To reassure you all, we will be fully compliant with Government Guidelines and the guidance of the Health and Safety Executive in terms of risk assessment, and the measures to be taken to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In addition please note the following:

1) Numbers per class:

You have all been to the new studio premises so are hopefully aware of the space that we have available. Before the crisis reared its ugly head we could easily accommodate 5 – 6 people at any one time – sometimes more!

However when we resume the numbers will be strictly limited to 4 per class, which with Danny and Val will make a maximum of 6 people. This will give ample space between those attending the classes – more than the 1-2 metres recommended. Common sense will hopefully prevail and we will not be marking out spacing and directional arrows on the floor.

2) Face masks:

We ask that you wear a face mask when entering and leaving the studio, but we do not expect you to wear it whilst working at your desk or easel, given the space you will have been allocated. Danny and Val will be equipped with masks at all times (Val looks the scarier of the two of us – no change there then!). We will not be in a position to supply face masks.

3) Hand Sanitiser Gel:

We will have plenty of Sanitiser Gel available for your use, on entry and leaving and at any other time you may choose! Please use it.

4) Doors:

Where possible doors will be left open to minimise the need to touch handles.

5) Cleaning:

You all know Val and cleanliness, so rest assured that all surfaces and places used by you, including the toilet,  will have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in-between classes.

6) Gloves:

Danny and Val will not be wearing them, however, you are free to wear them if you so choose. There is a  medical view that they can give a false sense of security, and it is far more effective to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

7) Kitchen Area:

The kitchen will be Out of Bounds to all. As for the coffees and teas and other drinks we normally supply, as well as all those hidden biscuits and cakes, (being in isolation hasn’t mellowed Val in that respect!) we will continue to do so for those that wish to partake. To facilitate the distribution of refreshments, Danny has been relieved of his waiter duties and you will be called up to the counter to retrieve your own drink. However, we fully understand if you choose, and prefer, to bring in your own refreshments, no prior warning is required!

8) Class Times:

For us to be able to operate with just the 4 in a class, and for this to work, we do need you to adhere strictly to the class time you have agreed with Val beforehand as we will not be able to fit you in if you just turn up, or come in at a different time, as we were able to do in the past.

This may mean our having to have classes at different times, including Friday afternoon, depending on numbers, and will possibly mean a slight change to the times that you were accustomed to before and also, perhaps not being able to have the same slot each time.

To simplify things, we have numbered the classes 1-7 as follows and they are listed below for your information:

Class 1: Thursday 11.00 – 13.00hrs
Class 2: Thursday 13.30 – 15.30hrs

Class 3: Friday 09.30 – 11.30hrs
Class 4: Friday 12.00 – 14.00hrs

Class 5: Saturday 09.30 – 11.30hrs
Class 6: Saturday 12.00 – 14.00hrs
Class 7: Saturday 14.30 – 16.30hrs

Being flexible, for which we are renowned, is the key!

9) Gaps Between Classes:

In order for us to be able to have time to clean the studio in-between classes, we will need to strictly adhere to the 2 hour class time. This means that if you wish to discuss anything with either Danny or Val, you will need to do this either during the lesson or at another mutually agreed time, as we will not be able to do so at the end of the lesson as we have often done in the past. Parents dropping their children off will likewise have to make arrangements to discuss with us any matters at another time and not when you are collecting your child. 

10) Parents Leaving and Collecting Their Children:

While most of you do so already, parents dropping off or collecting their children will not be able to come into the studio, but will have to remain outside.

10) Track and Trace:

As a final note as we will have your contact details already no further measures are required, other than ensuring your contact details are up to date! As an additional precaution, remember that there the NHS Covid-19 Test and Trace app, which many of you have already downloaded (unless you have antique phones!).

If you have any particular concerns that we have not covered here please get in touch with Val to discuss them.