Terms and Conditions – Youth Programme

General Information

All courses and classes are non-refundable unless you are unable to continue due to a medical reason, and are non-transferable.

All courses and classes must be paid for in full prior to the course or class starting.

Our termly courses vary in length and include a half-term break – course prices are adjusted based on the number of weeks. Where possible, we align our terms with school dates.

We reserve the right to cancel or amend courses or classes. In such cases, pro-rata refunds will be issued.

Age Brackets

All of our Youth Recreational courses are grouped by age to ensure suitable content and progression. Our team checks records throughout the year to confirm that participants are enrolled in the appropriate course for their age. If you are unsure what class is suitable for your child, you can email us.

Please ensure that you are enrolling your child onto the right course for their age, particularly when booking online. If a participant is found to be in the incorrect class for their age, they may lose their place with no refund.

Supervision and Viewing

A parent or guardian must remain in the building if their child is aged 7 or under and is attending a class. Children not taking part in a class must always be supervised by a separate parent or guardian, and must remain out of the studios.

Family Circus classes operate on a 1:1 parent/guardian-to-child ratio, and we ask the adult to actively participate in the session.

Due to the number of participants, we are unable to accommodate friends and family observing from inside the studios.

Safeguarding

The National Centre for Circus Arts is committed to safeguarding the welfare of our young participants by protecting them from physical, sexual, and emotional harm. We adhere to our safeguarding and child protection policies and, where applicable, will refer any disclosures or concerns to the relevant authorities.

For safeguarding and security reasons, participants are only permitted in training spaces when accompanied by a member of National Centre staff.

Safeguarding Statement

Health & Safety

Circus training is physically demanding and, as with any physical activity, carries some inherent risk. While we take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure safety, injuries may still occur. By attending our classes or courses, you agree to follow all safety instructions and our Code of Conduct to minimise risk. The National Centre for Circus Arts cannot accept liability for injuries resulting from participation.

See our Health & Safety Policy

To support a safe environment:

• Children aged 7 and under must be accompanied by a parent or carer who remains in the building during their class,
• Any children not participating in a class must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times and kept out of the studios,
• Everyone must sign in and out of the building — this is essential for safety and safeguarding,
• Please keep your child’s medical information up to date in your account, and inform the teachers of any illnesses or injuries that may affect participation.

Hands-on support (spotting) is sometimes required to ensure participants’ safety or enhance learning. Teachers will ask for consent before spotting. However, in the event of immediate risk, they may intervene without prior consent to prevent injury.

Behaviour and Code of Conduct

We aim to provide a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment for all participants and staff. We ask everyone who uses our building to follow our Code of Conduct and safety guidelines at all times.

See our Code of Conduct

We expect all children and parents involved in our Youth programmes to engage respectfully with our staff and other participants, follow instructions, and behave in a way that allows everyone to learn and take part safely. If a child or parent’s behaviour is repeatedly disruptive, prevents others from fully taking part, or creates a hostile environment — either in person or via communications with our team — we reserve the right to ask them to leave the session or programme. Where possible, we will speak with parents or guardians in advance to explore whether a class remains suitable for their child.

Physical aggression or violence of any kind – including hitting, pushing, punching, kicking, or throwing objects – will not be tolerated. These behaviours can put others at risk and may result in a child being temporarily or permanently removed from the session or programme. Parents and guardians are expected to support our teaching team in, and be ultimately responsible for, managing their child’s behaviour and following up on any concerns raised.

As a very small team we do our best to support everyone, but we may not be able to meet individual expectations beyond the structure of the classes. We ask that all feedback or concerns be raised constructively and within reasonable limits.

Concession

For participants booking at a concession rate, proof of eligibility will be required by our Customer Services team. Concession prices are available to full-time students, Equity members, and anyone in receipt of any of the following benefits and schemes:

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit or Pension Guarantee Credit
• Housing or Council Tax Benefit/Support
• Universal Credit
• Freedom Pass

We also offer a scholarship scheme for our Youth classes, awarding successful applicants a full year of training at no cost. Applications are open to all, with priority given to families who meet some or all of the following criteria:

• Live in Hackney or East London
• Household income under £25,000 per year (evidence will be required if successful)
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning circus

Rebooking & Priority Booking

Current participants will receive priority booking for the following term. Children moving to a new age group will be placed on a priority interest list. We will contact you via email during the rebooking period with instructions on how to rebook.

Refunds, Credit and Cancellations