Online Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: Thursday 8th January, 2026

By booking and paying for the services provided by Alice McVeigh of Jigsaw Phonics with Alice, I confirm I have read, accepted, and will comply with these terms and conditions in full.

Booking Online Tuition

I confirm I have a reliable internet connection.
I confirm that I have the necessary hardware required in full working order and that all software required is the most up-to-date version and installed and working.
I confirm my child has the basic computer skills necessary to take part in the tuition sessions.

The hardware required is: a working personal computer, laptop, or tablet.
The software required is Zoom.
Other materials required will be shared in your starter pack and must be available for every lesson.
Additional resources may be required for 1:1 support and you will be notified if necessary.

Online 1:1 Tutoring Sessions:
I will do my best to find a day and time suitable for your child. If I do not have availability that fits your schedule, I may put your child on my waiting list.

Online Group Tutoring Sessions:
Group sessions will be available termly, minimum of 2 children for each group. After an assessment, your child will be placed on my waiting list during the enrolment period.

Invoicing

Invoices will be issued on the 26th of each month and will cover all lessons scheduled for the upcoming month.
Payment is due by the 1st of the month, before lessons commence.
The invoice amount may vary depending on the number of lessons scheduled for that month.
 

Attendance and Missed Lessons

I no longer offer make-up days at the end of the month.
If your child is unable to attend a scheduled lesson, a recorded lesson will be provided to ensure consistency in learning.
Families may choose to pause lessons for up to two weeks during school term breaks (eg. end of term break), and up to six weeks during the long break.
Lessons will continue on public holidays; if you choose not to attend, a recorded lesson will be sent instead.
During the long summer break and the Christmas holidays, there may be adjustments to the timetable, and these will be communicated in a timely manner.

Cancellation Policy
To notify me that your child will not be attending a scheduled lesson, please contact me via WhatsApp. The date and time stamp of the WhatsApp message will be considered the official notification time.

Lessons cannot be cancelled for credit or refund. If your child is unable to attend, a recorded lesson will be provided to ensure consistency in learning.

Lesson credits will only be issued in extreme circumstances, such as when a child is unwell or in the case of a genuine emergency, and this will be at my discretion. If tuition does not continue into the following month, no refund will be given for any unused lessons.

If I (the tutor) need to cancel a session, an alternative make-up session will be offered. If your child cannot attend the make-up session, a lesson credit will be applied to the following month’s invoice.

Holidays / Public Holidays

Lessons will take place on all public holidays and school holidays in every country, except during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

My holiday dates will be shared with at least 4 weeks’ notice.

Families now have the option to pause lessons for one week during half-term breaks, up to two weeks during end-of-term breaks, and up to six weeks during the end-of-year (summer) break. I will no longer ask if you wish to take a break during these times; it is your responsibility to inform me before receiving that month’s invoice.

Lateness Policy

For tutoring sessions:
I will wait 5 minutes after the start time, then send a reminder. I will wait an additional 10 minutes.
If the student does not arrive, the session will be cancelled.
If the student arrives late, the lesson will not extend beyond the finish time.
The session will be charged in full and no make-up or credit will be given.

For Group Sessions:
Students may join up to 15 minutes after the start time. After 15 minutes, they will not be admitted to avoid disruption.
Late arrivals will still result in a shortened lesson with no refund or credit.

If the tutor is late:
As I run lessons back-to-back, there may occasionally be a delay of up to two minutes when starting a session. If this happens, I will inform you, and a similar short delay may apply to the remaining lessons that afternoon. Please rest assured that your child will still receive their full 30-minute lesson time. I will be present — simply remain in the Zoom room and I will join shortly.

Obligations of the Responsible Adult

For safeguarding reasons, a responsible adult must be within sight and sound of the session at all times.
Lessons may not be recorded or photographed privately.

The responsible adult confirms that before each online session:

• The child will be able to work in a quiet space without interruptions.
  
  

• The child comes rested, settled, and not hungry or thirsty.
  
  

• The child has all required equipment.
  
  

• No one else will join without prior agreement.
  
  

• All equipment is functioning before the session begins.
  
  

• Internet connection, power supply, and software updates have been checked.
  
  

Progress Updates

Every 4 weeks, I will send an update by WhatsApp.
If required, I will arrange a meeting to discuss progress.
If you wish to request a meeting, please give at least 48 hours’ notice.

Safeguarding Policy

Alice McVeigh, Jigsaw Phonics with Alice makes safeguarding a top priority.

The purpose of this policy is to confirm:

• I am committed to protecting the children and young people who receive my services from harm

• I will respond to any allegations or any concerns relating to the welfare of the child or young person for whom I provide tutoring services

• I hold a current, certificate of good conduct check that is renewed annually on the update service, copy/ validation available upon request

• I will never directly contact the child or young person outside of the tutoring session, and I expect all communication to be via the parent/carer, including exclusively via the parent/carer’s email address and phone number

• I undertake certified safeguarding training with a reputable provider (most recently with Garden International School) at least every two years to keep up to date with safeguarding protocols and best practice

If a student tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:

• show that I have heard what they are saying and that I take their allegations seriously

• encourage the child to talk, without prompting them or asking them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account

• reassure the child that they can tell me anything that is worrying them, but that I cannot promise not to tell anybody because some things have to be passed on in order to keep them safe

• explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child

• record what I have been told, as soon as I can, using exact words where possible

• make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present during the disclosure.

I will contact the relevant local safeguarding authorities.

If I am concerned that the child is in immediate danger, I will call the police.

It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself.