Welcome to Rhapsody Studios' Policies & Fees Page

At Rhapsody Studios, we're committed to creating a happy, nurturing, and professional environment where our dance community thrives. Our policies are designed to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all.

General Guidelines:

  • Respect and Honesty: We expect all members of our community, including staff, students, and parents, to treat each other with respect and honesty.

  • Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Bullying of any kind is not tolerated at Rhapsody Studios. We promote a positive and supportive atmosphere.

  • Nut-Free Zone: For the safety of our students, Rhapsody Studios is a nut-free environment.

  • Noise Control: Please keep noise to a minimum outside the studio and at the studio door.

  • Concert Participation: Students with outstanding fees will not be able to participate in the concert. We assume all students will participate unless advised otherwise.

  • Photography and Filming: It is illegal to film or photograph any child under 18 without the written consent of a legal parent or guardian.

For Students:

  • Studio Entry: Students must not enter a studio without their teacher.

  • Mobile Phone Usage: Mobile phones are not to be used during class time.

  • Enjoyment: Have fun and embrace your dance journey!

For Parents:

  • Punctuality: Please ensure your child arrives on time and is picked up promptly after class.

  • Communication: If you have any concerns, please contact reception or email us to arrange a discussion with Sheridan, our studio principal.

Child Safety:

  • We prioritise the safety and well-being of our students. Please refer to our Child Safety Policy and Complaints Policy for detailed information.

Fees:

  • Affordable Costs: We strive to keep our fees affordable. For our fee structure, please email us with your class interests.

  • Free Trial Classes: Experience a class for free! Contact us with the following details to book a trial: parent’s name and contact number, student’s name, class of interest, and preferred trial date.

  • Payment Methods: Fees can be paid at reception by cash, cheque, or card, as well as by internet transfer. Credit card payments incur a 2% surcharge.

  • Active & Creative Kids Vouchers: We accept these vouchers, which can be applied to term fees. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.

Rhapsody Studios reserves the right to modify policies without notice.

Child Safety Policy

At Rhapsody Studios and The Sydney Ballet Conservatory, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all children. Our policy is designed to guide staff, volunteers, students, and parents in promoting a child-safe and friendly atmosphere.

Our Commitment:

  • We value and respect the views of children and consider their needs in our policies and decisions, especially those directly affecting them.

  • We promote respect, fairness, and consideration among all staff, volunteers, parents, and students.

Support Measures:

  • Each staff member, volunteer, and student is assigned a senior officer for support and supervision.

  • All new members receive our Child-safe Policy, Code of Conduct, and Complaints Process via email upon enrolment.

  • Copies of these documents are available at reception for reference.

Recruitment Practices:

  • We ensure a thorough and consistent recruitment process for staff and volunteers.

  • A valid Working with Children Check is mandatory before commencing work.

  • Our interview process includes questions on handling child safety situations, and reference checks include inquiries about child safety.

  • We verify the appropriate qualifications for teaching levels and techniques.

Handling Complaints:

  • Our Child Safety Manager, Miss Sheridan, oversees the complaints process.

  • We encourage reporting any inappropriate behavior or concerns about a child's safety or welfare.

  • Complaints can range from abuse disclosure, inappropriate behavior, suspicion of harm, to bullying.

  • A complaint form is available, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

  • We adhere to NSW Reporting Obligations.

Communication and Training:

  • Regular information sessions are held for staff and volunteers.

  • Parents and students can schedule meetings to discuss Child Safety concerns.

  • New staff receive policy training during induction, and new families receive policy information via email after enrolment.

  • Our policy and guidelines are reviewed biennially, incorporating feedback from our community.

This policy reflects our dedication to ensuring a child-safe environment and is subject to periodic review and updates.

Complaints Handling Procedure

At Rhapsody Studios and The Sydney Ballet Conservatory, we are committed to addressing complaints promptly, fairly, and with the utmost confidentiality. Our process ensures that any concerns regarding child safety are handled with the seriousness they deserve.

Our Approach:

  • We believe in an honest and fair resolution of all complaints.

  • We encourage everyone in our community to feel confident in reporting any inappropriate behavior or concerns about a child's safety.

Reporting Complaints:

  • All complaints, including abuse disclosures, inappropriate behavior, suspicions of harm, or bullying, must be reported.

  • Complaints can be made by any child, young person, staff member, volunteer, student, or parent directly to the Child Safety Manager.

Complaint Submission:

  • Written complaints should be submitted using the 'Complaint Record Form' available at reception.

  • Once a complaint is lodged, notify the Child Safety Manager, Miss Sheridan, either by leaving a message on her mobile or via email.

Complaint Handling:

  • The Child Safety Manager will listen to the complainant and formally record the complaint.

  • In cases of child abuse allegations, a report will be made to the Department of Family and Community Services in NSW.

  • If the complaint involves a breach of the Code of Conduct, appropriate action will be taken following our internal discipline procedure.

Reporting Obligations in NSW:

  • Department of Family and Community Services: Any person with reasonable grounds to believe a child is at risk of significant harm should report to the Department of Family and Community Services.

  • NSW Ombudsman: Supervises complaints handling in various agencies, including schools and child care centers. Complaints can be made to the Ombudsman to ensure proper handling.

  • Office of Children’s Guardian: Legal obligations exist to report findings of sexual misconduct and serious physical assault involving children by child-related workers.

This procedure reflects our commitment to child safety and is subject to periodic review and updates.