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Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Private Online and In-Person Lessons

By accessing or using the services provided by Teresa @ TJM Teaches through the website www.tjmteaches.com or any other means, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read these Terms carefully before accessing or using the services.

1. SERVICES

1.1 Teresa @ TJM Teaches provides private educational services online and in-person, specialising in Bass Guitar and Music Technology.
1.2 Services may range from a single booking to a series of lessons, which can be purchased on a monthly, termly, or yearly basis and used within the stated time period.
1.3 Lessons are conducted at Hatcham Free School, TJM Studio, remotely, or at clients’ homes, subject to mutual agreement on scheduling and availability.
1.4 Teresa @ TJM Teaches is an independent contractor who has undergone all necessary background checks, including an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and receives yearly Safeguarding Training in line with KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) guidance.
1.5 Instruction is tailored to individual student needs.
1.6 Booking through any channel (website, email, social media, or in-person) constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
1.7 Teresa @ TJM Teaches reserves the right to refuse services to any client.

2. LESSON LOCATIONS

2.1 Online Lessons

  • Conducted via secure platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

  • For students under 18, a parent or responsible adult must be present in the home during the lesson to provide supervision and support if needed, in line with KCSIE safeguarding guidance.

  • Lessons must take place in a communal learning space (e.g., living room or study), not in a bedroom, to maintain safety and appropriate boundaries.

  • Clients are responsible for ensuring a safe, quiet, well-lit environment and a functional device and internet connection.

  • Recording lessons or sharing screenshots requires explicit parental or guardian consent.

2.2 Home Lessons

  • May take place at the client’s home if mutually agreed in advance.

  • For students under 18, a parent or responsible adult must be present in the home for the duration of the lesson, in line with KCSIE safeguarding guidance.

  • Lessons should be conducted in a communal learning space (living room, dining room, or study), not in a bedroom.

  • Clients are responsible for ensuring the space is safe, suitable, and free from hazards (adequate lighting, seating, safe electrical access).

  • Pets or distractions should be managed so they do not interfere with the lesson.

2.3 School or Studio Lessons

  • May take place at Hatcham Free School, 135 Pepys Road, London SE14 5SF or TJM Studio, 2nd Floor Studio 6, Bond House, Goodwood Road, London SE14 6FE, fully equipped with instruments, amplification, and teaching resources.

  • The learning spaces are maintained to ensure a safe, hygienic, and professional environment, in line with safeguarding guidance.

  • Clients must treat equipment responsibly; misuse may incur charges.

  • If the location becomes unavailable, lessons may be rescheduled online or at an alternative location agreed by both parties.

2.4 General

  • All lessons, regardless of location, are subject to these Terms and Conditions, including payment, cancellation, and safeguarding policies.

  • Clients agree to follow safety rules for the chosen lesson location.

 

3. RESOURCES

3.1 Shared online resources facilitate progress tracking and access to educational materials.
3.2 Work backups are securely stored and shared as necessary.
3.3 All digital storage and communications comply with GDPR and KCSIE safeguarding principles.

 

4. PAYMENT

4.1 Fees are outlined in the agreement and payable in advance of lessons.
4.2 Receipts are automatically issued via Wix Studio when lessons are purchased through the website. Where payments are made outside of Wix (e.g., by direct bank transfer), a receipt or invoice can be provided upon request.
4.3 Accepted payment methods include:

  • Wix online checkout (debit/credit card, PayPal, or other methods supported by Wix)

  • Direct bank transfer (details provided on request)

  • Other payment arrangements only if agreed in writing with Teresa @ TJM Teaches
    4.4 Missed lessons may still incur charges (see Section 5).
    4.5 Contingencies exist to reschedule missed sessions due to Teresa @ TJM Teaches’ unavailability.
    4.6 Refunds (where applicable): Refunds are returned to the original payment method, minus processing/admin fees of 2.1%–3.1% + £0.20 per payment, depending on the payment method used.

 

5. CANCELLATION, NOTICE & ENROLMENT CHANGES

5.1 Notice to Stop Lessons

  • Notice to stop lessons must be provided at least one calendar month (approximately 4 weeks) before the end of the 10-week term in which lessons are due to stop, whether the pupil is on a single-lesson booking, monthly, or termly plan.

  • This ensures adequate time to stop the payment plan and to offer the place to a waiting-list pupil for the following term.

  • Where less than a month’s notice is given, lessons for the following month/term remain chargeable unless the pupil has been replaced by a waiting-list student, in which case charges for the remaining lessons may be waived.

  • Notice must be provided in writing by email to tjmteaches@gmail.com.

5.2 Summer Term Specific Notice
Where it is the Summer term, notice to stop must be given before the school finishes for the summer break so that waiting-list pupils can be notified and enrolled for September.

5.3 Annual (Yearly) Plans — Cancellations & Refunds

  • If you have paid for the full academic year and choose to stop:

    • You must give notice as per 5.1 and 5.2.

    • Refunds are calculated for unused full terms only and are based on the difference between the amount paid and the standard charges for the terms attended.

    • Processing/admin fees of 2.1%–3.1% + £0.20 per payment will be deducted, depending on the payment method used.

    • Example: If stopping after the Autumn term, the refund equals the value of Spring + Summer terms minus fees. If stopping after the Spring term, the refund equals the Summer term minus fees.

    • Once a term has begun, partial-term refunds are not available.

5.4 Rescheduling Where Notice Is Given
If Teresa @ TJM Teaches is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, or if a lesson is missed with proper notice, Teresa @ TJM Teaches will endeavour to reschedule or offer a solution, which may include rescheduling online, carrying the lesson over to the next term, or arranging an alternative mutually convenient time.

5.5 Paired and Group Lessons

  • In paired or group lessons, all participants are expected to attend at the scheduled time.

  • If one participant is absent, the session will proceed with the remaining participants. Missed paired/group lessons cannot normally be rescheduled or made up, as they run on a collective basis similar to ensemble rehearsals.

  • If a participant misses three or more lessons in a single term, they may be temporarily removed from paired or group lessons for the remainder of that term to ensure fairness.

  • Lesson durations: Solo 30 mins · Pair 45 mins · Three-person group 60 mins.

  • If there is a change in the composition of a pair or group (e.g., one child gives notice or leaves), timings and schedules may be adjusted to reflect the remaining participants, maintaining the durations above.

  • Fees for missed paired/group lessons are not refundable.

 

6. ADDITIONAL TERMS

6.1 Teresa @ TJM Teaches is fully insured through Insure4Music (underwritten by Aviva).
6.2 Online sessions are subject to the same Terms and Conditions as in-person lessons.
6.3 Teresa @ TJM Teaches holds a valid Enhanced DBS certificate and receives yearly Safeguarding Training.
6.4 By participating in lessons, clients consent to the use of Google Drive or iCloud for storing and sharing materials. If you wish to opt out, please notify Teresa @ TJM Teaches at tjmteaches@gmail.com.
6.5 Parental or guardian consent is required for students under 18 to be photographed, filmed, or recorded for educational or promotional purposes.
6.6 Clients are responsible for checking updates to these Terms and Conditions; failure to do so does not exempt them from obligations.

 

7. COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY

7.1 Legal & Insurance: Teresa @ TJM Teaches operates as a registered business and is fully insured for online and in-person lessons.
7.2 Safeguarding: Safeguarding policies follow KCSIE guidance, including supervision, safe boundaries, and professional conduct.
7.3 Child Protection:

  • For students under 18, parental consent is required for participation in lessons.

  • For home and online lessons, a parent or responsible adult must be present in the home for the duration of the lesson, in line with KCSIE.

  • For lessons at Hatcham Free School or TJM Studio, safeguarding measures are in place; an adult’s presence during the session is not required.
    7.4 Data Protection: All student data, lesson materials, and recordings are stored securely and only used for teaching purposes, in line with GDPR and safeguarding guidelines.
    7.5 Safety of Locations: Lessons at Hatcham Free School, TJM Studio, or clients’ homes are conducted in safe, professional environments.
    7.6 Client Responsibilities: Students and parents/guardians must follow all safety rules, treat equipment responsibly, and ensure a suitable learning environment.
    7.7 Contingency: Lessons may be rescheduled online or at an alternative location if the chosen venue or online platform is unavailable.

 

8. EMERGENCY & SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURES (Studio & After-School Lessons)

8.1 Supervision & Safety

  • Students are supervised at all times in line with KCSIE guidance.

  • Parents/guardians must provide emergency contact information prior to the first lesson.

8.2 Emergency Procedures

  • In the event of an accident, illness, or other emergency, Teresa @ TJM Teaches will:

    • Provide immediate assistance appropriate to the situation.

    • Contact parents/guardians or the emergency contact provided.

    • Call emergency services if required.

  • All incidents will be documented and reported to the parent/guardian as soon as possible.

8.3 Studio & After-School Protocols

  • Students must follow the studio or school site rules, including staying within designated teaching areas and using equipment safely.

  • In emergencies (e.g., fire alarms), students will be guided to safe exits and assembly points.

  • Parents/guardians must inform Teresa of any medical conditions, allergies, or special requirements prior to lessons.

 

9. CONTACT

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, contact Teresa @ TJM Teaches at tjmteaches@gmail.com.

By booking or continuing lessons, clients acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Last updated: September 7 2025

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