Terms and Conditions.
Online Classes
During the Lockdown we have been successfully running Drama Mill Classes Online. Most parents are familiar with the format and we have been able to adapt our normal content to it.
The students need access to a computer and can be logged in via email. Your privacy regarding these details is the same as in our Privacy Policy.
We will follow the guidance on protecting children during the Zoom classes. Students will initially be held in the Waiting Room and only admitted if we recognise their emails. We will limit chat and screen share controls.
We will be teaching the students about the Zoom controls and monitoring what they can and cannot do during a class. Some of the time will be spent altogether in what is called the Main Room where everyone can see everyone else.
We will ensure that the activities themselves are safe and will be giving safety briefings where appropriate.
For older students (age 10+) we will do the class groupwork in Breakout Rooms which the teachers will visit to ensure that everyone is on task.
For students aged 7-9 years the Breakout rooms will be supervised by a teacher at all times.
As the students are not within a normal class setting we ask that parents check that the room in which the students will be doing the class is safe for them as The Drama Mill cannot provide overall supervision of each child in each home.
For younger children (age 5-7) we ask that children are within sight of a parent and again please ensure a safe area as younger students are more likely to be moving around in a space. Tables and chairs for example should be moved to the side and children briefed in advance as to where they can safely do the drama activities.
We will be producing fims/footage from the sessions for parents to download at the end of a full block.
If you do not wish your child to be shown do let us know and we can blank out their video screens from the Zoom room windows.
If you have any questions regarding these classes please get in touch.
Class Climate
We aim to treat all students as individuals working and learning together in a supportive and relaxed environment which at the same time challenges creativity so that everyone can achieve his/her potential.
Child Protection
All Drama Mill Teachers and Administration Associates must have an Enhanced Disclosure or be PVG Scheme members.
Privacy
The Drama Mill holds personal information in the strictest confidence.
Behaviour
All students and teachers will treat each other with respect. While Drama is an excellent vehicle for channelling challenging behaviour, we will not tolerate bullying. Disrespect or abuse towards others will result in exclusion from our classes.
Parental Concerns
Should parents have any concerns about their child within the class environment these should be raised with the Teacher or Director without delay. Most issues are best dealt with as soon as possible.
Should parents have a more serious issue it should be brought directly to the attention of the Director.
These issues should be dealt with respectfully and professionally by both parties.
Fees
Fees are due before the start of the term and early payment of fees is an indicator of commitment and may affect allocation of drama roles.
Any alteration to fee arrangements must be agreed in advance.
The Drama Mill is committed to pay Hall fees and Class Teacher fees and can only do so based on class bookings and student commitment to the term.
We regret we cannot give term refunds of any kind after the term has started.
Holiday Camp Refunds
Holiday School refunds cannot be given in the two week period before the start of the Holiday School.
Class Cancellation
Should we have to cancel a class due to teacher illness or unavailability that class will be credited or refunded to the students.
Classes may also be cancelled due to venue closures (and at times such as bad weather conditions, in schools with staff issues etc). The Drama Mill has no control over venue closures and has a commitment to pay all Tutors and Admin Staff who are available and able to work. We cannot therefore instantly give credits for these types of cancellations. However after 2 consecutive sessions of disruption we will apply the refund/credit policy from then.
Door Policy
Each of our venues has it’s own unique door policy and parents and children will be made aware of the procedure for the start, changeover and finish of classes. We insist that parents of young children (under 7) bring them into the venues and come in to collect them.
Health and Safety
Children will be made aware of fire procedures and safety issues where appropriate to each venue.
Other Drama Mill Policies
The Drama Mill has in place policies on Child Protection. Health and Safety, Discipline, Complaints, Security at Venues, Risk Assessments, Equality and Equal Opportunities, Client Privacy, Professional conduct.
Shows
At the end of some terms students will have the opportunity to present their plays and show to an audience of family and friends usually within the drama class time. We do have theatre opportunities for teenage students and also for selected junior groups from time to time. Performing is not compulsory and for children who do not wish to do so we will arrange for them to be involved in another aspect of the show such as lighting, costumes and props etc
Filming and Photographs
The Drama Mill on occasion films shows and workshops. We do this for the following reasons:
1. For Drama Teacher Training and Resources both online and in Teacher In- Service Courses.
2. For our young students to watch their Drama in progress and to learn from it.
3. For specific student filming projects.
4. For promotional reasons - our Drama Mill website and Social Media pages.
We have an opt-out policy whereby we will assume that parents agree to the above unless they tell us otherwise.
We also believe that the very nature of Drama lends itself to film and photography and by capturing these magical moments we have an invaluable record of childhood for parents and children to cherish forever.
If parents wish to film shows we ask that they do not use flash photography and that photographs and films are strictly for private viewing and will not be posted on any online platform.
Should parents not wish for their children to be filmed during a show they must advise us and we will offer an alternative activity on show day for their child.
We value constructive feedback from you on any of our services.