My child is 7 years old but in Year 2 – can they join?
Notts Performing Arts is open to students from Year 3 and above. Please apply once your child has completed Year 2.
My child has special needs – can they join?
Yes provided they meet the eligibility criteria and NPA has a Support Assistant to work with them if needed. Please clarify any support that may be required in your application so we can ensure your child fully participates.
My child has special needs – why are they on a waiting list?
Notts Performing Arts has a large number of Support Assistants who work with children with special needs so they can fully benefit from the arts opportunities on offer. We also regularly recruit new staff to respond to the high level of new starters and from time to time do not have staff cleared to work to meet the demand. Students will be placed on a waiting list in strict order of application and contacted once a new Support Assistant is available to work.
When can my child start?
Once your application is confirmed and payment made your child can start on the first week of the new term or the first week after half term.
Is there a uniform – do they have to wear certain clothes?
NPA students should wear clothes they are comfortable in and for dance students clothes that they can dance in.
Are the staff CRB checked?
All NPA staff are enhanced CRB checked as are all the parent helpers who work in the Saturday morning tuck shops. These checks are re-done every three years.
Are there opportunities to do exams?
Students can take their Bronze Arts Award if they attend a Saturday morning Centre. Silver and Gold Arts award sessions run on Tuesday evenings in Mansfield and Southwell.
We live in Nottingham city and my child attends a Nottingham city school. Why does it cost more?
NPA provision is subsidised by Nottinghamshire County Council for students who live or go to school in the county of Nottinghamshire.
My child will be absent for one week. Who do I tell?
You can tell the administrator or manager on site at the Workshop centre or you can telephone the NPA office on 0115 977 2782. Please note that regular absences will mean your child cannot participate in performances.
Can I get a refund if my child changes their mind or starts and then decides they do not want to stay for a term?
The membership fee is non-refundable and non-transferable
My child has a medical condition. Are staff trained to administer medication?
None of the staff administer medication. If you child cannot self medicate then you can come into the centre and administer it to your child yourself. Please contact the NPA office on 0115 9772782 if you wish to arrange this.
My child wants to do the music groups on Saturday morning – do they need their own instrument?
If your child has an instrument they want to play bring it along. Students need to provide their own instruments for sessions such as strings/concert band/woodwind. Instruments are provided for drumming and percussion.
Can my child book onto any of the dance/drama/music options on the timetable?
On your child’s first morning they will be able to choose which sessions they would like to attend for that term. Some sessions are run in age groups or beginner/intermediate levels and some sessions may already be full. Session places cannot be booked in advance of the first morning. It is possible to change session during the first two weeks of attendance.
What happens if they cannot get their preferred sessions?
There is a wide range of different activities to choose from and NPA students are encouraged to try out new activities if their choices are unavailable.
Does my child have to stay all morning?
It is possible for a child to sign out early from a Centre and be collected by a parent (if primary age) for exceptional circumstances.
Can I stay with my child on their first morning?
For younger students a parent can stay for the first morning but may not be able to be present in the session and may need to wait on site and see their child at break times.
My child is studying for their GCSE. Can they use this time to practise or perform their pieces?
Yes they can. Please inform the Workshop Manager who will arrange this if possible.
My child’s father and I are separated. Can they attend in alternate weeks?
Yes they can. Please let the teachers know when you start so they can be aware of this when leading up to performances.
Will we be able to see what our child has been learning?
Centres have performances, and/or open days during the term where parents can watch. Please enquire at the individual Centre when your child starts.
Can a parent help in the sessions at the workshop?
Parents cannot help in the workshop sessions but they can volunteer to work in the tuck shop. Please make enquiries on site as NPA will need to have you enhanced CRB cleared. If you already have an enhanced CRB clearance within the last year then this is valid whilst we redo one for you.
