Terms and Conditions 

By accepting our tuition services, you agree to the following terms and conditions. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, you must not use the service.

Maria Martin is a sole trader with a Bachelor of Arts in education and a PGCE at MA level  from Anglia Ruskin University. Maria has been awarded qualified Teacher status (2005) and has a specialist qualification in mathematics teaching and special educational needs.  Maria has been providing private tuition for all ages including those who have eduactional difficulties since 2007. Other staff members and tutors have degree qualifications and teaching qualifications enabling a high quality provision. 

Fees and Payment

The fees will be calculated at a rate agreed in advance between Maria and the Client on a per session basis, and based upon the agreed arrangements. Payment must be made at least 48 hours before the first lesson starts. After the first lesson fees will be invoiced, in advance, on a monthly basis. All payments must be made by the 1st of the month or invoice due date. A late payment fee of £5 is added to invoices when payments are not recieved on time. If a payment has not been recieved at least 48 hours before a lesson is due, the lesson will be cancelled but still charged for. 

Client Obligations

For on-line lessons the client must provide a quiet place for the pupil to work, free from interruptions and with access to suitable equipment. A computer with good wifi connection is best or the use of an IPad. Using a mobile phone reduces the qualify of the delivery and is not suitable.  Sessions are not to be recorded. Sessions will begin promptly at the agreed time for the agreed duration. A link to the meeting will be emailed prior to the start time of the first session and then set up as a recurring session for the following lessons. The pupil will need to have the camera on (please use background filters if you wish environment privicy) and something to write with - pencil for maths, pen or pencil for English.  Paper will need to be provided - squared for maths and lined for English. It is suggested to keep these compiled in a folder or exercise book. The pupil must have something to write on during the lessons, such as a whiteboard or tablet. We also use jamboard for online lessons so the use of a tablet or ipad is beneficial, as it enable the student to use the interactive whiteboard more easily. For face to face lessons we provide equipment but students are welcome to bring their own. 

Occasionally there can be difficulties that cause clients to login later than the start time. Teachers will stay logged in for 10 minutes after the start time. If arrival is later than 10 minutes clients will need to telephone the teacher. Finishing time will remain the same. If the teacher cannot start on time they will contact you via text.

Cancellation Policy

After the first session, all lessons are paid up front on a monthly basis. As a small business, there will be no refunds given in the case of illness as the pupil’s place will be reserved. In the case of holidays, the Client should give at least one week's notice in order to receive credit toward the next month’s tuition. A maximum of two sessions will be credited in a 12 month period. If the Tutor needs to cancel a lesson, as much notice as possible will be given and the Client will receive credit toward the next month’s tuition sessions.. If a client wishes to terminate the contract two weeks notice is required. 

There will be no tuition during school holidays from September 2021 onwards. We will follow the Essex County Council calendar for the majority of school Holidays. 

Additional Group Tuition Policy

There will be no refunds given for missed sessions as the group will still run in the case of absence. 

Group tuition is charged as one amount for the whole group per half term. If you have a group of children you would like to organise tuition let us know. 

Safeguarding

The Client must not record or take any photos during the sessions. The Tutor may record sessions or take photos, but only with the written permission of all Clients. The Tutor will never contact the pupil outside of sessions and the pupil must not make contact either. Homework is sometimes provided, at an extra cost, and this is delivered via showbie or tutorbird. Students are able to ask questions and the tutor can respond, on the showbie app. Parents can have access to this corrispondence if they wish. During lessons, parents and carers are welcome to be in the vicinity. If the Tutor has any safeguarding concerns, relevant agencies will be notified.

Ownership of Intellectual Property 

All intellectual property and related material that is developed or produced under this agreement, will be the property of Maria Martin. 

The contents of the sessions cannot be shared with any third party. Only the student the session is planned for should complete the work. 

Title, copyright, intellectual property rights and distribution rights of the intellectual property remain exclusively with Maria Martin. 

Return of Property 

Upon the expiry of this agreement, any property, documentation, records or confidential information, which is the property of the student, will be returned to the parent/guardian. 

In the event that the agreement is terminated by the parent/guardian, any expenses incurred in planning and resourcing the cancelled sessions will be invoiced to cover the cost. 

If it comes to light that any of the resources have been shared with or used by persons not named on this agreement, Maria Martin is entitled to recover the costs and will issue an invoice. 

Approval

Whilst my students generally improve their understanding and skills, due to the many factors that affect exam performance (such as stress, anxiety, sleep etc) We do not guarantee exam results.

Acceptance of the services will be taken to represent agreement to these Terms and Conditions.

Updated September 2022