Codes Of Conduct
Last Updated:
August 2025
Straight Up Dance & Theatre School (SUDTS) provides an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant environment where children, young people, and adults can thrive in both dance and musical theatre. To make sure everyone enjoys a safe and positive experience, we ask all students, parents/guardians, staff, and volunteers to follow this Code of Conduct.
STUDENTS
Students are expected to:
• Wear the correct SUDTS uniform (children) or suitable clothing (adults).
• Bring a bottle of water to every class, rehearsal, or event.
• Give 100% effort in classes and performances.
• Practise material at home if required (choreography, lines, songs, etc.).
• Be welcoming, supportive, and kind — especially to new students.
• Respect peers, staff, and volunteers regardless of age, gender, race, ability, beliefs, or identity.
• Follow staff instructions and respect decisions — this includes casting, class placement, and progression. Our staff are qualified and experienced to make accurate judgments in the best interests of students.
• Report inappropriate behaviour to an adult or SUDTS staff member.
• Take care of equipment, props, and costumes.
Students must not:
• Bully, exclude, or use bad language (in person or online).
• Disrupt classes or events inappropriately.
• Leave the venue without permission from staff.
• Get involved in peer pressure or pressure others.
• Give corrections, instructions, or notes to other students on dance moves or performance — this is the responsibility of the teacher.
• Smoke, vape, drink alcohol, or use drugs at any class, rehearsal, performance, or SUDTS event.
• Engage in violence, aggression, or unsafe behaviour.
• Use phones during class unless instructed. If awaiting an important call, the phone must remain at the front desk.
• Contact teachers directly outside of class. All communication must go through the SUDTS office phone or email.
Students have a right to:
• Learn, dance, and perform in a safe, respectful, and happy environment.
• Be listened to and taken seriously.
• Privacy and fair treatment.
• Be supported regardless of personal background or ability.
• Be protected from bullying, discrimination, or abuse.
• Have concerns acted on and help requested when needed.
PARENTS / GUARDIANS
Parents and guardians are expected to:
• Encourage and support your child positively.
• Ensure SUDTS has up-to-date contact and medical details.
• Arrive 15 minutes before classes for drop-off and collection.
• Inform staff in writing if your child will be collected by another adult or has permission to walk home.
• Inform staff if your child has an injury, however if a student is unwell or contagious they must not attend classes.
• Provide the correct uniform, footwear, and refreshments.
• Respect staff decisions and instructions — this includes casting, class placement, and progression. Our staff are qualified and experienced to make accurate judgments in the best interests of students.
• Treat staff, students, and other parents with courtesy.
• Never engage in bullying, verbal abuse, or aggressive behaviour. SUDTS reserves the right to contact the police and pursue legal action against anyone who is abusive towards staff, students, or other parents.
• Use the official SUDTS contact channels (school phone 07766 223035 or straightupdanceuk@gmail.com) for all communications. To keep communication clear and consistent, parents and guardians must not contact teachers directly.
• Raise verbal complaints or issues individually. We will not address groups of parents all at once. Staff have the right to request that concerns are discussed with one parent at a time, as group confrontations are intimidating and can be perceived as bullying behaviour.
Parents and guardians have a right to:
• Expect their child to be safeguarded while attending SUDTS.
• Be kept informed of issues, concerns, or injuries.
• Be asked for consent for trips, photography, and other activities.
• Volunteer if they hold an up-to-date Enhanced DBS check.
• Have concerns about their child’s welfare listened to and addressed.
STAFF / VOLUNTEERS
Staff and volunteers are expected to:
• Put student wellbeing and safety first.
• Arrive early to classes to prepare and set up before teaching begins.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate classes.
• Take an accurate register at each class and ensure attendance records are up to date.
• Be positive role models and approachable.
• Encourage teamwork, fairness, and respect.
• Use appropriate physical contact only when necessary for posture, movement, or safeguarding.
• Report accidents, safeguarding concerns, or incidents promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality around sensitive information.
• Never condone bullying, rough play, or use of prohibited substances.
• Hold the necessary qualifications and checks, including Enhanced DBS clearance.
Staff and volunteers have a right to:
• Work in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
• Remove students whose behaviour jeopardises safety, safeguarding or is disrupting classes and preventing others from learning.
• Be protected from abuse by students, parents, or others.
Straight Up Dance & Theatre School also operates policies to support this Code of Conduct, including our Safeguarding Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Privacy Policy, and full Terms & Conditions.