Appendix C - Participant Code of Conduct

Northern Ballet aims to create a positive, friendly and happy environment for everyone to dance and learn in, that fosters good relationships, encourages effective learning for all and creates the opportunity for all participants to thrive, enjoy dancing, improve their technique, and gain resilience and confidence.

All participants will:

• Act in a considerate and courteous manner to staff and fellow participants at all times.
• Avoid aggressive or bullying behaviour.
• Provide an example of good conduct for others to follow that includes:
  • being polite and respectful of others
  • using appropriate and inoffensive verbal and physical language
  • participate in classes with professionalism, care for others, and respect for the environment and premises.
• Respect each other’s right to personal privacy.
• Apply themselves in class, listen and pay attention, take corrections and try hard the first time.
• Be accepting of and open to expectations with regards to individual training and be willing to accept constructive criticism or correction.
• Develop resilience to adverse situations.
• Take responsibility for their own actions.
• Put their point of view across sensibly and sensitively.
• Speak with their teacher if they have any questions or concerns regarding class work.
• Speak with any member of staff if they have concerns relating to issues with other participants or issues away from their class work.
• Inform programme management and teachers of any injury or illness prior to the beginning of class or immediately during class. It is the participant’s responsibility to stop, notify the teacher and seek help.
• Arrive no later than 10 mins prior to the published class time for registration, ensure you sign in and out of the building.
• Wear suitable attire to dance in, and have all necessary equipment with you.

All participants will not:

• Use any equipment or sets in the studios without supervision, and/or permission from the teacher.
• Eat or drink anything other than water in the studios.
• Lean over the barriers looking over the atrium on each floor.  

Dealing with incidents

Northern Ballet reserves the right to take action if we consider that any individual is not acting in an appropriate manner or complying with the above terms.

• Any incidents relating to unacceptable behaviour should be reported directly to the Programme Manger
• Incidents will be recorded on a secure system which is in line with current GDPR guidelines
• Dependant on individual cases Northern Ballet will carry out a full investigation into any incidents concerning behaviour that does not meet the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct, resulting in an appropriate course of action which may include one or more of the following:
  
  1. A participant being temporarily removed from their class and being asked to observe an alternative class
  2. A meeting with participant/s with the appropriate Programme Manager to discuss the issues raised
  3. A verbal warning
  4. An email/formal written warning should it be decided that there has been enough evidence to suggest behaviour falls short of adhering to the Participant Code of Conduct
  5. A Positive Behaviour Agreement, based on discussions with the participant may be put in place
  6. Internal exclusion from classes
  7. Permanent exclusion following a thorough investigation carried out by the Designated Safeguarding Lead/s, in conjunction with support from Northern Ballet’s Directors. All exclusions must be approved by the Artistic Director and a Board Level Representative.

Corporal Punishment is never used at Northern Ballet in any circumstances. 
 

Bullying

Northern Ballet takes issues around bullying extremely seriously and will deal with any such issues using the full possible range of actions outlined in this policy, up to and including permanent exclusion.
Bullying is discussed in the Anti-Bullying Policy, [Appendix e]

Complaints Procedure

Any person wishing to complain about any issue dealt with under the Student Code of Conduct should report concerns to the Programme Manager or the Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Equalities

Northern Ballet has a duty to ensure that all participants are treated fairly, in line with the Equalities Act 2010. Where a participant has an identified disability or another factor that should be taken into account, such as a mental health problem, this will be given due and appropriate regard when assessing an incidence of poor behaviour. No participant will be sanctioned when their behaviour is the result of a disability, mental health problem or other protected characteristic. However, there may be occasions where actions need to be taken to assure the safety of the individual concerned or the wider community; this may include creating a bespoke behavioural contract which specifically details expected behaviour and the support package in place.