T&Cs — Cygnets To Swans

All parents must read the following T&C’s and complete the registration form when enrolling at Cygnets To Swans.
You can also refer to our Safeguarding Policy here
And our Data Protection & Privacy Policy here
Up-to-date fee tariffs, term dates & timetables will be published on the CTS website at https://www.cygnetstoswans.com/
Booking a Trial
When signing up to a CTS trial, details of the class you are booked onto, the dates and times during the first term and the venue will have been agreed with you in advance.
Payment and Fees
Children can attend an initial free trial class. Adults can pay for their first class as a ‘one-off’ to ensure they enjoy it, before committing to the term.
After your first class, you will be invoiced (by email) for the remainder of the term (5-7 weeks). Payment is due by the date detailed on the invoice (either the 1st class of term or the 1st class after your free trial), otherwise we cannot guarantee your child’s place. Payment can be made by bacs or online via the invoice.
Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds for any unattended classes. However, where available students can attend an alternative class of the same age/level/genre in the same week, where available e.g Friday preschool pupils may attend Saturday classes and vice versa. We shall give you a minimum 30 days prior notice of any price increase.
In addition to class fees, the following other fees (‘Additional Fees’) shall also be payable by you to the extent applicable:
- Examination/assessment entry fee – variable
- Examination/assessment extra practices classes – variable
- Private lessons – from £20 per half hour class
- Show fees and costume fees - variable
In the event of our having to cancel a class we will transfer a refund within five working days after receiving your bank details.
Late payments may incur a late payment fee of £5.
If you wish to discontinue a class, notice must be given by the last week of term (for the following term), otherwise you will be invoiced for the term.
We fully encourage parents to discuss any difficulties in paying the fees in the strictest confidence and we will always strive to ensure a child’s continuation of classes or participation in a show.
Term Dates
We run in line with East Sussex County Council school terms but finish a little earlier at Christmas and Summer and start a little later in January and September.
Anyone is welcome to join at any stage throughout the term, with the exception of the ‘Summer Show term’, which will be communicated at the time of booking, if applicable to your child.
Health & Safety
A copy of primary and emergency contact numbers will be kept on class registers. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of any changes to their contact details.
In case of a fire emergency all teachers have a clear understanding of procedures to follow. CTS will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding our premises and any concerns will be raised with the owners. If required, the school will contact the emergency services first, then the parent/guardian of the student(s) involved by the telephone number on the class registers.
Parents understand that dance is an active sport and injuries can happen. The school accepts no responsibility for injuries sustained via any means other than a teacher’s negligence.
Pupils will be supervised during class time only and parents/carers must ensure the safety of their children in the car park at all times.
We hold no responsibility for children and young adults using the grounds around the building.
Children are not permitted in the kitchen area at any time.
Students/parents or guardians should inform the teacher of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in class.
Parents must be responsible for ensuring your child’s punctuality.
Pupils should not wear any jewellery that may pose a risk to themselves or others (stud earrings, and jewellery worn for religious or cultural reasons are acceptable).
Under no circumstances can any of the main food allergens be brought onto the premises (nuts, sesame and seeds).
No child will be allowed to leave the studio with anyone other than a parent or guardian unless confirmed with teacher prior to class either verbally or via email.
Medical
You will be asked for any existing medical conditions on our registration form. You agree to inform us of any changes, as soon as you are aware of them. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
A basic first aid kit is kept on the premises and staff members at CTS may administer basic first aid on students if necessary whilst a student is attending a CTS class. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, teachers and CTS shall not be responsible for any injuries or accidents taking place during classes that are outside our reasonable control.
Any injury or accident to a child or adult that occurs whilst practicing moves taught in a CTS class outside of the studio is not the responsibility of CTS.
If a student needs to take any of their own medication (whether self-administered or otherwise) during a class, teachers or an appropriate representative of CTS must be informed. In any event, CTS accepts no responsibility for administering such medication (and/or the effects of the same) and the students’ parent/guardian takes full responsibility.
Any learning difficulties should be notified to the school upon enrolment in order to assist us in monitoring progress and ensuring a productive and supportive environment.
Illness
Please ensure any sickness/diarrhoea symptoms have completely cleared for at least 48 hours before attending; or 14 days if a gastrointestinal bug has been diagnosed by a medical professional.
Children Under 4
All children attending CTS classes under the age of 4 must have an adult present. That adult is responsible for the child throughout the entire duration of the class, including toilet breaks and if any medical attention is required due to an accident or illness during the class.
All children in the Hatchlings class must have an adult participating fully with them throughout the class.
All children in the Fluffy Cygnets class must have an adult in the room, however they do not need to participate.
It is expected that volume is kept to a minimum from adults & siblings/other children watching from the sides so that the participating children are not distracted and can hear their teacher. If they need their adult to help them participate from time to time, this is encouraged.
Video and Photography
Whilst the family atmosphere we encourage means that parents, grandparents, and carers should feel comfortable taking photographs or video footage, we would ask that everyone remains sensitive to the feelings of others should some families not feel comfortable with this.
If someone in a class asks that there be no videos or photos taken, the teacher will inform the class and filming/photography must stop immediately and without incident.
Please refrain from sharing your photos of others in class on any social media platform.
On occasion, Hannah would like to take photos/videos of the children in their classes, this may be by an official photographer/videographer. We would like to be able to use these photographs for promotional and publicity purposes. Please indicate when signing this form whether you consent to our sharing any photograph on the internet, on social media or in any other promotional material. These photographs will not be used by CTS for any other purpose.
By participating in any class photographs you accept that other parents who participate may be given a copy and that CTS has no control over its use by you or other parents.
CTS expressly forbids the right to reproduce any part of our lessons in any form (e.g. on the internet, DVDs, photographs, etc.).
Venue
Where a venue is not available on a longer-term basis (in excess of one week), on grounds outside our control, then we endeavour to provide lessons in an alternative venue, but cannot guarantee it. If this occurs, and in the event that it is not possible to reschedule the classes, we will refund the unused balance of your term’s fees.
Class Times
From time to time, a class size may become too small for it to be viable to run. We will always try to offer an alternative if possible. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible and understand if you can no longer attend. Any term fees already paid will be refunded.
Should pandemic guidelines change meaning we can no longer run the classes, it is preferable that we offer you a credit note for any cancelled classes that you have paid for, however you can also request a refund.
Teachers
If a teacher falls ill for example and is unable to teach, we will always endeavour to find a suitable replacement teacher, however cannot guarantee it. In this instance, you will be refunded for any cancelled classes.
Examinations/Assessments
Dance exams/assessments are encouraged but remain optional.
The opportunity for a student to enter a dance examination or assessment is at the sole discretion of the relevant teacher. Hannah will contact you when she feels your child is ready to take an exam/assessment.
It is usually necessary for a student to attend extra lessons in preparation for their examination/assessment in order to reach the required standard and to practise within their group.
Examination/assessment and lesson prep fees will be charged on confirmation of entry.
Students
Students must follow all instructions and rules including those in relation to presentation and behaviour.
Disruptive, disrespectful or antisocial behaviour on or around in any CTS class will not be tolerated (whether before, during or after classes) and CTS reserves the right to exclude that student on a temporary or permanent basis at its sole discretion.
Students and parents/guardians should notify the office via email at info@cygnetstoswans.com of any absences.
As a school, we are trying to introduce better standards on our grooming – grooming is part of a performer’s discipline. Please ensure that hair is correctly styled, and more importantly always off the face and the correct uniform is worn for each class (please see our uniform list – https://www.cygnetstoswans.com/home/uniform). All items of uniform must be clearly labelled with the student’s name.
After an initial period of 1 full term in any new class, all students must be wearing the appropriate uniform unless otherwise agreed with Hannah.
Uniform and/or CTS merch must be worn by all students at all classes and whenever representing CTS externally.
Students should bring a bottle of water to classes as it is important to stay hydrated.
No smoking, chewing gum or alcohol permitted at any time on the premises.
You understand and agree that teachers at CTS may use tactile feedback and instruction with students to support verbal feedback and instruction where appropriate.
Students at CTS may not attend another performing arts school unless you have had a conversation with Hannah and have agreed that it is beneficial to the student. It is unlikely we would ever agree to cross-training in graded modern, tap or ballet with another school. Likewise, if you already attend another performing arts school and would like to join a class at CTS, we would ask that you obtain permission from the school principal.
We have a list of external stand-alone associate and performance programmes that we feel work well in addition to the training & performance opportunities we offer at CTS and are run by professionals that we trust and have the utmost respect for; Royal Ballet School Associates; workshops and intensive courses, SYM Dance Associates and intensive courses, Premiere Scholars and intensive courses, National Youth Ballet, London Children’s Ballet, Wicked Productions, National Youth Theatre , National Youth Music Theatre, Rambert Associates and workshops/summer school, Laine Theatre Arts workshops/summer school, Nicola Tarry intensive courses, Tap Attack, Mica Bradbury workshops, Central School of Ballet Associates and workshops/summer school, English National ballet workshops/summer school. (This list will continually be updated).
We really appreciate an open communication with Hannah with regards to any classes or productions with any other company or society outside of this list (with the exception of normal school productions during term time) that your child would like to audition for or take part in.
As a school, we have good working relationships with reputable casting and talent agencies. If you wish your child to audition for any agency, please approach Hannah in advance.
If your child is ever approached by any agency, associate programme or production company, please contact Hannah for guidance and advice.
Festivals
Entry into festivals/competitions is by invitation from Hannah and is assessed on ability, personality and confidence that the students display in their weekly classes.
Please then refer to our separate Festival T&C’s.
We do not encourage private entries.
Adverse Weather
We are under no obligation to refund lessons that may be missed due to local adverse weather when the venue and environs are safe and accessible, and lessons are held.
We regret that we are unable to offer refunds in the event of adverse conditions local to you which prevent you from attending a scheduled class, however we will endeavour to offer an alternative class.
Valuables
All property left at the venue and all property left in entrance halls or outside, is left at your own risk. CTS cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of any personal possessions.
Data Protection
CTS is committed to protecting your privacy. We will only use the information that we collect from you lawfully in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). CTS will be the Data Controller of the information for the purpose of the GDPR.
From time-to-time CTS would love to let you know about future workshops & classes. I consent to having CTS collect my name, phone number & email address.
CTS Communications and Other Information
CTS makes every effort to ensure effective communication with its parents and we would ask that for your part you give due attention to our communications, which inevitably often contain a lot of detail, in order to ensure the effective running of our classes and school. If you require any clarification or further information, please contact the office.
Changes to Terms and Conditions
From time to time we may update these terms and conditions by sending you either an updated version or notification of minor changes. You are free to not accept these changes but we would ask you to notify us in writing of your non-acceptance within 14 days of your receipt, failing which we will be entitled to treat our agreement with you as being subject to the updated version.
Cygnets To Swans - Terms & Conditions July 2024