Janice Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Spanner- yes she has her own cupboard and shelf in the fridge and the freezer . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Wow this is all so confusing! We are totally new to all this and completely clueless!!! So, can people tell me what does MDS actually cover? I also hear there's lots of other resources and help, what is that help and resources??? I didn't think we would even get to this point so now we have I would appreciate all the advise I can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 To the best of my knowledge Mae (dd doesn't have an MDS so a recipient at the school may be more accurate) it covers  The fees & boarding minus your contribution on a sliding scale according to parental income.  Allowance for dance uniform (held at Stardust) the figure of £600 a year seems familiar  Tuition on one musical instrument or voice  Dance related trips (theatre)  It doesn't cover the new student bonding Outdoor activities residential weekend, academic trips or academic school uniform. I don't think it covers BUPA insurance, food & nutrition ingredients or academic exams.  I don't know if it covers the annual show light/technology fee, dance exam fees or not. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 It varies from school to school what mds covers so its probably best to check with them directly especially as it can change. For example I know that years ago at Tring you could learn two musical instruments at Tring but by the time my ds went it was just one. And that could now have changed too. Each school should be able to tell you what is covered by the MDS at their establishments and surely its best to get this information at source? Id hate to inadvertently mislead someone to think that they are entitled to something which is no longer the case even if its not that long ago that we were in the same position. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thankyou hfbrew and picturesinthefirelight, looks like I need to do some questioning after the holidays and get to grips with it all. I am now worried that we have accepted our MDS place but someone who didn't get MDS has a high bursary/scholarship that works out better financially for them. I didn't even realise that this could be a better option! I'm wondering if I should really contact the school and find out exactly what would be the best way and if we have any other options available to us. It's a minefield!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eowyn Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Mae, I think you are probably referring to my mention in the Hammond thread that the bursary worked out better than the MDS. Without wishing to go into financial details, this is because we are relatively high earners and the MDS is awarded on a sliding scale, so those who earn less contribute less. For us we would still have had to contribute a significant amount even with an MDS, so the bursary is better for our personal circumstances. However saying that we won't get free singing/music lessons and still have to pay for the trips, uniform, and all the other extras so it's still going to be a struggle as it would be for anyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thankyou Eowyn. I did think that when you posted. When I looked at the sliding scale we will have a significant contribution to make also, which is why I worry. I worry about so much at the minute, I'm sure I have aged at least 20 years these past few months! My biggest concern is I try to get this right so that my DD can go to the school, be able to join in all the activities and my other children don't have to suffer too many sacrifices because of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eowyn Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I know what you mean I am worried about it all as well. It's all very exciting at the start when they get offered a place and then quickly reality sets in! I am dreading my little girl leaving home not to mention the financial side :-( 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Circe Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I am also trying to get to grips with the detailed finances now and it is interesting how the calculations and financial implications vary according to own circumstances and funding scheme. Eg MDS seems to be gross income, Dada household income and student loans household income but different tax year to dada - all with different sliding scales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Further to comments about extra fees for academic exams, I would just like to point out that this too varies from school to school. They were not an extra for my DD for her A levels and nor is there an extra charge for lower school for GCSEs as far as I am aware from letters on fees we have received. It seems all schools like to do things differently. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miracle Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Regarding a Dada does anyone know if dance uniform is covered with a budget like MDS? X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchidblue Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Hi Miracle, DaDA's just cover fees not uniform. There's also the maintenance allowance towards accommodation if you qualify. x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moneypenny Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I've been keeping a running total of ballet/dance uniform costs through dd's first year of upper school and the amount spent after two terms is eye watering! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miracle Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 (edited) Thank you Orchidblue.x Edited April 10, 2015 by Miracle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchidblue Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Have sent you a PM Miracle x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miracle Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thank you Orchidblue.x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its her Life Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I've been keeping a running total of ballet/dance uniform costs through dd's first year of upper school and the amount spent after two terms is eye watering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its her Life Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Same here Moneypenny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat09 Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 and here … quite scary!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieW Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Again - costs will vary from school to school and person to person, but it would be useful for others, I'm sure, if you could be share (in vague terms) so people have an idea of what they're letting themselves in for. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friends Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Is it worth merging the thread " costs involved for upper schools"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieW Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I'm not sure Friends, as this one is about hidden costs (clothing, trips, exams etc), whereas the other one should be for the fees. Â I think they work quite well separated, but am happy to change if the general consensus is to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its her Life Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Endless pointe shoes, uniform, practice tutu, other dance clothes (for asssessments, cups, shows etc), travel costs, spending money for socialising, NUS card, student railcard, medical insurance, school trips, exam fees, books, chiropodist & other essential medical appointments (not covered by insurance) .... list is endless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat09 Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I think one of the biggest hidden costs is the impact on family life and dynamics …. how do others feel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I would be interested to hear people's thoughts on that kat09 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzpaws Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 It cost me about £1 500 to get DD started, (not including accommodation deposit) but including insurance, initial uniform , one of fees and bits and pieces Wasn't really expecting it to be quite so much, but I managed it - looking back, I'm glad I didn't know as there was plenty of other stress in the audition/GCSE year Things always end up costing that little bit more than you expect don't they Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 The reason I started this thread was to highlight how important it was to recognise how expensive it is for vocational dance training. Even with funding the expense is huge. Initially I was shouted at for voicing my comment of if you are struggling to find every day classes expensive be fully aware of how extortionate vocational training is along with all the hidden costs. I am pleased that this subject will have helped a lot of forum members. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katymac Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 (edited) I've found DD being at FT training has decreased our costs (apart from the course fees - which her grandparents paid)  Mainly (I think) because everything is so far away here in Norfolk so every class involved miles of travel (& that's for petrol, timeoff work & train fares) whereas although I drive to see her fairly often (4 times a term?) the over all mileage is SO much less  At the moment her child tax credits & child benefit and our working tax credits pay for her accommodation & food & travel - but next Sept they stop & I'll have to do it on just my Working tax credits and the DaDA allowance & tbh I am a bit worried about it  edited to add - it's been a great thread - Thanks Tulip & I haven't found the other one about costs mentioned Edited April 11, 2015 by Katymac 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 It cost me about £1 500 to get DD started, (not including accommodation deposit) but including insurance, initial uniform , one of fees and bits and pieces Wasn't really expecting it to be quite so much, but I managed it - looking back, I'm glad I didn't know as there was plenty of other stress in the audition/GCSE year Things always end up costing that little bit more than you expect don't they Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Gosh I'd better start saving now Jazzpaws! Glad I do know!???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 How many pointe shoes do they need in a term? Â DD gets through them pretty quickly and I'm wondering whether we need to build up a stash! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted April 12, 2015 Author Share Posted April 12, 2015 I would save the money rather than build up the stash for point shoes. Some girls go through point shoes every week. My daughter goes through hers by the third week, could be even less. The reason for saving the money is incase she suddenly changes her point shoe to a different type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Mine gets through pointe shoes far to quickly in my opinion!! Can get through a couple of pairs in a heavy week easily. We have a stash at home and the shop we use keeps a supply for her too as she doesn't have an off the shelf pair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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