what a year!

First up we need to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you that have stayed dancing with SCD the whole time or have joined during this crazy period. THANK YOU.

You continuing to dance with us and to pay for your place has meant that SCD can keep going. 

Sure we've got some debts to figure out but our whole aim was to keep momentum and to keep everyone connecting through dance. We've done it - together!

As per the current Government 'roadmap' we can reopen the studios on Monday 19th April. Gov guidelines state that gyms / dance studios can open from 12th April but only when students are back at school. In Sutton schools return on the 19th so we can fling the doors back open then.

We currently understand that adult classes will need to wait 1 more month before they can begin again in the studios.

SCDTV [online class streaming] continues all the time regardless to ensure we are as accessible as possible. 

1. HOW DOES THE TIER SYSTEM AFFECT SCD's ABILITY TO OPERATE?

CHILDREN's CLASSES:

In tier 1, we may continue as normal. In tier 2 and 3 (or medium, high, very high) all under 18 activities are exempt from the ban on households meeting indoors.

ADULTS CLASSES

In tier 1 and 2 (medium and high) over 18 activity is allowed so long as we are a COVID secure business. We are. In tier 3 over 18 exercise activity is also allowed, so adult dance classes may continue.

HOWEVER, in Liverpool and other TIER 3 (very high) locations, councils have the option to take additional precautions which include closing indoor fitness and exercise. This WILL affect adult classes, so we will always ensure we are tuned into any further changes from the London Borough of Sutton Council team. 

2. HOW DOES THE ‘RULE OF SIX’ (RULE OF 6) AFFECT US?

It doesn’t. As a COVID SECURE business the rule of 6 does not affect us. Children, as we know, must be in small, consistent groups of no more than 15. Adults, however, arrive as 1 from a household, enter socially distant, do the class socially distant and leave socially distant. If you can ensure no mixing between households, you continue to be COVID secure. In tier 1 it means you can have a friendly meet up with six of you, and stand chatting, but no more than this. In tier 2 and 3, this means that you can’t stand around chatting, they must be there for a purpose.

This affects how we manage people waiting at SCD so please listen out for our further guidance on this. 

3. HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN WE HAVE IN A CLASS AT SCD?

We are now only allowed to be open if we follow 'Out Of School Setting' guidance.

“Providers who run community activities, holiday clubs, breakfast or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school provision for children are now able to open for both outdoor and indoor provision provided that they follow the protective measures set out by government in this guidance.” – Out of School Setting Guidance

We may have up to 15 students in a class reliant on the fact that we:

1. Have enough space to socially distance all students and adults

2. Have enough space in line with Gym Ventilation guidelines

SCD meets all of these criteria.

4. DO WE HAVE TO DISPLAY THE NHS QR CHECK IN CODE?

As we rent our space from the Landlords (owners of St Nics shopping centre) it is actually their responsibility to display it. But of course we also take this seriously. We ask everyone to now scan the QR code and to also check in with our own app.

WE WOULD NOT NEED TO DISPLAY IT if we didn't let let parents enter, because our registers and check in details are enough. 

5. WHAT IF AN SCD STUDENT (ANY AGE) HAS A  POSITIVE RESULT?

The student or their family must notify us and then SCD must contact Public Health England if the student was last at SCD less that 48 hours before symptoms started, or if we want further advice as a precautionary measure if the child developed symptoms over a longer period of time. We must tell the Public Health our safeguards and infection control measures and allow them to decide if our staff/students need to be informed or made to self-isolate.

6. AN SCD PARENT/ RELATIVE/ HOUSEHOLD MEMBER OF A STUDENT HAS COVID-19. WHAT DO WE DO?

If the person who attended SCD, such a child, is not displaying symptoms or tested negative, we do not need to do anything apart from make sure that student is isolating along with their household and not attending. If that person remains healthy, we do not need to do anything as we are considered a secondary contact. If the person who attended develops symptoms, or tests positive, please refer to question 5.

7. A CHILD HAS BEEN SENT HOME FROM SCHOOL. CAN THEY COME TO SCD?

No. They have been told to isolate and must do so until the end of their isolation period.

8. A CHILD’S SIBLING HAS BEEN SENT HOME FROM SCHOOL TO ISOLATE. CAN THEY COME TO  SCD?

Yes. Only the child who has been told to isolate has to isolate. Other household members can continue to not isolate if the child remains healthy.

9. SOMEONE WHO HAS ATTENDED NOW HAS SYMPTOMS AND IS AWAITING A TEST RESULT. WHAT DO WE DO?

If someone who has come to SCD has SYMPTOMS, but no positive test, we do have to do anything until we know the results of the test. Obviously, the child with symptoms cannot attend while awaiting the results. If it is positive, please refer to question 5.

10. CAN DIFFERENT TIER LEVELS TRAVEL TO SCD?

Yes. Only in tier 3 is it not advised to travel to different levels, but there are exemptions for those accessing ‘youth services’. 

*Tier 2 upwards are advised to avoid sharing cars