FMC Circus Arts – Terms & Conditions and Waiver

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By booking and/or attending classes with FMC Circus Arts, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions:

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1. Booking & Attendance​

1. All students must book via Bookaby to secure a place. Students who are not booked in will not be permitted to participate.

2. Students must not attend alternative classes without prior approval to ensure space availability.

 

2. Booking System & Term Renewal

1. At the end of each term, an automated email will be sent via Bookaby providing priority booking access for the next term.

2. Priority booking ensures existing students can rebook before general public access.

3. Spaces are limited; failure to book during the priority period may result in loss of place.

4. Students/parents must ensure email settings allow Bookaby communications and regularly check inboxes and spam folders.

 

3. Payments, Refunds & Missed Sessions

1. All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable once payment has been made.

2. Missed sessions cannot be carried over or refunded.

3. A Facebook group may be provided for students to arrange informal catch-up opportunities where available.

 

. Class Attendance & Conduct

1. Late arrival may result in refusal of entry if the warm-up has been missed, due to safety requirements.

2. Students must be collected and handed over directly by an instructor.

3. No spectators are permitted unless expressly approved by an instructor.

4. Students must bring their own drink to class.

 

5. Dress Code & Personal Presentation

1. Students must wear suitable clothing, such as leggings, fitted tops, leotards, bare feet, or grip socks.

2. Hair must be tied back securely.

3. No jewellery is permitted. Where removal is not possible, jewellery must be securely taped over.

 

6. Communication & Administration

1. Any absence must be reported via the designated Facebook student catch-up group.

2. Students/parents must update personal details (including contact or medical information) via their Bookaby account.

3. Any medical changes must also be reported via email prior to attending classes.

 

7. Health, Safety & Conduct

1. Students must not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2. FMC Circus Arts instructors must be informed of any medical conditions that may affect participation.

3. Students must follow all instructor guidance at all times. FMC Circus Arts is not responsible for injuries resulting from failure to follow instructions.

 

8. Risk Acknowledgement & Liability

1. Circus, aerial, and acrobatic activities carry inherent risks, including (but not limited to) bruising, injury, and in very rare cases, serious injury or death.

2. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

3. FMC Circus Arts, its instructors, and affiliates accept no liability for injury, loss, or damage unless caused by proven negligence.

4. All reasonable safety measures are in place to reduce risk during participation.

 

9. Equipment Restrictions

1. A maximum weight limit of 114kg applies to all aerial equipment and rigging.

 

10. First Aid & Emergencies

1. Basic first aid will be provided on-site where required.

2. In the event of a serious injury, emergency services may be contacted, and parents/guardians will be informed immediately. A staff member may accompany the student until care is transferred.

 

11. Drop-off & Collection

1. Students must arrive and be collected on time.

2. Parents/guardians must wait outside the facility unless otherwise instructed.

 

12. Cancellations & Changes

1. Classes may be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to extreme weather, illness, facility damage, or government restrictions.

2. In such cases, notification will be provided via email and/or social media.

3. No refunds are issued for cancellations outside of FMC Circus Arts’ reasonable control.

 

13. Communication Policy

1. All communication must be made via official FMC Circus Arts email or messenger channels.

2. Personal social media accounts of instructors must not be used for contact.

 

14. Schedule & Staffing

1. Classes run throughout school holidays except for a two-week Christmas break.

2. Instructor schedules may change, and cover staff may be used where necessary. Students will be informed of changes where possible.

 

15. Facilities

1. Full location details and class information are available at www.fmcarts.co.uk

2. The facility does not contain on-site toilets. Students will be escorted in supervised groups to toilet facilities located in another part of the building.

 

16. Safeguarding

1. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported directly to the designated safeguarding lead: Fay via fmccircusarts@gmail.com.

 

17. General Health Declaration

1. By booking, you confirm that the student is in good health and fit to participate in physical activity.

 

18. Agreement

By completing a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to all Terms & Conditions and Waiver statements above.

 

FMC Circus Arts Circus School Children's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

 

1. Policy Statement

FMC Circus Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe that every child has the right to participate in circus activities in a safe, positive, and supportive environment free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and harm.

All staff, instructors, volunteers, contractors, and trustees share responsibility for safeguarding children and young people attending our activities.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees

Freelance instructors

Volunteers

Trustees and directors

Students under 18 years of age

Parents, guardians, and carers

Visitors attending Circus School activities

The policy covers all activities including classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances, events, online activities, and trips.

 

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18.

Safeguarding means protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm and promoting their welfare.

 

4. Safeguarding Principles

The Circus School will:

Put the welfare of children first.

Listen to and respect children.

Provide a safe physical and emotional environment.

Take all concerns and disclosures seriously.

Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

Work with parents, carers, and statutory agencies where necessary.

Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

 

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Circus School will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

Receiving safeguarding concerns.

Maintaining safeguarding records.

Liaising with external agencies where required.

Supporting staff with safeguarding matters.

Reviewing safeguarding procedures.

DSL Name: __Fay Cottrell __________________

Contact Details: _fmccircusarts@gmail.com ___________________

 

Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must:

Read and follow this policy.

Report safeguarding concerns immediately.

Maintain professional boundaries.

Attend safeguarding training as required.

Cooperate with safeguarding investigations.

 

6. Safer Recruitment

The Circus School aims to recruit suitable individuals to work with children.

Where appropriate, recruitment procedures may include:

Application forms and interviews.

Identity verification.

Reference checks.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Assessment of suitability for working with children.

 

7. Code of Conduct

Adults working with children must:

Treat all children fairly and with respect.

Use appropriate language and behaviour.

Avoid favouritism.

Avoid being alone with a child where possible.

Obtain consent before providing physical support required for instruction.

Ensure any physical contact is appropriate, necessary, and explained.

Challenge inappropriate behaviour.

Adults must not:

Develop inappropriate relationships with children.

Communicate with children through personal social media accounts.

Exchange personal contact details without organisational approval.

Engage in bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour.

Use physical punishment or humiliating treatment.

 

8. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

Physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

Neglect

Bullying

Online abuse

Exploitation

Domestic abuse affecting a child

Radicalisation or extremism concerns

Staff are not responsible for investigating concerns but are responsible for reporting them.

 

9. Responding to Disclosures

If a child discloses information:

Stay calm and listen carefully.

Take the child seriously.

Do not promise confidentiality.

Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up.

Record the information accurately as soon as possible.

Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Staff must not:

Investigate allegations themselves.

Ask leading questions.

Make promises they cannot keep.

 

10. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

Where there is an immediate risk of harm:

Contact emergency services if necessary.

Inform children's social care or the relevant safeguarding authority.

Inform the DSL as soon as possible.

All concerns, disclosures, allegations, and actions taken must be documented.

 

11. Photography and Video Recording

The Circus School recognises the importance of protecting children's privacy.

Written parental consent will be obtained where appropriate.

Images will only be used for approved purposes.

Children will not be identified by full name alongside images without specific consent.

Any concerns regarding photography or filming should be reported to the DSL.

 

12. Online Safety

The Circus School will promote safe online practices.

Staff must:

Use approved communication channels.

Maintain professional boundaries online.

Report any online safeguarding concerns.

Children and parents will be encouraged to report inappropriate online behaviour.

 

13. Managing Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation involving a member of staff, instructor, volunteer, or contractor will be treated seriously.

The Circus School will:

Ensure concerns are reported promptly.

Follow appropriate safeguarding procedures.

Cooperate with statutory agencies.

Maintain confidentiality as far as possible.

 

14. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records will:

Be factual and accurate.

Be stored securely.

Be shared only with those who need to know.

Comply with data protection requirements.

 

15. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational practice.

 

Date Approved: __11/06/2026__________________

Signed: __Fay Cottrell __________________

Position: __Owner __________________ 

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FMC Circus Arts Circus School Health and Safety Policy

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, volunteers, visitors, and contractors participating in activities at the Circus School.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all circus activities including, but not limited to:

Aerial arts (silks, hoop, trapeze)

Acrobatics

Juggling

Balance disciplines

Ground-based circus skills

Workshops, rehearsals, and performances

 

3. Responsibilities

Management

Management will:

Maintain a safe training environment.

Conduct regular risk assessments.

Ensure equipment is inspected and maintained.

Provide appropriate first aid arrangements.

Ensure staff receive relevant training.

Instructors

Instructors will:

Deliver activities safely.

Supervise students appropriately.

Check equipment before use.

Report hazards, incidents, and near misses.

Stop any activity considered unsafe.

Students

Students must:

Follow instructor directions at all times.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Report injuries, illnesses, or unsafe conditions.

Use equipment only as instructed.

Respect other participants and staff.

 

4. Risk Assessment

Risk assessments will be completed for all activities.

Assessments will be reviewed annually or after significant changes.

Additional assessments will be completed for performances, events, and off-site activities.

 

5. Equipment Safety

All circus equipment must be inspected before use.

Damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately.

Aerial rigging must only be installed, inspected, and adjusted by competent personnel.

Inspection records will be maintained.

 

6. Participant Safety

Students must complete relevant registration and consent forms.

Medical conditions affecting participation must be disclosed.

Warm-up and cool-down activities should be conducted where appropriate.

Participants must not train under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

7. Emergency Procedures

First Aid

A stocked first aid kit will be available on site.

At least one trained first aider should be present during classes.

All injuries must be recorded in the accident log.

Fire Safety

Emergency exits must remain clear at all times.

Staff and students should be informed of evacuation procedures.

Fire alarms and equipment should be maintained in accordance with legal requirements.

Emergency Contact

Emergency contact information for participants will be maintained and accessible to authorised staff.

 

8. Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as possible.

Reports should include:

Date and time

Location

Persons involved

Description of incident

Action taken

 

9. Safeguarding

The Circus School is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Appropriate supervision will be maintained.

Staff working with children will comply with safeguarding requirements.

Any safeguarding concerns must be reported according to the school's safeguarding procedures.

 

10. Hygiene and Welfare

Training areas will be kept clean and free from hazards.

Drinking water and toilet facilities will be available.

Equipment shared between users should be cleaned regularly where appropriate.

 

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to activities, 

facilities, legislation, or following a serious incident.

 

Policy Version: 1.0

Approved By: __Fay Cottrell__________________

Date: __11/06/2026__________________ 

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