Sharpe Academy Terms and Conditions (Part Time)

These T&Cs for part-time Sharpe classes are available in PDF format which can be downloaded here.

1. GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
   1. These Terms & Conditions apply to classes provided to students by Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited (“the Academy”). Registration of a student for such classes constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions by such student and, as applicable, by such student’s Parent or Guardian.
   2. Students under the age of 16 must be brought to and from lessons by a supervising adult. Whenever possible the same adult should collect them after class. Parents/Guardians must advise the Academy if somebody else will be collecting the student. A DBS-checked member of staff will supervise the students at all times whilst they are in classes. The Academy holds no responsibility for the students before their class commences or once their class has ended.
   3. All students must follow the Academy’s Code of Conduct (please see Section 6) whilst attending classes and whist present in any Academy venue.
   4. The Academy accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injuries which arise from students misbehaving and/or not following these Terms & Conditions or the Academy’s Code of Conduct. It is understood that in an emergency basic first aid may be administered by a trained member of the Academy team. Due to the nature of performing arts, Academy staff may need to make physical contact with students to correct stance and movement in classes.
   5. The Academy reserves the right at any time to suspend or permanently remove a student from the Academy for any reason and at its sole discretion.
   6. The duration of each term shall be no less than 10 weeks/sessions. There will be breaks and holidays to coincide with school holidays. Term dates will be determined at the beginning of each academic year but may be subject to change at the discretion of the Academy.
   7. If the Academy cancels any classes for any reason which results in the term falling below 10 sessions, a refund will be paid in the form of a credit voucher for the next term’s fees.
   8. The Academy reserves the right to terminate this contract with immediate effect and cease classes at any time with no notice being given. In this instance a full refund will be given for up to 10 classes/sessions paid for but not yet taken.
   9. If a class cannot take place in its usual location and/or at its usual time due to any reason beyond the Academy’s control, including but not limited to government-imposed restrictions, the Academy reserves the right to reschedule or relocate the class. No refund or credit will be given if the student is unable to attend any such rescheduled or relocated classes.
   10. The Academy must be notified in advance if a student is unable to attend a class/rehearsal. If a student misses any three classes/rehearsals in a term without giving the Academy prior notice of their absence, the Academy reserves the right to offer their place to the next person on the waiting list. In this instance, no refund of fees will be given.
   11. You hereby grant permission for the Academy to use any photographs, videos and audio recordings taken in or around auditions, classes and productions in perpetuity for the purposes of publicity in all media now known and hereinafter devised throughout the world. Copyright for all such photographs, videos and audio recordings remain the property of the Academy and may not be used without prior written permission from Sharpe Academy management.
   12. You agree not to make copies or reproductions of any materials or scripts loaned or given to the students by the Academy. All such materials remain the property of the Academy.
   13. Except in respect of injury or death of any person (for which no limit applies) the liability of the Academy in contract, tort, negligence, pre-contract or other representations or otherwise arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions or the performance or observance of its obligations under these Terms & Conditions shall be limited to a refund of the Fee or relevant portion thereof.
   14. The Academy shall not be liable for any failure or delay in fulfilling its obligations under these Terms & Conditions which is beyond its reasonable control.
   15. The Academy reserves the right to use your contact information to send you details of current or future Sharpe Academy events. The Academy will never share your information with any third parties for any reason unless required to do so by law or in any situation detailed in Section 7.4. All contact information is treated in the strictest confidence and in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
   16. These Terms & Conditions may be updated at any time. The most up-to-date Terms & Conditions, along with all Academy policies, can be found on the Website at SharpeAcademy.co.uk/terms-conditions.
   17. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms & Conditions will be effective only if in writing and signed by the Academy. If any clause in these Terms & Conditions is found to be unenforceable, wherever possible this will not affect any other clause and each will remain in full force and effect.
   18. A person who is not a party to these Terms & Conditions has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to rely upon or enforce any term of these Terms & Conditions.
   19. These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales and in the event of any dispute you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
2. ENROLMENT
   1. When a student enrols in classes at the Academy the Parent/Guardian of the student enters into an agreement to remain at the Academy for a minimum period of the full current or upcoming academic year. Students remain enrolled at the Academy until the end of the academic year in which they turn 18 years of age. A discount of up to 20% off class fees is given as an incentive to remain on the standard full-year agreement.
   2. An alternative rolling termly agreement is available and may be requested in writing. Rolling termly agreements are not entitled to any class discounts.
   3. Agreement reviews and renewals will be sent to the Parent/Guardian of all enrolled students in April, when enrolment options for the following academic year can be continued or changed. The current agreement and payment terms will remain in force until such time as a new agreement has been signed.
3. FEES
   1. For students on the full-year agreement, all fees must be paid via a monthly direct debit payment plan from September to August inclusive unless alternative arrangements have been made for fees to be paid under the terms shown in section 3.2 or 3.3 below. Payments will be collected on a set day each month. Fees paid by monthly direct debit will receive a 10%-20% discount (see Section 3.3) on the full class fees. If a student leaves the Academy for any reason during the academic year, the balance of fees for the full academic year will be due. This includes the repayment of any discounts given in return for the full-year commitment.
   2. Students on the full-year agreement can choose to pay the fees for the full academic year in advance in September. Fees paid using this option will receive a 20% discount (see Section 3.3) on the full class fees. No refund will be given if the student leaves the Academy during the academic year for any reason.
   3. Students on the full-year agreement who join in the autumn term will receive a 20% discount on the full class fees. Students on the standard full-year agreement who join in the spring term will receive a 10% discount on the full class fees. Students who join after February half term, or in the summer term, will not be eligible for a discount until the new academic year commences.
   4. For students on a rolling termly agreement, fees must be paid in advance on or before the first day of each term (or immediately after a student’s trial class) either by Bank Transfer or online via the Pay Now button on the invoice sent by email to the parent or guardian responsible for paying the student fees. We do not accept cash or cheques for termly fees.
   5. A 25% sibling discount is applied to all enrolled students. The oldest sibling, or the sibling with the highest combined class fees, will pay the full fees (subject to any discounts detailed in Section 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 above). All other siblings will receive the 25% sibling discount.
   6. A £15.00 administration charge will be payable in any of the following circumstances:
      • A direct debit payment fails for any reason.
      • An annual fee payment is not made before the first day of the academic year.
      • A termly fee payment is not made before the first day of the term.
   7. Fees and discounts are subject to annual reviews. In the event of fees being raised and/or discounts being changed, notification will be given in writing before the commencement of the academic year. Current fees and available discounts can be found on the Website.
   8. Non-payment of any fees due as a result of a breach of these Terms & Conditions and/or the Academy’s Notice Policy may result in legal action being taken against you. In the event of any such legal action, you will incur legal costs in addition to any fees owed to the Academy.
   9. No refunds will be given for any classes missed by students for any reason. This includes if the student has been suspended or expelled. Payment of a fees confirms a commitment to that full academic year (see Section 2.1) or full term (see Section 2.2) and no refund will be given once payment has been received.
4. NOTICE POLICY
   1. The Academy requires the following written notice if an enrolled student wishes to leave the Academy for any reason:
      • Students on the full-year agreement – One full term’s written notice must be given to leave the Academy for any reason. Notice must be received no later than the first day of the summer term to leave at the end of that academic year. A cancellation fee, equal to half a term’s fee, will be charged if notice is given after this deadline, or if no notice is given. This fee will be charged in addition to the full balance of fees for the academic year.
      • Students on a rolling termly agreement – Half a term’s notice in writing is required to leave the Academy. Notice must be received within the first 5 weeks of a term, to leave at the end of that term. A cancellation fee, equal to half a term’s fee, will be charged for notice given outside of weeks 1-5, for example during weeks 6-10 of a term or during the holidays before a term begins. The Academy does not accept part-term registrations, therefore students will not be permitted to take part in only half a term’s classes. You must either:
        • pay the cancellation fee and leave with immediate effect, or
        • pay for the full term and leave at the end of that term.
5. COVID-19 / LOCKDOWN POLICY
   1. Temperature Checks, Masks & Gloves
      These additional precautions have now been removed from Sharpe Academy classes. We ask that masks are still worn by students aged 11+ and adults in building hallways and during performances.
   2. Social Distancing
      Social Distancing is no longer a requirement at the Academy. We will continue to monitor government guidelines and will keep spaces well ventilated at all times.
   3. Washing Hands & Hand Sanitiser
      Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the house to attend class. On arrival they will be asked to use a non-water based hand sanitiser (provided by Sharpe or the venue).
   4. Toilets
      Toilets on site will be cleaned thoroughly before and after each working day. When going to the toilet students should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
   5. Illness
      Students and teachers should not attend Sharpe if they present any symptoms of COVID-19. These include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms such as cold or persistent cough, and a loss of sense such as smell or taste. You should also consider illness within your household. Should a student present with any symptoms of COVID-19 whilst they are with us we will either send them home or contact parents to come and collect them.
   6. Bubble Rules
      These guidelines are no longer in effect and we will resume full class sizes.
   7. Clothing
      Students should wear the correct attire for all Musical Theatre and Dance classes.
   8. Lunch / Sign-Out
      We will not permit students under 16 years of age to leave the premises at lunch or at the end of the day without a letter of consent from parents. Students over the age of 16 will be permitted to leave the premises during lunch and at the end of the day.
   9. Refunds
      The Academy does not offer refunds or credits should a student be unable to participate in a class for any reason including COVID-19 related illness. This includes if the student or their household is in self isolation or their area is in lockdown. Our fees are charged termly.
   10. Venue Lockdown & Zoom
       Should the Academy be forced to operate online due to a venue lockdown and/or government-imposed restrictions, we will run our timetable online on the Zoom platform. These classes will be classed as normal Sharpe classes and no discount, refund or credit will be given.
6. CODE OF CONDUCT
   1. All students must follow our Code of Conduct. Should you have a complaint or a concern please see the Academy’s Complaints Policy.
   2. Good manners and respect must be shown towards all students and members of staff at all times.
   3. Students should always present themselves in a professional manner in all public arenas and on all social media, videos and communication.
   4. All Sharpe Academy equipment and premises must be treated with extreme care.
   5. Bullying will NOT be tolerated in or outside of class times. For more information please refer to our Bullying Policy.
   6. Sharpe Academy uniform must be worn to all classes. For younger student’s, it is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to ensure their child wears the correct uniform and appropriate clothing to all classes.
   7. No jewellery/watches may be worn to classes. Valuables must not be brought into classes.
   8. Drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter) and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
   9. Full-time students on injury rest for over a 48 hour period will require a rehabilitation apppointment with our in-house physio or sports masser and depending on the injury may require a doctors letter.
   10. Mobile phones must be switched off at all times and must not be brought into the studio unless a member of staff has given permission (this includes if a student is injured and watching class).
   11. Students must arrive promptly for their classes. Students who are more than 10 minutes late for their class will be excluded from that class and must report to the office.
   12. If students are absent due to illness the Academy must be notified no later than 8am on the day in question. Full-time students who are absent for more than 2 consecutive days will require a doctors letter.
   13. Due to the nature of Performing Arts, Academy staff may need to make physical contact with students to correct stance and movement in classes.
   14. Appropriate methods of communication are:
       • Direct Message to the official Sharpe Academy Instagram or Facebook page. This will be answered by one of our Senior Management team and is seen by Daniel, Nick and Vicki.
       • Email to:
         • Principal — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
         • Managing Director — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
         • Artistic Director — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
         • Vice-Principal — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
       • Speaking to a member of staff before or after classes. Please see our Confidentiality Policy.
   15. It is the responsibility of all students to inform a member of the Sharpe Academy team should they witness any other students breaking this Code of Conduct.
   16. Parents/Guardians, Family and Friends are not permitted to watch Sharpe Academy classes or rehearsals without prior written permission; this will only be granted in special circumstances.
   17. Parents/Guardians, Family and Friends are not permitted to take any photographs or videos of any Sharpe Academy students in auditions, classes or productions.
   18. Should Students/Parents/Guardians wish to discuss progress, Academy classes or any worries they may have, they should contact Daniel Sharpe.
   19. Students should not bring Sharpe Academy, our students, staff, venues or industry contacts into disrepute. Negative comments both written and verbal will be taken extremely seriously and may result in a student being asked to leave.
7. DATA PROTECTION
   1. Sharpe Academy is committed to providing parents, students, clients and customers with a clear understanding about what data we store and how we use their data. We try where possible to only hold data digitally using secure and protected software. We do however at times require hard copy information such as sign in/out registers, medical details, agency client details, customer shipping labels and examination information. Full policy details can always be found on our website downloads page.
   2. Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited is one company with several brands:
      • Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts – Classes, Productions, Summer School and Website (https://sharpeacademy.co.uk).
      • Agent Sharpe – Agency representing children aged 6-18 and graduates aged 18+ in the stage, television and film industry.
      • Sharpe Dancewear – Online Dancewear store (https://sharpedancewear.co.uk) for uniform, dancewear, musical books, Academy courses, examination fees & private lesson bookings.
   3. Personal Data Collected At Sharpe Academy we collect the following data in order to provide parents, students, clients and customers with the service(s) they require:
      • Parents: Name, Address, Telephone, Email, Second Emergency Contact Name & Number;
      • Students: Name, Age, Gender, Date of Birth, Address, Guardian/Parent Name, Previous Experience, Medical & Allergy Information;
      • Clients (Agent Sharpe): Name, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Date of Birth (Copy of Birth Certificate on file), Address, School Attended, Parent/Guardian Name, Previous Performance Experience, Medical & Allergy Information, Height, Weight, Eye Colour, Hair Colour, Hair Length, Shoe Size, Skills (Sports, Music, Performing Arts, Extra Curricular) and Languages Spoken;
      • Customers (Sharpe Dancewear): Name, Email, Telephone, Billing Address, Shipping Address, Order Summary, Payment Method, Order History.
   4. Personal Data Sharing At Sharpe Academy we do not share any information with third parties unless we are required to do so by law or for any of the following reasons:
      • You have opted for your child to take an examination (Data is shared with the relevant Examination Board);
      • You have joined Agent Sharpe (Data is shared with the Spotlight Casting Directory & Casting Directors for Spotlight Membership, and other Casting providers);
      • Your child takes part in a Sharpe Academy production which requires a Body of Persons licence (Data is shared with the local authority for the area in which the production takes place, for example Harrow County Council).
   5. Photographic, Audio & Video Recorded Data At Sharpe Academy we do at times take photographs, videos and audio recordings during classes, events and productions in order to promote the Academy. These images, videos and sound recordings assist teachers with their lessons, students with their learning, and also allow us to document the academic year. All rights to any photographs, videos and audio recordings remain the property and copyright of Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited. The Academy reserves the right to use any such images, videos and sound recordings in all media now known and hereinafter devised throughout the world.
8. LOST PROPERTY
   1. The Academy accepts no responsibility for any student’s property or uniform.
   2. It is the responsibility of each student to clearly name any items brought to an Academy venue or event. For younger students, it is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to clearly name any of their child’s items brought to an Academy venue or event. It is much easier to return a named item to its correct owner.
   3. All venues are checked for lost property at the end of each day. Any items found will be brought back to that venue the following week. If the item(s) remain unclaimed after that week, they will be placed in the Academy’s lost property store. Any item(s) that remain unclaimed at the end of the academic year will be disposed of.
   4. If a student has lost a specific item, they or their Parent/Guardian should email the Academy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible with a detailed description of the item. If it has been found it will be returned to the student or Parent/Guardian at their next class.

COVID-19 / Lockdown Policy

This policy was last updated on 1st August 2021. Our aim is to provide a safe and workable environment for our students, staff and visitors.   

TEMPERATURE CHECKS, MASKS & GLOVES
These additional precautions have now been removed from Sharpe Academy classes. We ask that masks are still worn by students aged 11+ and adults in building hallways and during performances. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social Distancing is no longer a requirement at the Academy. We will continue to monitor government guidelines and keep spaces well ventilated at all times. 

WASHING HANDS & HAND SANITISER
Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the house to attend class. On arrival they will be asked to use a non-water based hand sanitiser (provided by Sharpe or the venue). 

TOILETS
Toilets on site will be cleaned thoroughly before and after each working day. When going to the toilet students should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 

ILLNESS
Students and teachers should not attend Sharpe if they present any symptoms of COVID-19. These include a high temperature, flu like symptoms such as cold or persistent cough and a loss of sense such as smell or taste. You should also consider illness within your household. Should a student present with any symptoms of COVID-19 whilst they are with us we will either send them home or contact parents to come and collect them. 

BUBBLE RULES
These guidlines are no longer in effect and we will resume full class sizes. 

CLOTHING
Students should wear the correct attire for all Musical Theatre and Dance classes. 

LUNCH / SIGN-OUT
We will not permit students under 16 years of age to leave the premises at lunch or at the end of the day without a letter of consent from parents. Students over the age of 16 will be permitted to leave the premises during lunch and at the end of the day.

REFUNDS
Sharpe Academy do not offer refunds should a student be unable to participate in a class for any reason including COVID-19 related illness. This includes if the student or their household is in self isolation or their area is in lockdown. Our fees are charged termly. 

VENUE LOCKDOWN & ZOOM
Should Sharpe Academy be forced to operate online due to a venue lockdown we will run our TIMETABLE on the ZOOM platform. No discount or refund will be given. Should a full-time student need to go into isolation we will do our best to provide a selection of classes via the zoom platform to continue their training. There will be no discount on fees during this time.

Acrobatics Waiver

As you will appreciate, Acrobatics does carry a greater risk of injury than a standard dance class. Students participating in a Sharpe Academy Acrobatics class will be under the tuition of Daniel Sharpe or Jodie Smith who are both certified with the international program Acrobatic Arts. Parents of all Academy students who take part in an Acrobatics class are required to agree to the following waiver:

"I am aware that participating in dance and acrobatic dance involves inherent risks and hazards. I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, property damage, or loss resulting from such risks and hazards. I voluntarily agree to release Sharpe Academy, Acrobatic Arts, Daniel Sharpe (Certified Teacher) and Jodie Smith (Certified Teacher) from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense that I or my next of kin, successors or dependents may suffer or incur as a result of participation within a Sharpe Academy Acrobatics class."

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Policy

Sharpe Academy is committed to providing parents, students, clients and customers with a clear understanding about what data we store and how we use their data. We try where possible to only hold data digitally using secure and protected software. We do however at times require hard copy information such as sign in/out registers, medical details, agency client details, customer shipping labels and examination information. Full policy details can always be found on our website downloads page.

Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited is one company with several brands:

• Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts – Classes, Productions, Summer School and Website (https://sharpeacademy.co.uk).
• Agent Sharpe – Agency representing children aged 6-18 and graduates aged 18+ in the stage, television and film industry.
• Sharpe Dancewear – Online Dancewear store (https://sharpedancewear.co.uk) for uniform, dancewear, dance shoes, musical books, Academy courses & examination fees.

PERSONAL DATA COLLECTED

At Sharpe Academy we collect the following data in order to provide parents, students, clients and customers with the service(s) they require:

• Parents: Name, Address, Telephone, Email, Second Emergency Contact Name & Number
• Students: Name, Age, Gender, Date of Birth, Address, Guardian/Parent Name, Previous Experience, Medical & Allergy Information.
• Clients (Agent Sharpe): Name, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Date of Birth (Copy of Birth Certificate on file), Address, School Attended, Parent/Guardian Name, Previous Performance Experience, Medical & Allergy Information, Height, Weight, Eye Colour, Hair Colour, Hair Length, Shoe Size, Skills (Sports, Music, Performing Arts, Extra Curricular) and Languages Spoken.
• Customers (Sharpe Dancewear): Name, Email, Telephone, Billing Address, Shipping Address, Order Summary, Payment Method, Order History.

PERSONAL DATA SHARING

At Sharpe Academy we do not share any information with third parties unless we are required to do so by law or for any of the following reasons:

• You have opted for your child to take an examination (Data is shared with the relevant Examination Board)
• You have joined Agent Sharpe (Data is shared with the Spotlight Casting Directory & Casting Directors for Spotlight Membership, and other Casting providers)
• Your child takes part in a Sharpe Academy production which requires a Body of Persons licence (Data is shared with the local authority for the area in which the production takes place, for example Harrow County Council)

PHOTOGRAPHIC, AUDIO & VIDEO RECORDED DATA

At Sharpe Academy we do at times take photographs, videos and audio recordings during classes, events and productions in order to promote the Academy. These images, videos and sound recordings assist teachers with their lessons, students with their learning, and also allow us to document the academic year. All rights to any photographs, videos and audio recordings remain the property and copyright of Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited. The Academy reserves the right to use any such images, videos and sound recordings in all media now known and hereinafter devised throughout the world.

Sharpe Academy Notice Policy

The Academy requires the following written notice if an enrolled student wishes to leave the Academy for any reason:

• Full Time - One full term’s notice must be given in writing to inform the Academy of the student’s intention to leave the course. This notice must be received and acknowledged before the first day of term to leave at the end of that term. If notice to leave is received on or after the first day of term, the full fees for that term and the following term will be payable. Please note the deposit payment made at the beginning of the course is to be used against your final 3rd terms fees in the 3rd year of study only. If you leave before this time you forfeit your deposit. 
  
  
• Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Company and Dance classes – Half a Term’s notice in writing is required to leave the Academy. Notice must be received within the first 5 weeks of a term, to leave at the end of that term. Half a term’s fee will be charged for notice given outside of weeks 1-5, for example during weeks 6-10 of a term or during the holidays before a term begins. We do not accept part-term registrations, therefore students will not be permitted to take part in only half a term’s classes. You will be expected to pay either half a term’s fee and leave with immediate effect or pay for the full term and leave at the end of that term.
  
  
• Students who have committed to the full academic year – One full term’s written notice must be given. Notice must be received no later than Tuesday 19th April 2022, to leave at the end of the summer term in July 2022. Half a term’s fee will be charged for notice given after Tuesday 19th April 2022, in addition to the full fees for the summer term. If a student who has committed to the full academic year leaves before the end of the summer term in that academic year, all fees for the full academic year as agreed will still be payable.

Complaints Policy

Code of Conduct

1. All students must follow our Code of Conduct. Should you have a complaint or a concern we do have a separate policy*.

2. Good manners and respect must be shown towards all students and members of staff at all times.

3. Students should always present themselves in a professional manner in all public arenas and on all social media, videos and communication.

4. All Sharpe Academy equipment and premises must be treated with extreme care. 

5. Bullying will NOT be tolerated in or outside of class times. For more information please refer to our Bullying Policy*.

6. Sharpe Academy uniform must be worn to all classes (please see Uniform List*). 

7. No jewellery/watches may be worn to classes. 

8. Alcohol and drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor) are strictly prohibited.

9. Full-time students on injury rest for over a 48 hour period will require a rehabilitation apppointment with our in-house physio or sports masser and depending on the injury may require a doctors letter.

10. Mobile phones must be switched off at all times and must not be brought into the studio unless a member of staff has given permission (this includes if a student is injured and watching class).

11. Students must arrive promptly for their classes. Students who are more than 10 minutes late for their class will be excluded from that class and must report to the office.

12. If students are absent due to illness the Academy must be notified no later than 8am on the day in question. Full-time students who are absent for more than 2 consecutive days will require a doctors letter.
 

13. Due to the nature of Performing Arts, Academy staff may need to make physical contact with students to correct stance and movement in classes.

14. Appropriate methods of communication are:

a) Direct Message to the official Sharpe Academy Instagram or Facebook page. This will be answered by one of our Senior Management team and is seen by Daniel, Nick and Vicki.

b) Email:

Principal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Managing Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Artistic Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vice-Principal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

c) Speaking to a member of staff before or after classes. Please see our Confidentiality Policy*.

15. All full-time students must complete their rota tasks, these are displayed in the hub above the microwave.

16. It is the responsibility of all students to inform a member of the Sharpe Academy team should they witness any other students breaking this Code of Conduct. 

17. Parents/Guardians, Family and Friends are not permitted to watch Sharpe Academy classes or rehearsals without prior written permission; this will only be granted in special circumstances. 

18. Parents/Guardians, Family and Friends are not permitted to take any photographs or videos of any Sharpe Academy students in auditions, classes or productions. 

19. Should Students/Parents/Guardians wish to discuss progress, Academy classes or any worries they may have, they should contact Daniel Sharpe.

20. Students should not bring Sharpe Academy, our students, staff, venues or industry contacts into disrepute. Negative comments both written and verbal will be taken extremely seriously and may result in a student being asked to leave.

Child Protection Policy

Sharpe Academy fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection. Our policy applies to all staff, directors and volunteers working in/for the Academy. There are four main elements to our policy:

• Ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children.
• Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe.
• Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.
• Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.

We recognise that because of their day-to-day contact with children, Academy staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The Academy will therefore:

• Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
• Ensure children know that there are adults in the Academy whom they can approach if they are worried.
• Include opportunities in the Academy curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.

We will follow the procedures set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and take account of guidance issued by the Department for Education and Skills and our local Councils to:

• Ensure we have a designated senior child protection officer who has received appropriate training and support for this role.
  Senior Designated Person: Mr. Daniel J Sharpe
• Ensure we have a designated child protection officer in each centre who has received training and support for this role:
  Designated Member of Staff: Mr. Nick Jackson
• Ensure we have a designated third party outside of Sharpe Academy should an issue or concern arise involving one of our Child Protection Officers. Sharpe Academy has a reciprocal agreement with an independent third party performing arts school who will be able to assist you. Please contact Shelley Otway, Director of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow based in Berkshire. Up to date contact details for Shelley can be found by visiting www.steppinoutschool.co.uk
• Ensure every member of staff (including temporary and supply staff and volunteers) and directors know the name of the designated senior person responsible for child protection and their role.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for child protection.
• Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the Academy and staff for child protection by setting out its obligations on the Academy website www.sharpeacademy.co.uk.
• Notify social services if there are any unexplained absences of a pupil who is on the child protection register.
• Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters including attendance at case conferences.
• Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.
• Ensure all records are kept securely; separate from the main pupil file, and in locked locations.
• Develop and then follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer.
• Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed.

We recognise that children who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame. The Academy may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. When at the Academy their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. The Academy will endeavour to support the pupil through:

• The content of the curriculum.
• The Academy ethos which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment and gives pupils a sense of being valued.
• The Academy behaviour code which is aimed at supporting vulnerable pupils in the Academy. The Academy will ensure that the pupil knows that some behaviour is unacceptable but they are valued and not to be blamed for any abuse which has occurred.
• Liaison with other agencies that support the pupil such as social services, Child and Adult Mental Health Service, education welfare service and educational psychology service.
• Ensuring that, where a pupil on the child protection register leaves, their information is transferred to the new performing arts academy (if applicable) immediately and that the child’s social worker is informed.

Bullying Policy

Staff Code of Professional Conduct

Guidelines for Conduct in Teacher/Student Relationships

1. Statement of Philosophy

Sharpe Academy is committed to fostering an environment that promotes professional success in students and teachers at all levels. The achievement of such success is dependent on an environment free of behaviours which can undermine the important missions of our Academy. An atmosphere of mutual respect, collegiality, fairness, and trust is essential. Although both teachers and students bear significant responsibility in creating and maintaining this atmosphere, teachers also bear particular responsibility with respect to their evaluative roles relative to student work and with respect to modelling appropriate professional behaviours. Teachers must be ever mindful of this responsibility in their interactions with their colleagues and those whose education has been entrusted to them.

2. Responsibilities in the Teacher/Student Relationship

a) Responsibilities of teachers

i) Treat all students with respect and fairness.

ii) Treat all students equally regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or  sexual orientation.

iii) Provide current materials in an effective format for learning.

iv) Be on time for all classes, rehearsals and productions.

v) Provide timely feedback with constructive suggestions and opportunities for improvement.

b) Responsibilities of students

i) Treat all fellow students and teachers with respect and fairness.

ii) Treat all fellow students and teachers equally regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

iii) Commit the time and energy to your studies necessary to achieve the goals and objectives.

iv) Be on time for all classes, rehearsals and productions.

v) Communicate concerns/suggestions about the curriculum, teachers, or the learning environment in a respectful, professional manner.

3. Behaviours Inappropriate to the Teacher/Student Relationship

These behaviours are those which demonstrate disrespect for others or lack of professionalism in interpersonal conduct. Although there is inevitably a subjective element in the witnessing or experiencing of such behaviours, certain actions are clearly inappropriate and will not be tolerated by the institution. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• unwanted physical contact (e.g. hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing) or the threat of the same;

• sexual harassment (including romantic relationships between teachers and students in which the teacher has authority over the student’s academic progress) or harassment based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation;

• loss of personal civility including shouting, personal attacks or insults, displays of temper (such as throwing objects);

• discrimination of any form including in teaching and assessment based upon  age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation;

• requests for others to perform inappropriate personal errands that are unrelated to the class, rehearsal or  production.

• grading/evaluation on factors unrelated to performance, effort or level of achievement.

4. Avenues for Addressing Inappropriate Behaviour in the Teacher/Student Context

a) Students’ Concerns

Students may address situations in which they feel that they have been the object of inappropriate behaviour at various levels.  At the most basic level, the most effective way to handle a situation may be to address it immediately and non-confrontationally. Often-times, a person is simply unaware that his/her behaviour has offended someone, or even if aware, will correct the behaviour appropriately if given the opportunity to 

do so in a way that is not threatening.  The way to raise such an issue is to describe the behaviour factually (“When you said…”), describe how the behaviour made you feel (“I felt …”), and state that the behaviour needs to stop or not be repeated (“Please, don’t do that again.”)

Sometimes, such a request is not successful, or the person repeats the behaviour, or the student does not feel comfortable speaking directly to the teacher about his/her behaviour.  In those cases, it may be helpful to discuss the behaviour with course directors or department heads. These individuals may offer additional suggestions for resolving the matter informally, such as, for example, speaking to the individual on the student’s behalf or on behalf of an entire class, raising the general issue in a faculty meeting, assisting the student with writing to the individual teacher or even direct intervention to get the behaviour to stop. 

If no satisfactory resolution is reached after these discussions or the student does not feel comfortable speaking to these individuals, he/she may bring the matter formally to the attention of the Principal or the Artistic Director of Sharpe Academy.  

b) Teachers’ Concerns

If a teacher feels that a student has engaged in inappropriate behaviour, it is likewise most effective to address the situation immediately and non-confrontationally.  If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the teacher should contact the Principal or the Artistic Director to discuss the matter further. At this point the teacher should make clear whether they wish to make a formal complaint. 

c) Formal Complaints

All formal complaints will be dealt with following the Sharpe Academy Complaints procedure. A copy of this can be found on our website SharpeAcademy.co.uk

Confidentiality Policy
 

Website usage Terms and Conditions

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Sharpe Academy’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term Sharpe Academy’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website (Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited) whose registered office is The Old Church, 32 Byron Hill Road, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, HA2 0HY. Our company registration number is 7665153 registered in England & Wales. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

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