The tutoring operatives

The Tutoring Operatives — Terms, Policies & Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Welcome to The Tutoring Operatives. By booking lessons, purchasing packages, or engaging with our tutors, you agree to the policies outlined below. These terms ensure a fair, professional, and respectful learning environment for both students and tutors.

2. Services Provided

  • Online English language tutoring delivered by native English speakers from the United Kingdom.
  • Lessons may include cultural, historical, and conversational content relating to British life.
  • Sessions are delivered via video‑conferencing platforms selected by the tutor.

3. Booking & Payment

  • All lessons must be paid in advance.
  • A booking is confirmed only once payment has been received.
  • Packages (if offered) must be used within the validity period stated at purchase.
  • Tutors are not required to teach unpaid or partially paid lessons.

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

  • Rescheduling is at the tutor’s discretion and may be refused if notice is short or if rescheduling becomes excessive.
  • Each lesson may be rescheduled once, unless otherwise agreed.

5. Refund Policy (UK Consumer Law Compliant)

We offer a simple, fair refund policy aligned with UK consumer protection standards.

Refunds are available when:

  • A tutor cancels a lesson and cannot offer a suitable alternative.
  • A tutor‑side technical issue prevents the lesson from taking place.

Refunds are not available for:

  • No‑shows
  • Late arrivals
  • Lessons already completed
  • Student‑side technical issues
  • Expired lesson packages

Refund Method

  • Refunds are issued as lesson credits by default.
  • Monetary refunds may be issued where required by UK consumer law.

6. No‑Show Policy

A student is considered a no‑show if:

  • They do not join the lesson within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, or
  • They join but cannot continue due to their own technical issues.

No‑show lessons are:

  • Charged in full
  • Not eligible for rescheduling or refund
  • Logged for monitoring repeated absences

Tutors are not required to remain online after 15 minutes.

7. Technology Requirements

To ensure smooth lessons, students must have:

  • A stable internet connection
  • Working audio and video
  • A quiet, distraction‑free environment

If a lesson is disrupted due to the student’s technology, the lesson is still chargeable. If the tutor experiences technical issues, the lesson will be rescheduled or credited.

8. Code of Conduct

To maintain a respectful and productive learning environment, all students must:

Respect the Tutor

  • Use polite, appropriate language
  • Avoid aggressive, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour
  • Follow tutor instructions during lessons

Respect the Learning Environment

  • Arrive on time
  • Be prepared and focused
  • Avoid unnecessary background noise or multitasking

Respect Boundaries

  • No inappropriate comments or behaviour
  • No attempts to contact tutors outside approved channels
  • No recording lessons without explicit permission

Respect Intellectual Property

  • Lesson materials are for personal use only
  • Do not share, distribute, or resell materials

9. Consequences of Poor Conduct

If a student breaches the Code of Conduct, the following actions may be taken:

1. Warning

For minor issues such as lateness, mild disruption, or inappropriate comments.

2. Temporary Suspension

For repeated issues or more serious behaviour. Lessons may be paused until the issue is resolved.

3. Immediate Termination

For severe misconduct, including:

  • Harassment
  • Abuse
  • Discrimination
  • Sexual or inappropriate behaviour
  • Threats or intimidation

In such cases:

  • No refunds will be issued
  • Remaining lessons may be forfeited
  • Access to tutors may be permanently revoked

10. Safeguarding

  • Students under 18 must have a parent/guardian present or reachable.
  • Tutors may refuse to teach minors without appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

11. Privacy & Data

  • We comply with UK GDPR.
  • Personal data is used only for lesson delivery, communication, and administration.
  • We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.

At The Tutoring Operatives, we take your privacy seriously. We collect only the minimum personal information needed to deliver your lessons, manage bookings, and communicate with you. We comply with UK GDPR and handle all data lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

. What Data We Collect

We only collect basic information necessary to provide tutoring services:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Booking details (lesson times, preferences)
  • Payment confirmation (processed securely by Stripe)

We do not store card details or sensitive financial information.

. How Your Data Is Used

We use your information only to:

  • Deliver your lessons
  • Manage bookings and scheduling
  • Send confirmations and essential communication
  • Maintain basic records for administration

We do not use your data for marketing unless you explicitly opt in.

. Third‑Party Processors

We use trusted third‑party services to operate our business:

  • Stripe — secure payment processing
  • FluentBooking — lesson scheduling
  • Email provider — communication

We do not sell or share your data with any other third parties.

. Data Retention

We keep your information only for as long as necessary:

  • Booking and communication records: up to 24 months
  • Payment confirmations: as required for accounting and legal compliance

You may request deletion at any time.

. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your data
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion
  • Withdraw consent
  • Ask how your data is used

12. Updates to These Terms

The Tutoring Operatives may update these terms at any time. Students will be notified of significant changes.