For students, parents, guardians, carers and visitors at OSPA.
1. Purpose and Principles
The aim of OSPA is to provide a positive, inclusive, enjoyable and safe environment in which all students can develop their skills and confidence through performing arts, dance, gymnastics and football.
OSPA is committed to maintaining high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, respect and professionalism. Everyone who attends, works at or visits OSPA has a responsibility to contribute to a safe and welcoming environment.
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from students, parents, guardians, carers and visitors.
The Code should be read alongside OSPA's:
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Complaints Policy
Privacy Notice Policy
Terms and Conditions
Photography and Filming Policy
Any relevant venue-specific rules and procedures.
OSPA may take appropriate action where this Code is not followed. Depending on the nature and seriousness of an incident, this may include a verbal or written warning, removal from a class or activity, suspension or withdrawal of a student's place at OSPA.
Serious incidents may require immediate action and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.
2. Behaviour, Respect and Conduct
All students, parents, guardians, carers and visitors are expected to behave respectfully and appropriately towards OSPA staff, teachers, teaching assistants, students, other families, visitors and venue staff.
Aggressive, abusive, threatening, intimidating or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on OSPA premises, at OSPA activities or events, or in communications relating to OSPA.
This includes, but is not limited to:
shouting or swearing at another person
threatening or intimidating behaviour
aggressive or unwanted physical contact
harassment or discrimination
deliberately disruptive behaviour
abusive written, telephone, email or online communications
behaviour which compromises the safety or wellbeing of another person
Any incident may be recorded, reported and investigated by OSPA management.
Parents and guardians who have a concern or disagreement with an OSPA decision are asked to raise this through the appropriate communication or complaints process rather than addressing staff or other families in an aggressive or confrontational manner.
3. Zero-Tolerance Bullying Policy
OSPA operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.
Bullying is never acceptable and every concern will be taken seriously.
Bullying may be physical, verbal, emotional, social or online and may include:
hitting, pushing or other physical aggression
name-calling, insults or humiliating comments
threatening or intimidating behaviour
deliberate exclusion or isolation
spreading rumours
unwanted or inappropriate touching
discriminatory or prejudicial behaviour
cyberbullying, including abusive messages, group chats or social media activity
sharing images, videos or information about another student in a harmful or inappropriate way
Bullying may occur in person or online, including outside OSPA where the behaviour affects students or the OSPA community.
Students are encouraged to report bullying, or concerns about another student's wellbeing, to a teacher, teaching assistant, Principal or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Parents and guardians are also encouraged to report concerns promptly rather than attempting to resolve incidents directly with another child or family.
A zero-tolerance approach means that bullying is never considered acceptable and will always be addressed. It does not mean that every incident will automatically receive the same sanction. OSPA will consider the circumstances, seriousness and impact of each incident and take appropriate and proportionate action.
4. Zero Tolerance for Abuse, Harassment or Intimidation of Staff
OSPA has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour towards staff.
Teachers, teaching assistants, reception staff, management and other OSPA employees have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment.
Unacceptable behaviour includes:
verbal abuse or aggressive language
shouting, swearing or personal insults directed at staff
threats or intimidation
unwanted physical contact
discriminatory, racist, sexist or otherwise offensive behaviour
harassment
repeated hostile or unreasonable communications
abusive or defamatory comments made online or through social media
attempting to undermine, intimidate or threaten staff in relation to professional decisions
OSPA welcomes constructive feedback and legitimate complaints. Concerns should be raised respectfully and through the appropriate complaints process.
Where a conversation becomes abusive or threatening, OSPA staff may end the conversation and refer the matter to management.
Serious incidents may result in the immediate suspension or withdrawal of a student's place at OSPA and/or restrictions being placed on a parent's or guardian's access to the premises. Where appropriate, incidents may also be reported to the police or other relevant authorities.
5. Equality, Inclusion and Respect
OSPA is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all students are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation will not be tolerated.
Students, parents, guardians, carers and staff are expected to respect one another regardless of their background, race, religion or belief, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other characteristic protected by law.
OSPA will consider individual needs and, where appropriate, make reasonable adjustments to help students participate safely and fully in classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions and other activities.
Every student has the right to feel safe, valued, respected and included while attending OSPA.
6. Punctuality
Students must arrive in good time for their classes.
Students arriving late may miss important instructions, warm-up exercises or choreography and may disrupt the learning of other students.
For dance, gymnastics and other physical activities, arriving late may also increase the risk of injury if a student has missed the appropriate warm-up.
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that students arrive on time and are collected promptly at the end of their class.
7. Attendance
Regular attendance is extremely important to a student's development and to the progress of the wider group.
Attendance may be monitored particularly closely when students are preparing for:
examinations
performances
competitions
showcases
rehearsals
additional training or production work
Students who regularly miss classes or additional rehearsals may not be able to participate fully in performances, examinations or competitions.
OSPA is unable to provide make-up classes by attending another class for which a student is not registered unless this has been specifically authorised by OSPA.
Where attendance becomes a concern, OSPA may communicate with parents or guardians to understand the circumstances and discuss appropriate support.
8. Student Behaviour and Discipline
Students are expected to:
listen to and follow reasonable instructions from teachers and teaching assistants
treat staff and other students respectfully
allow others to learn without disruption
use appropriate language
look after OSPA and venue property
behave safely in studios, corridors, reception areas and outside spaces
respect personal boundaries
report concerns or incidents to a trusted member of staff
Disruptive, disrespectful, unsafe or repeated inappropriate behaviour may result in the student being removed from an activity or class.
Where behaviour continues despite appropriate support and communication with the student and family, OSPA may review the student's continued place at the school.
9. Uniform and Appearance
Students should arrive dressed appropriately for their class and in the required OSPA uniform wherever applicable.
The correct uniform enables students to participate safely and allows teachers to assess posture, alignment and movement effectively.
OSPA tracksuits may be worn to and from classes and during appropriate warm-up activities.
Students should have their hair securely tied back and away from the face.
Where hair length permits:
students from Grade 1 and above should wear a neat bun for ballet
a high ponytail may be worn for street dance and singing where appropriate
shorter hair should be secured with a suitable headband or other appropriate method
For gymnastics and other physical activities, hair should be securely tied back in a way that does not create a safety risk.
10. Changing and Personal Care
Students should arrive dressed appropriately for their class wherever possible.
Where students need to change clothing, they should use the designated changing facilities or areas provided by OSPA or the venue.
OSPA staff will not routinely assist students with changing.
Where a student has an identified additional need or personal-care requirement, appropriate support will be provided in accordance with OSPA's safeguarding procedures and, where necessary, an individual care plan agreed with the parent or guardian.
Any personal or intimate care will be carried out in a way that protects the student's dignity, privacy, safety and wellbeing.
Students should be encouraged to develop independence wherever appropriate.
11. Supervised Toilet Visits
Each group has a designated teaching assistant who supports supervised toilet visits where required.
Students should be encouraged to use the toilet before class where appropriate, but students will not be prevented from using the toilet when they need to do so.
Toilet visits will be managed in accordance with OSPA's safeguarding procedures and the age, development and individual needs of the student.
Where a student requires additional personal or intimate care, this will be managed in accordance with the relevant care arrangements and safeguarding procedures.
12. Parent and Guardian Access During Venue Hire
For the safety and wellbeing of our students, parents, guardians and carers are not permitted inside the school or teaching areas during normal teaching sessions where OSPA is operating under a venue-hire arrangement, unless they have been specifically invited or authorised by OSPA staff.
This arrangement helps OSPA maintain a secure and controlled environment and supports our safeguarding procedures.
Parents and guardians should drop students off at the designated entrance or collection point and should not enter teaching areas, studios, changing areas or other restricted areas unless specifically authorised.
Exceptions are made for planned:
shows
recitals
fairs
football matches
other events where parents and guardians are specifically invited by OSPA.
Parents or guardians may also be permitted access where this has been pre-arranged for a safeguarding, medical, accessibility or other legitimate reason.
We have many events throughout the year which provide opportunities for parents and families to see their children's progress and celebrate their achievements.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students.
13. Drop-Off and Collection
Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their child until the child has been formally received by OSPA staff.
Students should not be left unattended before the designated arrival time.
As a general rule, students should arrive no more than 10 minutes before their scheduled class unless otherwise instructed by OSPA.
Classes will be collected by an OSPA teacher or teaching assistant from the designated entrance/collection point and returned to the designated collection point at the end of the session.
Parents and guardians should return in good time for collection.
Students will only be released to a parent, guardian or other authorised adult known to OSPA. If someone different is collecting a child, parents/guardians should notify OSPA in advance.
Any changes to collection arrangements should be communicated clearly to the school.
Repeated late collection may be addressed in accordance with OSPA's Terms and Conditions.
14. Reception and Entry Areas
The reception and entry areas are shared spaces and should remain calm and orderly.
Parents, guardians, students and visitors must follow the sign-in and visitor procedures in place at each venue.
Where a visitor is authorised to enter the building, they must sign in as required.
Food should not be consumed in reception unless specifically permitted. Water is permitted.
Students should remain with their parent/guardian until they have been received by OSPA staff.
Students should not enter restricted areas without permission.
Parents and guardians should follow staff instructions regarding access, collection and waiting areas.
15. Mobile Phones and Personal Devices
Mobile phones and personal devices should not be used by students during class unless specifically authorised by a member of staff.
Where a student needs to bring a mobile phone for safety or communication purposes, it should be switched off or placed on silent and kept away during class.
OSPA may require a phone to be stored securely during a lesson and returned at the end of the class.
Students must not use phones or other devices to photograph, film, record or share other students, staff or classes without appropriate permission.
16. Photography, Filming and Social Media
OSPA takes the privacy and safeguarding of students seriously.
Photography and filming within classes, rehearsals and other activities is only permitted in accordance with OSPA's Photography and Filming Policy and any instructions provided by staff.
Students, parents and guardians must not photograph or film other students without appropriate permission.
Parents and guardians attending performances or events should respect the privacy of other children and must not publicly share images or videos in which other students can be identified without appropriate permission.
Students and parents/guardians must not use social media to bully, harass, threaten, intimidate or abuse another student, member of staff or member of the OSPA community.
Concerns about OSPA should be raised through the appropriate communication or complaints process rather than through abusive or inappropriate social media posts.
17. Professional Boundaries and Physical Contact
Dance, gymnastics and performing arts may sometimes require appropriate physical contact for teaching, correction, positioning or safety.
Any physical contact by staff must be:
appropriate to the activity
necessary and justifiable
professional and proportionate
sensitive to the student's age and individual circumstances
carried out in a manner that protects the student's dignity and wellbeing
Students have the right to express discomfort with physical contact and should feel able to speak to a teacher, teaching assistant or designated safeguarding lead.
Staff and students are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
18. Choreography, Intellectual Property and Recording
OSPA students may be taught choreography, routines and creative material which has been created by OSPA teachers or external choreographers.
Students must not copy, reproduce, record, perform, teach, publish or use OSPA choreography or other protected creative material outside OSPA without appropriate written permission from the relevant teacher, choreographer or rights holder.
Where a student leaves OSPA, they must not assume that choreography created or taught at OSPA can automatically be reused at another dance or performing arts school.
Any permission granted must be obtained in writing where required.
19. Personal Property
Students are responsible for looking after their own belongings.
Students should avoid bringing valuable or unnecessary items to class.
OSPA cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal property except where responsibility arises under applicable law.
Students should clearly label personal belongings wherever possible.
20. Fees and Payments
As set out in OSPA's Terms and Conditions, fees must be paid in accordance with the school's payment arrangements.
Where fees remain unpaid, OSPA may take reasonable action in accordance with its Terms and Conditions, which may include suspension or withdrawal of a student's place, subject to applicable law.
Where outstanding fees remain unpaid following reasonable notice and an opportunity to make payment, OSPA may take further steps to recover the outstanding amount, which may include taking legal action.
Any concerns regarding fees or payments should be raised with the OSPA administration team at the earliest opportunity.
21. Safeguarding and Child Protection
OSPA has a duty of care to promote the safety, health and wellbeing of the children and young people in its care.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
OSPA is committed to protecting all students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, harassment and other forms of harm.
All students have the right to feel safe, respected and listened to.
OSPA will not tolerate abuse or inappropriate behaviour towards students by staff, volunteers, visitors, parents, guardians or other students.
Safeguarding Contacts:
OSPA's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Michelle Herbert
OSPA's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL) is: Hayleigh Pain
Any safeguarding concern should be reported as soon as possible to the DSL, Deputy DSL or OSPA Principal.
Concerns may relate to:
something that has happened at OSPA
something that has happened outside OSPA
the behaviour of another student
the behaviour of a member of staff, volunteer or visitor
something a student has disclosed or shared
a change in a student's behaviour or wellbeing
Parents, guardians and carers should report any safeguarding concerns promptly to Michelle Herbert, Hayleigh Pain or OSPA Principal.
Where a safeguarding concern involves a member of staff or volunteer, it must be reported through OSPA's safeguarding procedures and will be managed in accordance with the appropriate safeguarding process.
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only where appropriate and necessary to protect a child or comply with legal or safeguarding responsibilities.
OSPA's safeguarding procedures should always be followed where there is a concern about the safety or welfare of a student.
22. Health, Medical Needs and Wellbeing
Parents and guardians must ensure that OSPA is provided with accurate and up-to-date information regarding relevant:
medical conditions
allergies
disabilities or additional needs
medication requirements
emergency contact details
personal care requirements
other information which may affect the student's safety or wellbeing
Parents and guardians should notify OSPA promptly if there is a significant change to this information.
Students should drink sufficient water and bring any required snacks or medication in accordance with OSPA's procedures.
Any student who feels unwell or is injured during a class must tell a member of staff immediately.
OSPA will follow its first aid, medical and emergency procedures where a student becomes unwell or is injured.
OSPA is a nut-free school.
For the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff and visitors, nuts and products containing nuts must not be brought onto OSPA premises or to OSPA classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions or events.
This includes, but is not limited to:
whole or packaged nuts
nut butters and spreads
products containing peanuts or tree nuts
snacks, confectionery or other food products containing nuts
Parents and guardians are responsible for checking food packaging and ingredients before sending food or snacks with their child.
Please do not bring or provide food containing nuts to share with other students.
We recognise that some allergies can be severe and potentially life-threatening. While OSPA takes all reasonable precautions to maintain a nut-free environment, a nut-free policy cannot guarantee that an environment will be completely free from traces or allergens.
Parents and guardians must inform OSPA of any known food allergy or other relevant medical condition and provide any required emergency medication in accordance with OSPA's medical and emergency procedures.
23. Health and Safety
Everyone attending OSPA must follow reasonable health and safety instructions from staff.
The following rules apply:
Students must follow instructions from teachers and teaching assistants.
Students must walk rather than run within the building unless running is part of a supervised activity.
Shouting or disruptive behaviour in communal areas is not permitted.
Students should wear appropriate footwear when walking around the building.
Outdoor shoes must not be worn in dance studios where the venue requires indoor or specialist footwear.
Shoelaces and other fastenings must be secured appropriately.
Students should keep warm between physical activity sessions where necessary.
Students should drink water regularly.
Any injury, illness or accident must be reported to a member of staff immediately.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the premises.
Alcohol or illegal drugs must not be brought onto or consumed on OSPA or venue premises.
Children must not ride scooters, skateboards, roller skates or similar equipment inside the premises or designated areas.
No unauthorised games or activities are permitted in communal or external areas.
Students must not interfere with fire alarms, emergency equipment or safety systems.
If the fire alarm sounds, everyone must follow OSPA's and the venue's Fire Evacuation Procedure.
Students, parents, guardians and visitors must follow all venue-specific health and safety requirements.
24. Visitors and Venue Security
For safeguarding and security purposes, OSPA may keep a record of visitors and adults entering the building.
Visitors must follow the sign-in, identification and access arrangements applicable to the venue.
Parents and guardians must not enter restricted areas or teaching spaces unless authorised.
Where OSPA is operating from a hired venue, all visitors must comply with both OSPA's safeguarding arrangements and the venue's rules.
Unauthorised adults must not attempt to access areas where students are being taught, changing or supervised.
25. Performances, Shows, Competitions and Events
OSPA is committed to providing students with opportunities to perform, compete and celebrate their achievements.
Students and parents/guardians are expected to support all reasonable safeguarding, supervision, rehearsal and event arrangements.
Where required, OSPA will put appropriate safeguarding, risk assessment, supervision, first aid, venue and child-performance arrangements in place for events.
Parents and guardians attending events must follow all instructions regarding:
access
seating
photography and filming
backstage areas
collection of children
safeguarding
emergency procedures
Backstage, changing rooms and staff-only areas are restricted areas and may only be accessed by authorised adults.
26. Complaints, Concerns and Feedback
OSPA welcomes constructive feedback and wants parents, guardians and students to feel comfortable raising genuine concerns.
Concerns should normally be raised with the relevant member of staff or the OSPA administration team in the first instance.
Where a concern cannot be resolved informally, it should be raised in accordance with OSPA's Complaints Policy.
Safeguarding concerns must not wait for the normal complaints process and should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Principal.
Students should be supported to raise concerns themselves and should never feel that they will be punished for speaking up about something that worries them.
27. Confidentiality and Data Protection
OSPA respects the privacy of students, parents, guardians and staff.
Personal information will be collected, stored and used in accordance with OSPA's Privacy Notice and applicable data protection legislation.
OSPA staff will not disclose confidential information about another student or family unless there is an appropriate reason to do so, including where information needs to be shared to safeguard a child or comply with a legal obligation.
Parents and guardians must also respect the privacy of other students and families and must not share confidential or personal information about them.
28. Consequences of Breaching the Code
OSPA will respond to breaches of this Code fairly, consistently and proportionately.
Depending on the circumstances, action may include:
an informal reminder or conversation
a formal warning
communication with parents or guardians
a behaviour or support plan
removal from a particular activity
suspension from classes or activities
restrictions on access to the premises
withdrawal of a student's place
referral to another organisation or relevant authority
referral to the police or safeguarding agencies where appropriate
Serious incidents may require immediate action without prior warnings where necessary to protect students, staff or other members of the OSPA community.
Any safeguarding concern will be managed under OSPA's safeguarding procedures and will not be treated solely as a disciplinary matter.
29. Commitment to a Safe and Positive Environment
OSPA wants every student to feel safe, supported, valued and able to enjoy their experience.
We ask all students, parents, guardians and carers to work in partnership with OSPA and to model the respectful behaviour that we expect from our students.
By following this Code of Conduct, we can maintain an environment where students are able to learn, perform, develop their confidence and enjoy their time at OSPA in a safe and positive setting.
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and continued support.
Danielle Looker (Principal) and the OSPA Team
