Crystal Academy Dance Safeguarding and Policies
Important Information: we hold Level 3 Designated Lead Multi-agency Training through SSCP.
The dance industry is an unregulated industry*, which means that the legal frameworks are governed by general health & safety; whilst there are governing bodies available, these are all voluntarily and having been members of the ISTD, NATD and an approved centre through the CDMT, besides having these initials, best practice is to have all insurances and policies checked by local council and safeguarding boards. This is why we are recognised members of the Staffordshire Council of Voluntarily Services whom work directly with Staffordshire County Council Safeguarding Team. These departments check our dance safeguarding and other policies.
Classes and Competitions – The Academy favours and prioritises competition team members, theatre productions and showcases, meaning that at times, last-minute rehearsals may be needed. These are infrequent and plenty of notice is given where possible. Competition team members need to be in a competition team class AND enrolled in at least one Acro class; full competition kit at a cost of £65 is also a requirement. Payments are needed on the deadline given and removals will take place where deadlines are missed.
Marketing – The team will take photos and videos for marketing across our social media channels and an opt-out option is available, simply by informing reception or the class teacher at each class.
Safeguarding – Our lead staff members remain proactive in their own safeguarding CPD and with both Jason and Kirsty having worked in Mainstream and SEN settings, both are experienced and the Academy's policies have been checked and approved by Staffordshire County Council. During shows, all necessary documentation is shared well in advanced. As a member of SCVYS, you can be assured that we have the necessary checks in place when working with young people.
Mission statement – Crystal Academy is a Community Interest Company created to support children and young people to unlock potential and break barriers; promoting healthy inclusion with competition & showcases.
Company policies – All policies are laid out below and get checked/updated annually.
STRICT ZERO-REFUND POLICY ON EVERYTHING – Competitions and showcase opportunities are managed by a third-party; this means that once you have paid, either directly or indirectly, there is no option for a refund. The same applies for any events managed by Crystal Academy, including Holiday Workshops where a refund will only be given if notice of at least 48-hours has been given for cancellation. For direct debits, we need a 30-day notice period for changes; failure to honour the 12-month commitment will mean a 7-day request for payment, followed by removal of the direct debit option. Where this is applied, to re-enrol you will need to pay for the month(s) missed. Please remember that we are a small, family ran business.
BEING LATE BY MORE THAN 5-MINUTES FOR CLASS WILL RESULT IN ENTRY REFUSAL AND NO REFUNDS OFFERED - WARM UPS ARE ESSENTIAL, NOT AN OPTION.
*unregulated: this means it is not governed in the same way as the Football Association, British Gymnastics, etc; the English Amateur Dance Association are the current governing body for dance, however, this is not yet nationally recognised at Government or Statutory level.
