Jump to content
Visit out new Tradespeople Directory! ×

South London Dance Studios - A Warning

Ladharrbeinn

By Ladharrbeinn
in Request a Tradesperson

Recommended Posts

Ladharrbeinn

Ladharrbeinn

Posted
Posted

Hi all, this is an alert to prospective parents considering sending children to South London Dance Studios in Herne Hill.

A little over a year ago we signed up our nearly 4 year old, daughter to start 40 minute dance classes there on a Saturday morning. Just a bit of casual fun we thought - and neglected to scrutinise the school's online terms and conditions.

A year on, she wasn't enjoying it - sessions seemed very stiff, with lots of listening and sitting in line and not much actual dancing - so we decided not to try to force her to continue and told the school she wouldn't be going any more. We'd already paid for all that autumn term of course, and at that point it was a little over a month before the start of this year's new term, which starts this weekend.

Ah! they said - under our terms and conditions, you needed to give just under 3 months of notice to withdraw. Added to that they had auto-enrolled our daughter in a new class. We therefore must pay for the whole forthcoming term - ?224 - which she won't be attending any of!

Of course organisations like this need some notice in order to plan their sessions, but 3 months is the kind of notice for a full time job, not a short weekend class for infants. Everyone knows children at that age can change their minds quite quickly (and firmly!).

So don't be put off if your committed, but do consider the financial commitment you are getting into...

  • 6 months later...
Saria

Saria

Posted
Posted

Hello, I would like to share my own experience too.


I?ve had a very similar issue with them.


My daughter didn?t enjoy her class half way her first term. The teacher knew. We tried another lesson and then she decided to don?t go anymore.


I then had to let her know that my daughter wasn?t going to attend anymore. This was before the end of term. Still not intime with their term and conditions. They demanded from me a payment for the whole term coming despite my daughter wasn?t going to attend a single lesson.


I found this very disturbing for different reasons.


The teacher was aware of everything and didn?t care. My daughter was asked to buy the whole clothes for ballet at a very early stage.



The moment you walk in there you have a strong sensation that all they care about is money. Not your children.

DulwichFox

DulwichFox

Posted
Posted

Sounds very unfair.

Had a look at their Website and found this page with Terms and Conditions.



https://southlondondancestudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/South-London-Dance-School-Terms-and-Conditions-updated-28112018.pdf


I haven't read through it in detail myself but hope it might help.


DulwichFox

Saria

Saria

Posted
Posted

I personally think that the cancelling policy should take place at least after the pupil has been in the school for two terms. The child has got the right to TRY first.


Basically she attended half of a term and payed for two terms!! It?s unbelievable.


Many children get involved, and after a term decide not not carry on. The parents shouldn?t pay a whole term as a penalty. It?s unfair for the simple fact that we as parent follow our children?s timings. I don?t agree about this police being applied this way into something that involves small children.

Not to mention the cold way this company deals with the situation. I want to take my own child somewhere she feels welcome and looked after. Not where the financial side comes first.

  • 1 month later...
montassa

montassa

Posted
Posted

We had a similar issue - and we are talking around 2013 - we refused to pay ..


in the end - they actually sent us a letter from their solicitor - saying they would take us to court !


we had no choice and paid up - its not a new thing, its been happening for years!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Advertise Here

  • Latest Discussions

    • Pugwash
      Poundland East Dulwich soon to be replaced by Tesco Express

      By Pugwash · Posted

      What is it that makes Waitrose so special! Admittedly I have shopped a couple of times in the Orpington and Beckenham one - sometimes buying food which I cannot get else where. Their 'basic range' is not bad. Price for price and quality - M & S.
    • Pugwash
      Ring doorbell question etc

      By Pugwash · Posted

      Sometimes a shed or other installation has to have written approval from the freeholder i.e. Southwark, Southwark has (or did have) a Leaseholder Association.   Could also come under Anti Social Behaviour Unit.
    • Pugwash
      Love Dulwich Restaurant

      By Pugwash · Posted

      Love Dulwich is great but has a large step in front. We have only been weekdays at Lunch time. Maria's next to Picture House is disabled friendly. Also can reserve table in advance. We did a Sunday lunch catch up with family - there were 8 of us.
    • beansprout
      Love Dulwich Restaurant

      By beansprout · Posted

      Hi, Thinking about  going with some friends and was just wondering if folk might like to report back please. Most importantly sound level when busy & is it disabled friendly.  Thinking on a Sunday lunchtime but don’t want a busy busy environment or loud chatter - a couple of friends could not cope. Time can be flexible, if that helps - say 2 ish to avoid above.. Thanks…      

East Dulwich Forum

Established in 2006, we are an online community discussion forum for people who live, work in and visit SE22.

Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...