• Policies

    Conditions of Music Tuition

    You will be required to sign that you have read and accept this Policy as part of my Terms and Conditions for providing tuition.

    1. Lessons

    The Teacher will give tuition during school terms (term dates will be specified in accordance with condition 3) and top-up holiday lessons as required. The Teacher will give the lessons at the time and location specified and the Teacher will reserve the time slot for the pupil.

    2. Payment of Fees

    The Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer) will pay the fees for each half-term in full on or before the first lesson of the term.

    3. Lesson Timetable

    Before the first lesson of each term, the Teacher will give the Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer) written confirmation of (i) the dates and times of all lessons during that term and (ii) the start date for the following term's lessons.

    4. Missed Lessons

    The Teacher will charge for any scheduled lessons which the Pupil does not attend, unless the Teacher chooses not to do so because of exceptional circumstances. If the Teacher cancels a scheduled lesson, the Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer) may choose between (i) carrying the lesson forward; (ii) receiving a replacement lesson or (iii) receiving a refund of the lesson fee.

    5. Examinations, Competitions and Public Performances

    The Pupil will not be entered for any examination, competition or public performance without the prior consent of both the Teacher and the Pupil (and the Pupil's parent or carer, where appropriate).

    6. Termination

    (a) This Agreement may be ended at any time by both signatories to it signing and dating a written statement to this effect.

     

    (b) Where the fees are not paid on time, the Teacher reserves the right, entirely at the Teacher's discretion, to terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by giving written notice of termination to the Pupil or the Pupil's parent or carer. This right to terminate is without prejudice to any other rights the Teacher might have.

     

    (c) Either signatory to this agreement may terminate the agreement by giving notice in writing to the other signatory at least one month before the end of term for the termination to take effect at the end of that term. Such termination will take effect at the end of term only and not at any other time. If the Teacher gives notice to terminate tuition at the end of term in accordance with this condition 6(c), the Teacher will continue to provide lessons until the end of that term.  

    7. Failure to Give Notice

    Unless terminated under Condition 6 above, this Agreement shall continue from term to term. If the Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer) fails to give full notice to terminate the agreement in accordance with Condition 6(c) above, and the signatories have not agreed to terminate the Agreement in accordance with Condition 6(a) above, the following charges will be made in lieu of notice.

     

    (a) Where the notice given is less than that required under Condition 6(c), but is one month or more before the start of the next term: 50% of the fees for the next term;

     

    (b) Where the notice given is less than one month before the start of the next term: 100% of the fees for the next term.

     

    If the Pupil stops attending lessons during a term, the Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer) is not entitled to a refund of any fees paid for that term. The pupil is entitled to attend any lessons paid for.

     

    If the Teacher stops lessons without giving the correct notice specified in Condition 6(c) above, the Teacher shall refund any fees already paid for lessons not given.

    8. Conduct   

    If the Teacher, in his or her reasonable opinion, feels unable to continue tuition on account of unreasonable conduct by the Pupil or anyone connected with the Pupil, the fees for any outstanding lessons will not be refundable.

    9. Changes

    (a) Any changes to the terms of this Agreement must be confirmed in writing and signed and dated by both the Teacher and the Pupil (or the Pupil's parent or carer).

     

    (b) If the Teacher chooses to waive any right or remedy under this Agreement (for example, if the Teacher chooses to waive lessons for any fees which the pupil does not attend), this shall not mean that he or she must do so in the future or that he or she waives any other rights or remedies, unless agreed in accordance with Condition 9(a) above.

    10. Communication Between the Parties

    For the purpose of this Agreement, written notice must be given on paper or by e-mail.

    11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

    This Agreement shall be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction of the location for the lessons (specified above) and the signatories to this Agreement agree that any dispute relating to the subject matter of this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction.

  • Policy for the Use of Touch

    You will be required to sign that you have read and accept this Policy as part of my Terms and Conditions for providing tuition.

     

    As a professional member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) and Musicians' Union I am obliged by our Code of Conduct to confirm in writing the physical contact that is a common feature of good piano teaching and which I use in lessons.

    The Use of Touch

    Piano playing is a highly complex physical activity and even the smallest habitual problem with tension, posture or misalignment can over time lead to performance-related injuries.

     

    Touch is used to identify tension, correct alignment and help students develop their own kinaesthetic awareness. This work is crucial for beginners and essential where players have developed physical habits which require retraining.

    • Touch is limited to hands, wrists, the arms, shoulders and back.
    • The purpose of touch is always explained when physical contact is necessary so that the student is able to engage positively and effectively in learning.
    • Where possible I prefer a parent to participate in any use of touch so that they can support their child while practising during the week, ensuring that harmful habits do not develop.
    • I always check before using touch in my teaching, obtaining on-the-spot permission in addition to the general permission granted by acceptance of this Policy.
    • Physical contact is never used unnecessarily, inappropriately or without consent.
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    Qualified Child Protection in Education (Music) - Level 2.

    Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Certificate available on request.

  • Safeguarding Policy

    I believe that:
    • Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
    • I have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them
    I recognise that:
    • the welfare of children is paramount in all the work I do and in all the decisions I take. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
    • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
    • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, schools and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
    I will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
    • valuing, listening to and respecting them
    • developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures
    • receiving annual refresher child protection training and quality assurance measures
    • recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
    • sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
    • making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern
    • using safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately
    • creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment
    • ensuring that I provide a safe physical environment for our children, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
    • building a safeguarding culture where children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.
     
    Online safeguarding
    Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Safeguarding is just as important when teaching online as it is when teaching face to face.
    I will seek to keep children and young people safe by;
    • only agree lessons at times mutually agreed by the teacher and parent/carer
    • conduct the lesson in a public seHng i.e. the lounge, dining room or common use area in the house, not giving away where they live. Pupil's bedrooms will not be used for an online lesson unless a parent is present in the room throughout the lesson.
    • The pupil must take lessons in a room with an open door and parents/guardians must provide that one of them or a trusted adult shall be in the same premises as the pupil while the lesson takes place.
    • ensure only parent/carer email addresses are used for setting up lessons online with a teacher wherever possible. Pupil email addresses must only be used in special circumstances when requested by the parent and if the parent is copied into all communication.
    • protect themselves from accidental inappropriate digital contact with pupils by restricting their profile so that it does not automatically accept contact requests and is not accessible to others
    • use an appropriate profile picture and establish a professional, respectful manner when using their chosen online plaform
    • ensures the chosen online learning plaform is not used for any other contact, eg. sharing photos or general messaging
    • dress appropriately and use a neutral background.
    • take care that the frame is well chosen and appropriate - it may be necessary to widen the frame depending on the instrument,
    • ensure that any lessons that may be recorded by parents/carers are not shared in the public domain including social media plaforms.
    If the teacher is uncomfortable with the way the lesson is progressing, or the parent/carer is not in the room, the lesson will be terminated.

  • Privacy Statement and GDPR

    Privacy Notice

    Personal Data


    Helen Phillips Piano is the ‘Controller’ of the personal data that you provide and the 'venue' address is: 21 Cowdray Drive, Rustington BN16 3SJ

    • What I need
      Unless otherwise agreed with you, I will only collect basic personal data about my clients, students and associates. This information may include your name, home address, e-mail address, date of birth, bank details, education details, qualifications, employment history, any medical conditions or special educational needs data and ongoing academic records. I may also need to record, film and / or photograph clients, students and associates. I also hold information about students’ musical education including lesson plans, observations, progress, objectives, exam results and reports.

    • Why I need it
      I process personal information to enable me to provide tuition to students, to maintain my own accounts and records and to support and manage my associates. I will not collect any personal data from you that I do not need.

    • What I do with it
      All the personal data I hold about you will be processed by Helen Phillips Piano in the UK. Some information may also be shared with the following third party organisations as needed:

      • Music Teachers' Software company - My Music Staff

      • Accountant

      • Bank

      • Direct Debit company

      • Examination Boards and Music Festivals

        No other third parties will have access to your personal data unless there is a legal obligation for me to provide it. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal data is processed securely.

    • How long I keep it
      I will generally keep your personal data for a minimum of 6 years, after which time it will be destroyed if it is no longer required for the lawful purpose(s) for which it was obtained.

    • Your rights and responsibilities
      You have the right to request that your data is amended or deleted at any time. You also have the responsibility for ensuring the data I hold is accurate and current. In both cases, any queries should be directed to enquiries@helenphillipspiano.co.uk. More information about your rights can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.ico.org.uk.

    • Changes to this policy
      This privacy notice will be periodically reviewed and updated where necessary. Current students will be informed accordingly and the latest version will be available at www.helenphillipspiano.co.uk.

  • COVID-19 Risk Assessment Policy

    COVID-19 Risk Assessment

    Company name: Helen Phillips Piano

    Assessment carried out by: Helen Phillips Date assessment: 1st February
    Date renewal: 1st August 2022

    		 

    Assessment based on guidance taken The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a UK government agency responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in Great Britain.

     

    About my business

    I provide instrumental tuition to individual students and groups of 2 in the same year group, both at my home which has shared washing and lavatory facilities, and in schools. I provide lessons online as an alternative to face-to-face tuition, both as a control option and to manage outbreaks in accordance with the advice, guidance or legislation of the UK government.

    How this risk assessment was done

    This risk assessment is based on the method and principles of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)’s COVID-19 risk assessment, including advice about coronavirus and safe working here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm.

    The aim of this risk assessment is to identify how COVID-19 could spread in my teaching environment, and to identify methods to stop the spread of the virus. This assessment reflects any relevant official government guidance for safe working during the pandemic.

    I identified hazards by walking around my working space, mapping entry and exit procedures and movement around the building, noting ventilation options within my space, considering instrument and equipment cleaning procedures and whether any items are shared, taking note of additional risks associated with certain musical activities, e.g. singing and reflecting on travel and how my students would get to my teaching space. I also considered what measures to deploy if any COVID symptoms appear in me, my students or other members of my household.

    I will update this assessment periodically in light of changes in government guidance or restrictions.

    More information on managing risk: www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/

           
           

    What are the hazards?

    Who might be harmed

    Controls

    What further action do you need to consider to control the risks?

    Who needs to carry out the action

    When is the action needed by?

    Done

    Getting or spreading coronavirus by not washing hands or not washing them adequately

     

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Lesson observers

     

    Clear policy about handwashing

    Provide hand sanitising products

    Provide additional water, soap and drying facilities if required

     

    Provide information on how to clean hands properly and display posters

    Ensure supply of disposable towels, hand wipes, hand sanitiser and hand soap

     

    Clean all surfaces student is likely to come into contact with before each lesson

     

    Communicate handwashing policy clearly and repeatedly

     

    Ensure paper towels/wipes if used can be disposed of safely in a bin

    Teacher to supply materials

     

    Teacher and student to observe hand washing rules

    1st February 2022

     

     

    ✔️

    1/2/22

    Getting or spreading coronavirus in common use high traffic areas such as corridors, toilet facilities, entry/exit points, lifts, and other communal areas

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Lesson observers

    Design route to ensure speedy entrance and exit from lessons

    Identify:

    • any areas where social distancing cannot be observed
    • areas and surfaces that are frequently touched but are difficult to clean 
    • Minimise contact points for student (e.g. teacher will open all doors/ operate light switches etc.).
    • Establish cleaning routines
    • Communicate hand washing/cleaning routine
    • Allow pupils to enter room/home for lesson only once previous pupil has exited to ensure no pupils are overlapping

     

    Teacher

    1st February 2022

    ✔️

    1/2/22

    Getting or spreading coronavirus from shared instruments and materials

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Eliminated shared instruments/materials where possible.

     

    Cleaning any remaining shared instrument adequately between lessons

     

    Ensuring hand sanitising routines followed by all

     

    • Minimise touching, sharing and use paper copies of music and resources. 
    • Use iPads and digital resources to replace paper resources where at all possible.

     

    Teacher and pupil

    1st February 2022

    ✔️

    1/2/22

    Getting or spreading coronavirus through not social distancing

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Lesson observers

    Identify places where it may not be possible to maintain social distancing

     

    Schedule lessons to minimise risk of overlap between pupils

     

    • Consider arrangement of room to minimise face-to-face working e.g. side by side.
    • Lesson observer to continue to wear a face mask and teacher to continue to wear a face shield when recommended by Government guidelines in close spaces

    Teacher, pupil and lesson observer

    1st February 2022

    ✔️

    1/2/22

    Pupil uses public transport to attend lesson and may introduce infection

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Request pupil travel to lessons by means other than public transport wherever possible.

     

    If not possible, pupils must wear face covering as reqluired by Government.

    • Use online lessons wherever possible if  non-public transport options are unavailable

    Teacher and pupil

    1st February 2022

    ✔️

    1/2/22

    Poor ventilation in workspace leads to risks of coronavirus spreading

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Increased transmission risks from certain musical activities

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Lesson observers

     

    Teacher

    (Helen Phillips)

     

    Pupils of Helen Phillips

     

    Lesson observers

    Ensure adequate ventilation during and between lessons

    Identify additional means of ventilating space

    Ensure sufficient time between lessons to enable cleaning and ventilation of the space

     

     

     

     

    Ventilation of teaching space;

    Social distancing

    Arrangement of room

    Testing

    Management of confirmed cases

    • Consider alternating an in -person lesson with an online lesson to allow adequate time for cleaning and ventilation

     

    ​

     

     

     

    • Teacher to perform asymptomatic testing using lateral flow tests twice-weekly during term time and before lessons taught during holiday periods when infection rates are high
    • Manage confirmed cases, self isolation and inform parents/students as necessary in accordance with government guidelines.
    • Limit number of people in teaching space to teacher, student or 2 group students from the same year group in school and one lesson observer at any one time.
    • Monitor government guidance and research for changes in guidance
    • Offer remote teaching either as an alternative or through blended delivery with studio-based lessons
    • Consider arrangement of room to minimise face-to-face working
    • Lesson observers to use facemarks and teacher to use face shield to separate teacher, student and lesson observer when recommended by government guidelines in close spaces.

    Teacher








     

     

    Teacher, pupil and lesson observer

    1st February 2022

     

     

     

     

    1st February 2022

    ✔️

     

    1/2/22

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ✔️

    1/2/22

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