- Terms and Conditions (Part Time)
- Terms and Conditions (Full Time)
- COVID-19 & Lockdown Policy
- Acrobatics Waiver
- GDPR Policy
- Notice and Cancellation Policy
- Complaints
- Code of Conduct
- Child Protection Policy
- Bullying Policy
- Staff Code of Professional Conduct
- Confidentiality Policy
- Website Usage Terms
Sharpe Academy Terms and Conditions (Part Time)
- These Terms & Conditions apply to lessons provided to students by Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited (“the Academy”). Registration of a student for such lesson(s) constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions by such student and, as applicable, by such student’s Parent or Guardian.
- 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.
- All students must follow the Academy’s Code of Conduct whilst attending lessons. Details of the Academy’s Code of Conduct will be given to each student by the Academy and can be found on the Academy’s website: https://sharpeacademy.co.uk (“Website”).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- All fees must be paid in advance on or before the first day of term (or immediately after a student’s trial class) either by Direct Debit, Cash, 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 cheques. Fees paid by Direct Debit will be collected on the agreed date of each month.
- Fees paid late after the first week of term will result in a £15.00 administration charge. Fees are subject to annual reviews. In the event of fees being raised, notification will be given in the term prior to the increase. All fees must be paid in advance on a termly basis unless agreed otherwise with the Academy.
- The Academy requires the following written notice if an enrolled student wishes to leave the Academy for any reason:
- Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Act 4, Company and Dance/Acro 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 Friday 16th April 2021, to leave at the end of the summer term in July 2021. Half a term’s fee will be charged for notice given after Friday 16th April 2021, 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, any and all class discounts awarded to that student must be re-paid in full. For example, if a student leaves at the end of the spring term, the class discounts for the autumn and spring terms will be payable, in addition to any standard notice fees.
- Non-payment of any fees due as a result of a breach of these Terms & Conditions 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.
- 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 term’s fees confirms a commitment to that full term and no refund will be given once payment has been received for that term. 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. 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 lessons/sessions paid for but not yet taken.
- 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.
- Should Sharpe Academy be unable to hold classes in our usual venue, we reserve the right to either use an alternative venue or teach classes online via a video conferencing system. In this instance the Academy's COVID-19/Lockdown Policy will apply.
- 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.
- You agree not to make copies or reproductions of any materials or scripts lent or given to the students by the Academy. All such materials remain the property of the Academy.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Academy reserves the right to use your contact information to send you details of future events. We will never share your information with any third parties for any reason unless required to do so by law. All contact information is treated in the strictest confidence and in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
- These Terms & Conditions may be updated at any time. The most up-to-date Terms & Conditions can be found on the Website.
- 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.
- 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. 20. 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.
Sharpe Academy Terms and Conditions (Full Time)
1. These Terms & Conditions apply to tuition and classes provided by Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts Limited (“the Academy”) to
students enrolled on the 1 Year or 3 Year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting (“the Course”).
2. The duration of the course commences from the student’s acceptance of a place on the course and concludes after the student graduates, having attended the full 1 year or 3 years of training.
3. All students must follow the Academy’s Code of Conduct for the duration of the course. The Code of Conduct can be found online at www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk (“our website”).
4. The Academy accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injuries which arise from students failing to follow 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. Sharpe Academy will continue to follow government guidelines regarding social distancing.
5. Students must have private medical insurance, inclucing physiotherapy treatment cover, for the full duration of their training. A signed doctor’s letter may be required by the first day of term stating that the student is fit and well and capable of taking part in intensive performing arts training. Sharpe Academy management will inform you if this is required.
6. The Academy accepts no responsibility or liability for students’ personal belongings at any time.
7. The Academy reserves the right at any time to suspend a student who is in breach of our Code of Conduct and, in serious cases, permanently remove them from the Academy. Students will always have the right to appeal any such decisions.
8. If, following a successful audition, a student is offered a place on the course, a registration fee of £125 will be payable by the student. Once this registration fee has been paid there will be a 14 day cooling off period during which time the student may withdraw their acceptance and a full refund of the registration fee will be given. Once this cooling off period has passed, the student will be registered on the course, the registration fee becomes non-refundable and a £600 course deposit will be due. This course deposit is non-refundable if the student fails to complete the full 3 years. The course deposit will be refunded in the form of a credit towards the final term in the student’s third year of study.
9. Fees can be paid annually, termly or a monthly payment plan can be arranged for you. Fees are due before the first day of term unless you have arranged a monthly payment option. Monthly payments start in the August before the start of the Academic year.
10. Fees are subject to annual review. You will be notified, in advance and in writing, of any increase in fees for the following academic year. Any annual increase in fees will not be greater than 5%.
11. 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.
12. No refunds will be given for any classes or tuition days missed by students for any reason.
13. Should Sharpe Academy be unable to hold classes in our usual venue, we reserve the right to either use an alternative venue or teach classes online via a video conferencing system. In this instance full fees will still be due.
14. Students enrolled on the course must not audition for any other Performing Arts course or participate in any Performing Arts or Dance-related classes, productions, competitions or events for the duration of the course without the prior written consent from Sharpe Academy management. If students are found to be in breach of this condition, Sharpe Academy reserves the right to withdraw any awarded Bursaries or Scholarships, or in serious cases, to remove a student from the course.
15. Sharpe Academy reserves the right to terminate a student’s place on the course, or withdraw any awarded Bursaries or Scholarships, if fees are not received before the first day of term, except in circumstances where a written payment plan has been agreed in advance by the student and the Academy. In the event of a student’s place being terminated due to payment arrears, Sharpe Academy will continue to pursue any outstanding fees due for that term.
16. 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.
17. You agree not to make copies or reproductions of any materials or scripts we lend or give to the students. All such materials remain the property of the Academy.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. The Academy reserves the right to use your contact information to send you details of future events. The Academy will never share your information with any third parties for any reason unless required to do so by law. All contact information is treated in the strictest confidence and in strict compliance with the latest Data Protection legislation.
21. These Terms & Conditions may be updated at any time. You will be notified in writing by the Academy of any changes to these Terms & Conditions. The most up-to-date Terms & Conditions can be found on the Website.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
COVID-19 / Lockdown Policy
This policy will be continuously updated as social distancing rules are relaxed.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS, MASKS, SOCKS & GLOVES
We will carry out a temperature check on all students/staff as they enter the premises. Parents will not be permitted to come inside. When walking around the premises indoors, adults are requested to wear masks. These can be removed inside studios and outdoors. All students and teachers should have a mask with them at all times. These will be optional inside studios. Sharpe Academy will also have a supply of disposable masks on site should they be required. Bare feet, jazz shoes and trainers will not be permitted in Acrobatics, Modern or PBT. Instead we ask all students to have a pair of non-slip yoga or trampoline socks. Non-slip gloves are an optional extra, but please make sure any gloves are thin and continue to allow students to grip the floor. Students will always wash their hands immediately after acrobatics and PBT.
SOCIAL DISTANCING – Students
Students must maintain a one metre plus distance from each other at all times whilst at Sharpe Academy. Only the same households will be permitted closer contact. Students should have their own bag and should not share bags or packed lunch boxes.
SOCIAL DISTANCING – Staff (including First Aid)
Students must try and maintain a two metre distance from staff members where possible and where not, a one metre plus distance at all other times. Should staff need to be closer than 1 metre plus, for example to administer first aid or take a temperature, then they will wear additional PPE.
DANCE CLASSES
During dance classes Sharpe will run a grid system with either numbers, lines or rubber dots. Students will be guided where to stand. This will be their personal dance area. Corresponding numbers, lines or rubber dots will be placed around the edge of the room. During the class, if the teacher would like to do a travelling step or corner work where students are required to dance across the room, the students will all be asked to first move to the edge of the room. They will then be called out to centre one by one to perform the task. Students should not need to touch dots during the class, but we will make sure they are cleaned at regular intervals. All students should wear jazz shoes, indoor pumps, pilates socks or trainers for dance class. Bare feet will not be permitted.
DRAMA CLASSES
Students will participate in socially distanced drama games. Students will be put into smaller working groups and work together, continuing to maintain a one metre plus distance. Students will work on Mime, Physical Theatre, Devised Drama and Improvisation. They will also work on speech such as accent, diction, pitch, pace and tone. Scripts will either be handed to students to keep or e-mailed to parents and/or students. These will not need to be returned.
SINGING CLASSES
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE SAY?
Section: Music
Schools should note that there may be an additional risk of infection in environments where you or others are singing, chanting, playing wind or brass instruments or shouting. This applies even if individuals are at a distance. Schools should consider how to reduce the risk, particularly when pupils are playing instruments or singing in small groups such as in music lessons by, for example, physical distancing and playing outside wherever possible, limiting group sizes, positioning pupils back-to-back or side-to-side, avoiding sharing of instruments, and ensuring good ventilation. Singing, wind and brass playing should not take place in larger groups such as school choirs.
WHAT WILL WE DO?
Sharpe will limit all singing groups. Students will be well spaced on appropriately distanced chairs sitting around the edge of a studio, side-to-side. Singing studios will be well ventilated at all times. We will actively encourage controlled singing voices without vocal projection. Appropriate material will be selected to not encourage projected singing. We will not share lyric sheets, but will give students their own sheet to keep from the first lesson. Due to the discomfort of singing in a mask we will not be recommending students wear a mask for this activity. Chairs will be cleaned at regular intervals.
ACROBATICS CLASSES
During acrobatics, students should wear non-slip yoga or trampoline socks (Compulsory) and non slip gloves (Optional). Students should bring their own thera band if they wish to use this for shoulder stretching. This should fit inside the student’s bag and be clearly named with a black marker pen. We will not be handing out any equipment to students during the class. During Acro students will have their own space to work in, either on their own mat or with an appropriate space between them and another student, side by side. Providing students have non slip socks and can demonstrate the required skill on their own mat without falling over, they will be able to participate during run up skills on the 10 metre long air track. All mats and air track will be cleaned and disinfected between classes. There will be no teacher spotting skills during acrobatics for the time being. This means the teacher will not make physical contact to correct stance or provide additional support during balance exercises. If a student is not capable of a specific skill alone we will utilise the wall more over the coming months to provide support. Safety will always take priority. Should a student place themselves in a position where we have to make contact in order to avoid injury, then we will do so without hesitation. As contact will be made with hands on the floor we have scheduled time for students to wash their hands thoroughly after each acrobatics lesson.
WASHING HANDS
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). If attending Sharpe for a full day, students will wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before lunch, after Acrobatics/PBT and during all toilet visits throughout the day. Students will also be asked to use hand sanitiser at the start of an afternoon session. We advise all students to wash their hands on arrival home after class.
TOILETS
Toilets will be cleaned before, during and after each day. We will have designated toilets for each area and students will be given time to go to the toilet during additional breaks throughout the day. Visits to the toilet mid lesson will not be permitted whilst we are social distancing. We would also be grateful if students can make sure they have been to the toilet before arrival in the morning. When going to the toilet during the day students should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
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. We recommend full-time students and teachers are tested immediately once symptoms have presented themselves. We will assist where possible arranging a test through the NHS.
BUBBLE RULES
In order for students to remain safe inside Sharpe we will be implementing a 'Bubble' system similar to schools. This will consist of a group of up to 15 students for part time classes or the full college for full-time.
CLOTHING
Whilst we would usually require students to have the correct dance attire for each class, we will not be permitting part time students to change during the day. Full time students will be given additional time to change. Students who are not changing should wear appropriate layers that they can remove or add without requiring a changing room. Jeans, skirts and boots are not permitted.
SHOE LACES
Staff WILL be permitted to help younger students tie shoe laces, but this may be a good opportunity to replace laces with elastic in all shoes.
LUNCH / SIGN-OUT
Students of all ages must bring a packed lunch with them each day with a refillable water bottle. We will not permit students under 16 years of age to leave the premises alone 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 day’s classes for any reason including COVID-19 related illness. Our fees are charged termly. Should a full-time student be unable to participate in classes due to quarantine we will put a programme together for them to keep active and not fall behind. Please view our fees list for credit voucher details should Sharpe have to transfer online for a short period of time.
CHILD ABSENCE OR ILLNESS (Part-Time)
Sharpe Academy will not refund or credit any portion of fees back based on a students absence from class. This includes if their household is in self isolation or their area is in lockdown.
Students must not attend any classes if they or any member of their household is in self-isolation. In order to preserve the health and wellbeing of Academy staff, students and the wider community, the Academy will not hesitate to report to the relevent authority any breach of self-isolation rules and guidelines.
PERSONAL LOCKDOWN/QUARANTINE (Full-Time)
Should a student need to quarantine because their family are in lockdown for any reason, but there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 at Sharpe Academy then college and classes will remain open. We will do our best to provide the lockdown student with work and projects to complete during this time. If possible we will also record or live stream some classes. There will be no discount on fees during this time.
VENUE LOCKDOWN UP TO 14 DAYS (Part-Time & Full-Time)
Should Sharpe Academy be forced to operate online due to a venue lockdown we will run our FULL TIMETABLE on ZOOM for a maximum of 2 weeks. During this time, no discount or refund will be given.
VENUE LOCKDOWN OVER 14 DAYS (Part-Time)
If at the end of a 14 day period we are unable to return to the venue we will continue to provide the majority of classes on our timetable on ZOOM, but a new updated timetable will be published. ALL classes will start at the same time and will be discounted by 15% per class. The discount will be applied as a credit towards the following term. No refunds will be given.
VENUE LOCKDOWN OVER 14 DAYS (Full-Time)
A 3 week and over lockdown would usually suggest a government instruction. In this case our timetable will reduce from week 3 to 20 hours a week and a relevant discount to your fees would be applied.
• £150.00 Discount on fees per week (Students paying full fees)
• £50.00 Discount on fees per week (Students with Bursary)
Sharpe will continue to monitor the situation and will reopen college at the earliest opportunity following advice from Public Health England.
MUSICAL THEATRE ONLINE CLASSES
Two hour classes are difficult to maintain during a long lockdown, therefore our Musical Theatre classes will be changed to follow our summer term 2020 format, and we will re-introduce our lockdown social:
- ACT 1 – 25 Minutes LAMDA & Singing / 20 Minutes of Dance.
- ACT 2, ACT 3, ACT 4 and COMPANY: 40 Minutes Singing and Musical Theatre / 40 Minutes Dance / 40 Minutes social.
The social will most likely be a session on Friday evenings at 5.00pm (Act 2/3/4) and 6.00pm (Company)
Acrobatics Waiver
As you will appreciate, Acrobatics does carry a greater risk of injury then a standard dance class. Students participating in a Sharpe Academy Acrobatics class will be under the tuition of Daniel Sharpe who is a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher. 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 and Daniel Sharpe (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.
- Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Act 4, Company and Dance/Acro 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 Friday 16th April 2021, to leave at the end of the summer term in July 2021. Half a term’s fee will be charged for notice given after Friday 16th April 2021, 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, any and all class discounts awarded to that student must be re-paid in full. For example, if a student leaves at the end of the spring term, the class discounts for the autumn and spring terms will be payable, in addition to any standard notice fees.
Complaints Policy
Minor concerns
Complaints
1. Your complaint should be made in writing detailing the complaint in full. Whilst we will do our best to piece together any missing information, the more information you provide us with the quicker we will be able to respond.
Please note: Whilst we aim to respond to all matters ourselves there may be occasions when we feel our solicitors may be best able to deal with your complaint. If this is the case you will receive a letter from our solicitor on our behalf. Any responses should then be sent directly to our solicitor.
Code of Conduct (Part Time)
1. All students must follow our Code of Conduct. Should you have a complaint or a concern we do have a separate policy. Our complaints procedure can be found on our website.
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
Who Gets Bullied?
Who Should Report Incidents?
How does Sharpe Academy deal with incidents?
Step 1 – Prevention
Step 2 – Investigation
Step 3 – Action
Sharpe Academy will also permanently exclude a student should their Parent and/or Guardian persistently cause distress to staff members. If any event is deemed to be serious enough to warrant additional assistance then Sharpe Academy may contact the local council Safeguarding Children’s Board or the Police.
Staff Code of Professional Conduct
1 Professional Competence and Behaviour
2 Ethical Standards and Integrity
3 Representative of the profession
4 Stewardship
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
We believe that:
Different levels of confidentiality are appropriate for different circumstances.
1. In the classroom, during the course of a lesson given by a member of teaching staff or an outside visitor, including health professionals. Careful thought needs to be given to the content of the lesson, setting the climate and establishing ground rules to ensure confidential disclosures are not made. It should be made clear to students that this is not the time or place to disclose confidential, personal information.
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:
- The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
- This website uses cookies to monitor browsing preferences. If you do allow cookies to be used, the following personal information may be stored by us for use by third parties:
- to recognise your computer when you visit the website
- to track you as you navigate the website, and to enable the use of any e-commerce facilities
- to improve the website's usability
- to analyse the use of the website
- in the administration of the website
- to personalise the website for you, including targeting advertisements which may be of particular interest to you.
- Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
- Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
- This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
- All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
- Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
- From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
- Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.