First Stage is committed to protecting your privacy and security.

In line with the General Data Protection Regulation policies (GDPR) which came into effect on May 25th 2018 we have a duty to communicate how we process and share privacy information.

This privacy policy sets out how First Stage Dance and Theatre Academy uses the information that you give to us via our website contact forms or by completing the Student Details Form when you enrol your child at First Stage.

The personal information which we collect from you about you and your child is used by First Stage for the purpose of administration in connection with dance and theatre classes and activities. This includes awareness of any medical needs of a student and supply of information and examination paperwork to the ISTD, LAMDA, Competition organisers and similar organisations associated with your classes at First Stage.

We will never use your contact details for any marketing purposes unrelated to First Stage or pass them on to third parties other than mentioned herein. or where you have given your permission to do so.

What Information do we collect and where is it stored?

Our customers details are being stored with membermeister.com

Information is gathered via and stored electronically in our data storage system provided by Membermeister. This is GDPR compliant business software specially designed for dance and theatre schools and enables us to send you emails and invoices.

First Stage is committed to ensuring that we manage and process personal data safely with access to office computers password protected.

Use of Photographs & Videos.

First Stage stores some personal data visually as photographs and video clips. These may be taken during class times or performances and can be used on all platforms of social media and the First Stage website. These will only be published if consent has been obtained by the parent/student via the student enrolment documentation.

Links to Third Party Sites and Social Media.

First Stage may include links to third party sites. First Stage does not control these third party sites and we encourage you to read the privacy statement of every site you visit.

All your data will be stored securely, for no longer than necessary, and solely for the completion of those business activities. First Stage will ensure that we protect the individual’s right to privacy.

You have the right to access all personal data we have about you or your child at any time under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Terms & Conditions

For the purpose of this document First Stage Dance & Theatre Academy shall be referred to as FS.

Please take your time to read the following ‘Terms & Conditions’. It is very important that you understand these terms and conditions before you complete the registration form for enrolment.

1. Joining FS.

A registration form must be completed by a parent or guardian with relevant consent obtained where appropriate. This form must be submitted by the first official lesson after the trial lesson. Your registration form from this point is your contract with FS.

Any medical condition must be disclosed to the academy upon registration and thereafter.

It is very important that any learning difficulties are disclosed in order for us to provide support and nurture the student.

In the main, the method of communication by FS is by email. It is therefore essential that all emailed addresses are kept up to date.

By agreeing to these terms and conditions you are agreeing to receive invoices, newsletters, timetables and general emails from FS. You are also agreeing for your data to be held on an electronic database, in a contacts file.

Attendance of any other similar dance/performance school must be disclosed to the Principal upon registration.

FS does not discriminate on background, race or religion, regularly monitors staff to maintain school teaching policies and adheres to the health and safety procedures to ensure that each Child dances in a class appropriate to their level of development.

First Stage will ensure that the appropriate checks are made of teachers, trainers and chaperones working with pupils and that they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children

From time to time it is necessary for the teachers to use physical contact when helping to improve the students’ posture or assist in movements. This includes physical contact between students, i.e. holding hands.

FS is only responsible for pupils while they are in a class. Children cannot be supervised whilst outside class. Young children must be collected promptly at the end of their class. Students are not permitted to go outside the building at anytime without an adult.

FS does not accept any responsibility for any loss or expense due to circumstances out of our control. We are not responsible for personal possessions that are lost or damaged whilst on the First Stage premisis.

Although we endeavour to keep all customers up to date, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to regularly read the website/facebook information and noticeboards in order to be fully aware of all upcoming events.

2. FS Fees.

The FS year is between 35-41 weeks. The number of weeks is dependent on where education terms dates fall.

Terms fees are invoiced per half term in advance (between 5-8 weeks).

Any classes missed due to sickness and holidays must still be paid for.

Fees are to be paid by cash or bank transfer no later than the first lesson of the new term. Bank details and payment due date will be on the invoice. When paying by BACS, please use your invoice number as the reference.

Please note: class fees of over £100 may be divided into 2 payments, 50% must be paid by the first Saturday of each half term and the remaining 50% by the 4th Saturday of the same half term. Any delays will incur a £5 late payment charge.

Payments paid later than the above stated timescales will incur a £5 penalty fee per week.

One half terms notice is required if you no longer wish to attend classes and fees are payable during this period. Notice MUST be received IN WRITING – email or letter

3. Use of Photographs & Videos.

From time to time videos and photos may be taken during class times and performances and by signing these terms and conditions you are agreeing to the use of your Childs’ image for promotional and marketing use, this includes all platforms of social media and FS website. If you do not want your Childs photograph/video taken please notify us.

4. Examinations.

Examinations are not compulsory but if undertaken require an additional fee for exam and extra coaching lessons that will be arranged. Students are entered for examinations at the Principals discretion.

5. Uniform.

All Children must wear the correct uniform after the settling in period and hair should be neat presented in a bun for ballet classes. When attending events, festivals, and displays it is compulsory that the FS uniform is worn. Uniform must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name inside so that the owner can easily be identified.

6. Behaviour.

FS has a zero tolerance on all bullying/abusive behaviour including social media and trolling. If you Child is disruptive to other pupils, staff or teachers, we reserve the right to exclude your child from the class until the issue is resolved .

7. Smoking/Gum/Slime.

These are forbidden anywhere on the premises at any time.

8. Food and Drink

No food or drink is allowed to be taken into class with the exception of water. No food or eating is allowed in the dressing room areas.

9. Data Protection.

FS is committed to protecting your privacy and security.

FS holds information about our customers to enable us to carry out our business. Information held includes contact details, date of birth and medical information.

FS will not disclose your information to third parties except where the law requires or where you have given your permission to do so.

For more information please see our ‘Privacy Policy”.

10. Covid-19

Our Covid-19 policy is available on request.