Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

INTRODUCTION

To help you get the best out of TPA and to understand our responsibilities to you and your responsibilities to us, please read the following terms and conditions. The language used should make these terms and conditions as clear as possible. The following policies exist to safeguard the wellbeing of our pupils and to ensure that the good name of our Academy continues to be associated with high quality teaching and enjoyment of performing arts.

The Performance Academy reserves the right to refuse entry to classes if these rules are not complied with. The school will review and amend its policies on a regular basis and advises parents and pupils to read this document thoroughly to ensure a clear understanding is gained. Please contact a member of our team if you require further information.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Payments and fees

1.1 In order for a place to be kept open for your child in our classes, payment is required monthly, by subscription only.

1.2 Signing up through our class booking link on classforkids and setting up a subscription is the only registration and payment method TPA will accept. We are no longer able to accept cash, cheques, monthly BACS payments or fast track payments for fees.

1.3 We reserve the right to make changes to these amounts and/or collection date if necessary.

1.4 Fees are reviewed annually.

1.5 The system we use is Class for Kids. All registrations and payments are set up through our website (www.theperformanceacademy.uk) which links to this system.

1.6 Payment will be taken from the account you specify on the 1st of every month. Failure to make payments on time may result in losing your place in chosen class(es). If you are having trouble paying, please speak to a member of our team and we will do our best to help.

1.7 Subscription: TPA Scotland classes follow the school calendar for each local council area, we are closed on school holidays (September weekend/ October school week/ Christmas/ February weekend/ Easter and Summer)

1.8 Our fees are pro-rated, meaning that the total cost of classes is split over 12 monthly payments. Our classes run during term time (*holidays vary depending on class dates/ days and council area). Our classes run for approx 38 weeks of the year and all class fees include additional classes/ hours of tuition prior to our Christmas class display time in December each year. 1.9 ‘Cover fees’: Your subscription payment will come out on the 1st of each month. If you join our classes after the first of the month, you will be subject to a ‘cover payment’ the following month to cover the mid months class fees. You will be advised after your class trial and these fees will be added to your first months subscription payment. After this, your class fees will be the same set amount each month.

1.10 Enrolment fees at time of joining are £25.00/ student for all students.

1.11 There is an annual club membership fee, to cover the setting up of each student on our system/insurances/ licensing and more. The cost is £25 for all members and is due on the 1^st of August each year or once enrolled.

1.12 The subscription system ensures everyone pays on time as previously, 60% of fees were paid very late to TPA, with some not being paid at all.

1.13 All fees are non-refundable.

1.14 Late payment charges are hours of admin time for our team. Any fees not paid by the 5th of the month will incur a £15 late payment admin fee. If fees aren't rectified and set up and if your account is still showing "Problem" by the 1st of the following month, a £30 admin fee will be added to your next months class fees. These fees are non-refundable.

2. Cancellation

2.1 Should your child wish to cancel one of their classes then we require one month’s written notice via email along with one final full fee payment. (info@theperformanceacademy.co.uk)

2.2 Any classes that fall under 5 students in total will be subject to being cancelled.

2.3 All unattended lessons are still payable. Substitute lessons can be arranged where applicable.

3. Clothing

3.1. TPA branded merchandise is available to order from our website: www.theperformanceacademy.co.uk/shop

3.2. No jewellery or accessories to be worn to TPA classes for obvious safety reasons.

3.3. Uniform must be worn at every session and is compulsory class wear for every student.

3.4 Hair should be in a neat and tidy ponytail or bun.

4. Classes and performances

4.1. TPA aim to provide the very best training. We will implement fun and discipline to do this. If we feel that any student is being disruptive on a regular basis, we will issue a verbal warning. If this continues, we will speak to parents about the matter.

4.2 Promotional pictures and footage will be taken throughout the year during classes; we will require a written request if you do NOT wish for your child to take part. We may also work in collaboration with outside media companies in line with our data protection policy.

4.3. All show money paid is non-refundable.

4.3 After signing up to commit to a show space, full fees are due and will be charged. Should your child wish to leave a show class early full fees will be due and charged, and you sign to agree to this at show sign up.

4.4. Any student found using a mobile phone will have the phone confiscated and returned at the end of the session.

Mobiles aren’t permitted inside our classes, unless being used for learning purposes.

4.5. We advise that your child does not bring any valuables (i.e. phones, jewellery etc.) with them to the classes. TPA do not accept any liability for lost or damaged belongings. Any belongings should have child’s name clearly marked.

4.6. No child will be allowed to leave the building without a parent/guardian (unless arranged and confirmed in writing by the legal parent/ guardian) Your child’s safety is paramount to us.

4.7. TPA cannot be held responsible for any injuries incurred during classes. Teachers will ensure students are learning and progressing in a safe manner.

4.8. If you are going to be late to pick your child up, you must make contact the team to inform us. Late pick up charges will apply, we allow a 10 minute grace period and after this, £10 charges apply per 15 mins.

4.9 If you wish to change/ drop a class, this must be confirmed in writing by emailing only to info@theperformanceacademy.co.uk

4.10 If you wish to add or trial an alternative a class, this can be done by booking via the class booking website:

https://the-performance-academy.classforkids.io

5. Discipline

5.1. Unruly, disruptive behaviour in class will not be tolerated. We have a strict antibullying policy in place and expect our students to always adhere to this. We also ask that all parents respect this rule too.

5.2. We believe in teaching boundaries and setting a good example in line with our positive ethos to build our student’s confidence and self-esteem.

5.3. Our staff will not tolerate abusive or disruptive behaviour from students or parents. We will treat everyone with respect and appreciate the same in return.

5.4 If a child/parent displays consistent unruly or aggressive behaviour, this could result in termination of class membership with no refund of fees.

6. General

6.1 Any medical conditions must be disclosed upon registration, and the responsibility falls on you, the parent/guardian, to update us and your parent account on class for kids when necessary, thereafter. It is imperative that we are always fully aware of any health implications, for your child’s safety and your own peace of mind.

6.2 It is the legal guardian’s responsibility to update your contact details in your parent account as and when is needed.

6.3 TPA communication is made via email and social media. Please ensure you follow our social media platforms for recent updates and continue to check spam/junk email folders for all emails and monthly newsletters. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to keep up to date with all relevant information regarding their child. We will also post reminders in our closed Facebook

group – please search ‘The Performance Academy Scotland – Private Members/ Parents Group’ and answer the questions to request to join. Only those requests with fully completed answers will be permitted access to our private group page.

6.4 From time to time, it will be essential for physical contact to take place between the teacher and student/peers. We always encourage safe practice and support students in doing so.

6.5 In the event of a session being cancelled due to conditions out with our control, fees will be non-refundable.

6.6 All events are a choice, therefore show participation is not compulsory.

7. Illness

7.1 Students/families should not attend classes if they are showing any symptoms such as a fever, cough or congestion.

7.2 You must refrain from bringing your child to class if they have had any form of illness within 48 hours of the class.

7.3 Please report absence in writing to: info@theperformanceacademy.co.uk

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*FAQs*

Why do I need to pay during the school holidays and summer break?

The monthly payment you pay is your ANNUAL COST of attending split into 12 equal monthly payments. This means that payments are still due when holidays occur but parents are only charged for approx. 38 weeks of lessons. This is the simplest and more affordable way to pay for your children's classes.

What if my child no longer wishes to attend TPA Scotland?

One months notice is required for all cancellations. Please give us 1 months notice in writing via email to info@theperformanceacademy.co.uk. There will be 1 final full payment due after cancellation.

Class fees cannot be cancelled during the month of July or August when our offices are closed for summer, our team are out of office during this time and are on annual leave. Class cancellations during holiday periods will not be acknowledged until our offices reopen and staff return to work. All cancellations may be liable for outstanding fees for classes already delivered from August - August.

Can I still pay in a different way?

No. After much research we have come to the decision that monthly payments are the most convenient and affordable way to take payments for all parents. Streamlining our payment options across all classes and venues allows us to keep our admin to a minimum and focus all of our time on teaching and continually improving our classes and productions.

What will happen if classes have to pause in person due to another Covid-19 lockdown?

If classes at any of our venues have to pause due to a spike in Covid-19 we will provide an online alternative. This will ensure that no students miss out on any classes.

Will I be charged for extra hours for rehearsals for Christmas/ Summer classwork displays?

No. We have taken extra rehearsals for class work demonstrations into account and the monthly payments include any extra rehearsal hours for our class work displays. There is no charge for students participating in any TPA class displays.