My children attend a reasonably well known dance/acting school at weekends. We’ve recently been notified that they are re-opening. All parents received invoices for this term and class prices have increased by 25% with no prior notice. There’s a reasonable number of us for whom the classes take up a significant amount of our monthly budget and it would have been helpful to have known in advance.

Several people have queried this but the owner is quite young and you can sometimes tell this in the way they respond to things. Communication with adults is probably not what would be described as a strong point.

I’m trying to understand the contractual side of things. When you join, you sign to agree that you will give a minimum of one term’s notice of terminating with them so in theory if I say I’m sorry I can’t afford this price hike, they could still make me pay for this term. However, they have changed the terms of the ‘contract’ by altering the fees without prior notice. I’m not sure if this is applicable to contracts with dance schools though, or if my understanding is completely wrong!

Asking because I’d like to know how to deal with this constructively with the owner. I’ve tried to open a channel of communication with them but not heard anything back yet. I know other parents have received replies that are leaving a bit to be desired. We don’t go because we have grand ideas for stardom, more that my kids enjoy it and it’s a fun activity out of school. My concern though is that if they change this without being challenged, what else will they change in the future?

If anyone is able to help me understand the contractual side of things I’d be very grateful. Thank you.

England.

EDIT: Thank you for the replies, question answered!