Terms and Conditions for Consultancy and Coaching

 

Once you have read through the Terms and Conditions carefully, please complete this form:

  1. DEFINITIONS:

  • Client: The individual or individuals who request, arrange, and pay for the service. This individual is assumed to be the person who initiates contact with Great Expectations Education.

  • Consultancy: The provision of educational advice or consultation, charged at an hourly rate.

  • Training session: The allocated time to train individuals or groups, charged at an hourly rate or by prior arrangement.

  • Contract: The agreement between Great Expectations Education and the Client, outlining the terms, obligations, and rights of both parties.

  • Force Majeure: Any unforeseeable circumstance that prevents one party from fulfilling the contract, including acts of God, war, and government restrictions.

    1.2 Great Expectations Education provides a consultancy and coaching service providing support to navigate through the SEN process in the UK

    1.3 We endeavor to provide you (parents) with information based on statutory law, appropriate steps, and advice. Should we not have the expertise in any area you seek support, we will signpost you to another appropriate provider.

    1.4 Consultants representing Great Expectations Education are not legally qualified; however, there is no legal requirement for those representing parents in appeals to the Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) to be formally qualified in law.

    1.5 The consultancy services are provided as guidance and do not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Great Expectations Education accepts no liability for actions taken based on consultancy advice.

    1.6 Consultancy is not psychological counselling or any type of therapy, and should not be construed as such. You understand that the consultancy services you will be receiving from your Consultant are not offered as a substitute for professional diagnostic services or medical care and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions. You also understand that your Consultant is not acting as a mental health counsellor or a medical professional.

    1.7 For legal purposes, you understand that consultancy is currently an unregulated industry and that your consultant is not “licensed“ by any UK body even though the sessions may take place in England or elsewhere in English.

    2. CONTACT DETAILS:

    2.1 The contact details for Great Expectations Education are as follows: Email: greatexpectationsed@gmail.com Whatsapp: a contact number will be provided prior to your first meeting.

    2.2 Note that WhatsApp and email will only be checked during working hours. Working hours vary each week, based on lesson delivery and resource production.

    2.3 The Consultant will utilise email, WhatsApp, and other agreed forms of communication to facilitate effective interaction. It is the Client's responsibility to ensure that current contact details are provided and maintained.

    2.4 The Client consents to be contacted via the methods detailed above.

    2.5 Great Expectations Education aims to respond to emails and messages within seven working days unless otherwise indicated

    3. REGISTRATION:

    3.1 Personal Information: The Company is committed to protecting personal information and will store and process it in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR.

    3.2 Equality and Diversity: Great Expectations Education is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of consultancy. The Consultant will ensure all students are treated equitably and fairly, with appreciation for the diversity of backgrounds and needs.

    3.3 Personal information or business information supplied to Great Expectations Education by the client in consultancy sessions will be treated as confidential. It will not be disclosed to a third party without the client’s prior permission, save where required by law.

    3.4 Great Expectations Education will respect the client’s privacy and seek written permission before disclosing they are a client.

    4. FEES AND INVOICES:

    4.1 Preferred payment method is bank transfer. PayPal or other methods may be accepted by prior arrangement.

    4.2 Payment must be made in GBP unless otherwise agreed.

    4.3 Clients agree to cover any additional bank charges or fees that may arise from payment processing.

    4.4 Invoices shall be presented in a clear format detailing the services rendered, the amount due, and due dates for payment

    4.5 Refund Policy for Unforeseen Circumstances: In the event of force majeure, such as natural disasters or pandemics, should the Tutor be unable to provide services, Clients will be informed promptly, and any prepaid sessions will be rolled over or refunded.

    4.6 All work at Great Expectations Education is done on a private costs’ basis. Work is not undertaken on a "no win no fee" or "conditional fee" basis. Great Expectations Education fees are due regardless of the outcome of the case, and by accepting our service, you acknowledge this condition.

    4.7 Payment for flat-rate packages is due in full before work begins. Hourly packages require payment within five working days of the invoice date. Payment delays may compromise service timelines, and work will not commence or continue without payment. All payments must be made via BACS.

    4.8 Per hourly packages, we require payment within five working days of the invoice date. Payment is made electronically via BACS.

    4.9 All documents and electronic files remain the property of Great Expectations Education until full payment is received.

    4.10 Overdue invoices will incur interest at a rate of 15% per month in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

    4.11 The consultancy schedule will be arranged between the consultant and the client and can be booked up to 3 months in advance. The consultant will recommend the frequency of consultancy sessions based on a professional assessment of the client’s requirements. This recommendation, or plan, is not binding and may be altered and adjusted throughout the consultancy journey by mutual agreement, in accordance with the terms set out in this agreement.  Where no specific number is agreed, sessions will be provided on a session by session basis.  In return for the fees payable by the client (or by a third party on their behalf), the consultant agrees to provide the service as described below and in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below. The client agrees to pay fees for the service on the terms and conditions set out below (in situations where a third party pays the fees, the third party counts as an agent acting on behalf of the client).

    The date that the first consultancy session takes place shall be deemed to be the start date for the service. Where any client is unhappy with any of the terms and conditions they can contact the consultant to discuss any concerns and see if they can be resolved before the first coaching session. Participation by any individual in the first consultancy session constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

    5. CONSULTANT CANCELLATION:

    5.1 If the Consultant cancels a session due to personal circumstances, no charge will be levied, and an effort will be made to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, a refund will be provided within 14 days.

    6. TIME-KEEPING:

    6.1 Clients are responsible for technical reliability. Persistent technical issues outside the Client’s control may be reviewed for rescheduling at the Consultant’s discretion. However, time lost due to Client-side issues will not extend the session duration or warrant refunds.

    6.2 If a client fails to log into a one-to-one lesson, a reminder message will be sent via WhatsApp 5 minutes after the agreed start-time to determine if there are any technical difficulties. The Consultant will disconnect from the session 15 minutes after commencement if no communication has been received from the Client; the meeting will still be charged at the agreed rate.

    6.3 If the client leaves the screen post-meeting commencement, the Consultant will remain online for the remaining duration of the client’s session.

    6.6 Technical Requirements: The Client is unequivocally responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection, appropriate equipment (including but not limited to computer, camera, microphone), and an environment conducive to online learning. The Consultant will not accept liability for any technical issues on the Client's side that prevent the lesson from proceeding.

    7. CLIENT CANCELLATION:

    7.1 Meetings cancelled or missed by Clients are generally non-refundable. However, at the Consultant’s discretion, rescheduling may be offered for cancellations within 24 hours due to unavoidable emergencies.

    7.2 If a meeting is cancelled for alternative activities after invoices have been issued, that lesson will not be refunded or transferred.

    7.5 Missed meetings due to exceptional circumstances may be reviewed at the Consultant’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.

    8. CONSISTENT CLIENT CANCELLATION:

    8.2 The Consultant will communicate any concerns regarding frequent cancellations to the Client prior to the cessation of service.

    9. TERMINATION OF SERVICES:

    9.1 If the behaviour of the client jeopardises safety or becomes unacceptable, the Consultant reserves the right to terminate meetings without notice.

    9.6 Non-Solicitation: The Client agrees not to solicit or employ any Consultant associated with Great Expectations Education outside of this agreement for a period of six months following the end of tuition, without prior written consent.

    9.7 If meeting is terminated due to unacceptable behaviour, no refund will be provided for any outstanding prepaid lessons.

    9.8 Termination due to non-payment of fees shall not waive any outstanding balance owed by the Client.

    9.9 Force Majeure: Neither party shall be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this agreement if such failure is due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, insurrection, or governmental restrictions.

    9.10 The Consultant reserves the right to terminate service if meetings are frequently cancelled (three or more times in one term) and to offer the meeting opportunity to a client on the waiting list.

    10. PROGRESS LIMITATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

    10.1 Great Expectations Education and its Consultants shall not be held liable for outcomes beyond their control, including incorrect information supplied by third parties, failure to act on advice, or technical disruptions. Liability is further limited to the extent covered by professional indemnity insurance, which is available upon request.

    10.2 We will respect your views and understanding of your child/children regardless of our personal opinions.

    10.3 Great Expectations Education will seek to enable the client to set and achieve goals that will help to bring about desired outcomes for the client. The client has sole responsibility for any decisions they may make following coaching with Great Expectations Education. Great Expectations Education accepts no liability for the client’s actions. Great Expectations Education has no liability for any loss incurred by any client, whether financial or otherwise, following commencement of coaching sessions, or for any perceived failure by the client, whether justified or otherwise, to achieve a material improvement in quality of life or to achieve their desired outcomes or goals.

    10.4 You understand and agree that you are fully responsible for your well-being during your consultancy sessions and subsequently, including your choices and decisions.

    10.5 You understand that all comments and ideas offered by your Coach are solely for the purpose of aiding you in achieving the defined goals you create with your Coach. You have the ability to give your informed consent, and hereby give such consent to your coach to assist you in achieving such goals and understand that results are not guaranteed.

    10.6 You understand that to the extent our work together involves personal development in order to empower your children, your Coach is not promising outcomes included but not limited to improvement in mental and physical health for both yourself and your child.

    10.7 You hereby release, waive and forever discharge your Coach from any right to compensation for damages you may claim to have or that you may have arising out of acts or omissions by yourself or by your Coach as a result of the advice given by your Coach or otherwise resulting from the coaching relationship contemplated by this agreement.

    You further declare and represent that no promise, inducement or agreement not expressed in this agreement has been made to you to sign this agreement. This agreement shall bind your heirs, executors, personal representatives, successors, assigns, and agents.

    10.8 The consultant may assign the client tasks or exercises to complete between consultancy sessions. There is no obligation on the client to complete these items of ‘homework’, but not doing so may slow the client’s progress in gaining improved quality of life or achieving desired outcomes.  The client may contact the consultant by whatsapp or e-mail between sessions to seek clarification regarding anything arising from a consultancy session or for administrative purposes (e.g. where a client needs to rearrange a consultancy session or make a payment).  Additional consultancy can also be provided between sessions but there will be an additional charge for this. The consultant will always advise a client in advance if the nature of a client’s contact is likely to incur an additional charge and no such charges will be imposed without the client’s agreement.

    12. ADVOCACY

    12.1 All meetings occur online using the Tutor’s chosen platform.

    12.2 Clients are expected to maintain their cameras on during lessons unless alternative arrangements have been established due to diagnosed or suspected additional needs.

    12.3 All equipment and internet connectivity used for online sessions is the responsibility of the Client. The consultant shall not be held responsible for technical failures beyond their control.

    12.4 Great Expectations Education offers no guarantee of success for any appeal. We will advise you during the initial consultation on the prospects and potential case outcomes; once you decide to proceed and instruct us, you agree to pay our costs.

    12.5 Appeals to SENDIST require preparation hours and consultation with the Local Authority, and Great Expectations Education may apply the following:

    12.6 Should the Local Authority not oppose your appeal by the sixth week of the process, you will still be responsible for paying all costs incurred by Great Expectations Education.

    12.7 Should you decide to withdraw your appeal, or the Local Authority concedes an appeal, or agreement is reached without a hearing, you are responsible for paying the full fixed cost of the appeal.

    12.8 Our appeal costs do not include costs associated with instructing independent professionals (e.g. psychologists and therapists) which may be required. While we can assist in identifying independent professionals, arranging and funding their work is your responsibility.

    12.9 Should you at any point decide not to proceed with our representation, you should notify us in writing. We will invoice you for completed work. Until that invoice has been paid, we will retain any of your papers.

    12.10 We may cease work on your behalf under the following circumstances (this list is not exhaustive). a. We cannot obtain clear instructions from you. b. Unreasonable demands are placed on the case. c. Breakdown of confidence occurs between us.

    12.11 Should you seek alternative advocacy advice while being supported or represented by Pro-Sen Initiative, we will no longer be able to continue support/representation to prevent confusion and inconsistency in advice given.

    12.12 Should we decide to cease acting on your behalf, we will notify you and advise the relevant bodies we are preparing the case against and Tribunal/Respondent. If representation ceases, the Client will be invoiced for work completed to date, and relevant parties will be notified accordingly.

    13. SPECIAL REQUESTS:

    13.1 Any additional work requested, such as marking assignments not evaluated during scheduled sessions, shall incur a charge separate from tuition fees. Special requests include, but are not limited to, the completion of forms, bespoke reports, and additional advisory sessions. Such requests must be submitted in writing and will incur charges as outlinedincluded in the tuition fee); and marking assignments not assessed during lesson time.

    13.2 Discussions via email or telephone with other teachers or professionals at the parent’s request will incur a charge at the Tutor’s standard hourly rate, or a percentage based on the time taken. This fee will be finalised prior to any communications or charges being incurred.

    13.3 Clients are prohibited from recording sessions without prior written consent. Unauthorized recording will result in immediate termination of services, and Clients may be held liable for any resulting damages.

    14. RESOURCES

    14.1 Parents will be responsible for providing specific learning resources that can be utilised by the student during lessons.

    14.2 Resources created by Great Expectations Education remain the intellectual property of Great Expectations Education.

    14.3 Resources or worksheets sent for use during lessons are strictly for the designated student’s use only and must not be shared.

    14.4 Any other use of the resources must be requested in writing or via email, accompanied by a purpose for the request, before permission is granted. Such permission must be confirmed via email by Great Expectations Education.

    14.5 Unauthorised use or distribution of resources constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights. Legal action may be pursued, and the Client agrees to indemnify Great Expectations Education for any associated costs.

    14.6 Assessment of Resources: The Tutor guarantees educational resources provided are suitable for the Student's intended learning outcomes, though no liability exists for the lack of effectiveness of independent application of such resources.

    15. GROUP CLASSES

    15.1 Parents must book group classes on either a half-termly basis or for specified courses as advertised.

    15.2 Inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from group classes without prior notice, and in such cases, no refund will be provided.

    15.3 The Tutor is not responsible for ensuring group class members’ attendance. Sessions missed by individuals are non-refundable.

    15.4 In the instance of group classes that fall short of the required number of participants, the Tutor reserves the right to cancel the class or offer one-to-one sessions at an adjusted rate.

  • 15.5 In situations of group classes where cancellation is necessary, Clients will be provided with proper notice and rights to reschedule if possible

    16. CHANGES TO TERMS

    16.1 The Tutor reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any or all of these Terms and Conditions at any time. Each adjustment shall be effective immediately upon posting. Clients are encouraged to periodically check these Terms for any updates and Clients will be notified of material changes impacting fees or cancellation policies.

    16.2 Clients will be notified of significant changes via email with at least 30 days’ notice.

    16.3 Great Expectations Education reserves the right to use feedback from Clients and Students as testimonials on its website and promotional materials with prior written consent

    17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND JURISDICTION

    17.1 Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the laws of England and Wales. Both parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. By engaging the services provided by Great Expectations Education, the Client agrees to these Terms and Conditions in full, ensuring a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.

    17.2 Both parties shall engage in good faith mediation prior to litigation to resolve disputes arising under these terms. Mediation will be conducted by a mutually agreed-upon independent third-party service, with costs shared equally.