TERMSAND CONDITIONS
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St Chris School – Instrumental Music Tuition Agreement
Academic
Year 2025–2026
This document outlines the terms and conditions governing instrumental music tuition for students enrolled at St Chris School, provided by a Visiting Music Teacher (VMT), who is an independent, self-employed professional.
Parents/guardians are required to read and accept the terms below before instrumental lessons can commence.
1. Lesson Provision
•Instrumental music tuition is delivered by Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) who are self-employed and not employees of St Chris School.
•The School facilitates the scheduling and promotion of lessons but does not manage tuition delivery or assume responsibility for individual arrangements between parents and VMTs.
•Lesson formats typically include 20-minute, 30-minute or 35-minute weekly lessons, during term time only.
•Lessons will be scheduled for junior and senior school students during the school day using a rotating timetable. Set lesson times will be given wherever possible to students in the sixth form, but will only be given to students from other year groups in exceptional circumstances, and usually where a specific SEND need has been identified by the school and at the discretion of the Directors of Music.
•Timetables are subject to change in accordance with teacher availability and school operations.
Lesson Scheduling and Exam Periods (Year 10 and Year 11)
•During mock and formal examination periods for Year 10 and Year 11 students, individual music lessons will be paused Due to the extensive exam timetables, the focus on student wellbeing, and limited scheduling flexibility, lessons will not be arranged during these times Students may, however, arrange lessons directly with their teacher at a mutually convenient time, subject to the teacher’s availability. Lessons will only take place if a suitable time slot is agreed upon and the student wishes to have a lesson. Please speak to your child's teacher if you wish for them to have a lesson during these times.
2. Fees and Invoicing
•VMTs set their own tuition fees and are responsible for invoicing parents directly
•Invoices may be issued half-termly, or termly as agreed between the parent and the VMT
•Payment terms are to be agreed directly with the VMT. The school is not responsible for managing or processing payments.
•Fees must be paid promptly and within the deadlines set by the VMT. Failure to do so may result in lessons being suspended until payment is received, or cancelled with the space potentially being allocated to another student.
3. Missed and Cancelled Lessons
•A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required from parents to request rescheduling of a lesson. This request must be made in writing to the Performing Arts Administrator and is subject to teacher availability.
•Where notice is not given, or a pupil fails to attend without explanation, the lesson may be charged in full.
•If a VMT is unable to teach due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, they will endeavour to reschedule the missed lesson or provide a refund.
•The School does not accept liability for missed or cancelled lessons, unless agreed in advance in writing
4. Communication
•All communications between parents and VMTs should be conducted through school email, Involve software, or via the Performing Arts Administrator.
•VMTs should provide weekly feedback via student music notebooks or Involve notes, offering constructive guidance on progress and practice and to celebrate achievements.
•Parents must not contact VMTs via personal mobile numbers, social media, or informal messaging apps regarding school matters in order to comply with GDPR.
5. Safeguarding and Site Conduct
•All VMTs are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and are required to comply with the School’s safeguarding policies at all times.
•Students must only attend lessons in approved teaching spaces. Junior School pupils will be signed in and out at Junior School Reception.
•Pupils are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly during lessons
6. Exams and Performances
•VMTs may recommend students for graded music exams at their discretion Exam entries will be coordinated in consultation with the Director of Music and Performing Arts Administrator
•Parents are responsible for exam fees. The School and VMTs will provide guidance on deadlines and requirements
•Participation in concerts, ensembles, and school music events is encouraged and supported by the Music Department.
7. Termination of Lessons
•If a parent or guardian wishes to discontinue lessons, a minimum of 5 weeks’ written notice must be given to both the VMT and the Performing Arts Administrator.
•Failure to provide notice may result in fees being charged for the following half term.
8. Data Protection
•Personal information is handled in accordance with the School’s Data Protection Policy.
•Any personal data shared between parents and VMTs must be used solely for the purpose of arranging and delivering music tuition.