Policies
At Brightsparks Tutoring, we are committed to providing a high-quality, safe, and supportive learning environment for all our students. Our policies are designed to ensure that both students and tutors have a clear understanding of our procedures, expectations, and commitments. Please take a moment to review our policies below.
1. Booking and scheduling
Flexible Scheduling:
- We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of our students and their families. Sessions can be booked at a time that is convenient for you, and we do our best to match you with a tutor whose availability aligns with your schedule.
Cancellations:
- Sessions can be canceled or rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance without any charge. If a session is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full fee for the session may be charged.
Session Duration:
- Our standard tutoring sessions are one hour long. Extended sessions can be arranged upon request and will be billed accordingly.
2. Payment and Fees
Transparent Pricing:
- Our pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees. You pay a single hourly rate based on the experience level of your tutor.
Payment Terms:
- Payments are due upon receipt of the invoice, which is typically sent after each session or at the end of the week, depending on your preference. Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other approved methods.
Late Payments:
- In the event of a late payment, we reserve the right to suspend future sessions until the outstanding balance is settled.
Online Discounts:
- Some tutors offer discounts for online sessions, which will be communicated at the time of booking.
3. Tutor Selection and Matching
Tutor Qualifications:
- All our tutors are carefully vetted and are either current teachers in top London schools or graduates from leading universities. They have passed rigorous background checks and are committed to providing the highest level of educational support.
Tutor Matching:
- We make every effort to match students with tutors who best meet their educational needs and learning style. If a tutor-student match is not successful, we will work with you to find a more suitable tutor.
4. Confidentiality and Privacy
Student Privacy:
- We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our students and their families. Any personal information shared with us is kept strictly confidential and is only used for the purpose of providing tutoring services.
Data Protection:
- We comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations. Your data will never be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law.
5. Safeguarding and Child Protection
Commitment to Safety:
- The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. All tutors undergo thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, before being allowed to work with students.
Reporting Concerns:
- If at any time you have concerns about the safety or well-being of a student, please report it immediately to Catherine Doyle, the Founder and Lead Tutor, who serves as our designated safeguarding lead.
6. Code of Conduct
Respectful Environment:
- We strive to maintain a respectful and supportive learning environment. We expect all students, parents, and tutors to treat each other with respect and professionalism.
Punctuality:
- We ask that both students and tutors arrive on time for each session. If a tutor is running late, they will communicate this as soon as possible, and the missed time will be made up at the end of the session or rescheduled.
Academic Integrity:
- We uphold the principles of academic integrity and expect all students to engage in honest and ethical behavior. Tutors will guide and support students but will not complete assignments, exams, or other work on behalf of the student.
7. Feedback and Complaints
Continuous Improvement:
- We value feedback from our students and their families as it helps us continually improve our services. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us.
Complaints Procedure:
- If you have any concerns or are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact us immediately. We take all complaints seriously and will work with you to resolve any issues promptly and fairly.
8. Changes to Policies
Policy Updates:
- We may update our policies from time to time to reflect changes in our services, the law, or our practices. Any changes will be communicated to our clients and posted on our website.