Terms and Conditions and Health and Safety Guidelines

Welcome to Asha Wade Ceramics Studio! I’m so glad you’re here and am committed to making the studio a safe, creative, and enjoyable space for everyone. By visiting and using the studio, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions and Health and Safety Guidelines. Please take a moment to read through them carefully.

1. Studio Access and Booking

• Studio Hours: All bookings must be made in advance and online through the booking system.
• Booking and Cancellations: Cancellations must be made 7 days in advance for a full refund or rescheduling. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the session cannot be refunded.
• Late Arrivals: If you arrive late to a scheduled session, your session time will not be extended, and the full session fee will still apply.
• Parking: Parking restrictions apply – please do check before travelling.
• Transport: Woodford Tube Station (Central Line) is a 5-minute walk from the studio.

2. Studio Use

• Shared Studio Space: Please be mindful of shared work areas and clean up your workspace at the end of each session (20 minutes are included at the end of each session for this). For further information see Health and Safety: Studio Cleanliness.
• Age Restrictions: All classes are for adults unless stated. Children’s classes or workshops for those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Behaviour: I ask that everyone treats each other with consideration and respect al the time – let’s keep the studio a positive and welcoming place!
• Food and Drink: For health and safety reasons, please keep food and drink away from areas where clay is being handled.

3. Equipment and Materials

• Studio Materials: All clay, glazes, and firing services are provided and included, unless otherwise agreed upon. Additional costs for clay will be incurred if usage is in excess of 5kg per course.
• Damage to Equipment: If any studio equipment, pottery wheels or tools are damaged, you are responsible and agree to reimburse the studio for repair or replacement costs.

4. Missed Lessons

• Notice Requirement: If you’re unable to attend a scheduled lesson, please let me know at least 7 days in advance. Where possible, I’ll rearrange the missed lesson and add it to another teaching session.
• Multiple Missed Lessons: If more than 2 lessons are missed, it may not always be possible to accommodate these within a scheduled teaching session. In these circumstances, solo studio time may be offered as an alternative – this is unsupervised and arranged at a time that works for both of us.

5. Kiln Firing

• Firing Services: Kiln firing is included as part of your studio session. I will fire your pieces in line with the agreed firing schedule. Please note that I am not responsible for any damage that occurs during firing but will always take reasonable precautions to minimise risk.
• Pick-Up and Storage: You’ll be notified as soon as your fired pieces are ready for collection. As space is limited, pieces not collected within 2 weeks may be disposed of at my discretion.

6. Liability and Waiver

• Assumption of Risk: By entering the studio, you acknowledge that pottery involves the use of tools, equipment, and materials that carry some risk, and you take on responsibility for your own participation.
• Liability Waiver: I am not liable for any injuries or accidents that occur while using the studio facilities, materials, or equipment. By using my services, you agree to release me from any associated liability. Full health and safety guidance will be provided at the start of each class.

7. Privacy Policy

• Data Collection: I respect your privacy. Any personal information collected (e.g., name, email address) is used for booking and communication purposes only and will never be shared with third parties without your consent.

Health and Safety Guidelines

To help keep the studio a safe and welcoming space for everyone, please follow the guidelines below:

1. Clay Handling and Water Use

• No Clay Down the Sink – Ever: This is really important! Please never wash clay down the sink – not even residue from your hands. Even small amounts build up over time and can cause serious blockages in the pipes. Always wipe down hands with a sponge and wash into the designated buckets provided. No clay down the sink – thank you!
• Minimise Water Use: Please be mindful of how much water you use when working. More water means longer reclaiming and drying times for the clay. Nothing gets wasted in the studio, so using less water also helps protect the environment.
• Water Recycling: Water that is siphoned off the clay buckets is used to water my plants – so every drop really does go to good use! :)

2. Glaze Safety

• Non-Toxic Glazes: Only non-toxic, food-safe glazes are used in the studio. 
• Inhalation and Ingestion: Please don’t eat or drink while working. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling clay or glazes, especially before eating.
• Proper Handling: Handle all glazes, slips, and underglazes with care.

3. Kiln Safety

• Kiln Usage: Please do not attempt to open, operate, or unload the kiln. All kiln services are carried out by me.
• Kiln Cool Down: If the kiln is cooling during your class, you will be informed and asked not to come into direct contact with it.

4. Tool and Equipment Safety

• Use Tools Safely: Pottery tools can be sharp – please handle everything with care and store tools correctly when not in use.
• Inspect Equipment: If you notice any damaged or broken equipment, please report it to me straight away.

5. Studio Cleanliness

• Clean Workspaces: Please clean up your workspace and walls at the end of each session using the provided cleaning supplies, and keep tools and your work area tidy throughout.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of excess clay and trimmings in the designated clay disposal containers. See Clay Handling and Water Use.

6. Electrical Safety

• Electrical Equipment: When using pottery wheels, please follow all safety instructions. If anything doesn’t seem to be working correctly, please let me know immediately.
• Water and Electricity: Please take care around electrical outlets, cords, and hot taps in the studio.

7. Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Exits: Emergency exits, and fire escape routes will be pointed out on arrival.

8. Other

• Clothing and Aprons: Please wear old clothing. Aprons are provided in the studio.
• Comfortable Footwear: I recommend comfortable shoes or trainers when using the pottery wheel.
• Tie Back Loose Hair: If your hair is long, I recommend tying it back.
• Short Nails: Keeping nails short is recommended to avoid discomfort when working with clay.

I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing you in the studio!