envelope).  Please note that children will not be able to start the term if fees are not paid on time.  No refunds will be given once the term has commenced or for non-attendance, holidays, sickness, emergencies, leaving LWTS, Covid or commitments outside of LWTS. A refund will only be given if LWTS cancels a class or at Miss Louise’s discretion. 

Classes are £6.25 per half hour / £6.75 per 45 minutes and £7.25 per hour, with private singing lessons £20 per child.  We have a 10% sibling discount which will be applied to invoices. There is a £10 admin fee for new registrations.

Further information can be found on our website: https://lwtheatreschool.co.uk/fees/

A £7 late payment fee will be added to all invoices not paid by the due date.

Notice Period

Students are welcome to try different classes and attend more than one class.

If a student wishes to leave the school, we must receive a written 4-week notice via email to info@lwtheatreschool.co.uk. If a decision is made to not return during holiday time, you are still required to pay for the four-week notice period. Please note, that if we have commenced show work, we require a term’s notice for those performing in the show.  No refund will be given to students leaving LWTS.

If we should move to online classes, full payment for the term is still required. No refunds will be given for a move to online classes. Please note that if you choose to take your child out of the term, no refund will be given and there is a potential that you could forfeit your child’s place for the following term, due to waiting lists.

Teacher Responsibility

• Teachers hold formal qualifications, have vast experience in their profession, possess an Enhanced DBS, are Licenced Chaperones and have valid Public Liability Insurance.  They are also aware of our LWTS Safeguarding Policy, have completed Safeguarding training with the NSPCC, and are fully aware of our Risk Assessments, Health & Safety Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
• The majority of teachers have a Paediatric First Aid Certificate and as such there will always be a First Aid-trained teacher on site.  A First Aid Kit will always be with the teacher taking the class. All teachers are to report any incidents to Miss Louise and record them in the First Aid Incident Record book.  Any incidents will be communicated to parents immediately or after the class.
• Teachers will always behave in a professional, supportive, and encouraging manner and work to get the best out of students.
• Teachers will communicate with parents where appropriate, after class or via email or telephone.  Miss Louise will regularly communicate via Class Manager, Website and Facebook on LWTS events, updates, performances, exams, timetables, shows, invoicing and any other matters relating to students and the school.
• Physical contact may be necessary when a teacher is helping a student to correct a position or to support technique.  This is conducted with professionalism and with the consent of the child.
• Teachers will be on time for their classes and contact Miss Louise and/or parents if there is a problem.
• Teachers will prioritise the needs of the children.
• Where possible there will always be more than one adult present, or a Chaperone when teaching.
• When assisting young children with going to the toilet, the teacher will always allow the child to do this independently and only assist if needed or in an emergency.
• Teachers will always behave appropriately and professionally, listen and respect all children, avoid favouritism and respect diversity.
• Teachers will always respect that they are in a position of trust and will report to Miss Louise the Safeguarding Designated Officer, or names Assistant if they have any concerns about a child or child’s behaviour.
• Teachers will leave the premises clean and tidy.
• Teachers will adhere to our Risk Assessment and LWTS Policies at all times.

 Student and Parent Responsibility

Registration and enrolment into and attendance to our classes is seen as acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Students

• Impeccable and respectful behaviour and good manners at all times.
• Attend lessons in the correct uniform/attire and appropriate footwear.
• Have long hair tied back neatly.
• Arrive promptly to lessons unless there is an adequate reason.
• Students will not be allowed into our lessons if they are 10 minutes late without warming up sufficiently to avoid the risk of injury unless lateness has been agreed with Miss Louise.
• Always behave respectfully towards teachers and fellow students.  Any rude or disruptive behaviour to other students, parents or teachers will not be tolerated.  If a child behaves in such a way, they will be asked to sit out of the class and their parent will be contacted to collect immediately.  Miss Louise will follow this up with communication with the parent to resolve.  LWTS promotes healthy and happy relationships, we all respect and support one another, verbal or physical aggression and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.
• Students must always be supportive towards their fellow students.  Comparison and competitiveness towards others are not acceptable.
• Students must attend classes with a water bottle to keep hydrated.
• Always ask to be excused to go to the toilet, ensuring our teachers know where students are at all times and as such arrange a chaperone if needed. Young children should use the toilet before their class commences.
• Listen and follow instructions and communicate with teachers.
• Attend additional exam classes, extra show and performance rehearsals were appropriate.
• Take care of personal belongings. LWTS does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged belongings.

Parents

• Support excellent attendance and notify Miss Louise if your child cannot attend a lesson or rehearsal.
• Pay invoices on time and pay the late payment fee if the due date is not met.
• Enrol on our Class Manager Parents Portal and keep details up to date.
• Seek prior agreement from Miss Louise and parents to post photographs or videos linked to LWTS on social media.
• Tick whether you give consent for your child to be photographed and or videoed in Class Manager, please speak with Miss Louise if you have any concerns.
• Inform Miss Louise or the class teacher if your child has sustained an injury or illness that may impact their participation.
• During busy class changeovers, please avoid approaching teachers unless it is urgent (i.e. to inform of an injury, illness or change of person collecting). Please contact Miss Louise outside of class times with any non-urgent queries.
• Keep up to date with important information via email, our social media and the website.
• Respond to correspondence when asked to do so.
• Before or following classes, please ensure your child respects the environment of our community settings, that they are safe, and any rubbish is tidied away in the bins provided.
• Please collect your child on time. No child will be allowed to leave the class until they have been collected safely from a known adult. If a different person is collecting, please let Miss Louise know and you will be given a secret password.
• Teachers are not responsible for children before or after classes. Please ensure your child is lined up quietly and safely before class and is promptly collected. Parents are responsible for the safety of students away from the class setting.
• Familiarise yourself with our policies including our Safeguarding Child Protection Policy, Anti Bullying Policy, Privacy and GDRP Policy, Health & Safety Policy and Risk Assessment all included in your Parent Handbook.
• Adhere to our uniform policy at all times.

 Chaperone Responsibility

Our Class Chaperones for the younger classes are Miss Isabel (18yrs) Mr Oliver (14yrs) Miss Ava (13yrs) and Miss Livvy (12yrs) all of whom have been with us for several years attending classes and are trusted with our students. Miss Isabel is currently training with Miss Louise to become a qualified teacher with the National Association Teachers of Dancing (NATD) and has her Paediatric First Aid Certificate. Their main role is to support the teacher and ensure the children are safe and happy and offer help when needed.

• Chaperones will arrive 10 minutes before the class starts, be in the correct attire, and footwear and have hair tidy.
• Chaperones will assist the teacher with the arrival of children, help with any belongings and water bottles and guide the children to the designated place to await the class commences.
• Chaperones will always be friendly, and alert and show interest in the children. Greet the children and parents with a smile and where there is time, engage in positive conversation.
• Mobile phones are to be switched off and stored safely with belongings.

• Chaperones will throughout the class, always follow the Teachers lead and ensure a high level of energy, enthusiasm and engagement is maintained throughout.

• Chaperones will assist the Teacher with moving the children into the space for syllabus and non-syllabus exercises and always encourage the children to listen to the Teacher.
• Maintain Teaching spots until directed to move from the Teacher.
• Notify the teacher immediately if a child is in need.
• Always encourage inclusivity. If a child is on their own, Chaperones will encourage other children to include them.

• Accompany our younger children to the toilet and do so with professionalism. Always encouraging independence and only stepping in if the child needs assistance or in an emergency.
• Always support the children to the best of their ability and make the Teacher aware if any tasks need support and guidance.

• If a child reveals information to a Chaperone that is uncomfortable or they know is wrong, they will notify the teacher straight away.
• Support our younger children with performances/shows.
• Always lead by example and be a positive role model for our children and the wider LWTS community.

 Belongings

No responsibility is accepted by LWTS for any items lost or damaged, whether inside or outside of the class or in the changing room and toilets.

Cancellations

LWTS reserves the right to cancel a class or change the venue. Parents will be informed of this as soon as possible via email, social media and in some cases, SMS.

If a class is cancelled, the cost of the class will be deducted from the following term’s invoice.

Private singing lessons or classes cannot be rearranged due to a pupil’s illness or for a pupil to fulfil another commitment outside of the school, whatever that involves.

All classes are term-time only.

Timetable

Timetable information is communicated via email and can be found on our website. You can make enquiries with Miss Louise regarding classes at any time. https://lwtheatreschool.co.uk/timetable/

Classes Outside LWTS

We are not a competitive or elitist school. We encourage students to engage in activities that they want to do and that make them happy. We will not refuse children to join our school or ask them to leave if they are taking dance, acting or singing lessons elsewhere. Our school has and will always be inclusive and child-led, what makes our children happy, makes us happy. However, we do ask that you consider other commitments before committing to shows, performances and events to ensure that attendance is not affected.

Exams

Our policy for entering students for their NATD or LAMDA professional examinations is done so with much consideration and care for each child.  Decisions are based on students reaching the required standard and beyond for each grade and not always on previous results or length of time within that grade.  Please be aware of this policy during the examination selection process.

All additional exam classes are charged at £6.25 per class and will be added to your invoice, or you will receive a separate invoice depending on dates and times, this must be paid along with the exam fee by the due date. Exam fees can vary in price depending on the number, location and number of exams taken.

Uniform

For all our uniform requirements, please refer to our Uniform Requirements below.  Our main children’s uniform for our NATD and exam classes should be ordered via our online shop with A Dancers World in Northampton and for all other uniform requirements, please visit the crazy aunt site:

https://crazyaunt.co.uk/lwtheatreschool

https://www.adancersworld.co.uk/modern–tap-uniform-253-c.asp

Class Progression

Whilst our class progression is based on age, we also consider student’s ability, confidence, peer group dynamics and how they feel about moving up to the next class.  Please be mindful of this when your child turns the age of the next class, as we will consider all factors before a decision is made.

Once a student has attended an exam, they will automatically move up to the next grade.  We do not enter our students unless we have assessed them as ready and as such, have confidence in their ability to pass.  To date, we have a 100% pass rate with all exams.

 Watching Week

Parents/Guardians are invited to watch classes during our watching week, which is generally held at the end of each full term. LWTS reserves the right to cancel watching week. Filming and photography are not allowed except by permission and with the discretion of the teacher during watching week. Parents are advised to sit in on the class to observe and refrain from assisting their children or getting involved, unless invited by the teacher. We respectfully ask that parents please refrain from sitting on their phones, you are here to watch your children, so please enjoy being in the moment with them, as they show you how amazing they are!

Show / Performances

All our shows and some performances will require a fee. This includes extra rehearsal time, theatre hire and associated costs, costumes and administration. All parents are expected to pay this fee by the due date. Late payment can result in your child not participating in the performance.  Fees may differ depending on the type of performance, costumes, and rehearsal period. Attendance is always important, however upon commencement and leading up to a show/performance, 100% attendance is expected. Parents will be asked to complete our LWTS Registration and Consent Form indicating if their child can attend and to record any dates their child cannot commit to, along with measurements and consent for them to do the show.

By enrolling and completing your registration to LWTS on Class Manager your child, you accept and agree to the above terms and conditions.