Code of Conduct | West End Academy

West End Academy Code of Conduct
Operated by: Smart Music Studios Limited
Contact: info@westend.academy
Last updated: 26 July 2026

1. Our Aim
West End Academy aims to create a fun, positive, inclusive and supportive environment where every student can feel safe, confident and excited to take part. We want our classes, trials, rehearsals and performances to be enjoyable, creative and respectful for students, parents, staff and venue partners.

This Code of Conduct applies to students, parents and guardians, teachers, assistants, freelancers, volunteers, staff, venue partners and anyone involved in West End Academy activities.

2. Student Conduct
Students are expected to:
Be kind and respectful to others
Listen to teachers, assistants and staff
Take part positively and try their best
Support and encourage other students
Respect venues, equipment and personal belongings
Use appropriate language
Follow safety instructions
Tell a trusted adult if they feel worried, upset or unsafe

West End Academy understands that children and young people are learning, developing and building confidence. Our team will use encouragement, clear guidance and age-appropriate support to help students participate successfully.

3. Parent and Guardian Conduct
Parents and guardians are expected to:
Communicate respectfully with West End Academy staff, students, families and venue staff
Ensure students arrive on time and are collected promptly
Keep contact, emergency, medical and consent information up to date
Inform West End Academy about absences, illness or relevant changes
Support positive behaviour and respectful communication
Follow venue rules and safety procedures
Raise concerns directly and constructively

West End Academy will not accept aggressive, abusive, threatening, discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour towards staff, students, families or venue partners. Where necessary, it may pause or end a student’s place if a parent or guardian’s behaviour creates a safeguarding, safety or operational concern.

4. Staff, Teacher and Assistant Conduct
Adults working with West End Academy are expected to:
Act professionally and respectfully
Create a safe, fun and supportive environment
Use positive and age-appropriate language
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Follow safeguarding procedures
Avoid being alone with one child where this can reasonably be avoided
Treat students fairly and with dignity
Respond appropriately to behaviour concerns
Report safeguarding, welfare or safety concerns
Respect confidentiality and handle personal information responsibly

Any physical contact with a student must be appropriate, necessary, professional and clearly explained. This may include contact needed for safety, first aid, dance positioning, drama guidance, movement correction or rehearsal support. Students must always be treated respectfully and their comfort considered.

Staff must not contact students directly through personal phones, personal email, private messaging or social media unless specifically authorised for a clear professional reason and, where appropriate, the parent or guardian is included.

5. Respect and Inclusion
West End Academy welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities and levels of experience. Everyone should help create an environment where students feel included, encouraged, safe, respected and able to participate and express themselves creatively.

Bullying, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, humiliation or deliberate exclusion will not be accepted. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

6. Behaviour Concerns
Where a student’s behaviour becomes disruptive, unsafe or significantly affects others, West End Academy will aim to respond calmly, support the student, understand possible causes, give clear guidance, work with the parent or guardian where appropriate, agree reasonable next steps and protect the group’s safety and wellbeing.

In serious or repeated cases, West End Academy may pause or end a student’s place where necessary for safety, safeguarding, behaviour management, the wellbeing of other students or the effective operation of the group. Decisions will be handled carefully, fairly and professionally.

7. Safeguarding Concerns
Any safeguarding concern should be reported to:
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Harry Smith
Email: info@westend.academy
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Claire Smith
Email: info@westend.academy

If a concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead. In an emergency, or where a child may be at immediate risk, West End Academy may contact the relevant authorities, including emergency services, children’s social care or the police.

8. Photography, Phones and Personal Devices
Students should not use mobile phones or personal devices during classes unless agreed by a teacher. Parents and guardians must not take or share photographs or videos of other children without permission. West End Academy will follow the consent choices provided by parents and guardians. Personal devices must be used responsibly and must not disrupt learning, compromise privacy or create a safeguarding concern.

9. Venues and Equipment
Students, families and staff must follow reasonable venue and safety instructions relating to entrances, exits, toilets, waiting areas, parking, food and drink, fire safety, restricted areas, equipment, noise levels and backstage areas. Venues, costumes, props, equipment and belongings must be treated with care. Deliberate damage may result in the parent or guardian being asked to cover reasonable repair or replacement costs.

10. Concerns and Complaints
Concerns should be raised promptly by emailing info@westend.academy. West End Academy will aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe, listen carefully, maintain appropriate confidentiality and seek a fair, practical and professional resolution.

11. Acceptance
By attending, registering for or taking part in West End Academy activities, students, parents, guardians, staff and other participants agree to follow this Code of Conduct. Serious or repeated breaches may lead to a reminder, discussion, parent contact, behaviour support plan, temporary suspension, removal from an activity or cancellation of membership where necessary.