Altrincham Youth Choir

Participation Agreement and Acknowledgement of Risk

Version: 1.0 | Date: 12th October 2026 | Contact: Cally Youdell, 07715 559306, cally@altrinchamyouthchoir.co.uk

1. About this agreement

This agreement is between Cally Youdell, trading as Altrincham Youth Choir (“AYC”, “we”, “us”) and the parent or carer of the child named on the registration or booking form (“you”). It applies to everything your child takes part in with AYC, including trial rehearsals, termly membership, Come & Sing days, holiday weeks and workshops.

We want every child to enjoy singing in a safe and welcoming place. This agreement explains what we do, what we ask of you, and the ordinary risks of taking part. It is written in plain English, and it does not take away any of your or your child’s legal rights.

2. How we look after your children

We take our responsibility for your child’s safety seriously. In particular we:

  • follow our Child Protection Policy, which is available on our website

  • make sure every adult who works with children is DBS checked

  • keep to NSPCC recommended adult-to-child ratios, with at least two adults at every session

  • sign children in and out, and only release them to people you have authorised

  • keep a first-aid kit and accident book at every session

  • carry out risk assessments for our venues and events

  • hold public liability insurance (see section 8)

3. Ordinary risks of taking part

Choir activities are generally low risk, but no activity can be completely risk-free. You understand that, even with reasonable care on our part, things such as the following can happen:

  • tiredness or strain on the voice

  • minor bumps, trips or slips, including on stairs, steps or risers, or when moving around a hall or venue

  • minor injuries during movement or warm-ups 

  • the spread of everyday illnesses such as colds

  • reactions to foods or substances at events, if your child has allergies we have not been told about

  • risks when travelling to and from rehearsals and events, and at venues away from our usual hall

We will do our best to manage these risks, and we ask you to talk to us if you are worried about anything.

4. What we ask of you

You agree to:

  • give us accurate and complete information on the registration form, including medical conditions, allergies, medication and additional needs, and tell us promptly of any changes

  • make sure your child is well enough to take part, and keep them at home if they are unwell

  • make sure medication such as inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors is with your child when needed, with clear instructions

  • drop off and collect your child on time, and tell us if someone else is collecting them

  • tell us before the rehearsal if your child will be absent

  • encourage your child to follow our expectations of kind and respectful behaviour

  • be responsible for your child’s travel to and from AYC activities, unless we have told you otherwise for a particular event

5. Health and emergencies

If your child is hurt or unwell, we will give basic first aid and contact you. In an emergency where we cannot reach you, we will seek urgent medical help, as you have agreed on the registration form. We will tell you about any accident or injury as soon as we can.

6. Belongings

Please keep valuables and expensive items at home. We are not responsible for loss of or damage to children’s belongings, unless it is caused by our negligence.

7. Behaviour and removing a child from a session

We expect all children to behave safely and respectfully. If a child’s behaviour puts themselves or others at risk, or is seriously disruptive, we may ask them to stop taking part in a session, or exclude them from AYC. We would always speak to you first where we can. Fees are dealt with under our Booking, Fees and Cancellation Policy.

8. Insurance

AYC holds public liability insurance of £5,000,000. This covers our legal responsibility if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of our activities. It does not provide personal accident or medical cover for participants, so you may wish to check your own household or personal insurance.

9. Your legal rights

Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. It also does not affect your child’s legal rights, or your rights as a consumer.

10. Photographs, events and other policies

11. Questions, concerns and complaints

If you have a question, a concern or a complaint, please speak to Cally Youdell or email cally@altrinchamyouthchoir.co.uk. We will look into it promptly and keep you informed. Safeguarding concerns follow our Child Protection Policy.

12. Law

This agreement is governed by the law of England and Wales.

Contact: Cally Youdell, 07715 559306, cally@altrinchamyouthchoir.co.uk