Policies
How we work together
Please take a moment to read our policies before booking. They're written to be clear and fair — and to make sure everyone who comes through our doors has a safe, enjoyable experience.
Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to all bookings, memberships, and purchases made with Clay & Craft.
Bookings
All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed only on receipt of full payment. Booking confirmation will be sent to the email address provided at checkout. Clay & Craft reserves the right to cancel or reschedule sessions due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to instructor illness, building access issues, or force majeure events. In such cases, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.
Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept payment by card via our secure online checkout. Prices are as stated on the website at the time of booking and include VAT where applicable.
Memberships
Memberships are personal and non-transferable. Membership benefits are as described on the Membership page at the time of purchase. Clay & Craft reserves the right to amend membership terms with reasonable notice. Memberships do not guarantee availability of specific sessions — advance booking is required for all timetabled classes.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. They may be used against any booking or purchase at Clay & Craft. Vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced.
Conduct
We ask all participants to treat the studio, equipment, and fellow makers with respect. Clay & Craft reserves the right to ask any person to leave the premises if their behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate. No refund will be issued in such circumstances.
Liability
Clay & Craft takes all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of participants. However, we cannot accept liability for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property unless caused by our negligence. Participants take part in all activities at their own risk.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both participants and the studio.
- Cancellations must be made in writing by email to [email protected]. Verbal cancellations cannot be accepted.
- If Clay & Craft cancels a session, you will be offered a full refund or a transfer to an equivalent session at no extra cost.
- 4-week programme places are non-transferable between participants. If you are unable to attend one session within a programme, we will do our best to offer a catch-up, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Firing Disclaimer
Kiln firing is an unpredictable process. We fire all work with care, but we cannot guarantee outcomes.
- Clay shrinks during drying and firing — typically 10–15% depending on the clay body. Finished pieces will be smaller than the original greenware.
- Cracking, warping, or breakage can occur during firing. This is most common with pieces that have uneven wall thickness, joins that were not sufficiently scored and slipped, or work that was not fully dry before loading. Explosions in the kiln can also damage other pieces in the same firing. These are inherent risks of the ceramic process and are not grounds for a refund.
- Glazes can behave unpredictably. Colours and surface effects vary between firings due to kiln atmosphere, temperature fluctuation, and the interaction of glaze chemistry with the clay body. Results may differ significantly from test tiles, samples, or previous firings — this is normal and expected.
- Glazes that are applied too thickly, or certain glaze combinations, can run during firing and fuse a piece permanently to the kiln shelf. Where this occurs, Clay & Craft will make every effort to free the piece, but this may result in damage to the base or foot of the work. We cannot accept liability for pieces lost or damaged in this way.
- Some glazes, particularly those containing metallic oxides or certain commercial stains, can produce surface results — including matte, rough, or discoloured finishes — that participants find unexpected or unpleasant. We encourage all participants to discuss glaze choices with a tutor before applying them, but we cannot guarantee outcomes and no refund will be issued on the basis of glaze appearance after firing.
- Work must be collected within 8 weeks of notification. Clay & Craft cannot be held responsible for work left beyond this period.
- Clay & Craft accepts no liability for the loss or damage of work during firing, storage, or collection, except where caused by our negligence.
Safeguarding
Clay & Craft is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults who participate in our sessions.
- All staff and regular volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults hold a current enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of all sessions unless the session is specifically designated as a drop-off class and this has been confirmed at the time of booking.
- Clay & Craft has a designated Safeguarding Lead. Any concerns relating to the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult should be raised with a member of staff immediately.
- We follow the safeguarding guidelines set out by the NSPCC and the Welsh Government's statutory guidance on safeguarding children under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
- Photography of children during sessions is not permitted without prior written consent from a parent or guardian. Clay & Craft may photograph work for promotional purposes; please inform us at the time of booking if you do not wish your child's work to be used in this way.
To raise a safeguarding concern or request a copy of our full Safeguarding Policy, please contact us at [email protected].