Terms & Conditions
Please find below the Star Steppers School of Dance Terms and Conditions which you should read carefully. A further copy is available from the Reception desk at each centre. By registering your child/children to enrol with us at Star Steppers via ClassForKids you have agreed to accept and abide by the Terms and Conditions contained within this document. Please email the office on info@starsteppers.co.uk if you require further information or explanation.
Attendance at Star Steppers School of Dance is dependent on acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Terms and Conditions:
Fees
By enrolling your child at Star Steppers you agree to the Star Steppers terms for the payment of fees. By agreeing to accept the Terms and Conditions this forms a contract between Star Steppers and you. All fees and payments are handled through Stripe via the ClassForKids platform. Fees are payable by Direct Debit on the first of every month. If you know that your payment is not going to be collected due to lack of funds, change of details etc. then you must contact both Star Steppers and ClassForKids in advance to discuss payment details. Details for ClassForKids are; email - support@classforkids.co.uk, contact number - 0800 011 9443. All arrears will be referred to a third-party collection agency from January 2023. We may also recover any outstanding arrears legally through the Small Claims Court. This will only be done as the last resort, and you will be informed by letter that we are pursuing this course of action.
From 1st January 2023 cash payments that have been made directly to the dance centres will no longer be accepted and all payments will be collected on 1st of each month, every month. Direct Debit payments will be set up for every pupil that enrols with us at Star Steppers.
If your child attends dance classes at more than one centre or is a sibling to another pupil/s at Star Steppers the fees will be adjusted accordingly to include any monthly fee discounts that come with these options.
To clarify arrangements for payment:-
We will send out the cost of classes each September and you will be given a half term’s notice of any increase in fees.
Fees are paid by Direct Debit on the first of each month.
Cash payments made directly to the centres will no longer be accepted from 1st January 2023.
Parents must ensure that their child is registered each week and come to the sign in desk, this will enable us to make contact with you directly if fees have not been paid.
If we have not received payment, a member of staff will speak with you and we may turn your child away from classes.
If a payment fails to clear, you will still need to pay your child’s fees. You must contact us to discuss the matter.
Fees are payable during the one month, in writing, notice period as detailed in ‘Termination of classes’ below.
(We will always pursue unpaid fees)
Termination of classes
If your child no longer wishes to dance at Star Steppers we require one month’s notice in writing by letter or email to our admin office or by email to info@starsteppers.co.uk
Fees are still due for the month whether or not your child attends classes.
Non-Payment
In the past, the collection and non-payment of fees by a small minority of parents has been difficult to manage. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, please get in touch so that we can discuss your options. If your direct debit fails, and you do not keep us informed, your fees and any arrears that need to be paid may be referred to a third-party collection agency who will manage arrears and recover debts on our behalf. Once you have been referred the Agency will liaise with you on our behalf. We will always be informed by ClassForKids that a payment has “bounced”. You must get in touch to keep us informed of what is happening so that we can avoid you getting into an arrear's situation.
It is the expectation of Star Steppers School of Dance that all dance classes must be paid for. Unfortunately we do not provide dance tuition to students free of charge. Please do not commit to enrolling your child with Star Steppers unless you can ensure that you can pay their fees promptly and in full.
Thank you to the large percentage of parents who always pay promptly and in full. This is much appreciated and assists us greatly in the smooth running of the business.
Absences
Fees are not waived in respect of a pupil’s short term sickness or injury, missed classes/rehearsals due to family holidays, school trips, examinations and competitions.
Cancellation of classes
On occasions, classes may need to be cancelled and then postponed to a later date. Star Steppers School of Dance will endeavour to give as much notice as possible and will notify Parents/Guardians either by email, Facebook or telephone. We reserve the right to cancel any classes anytime up to and including the date the class starts.
Medical Waiver (Including COVID protocols
In consideration of my child/children being allowed to participate in any way in any Star Steppers School of Dance and Performing Arts activities, I understand, acknowledge and agree to the following:
I certify that they are physically fit and able to participate in the program, event or activity, and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical professional. They will not participate in any program, event or activity in which they a not physically able.
I and they agree to comply with any and all new rules, regulations, terms and conditions for participation in the classes, events or activities.
COVID-19: The coronavirus, COVID-19, was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. It is believed that an individual can be in infected with COVID-19 without their knowledge and be asymptomatic.
Star Steppers has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, Star Steppers cannot guarantee that I or anyone else will not become infected with COVID-19, including my relatives.
Participation in a Star Steppers activity could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. By accepting this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I and they may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in a Star Steppers activity, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death to myself or relatives. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at a Star Steppers activity may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself or others, including, but not limited to, Star Steppers School of Dance and Performing Arts employees, volunteers, and programme participants.
I UNDERSTAND AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL the foregoing risks related to COVID-19 and accept sole responsibility for any injury or illness that may occur. Further, I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of Star Steppers, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any Star Steppers program(s), related event, or activity.
Contact
As dance is a physical art form, the teacher may need to have physical contact with the pupil in order to make kinaesthetic corrections. This will be done in a careful and professional manner.
Liabilities
Star Steppers School of Dance do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
Whilst in the care of the teacher, pupils should at all times follow any instructions given.
Star Steppers School of Dance cannot be responsible for pupils outside of their classes.
Parents/Guardians & Pupils Responsibilities:
Agreements
Any forms that are signed by parents/guardians constitute an agreement/contract between the parent and Star Steppers School of Dance, including these Terms and Conditions.
Absences
Parents/Guardians should inform Star Steppers School of Dance via email or text/call if a pupil is to be absent from class/rehearsal or if illness or injury will prevent them from participating fully. Pupils are expected to attend at least 7 out of 10 classes a term for each class and if they fail to do so they may lose their place.
Changes to Parents/Guardians/Pupils details
Parents/Guardians are responsible for keeping us informed of any changes to contact details and any updates to the information given when setting up your child's/children's account (including ill health and injuries). To update your child's/children's information whenever required please log into your ClassForKids account to make any necessary changes.
Notices
Parents/Guardians are responsible for keeping up to date with any information given by Star Steppers School of Dance via letters, emails and Facebook posts so that pupils attend the correct classes and rehearsals and are kept informed about all relevant matters. Letters and newsletters will be made available at individual centres. By enrolling your child/children onto the ClassForKids platform you are agreeing that your email address used to register your child's details can be added to our mailing list in order to receive any email communications from us.
Warming up/Injury
Pupils must arrive before the start of a class/rehearsal to warm-up (unless they have just participated in another class). This helps to reduce the risk of injury, although injuries can still happen in such a physical art form and Star Steppers School of Dance do not accept responsibility for any injury occurring to a student whilst in class/rehearsals, unless caused by negligence.
Attire
Pupils should attend classes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for dance. A Star Steppers T-shirt should be worn. Clothing should be comfortable to allow free movement and no underwear should be visible. Underwear should be appropriate for dance. Please refrain from wearing denim. No jewellery should be worn. Long hair should be tied back. Appropriate footwear is dance shoes, pumps or trainers (also ballet pumps and tap shoes if your child attends these classes).
Manners and behaviour
Everyone is expected to behave in a fitting and proper manner and show respect to one another. Children of all abilities are welcome at Star Steppers and enjoyment of dance is our main priority and is the basis and focus of our school’s ethos.
Negative comments about others appearance or ability are not welcomed. Inclusion, positivity and encouragement are! If Star Steppers School of Dance consider the behaviour of any pupil to be disruptive to staff, other parents or pupils or you are in breach of any of these terms and conditions, Star Steppers School of Dance reserve the right to speak directly with parents about these issues and exclude the pupil if necessary. If this is the case, fees will not be refunded.
Hire of premises & Parents/Guardians/Pupils waiting areas
Star Steppers School of Dance pupils and parents/guardians must adhere to the rules as set out by the schools/centres for the premises we hire from them. Pupils and parents/guardians must not enter any areas we do not hire and the spaces must be left how we have found them. Parents are allowed to wait outside of their class (as long as it is not distracting for the pupils) all parents must wait in the designated area
Lost Property
Unnamed lost property will be kept for three months at which point it will be given to charity. Please ensure all uniform and property is clearly labelled with the pupils name.
Observation of classes
Parents/Guardians are not permitted to observe classes (unless arranged by the class teacher). Parents/Guardians will have the opportunity to watch their child at designated showcases arranged at each of the centres (for each class they are enrolled on) and in dance demonstrations as arranged by the school.
Commitment to group rehearsals/performances
Every pupil is a valued member of the Star Steppers community and is welcome to take part in classes and performances!
However, choreography does not just happen, it is planned in advance and much work and thought goes on behind the scenes. Absence from classes and rehearsals means pupils do have to catch up and group dances may suffer as a result. Please do not commit to performances unless you can attend all or most of the classes and rehearsals.
Photographs and video footage
Any photographs and video footage taken of pupils by Star Steppers School of Dance may be used to publicise the school on flyers, programmes etc. If you do not wish your child’s image to be used for these purposes you must inform Star Steppers School of Dance in writing and ensure this request has been acknowledged. Our bi-annual show is always videoed and photographed and your child will form part of the resulting DVD and photographs if they take part in the show.
Costumes
Where there is a cost for buying or hiring costumes for performances and shows, parents will be informed of the amount before they commit their child to any dances. Fees for costumes for performances are not refundable if a pupil stops participating or is excluded due to poor attendance and/or unpaid fees.
Queries
Try to avoid interrupting dance teachers during lessons although they are all happy to talk to you at the end of the session. At some centres there are parent volunteers, admin support or junior teaching colleagues who may be able to assist you with your query. In addition, any queries can be emailed to the info@starsteppers.co.uk and we will get back to you with a reply promptly. This method of contact is preferred wherever possible.
Further training
Star Steppers School of Dance is happy to assist pupils who wish to further their training at colleges and undergraduate establishments by offering advice, guidance and references if required.
We are still one of the most competitive dance schools in the area and offer the best value for money for dance classes. We do not insist on expensive uniforms and do not have lots of rules and regulations. Our main priority is that children enjoy fully inclusive dance lessons given in a warm, caring and friendly environment. Your child is a valued member of the Star Steppers community, along with their parents, carers and wider families. It has been our intention to set out clear and fair terms and conditions in a more formal manner to ensure that Star Steppers can continue to be sustainable and successful.
Updated November 2022