Student Co-ordinator: Heather Walker
London Studio Centre sees the pastoral care of its students as a vital aspect of its work. A clear structure exists within the Studio to facilitate this aspect of student services.
Tutors
Each student has a Personal Tutor with whom they have regular contact, either in the form of group tutorials or individually as required. The Personal Tutors help guide the students through the course. Problems of a more personal nature may be referred to the Student Co-ordinator who has overall responsibility for student welfare. Pastoral concerns are dealt with in strict confidence and in the case of post 18 year old students no information is divulged to external sources without explicit permission. Trained counsellors are available to students, on site at regular times throughout each term, without the need for referral to the staff. The Studio also has information on a range of specialist agencies involved with the care and welfare of young people.
Each student also has a Group Tutor, and a number of Course Tutors who deal with specific techniques and contextual studies, and each of whom offer regular feedback, both verbal and written.
Student Representation
Students are members of the National Union of Students and elect representatives annually; they co-ordinate its work and represent the student body in discussions with management. Students are also represented on the Board of Studies, the Library Committee, the Health and Safety Committee and the Course Committees, enabling them to contribute to the development of policy at the Studio.
Health And Safety
The Studio has established a Health and Safety Committee that monitors every aspect of the development and application of a Health and Safety Policy at the Studio.
The Studio also has a comprehensive Policy on Disordered Eating, to support all students and staff who may be affected by issues of such a nature.
Health Care Services
All students must register with their own general medical practitioner near to their place of London residence for the treatment of everyday health problems, and for referral to, for example, a dance specialist physiotherapist in case of injury.
As part of the Injury Management Programme which aims to educate students in the prevention of injuries, and management of injuries should they occur, the physiotherapy facilities at the Studio are under the direct guidance of Warrick McNeill, Director of Physioworks, who visits on a regular basis in order to examine, diagnose and treat students’ injuries. Mr McNeill works closely with the Student Co-ordinator and detailed notes are kept, monitoring treatment and progress. There is also a remedial masseur who visits the college weekly.
Student services include a sports psychologist and counsellor.
Insurance
Because dancers may require specialist orthopaedic and physiotherapy services, which are not readily available on the N.H.S., students are strongly advised to take out private medical insurance. Details of suitable policies can be provided upon enrolment. Students and parents are reminded that the fees for all specialist treatments are their responsibility.
All students are advised to insure their personal belongings, and details of a low cost insurance policy run by the National Union of Students are available from the office.