THE phonics Centre

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions for The Phonics Centre
Last updated: October 2024

By booking and paying for services provided by The Phonics Centre, you confirm that you have read, accept, and agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

Technical and Equipment Requirements

By booking online tuition, you confirm that:

  1. You have a stable internet connection and a working laptop, computer, or tablet (iPad).

  2. Your child has basic computer skills to participate effectively.

  3. You have the necessary software (Zoom) and materials (whiteboard, pen, paper).

Services Provided

Tutoring services are limited to the duration of each booked session. Additional services may include:

  • Liaising with educational professionals, report writing, personalised learning plans, or mentoring.

For extra services, please email: thephonicscentre@gmail.com

Cancellation Policy

  • Session Cancellations by Client:

    • With over 24 hours’ notice, one session credit per month may be issued.

    • With less than 24 hours' notice or for no-shows, the session is charged in full, with no credit or refund.

    • Unused credits do not carry forward if tutoring is not continued in the following month.

  • Session Cancellations by Tutor:

    • The tutor will offer a make-up session. No refunds are given.

  • Contract Termination:

    • You may cancel future sessions with notice via email. No refunds or credits will be issued for remaining paid sessions.

    • The tutor reserves the right to cancel with immediate effect due to unforeseen circumstances without a refund.

Lateness Policy

  • Student Lateness (Group Sessions): Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted and are charged in full.

  • Student Lateness (Individual Sessions): The tutor will wait for up to 15 minutes. The session will end at the scheduled time regardless of student lateness.

  • Tutor Lateness: If the tutor is late, the session will be extended or rescheduled as per your preference.

Responsibilities of the Parent/Carer

A responsible adult must be within sight and sound of the session for safeguarding purposes. Parents should ensure:

  • The student is prepared, rested, and has the required materials.

  • The student understands behavioural expectations.

Safeguarding Policy

At The Phonics Centre, safeguarding is a top priority, and we take rigorous steps to protect children and young people during online tutoring sessions. Our approach ensures a secure, respectful, and responsive environment.

Safeguarding Commitments

The Phonics Centre is committed to:

  1. Protecting Children from Harm: Ensuring a safe environment, both during and around tutoring sessions.

  2. Responding to Concerns and Disclosures: Acting promptly and appropriately if any safeguarding issue arises.

  3. Maintaining Qualifications and Training: Our tutor, Lisa Peters, holds an enhanced DBS check (renewed annually) and undergoes regular safeguarding training (at least every two years) with the NSPCC or an equivalent provider.

Safeguarding Protocols

  • Responsible Adult Supervision: A responsible adult must be within sight and sound of the tutoring session for the session's duration. The tutoring session may not be privately recorded or photographed.

  • Clear Boundaries for Communication: All communication regarding the student must be directed through the parent/carer, not the student. All contact details (email, phone) held by The Phonics Centre will belong to the parent/carer.

  • Behavioural Expectations: The student is expected to engage respectfully and cooperatively throughout the session. The Phonics Centre reserves the right to remove a student from a session if their behaviour disrupts learning or the safety of the session.

Responding to a Safeguarding Disclosure

In the event that a child discloses information suggesting harm or abuse, Lisa Peters will:

  1. Listen Carefully and Show Empathy: Allow the child to speak without interrupting or prompting.

  2. Reassure but not Promise Confidentiality: Explain that the information may need to be shared with others to protect the child.

  3. Document Information Accurately: Record the child's exact words, as well as details of the time, date, and any others present.

  4. Report to Relevant Authorities: Contact the appropriate safeguarding authorities without delay, or if there is immediate risk, call the police.

Lisa Peters is not responsible for investigating disclosures but will ensure all relevant authorities are informed.

For more information on our safeguarding practices, please contact Lisa Peters at info@thephonicscentre.co.uk.

Data Protection (GDPR)

The Phonics Centre complies with GDPR and ensures secure data storage. Data is used solely for tutoring purposes and not shared without consent, except in safeguarding situations. Data is retained for the legally required period.

For data-related inquiries, contact Lisa Peters at info@thephonicscentre.co.uk.

Disclaimer

The Phonics Centre will work diligently to support your child’s progress, but results cannot be guaranteed. The tutor will discuss additional support options if deemed necessary.

For any issues or concerns, please contact the tutor directly for resolution.