Last updated: 25 August 2025
Shani’s Tutoring provides high-quality academic support in English Language, Literature, History, and other Liberal Arts-related subjects. Our services include live tutoring, lectures, downloadable resources, online courses, and community-based learning via our Learning Hub.
These Terms and Conditions explain the expectations, responsibilities and legal agreements that apply when you use any part of our platform. This includes sessions, the website, the Learning Hub and all related services. By using Shani’s Tutoring, you agree to follow these Terms, as well as the additional policies linked at the end of this document.
You will be asked to actively agree to these Terms and Conditions before gaining access to the full range of our platforms and services.
We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe and academically rigorous environment. These terms help to ensure a fair experience for all Users, including Students, Parents, Guardians, School Representatives, and other Community Members.
These Terms may be updated as needed. When that happens, we will publish the new version here and notify users via the Learning Hub or email, where appropriate. Continued use of the platform indicates your acceptance of the latest version.
Introduction
These Terms govern in a legally binding way:
- The Use of Shani’s Tutoring.
- Any other related agreement or legal relationship with Shani’s Tutoring and the User.
Capitalised words are defined in the dedicated section of this document.
The User must read this document carefully.
Although the entire contractual relationship relating to Shani’s Tutoring is entered into solely by Shani’s Tutoring and Users, Users acknowledge and agree that, where Shani’s Tutoring has been provided to them via the Apple App Store, Apple may enforce these Terms as a third-party beneficiary.
Nothing in these Terms creates any relationship of employment, agency, or partnership between the involved parties.
Shani’s Tutoring is provided by:
Shani's Tutoring
323 Bury Street West
London
N99JW
“Shani’s Tutoring” refers to:
- The Shani’s Tutoring main website (shanistutoring.com).
- The Shani’s Tutoring marketing website (shanistutoring.co.uk).
- The Learning Hub (learn.shanistutoring.com).
- Video conferencing sessions run by Shani’s Tutoring via Zoom, Google Meet, BigBlueButton, or other similar software.
- In-person sessions run by Shani’s Tutoring.
- Applications for mobile, tablet, and other smart device systems.
- The Service.
- Any applications, sample and content files, source code, scripts, instruction sets or software included as part of the Service, as well as any related documentation..
What the User should know at a glance
- Minors may access Shani’s Tutoring and use its Service only under parental or adult supervision.
- Please note that some provisions in these Terms may only apply to certain categories of Users. In particular, certain provisions may only apply to Students, Parents or Guardians, or School Representatives, or to those Users that do not qualify as such. Such limitations are always explicitly mentioned within each affected clause. In the absence of any such mention, clauses apply to all Users.
- The right of withdrawal only applies to European consumers.
- Usage of Shani’s Tutoring and the Service is age-restricted, as detailed in the relevant section of this document.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following terms have the meanings set out below:
- ‘Shani’s Tutoring’, ‘we’, ‘our’ or ‘us’: the owner and operators of the platform, which includes the website, the Learning Hub, and all associated services and resources.
- User: any individual or organisation who accesses, purchases or uses any part of Shani’s Tutoring’s services. This includes Students, Parents/Guardians, and School Representatives.
- Student: the individual receiving tutoring, accessing resources, enrolling in courses, or participating in learning activities.
- ‘Parent’ or ‘Guardian’: the responsible adult who creates or manages a Student’s account, or pays for services on their behalf.
- School Representative: a teacher, tutor, administrator or other person purchasing or coordinating services for use by a school or educational institution.
- Tutor: an individual contracted or employed to provide live sessions or create educational materials for Shani’s Tutoring.
- Community Member: any individual or organisation who utilises the social tools and services provided by Shani’s Tutoring. This includes Students, Parents/Guardians, School Representatives, Tutors, and anyone else who posts on the comments, forums or other social elements.
- Learning Hub: our Moodle-based learning platform where users can access digital resources, join community discussions, complete activities, submit assignments and view courses.
- Session: any live or pre-recorded class, workshop, webinar, lecture, tutoring session or seminar offered by Shani’s Tutoring.
- Resources: includes worksheets, recordings, quizzes, glossaries, blogs, videos, discussion posts, downloads, and all other educational materials provided by Shani’s Tutoring.
- Account: the registered profile that enables access to our services, including login credentials, usage history and profile information.
- Services: Refers to all offerings provided by Shani’s Tutoring, both on platforms owned by Shani’s Tutoring Ltd and social media platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, the Learning Hub, the Community, blog post comment sections, one-to-one tutoring, group classes, lectures, downloadable resources, digital courses, WhatsApp groups, Discord servers, Zoom meetings, Google Meet sessions, and YouTube comment sections.
- Terms: these Terms and Conditions govern all use of Shani’s Tutoring.
- Policy: any linked or referenced document that outlines rules or procedures governing use of the platform, including but not limited to our Community Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, Safeguarding Policy and other documents listed in Section 25.
- User-Generated Content: any material created and submitted by Users to Shani’s Tutoring, including but not limited to comments, forum posts, discussion entries, essays, assignments, uploaded files, competition entries, questions, reviews, suggestions, and any other contributions made on the Learning Hub, forums, WhatsApp, Discord, or other community spaces.
2. Terms of use
Unless otherwise specified, the terms of use detailed in this section apply generally when using Shani’s Tutoring.
Single or additional conditions of use of access may apply in specific scenarios, and in such cases, are additionally indicated within this document.
By using Shani’s Tutoring, Users confirm to meet the following requirements:
- There are no age restrictions for Users in terms of being Consumers or Business Users.
- Users must be older than 13.
- Minors between the ages of 13 and 17 may only use Shani’s Tutoring under parental or adult supervision.
- Users aren’t listed on any U.K. or U.S government list or prohibited or restricted parties.
2.1 Acceptance of terms
By accessing or using any part of Shani’s Tutoring, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, as well as all related policies listed in Section 25.
Activities that indicate agreement include, but are not limited to:
- Creating or logging in to an account.
- Accessing the Learning Hub.
- Booking or attending tutoring sessions.
- Purchasing, downloading or using any of our resources.
- Completing our quizzes or forms.
- Submitting essays, assignments or homework for review.
- Joining community forums or discussions.
- Commenting on blog posts or resources.
If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use our services or request tutoring.
This agreement applies to all users, including students, parents or guardians, and school representatives. Continued use of the platform or tutoring services indicates your acceptance of the most recent version of these Terms.
We may update these Terms at any time. When that happens, we will post a notice on the Learning Hub and update the date at the top of this document. For significant changes, we may also notify you by email.
To use the Learning Hub, students or their responsible Parents, Guardians or School Representatives must indicate that they accept the Terms and Conditions by clicking the agreement box on the platform.
2.2 Account registration
To use the Service, Users must register or create a User account, providing all required data or information in a complete and truthful manner. Failure to do so will cause the unavailability of the Service.
Users are responsible for keeping their login credentials confidential and safe. For this reason, Users are also required to choose passwords that meet the highest standards of strength permitted by Shani’s Tutoring.
By registering, Users agree to be fully responsible for all activities that occur under their username and password.
Should a User think their personal information has been compromised, violated, unduly disclosed, or stolen, the User is required to immediately and unambiguously inform Shani’s Tutoring by the contact details indicated in these Terms. This includes, but is not limited to, compromise of:
- User accounts
- Access credentials
- Personal data
2.3 Conditions for account registration
Registration of User accounts on Shani’s Tutoring is subject to the conditions outlined below. By registering, Users agree to meet such conditions.
- Accounts registered by bots or any other automated methods are not permitted.
- Unless otherwise specified, each User must register only one account.
- Unless explicitly permitted, a User account may not be shared with other persons.
2.4 Accounts for Parents, Guardians and School Representatives
Parents, Guardians and School Representatives are responsible for ensuring that a Student under the age of 18 uses Shani’s Tutoring safely, appropriately and in line with these Terms and all related policies. This responsibility includes safeguarding, payment of fees, and supporting the Student’s academic and behavioural engagement.
To do this, Parents, Guardians and School Representatives must create their own accounts, separate from the Student. These accounts:
- Provide access to the website, Learning Hub and relevant services.
- Should be used to purchase or book services on behalf of Students (e.g. by selecting ‘Buy for someone else’ at checkout).
- May be linked to applicable Student accounts on request using our Account Linking form, allowing the adult to monitor activity, progress, and safeguarding information, and accept Terms and Policies on behalf of the Student.
- Carry the same responsibilities as Student accounts in terms of accuracy of information, safeguarding, behaviour, and compliance with all policies.
By creating a Parent, Guardian or School Representative account, the User accepts responsibility for the Student’s use of Shani’s Tutoring and agrees to support compliance with all relevant policies, including the Community Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy.
Failure to uphold these responsibilities may result in suspension or termination of both the Student’s account and the linked Parent, Guardian or School Representative account, in line with Section 18 of these Terms.
3. Description of services
Shani’s Tutoring provides a range of educational services designed to support students aged 13-25 in English Language, English Literature, Media Studies, Creative Writing, History, Film Studies, and related Liberal Arts subjects.
Our services currently include, but are not limited to:
- Access to on-demand learning resources, study guides, sample essays, and interactive activities through the Moodle-based Learning Hub.
- Glossary entries, newsletters, online articles, and blog posts.
- Bookable live group classes, lectures, webinars, and one-to-one tutoring sessions.
- Self-paced and tutor-supported online courses.
- Community spaces such as forums, WhatsApp communities, and Discord servers, where students can share ideas, ask questions, and support each other.
- Courses for tutors and educators.
- Downloadable digital products such as sample essays, model answers, lesson packs, and worksheets.
These services may be free, paid or available through a subscription or bundle. Features and access levels vary based on a user’s plan, course selection, or institutional arrangement.
We strive to keep our services up to date and aligned with best practices, but we do not guarantee the continued availability of any specific feature, session, or resource. From time to time, we may modify, replace, suspend or discontinue parts of the service to improve quality or reflect changes in user needs, feedback, developments in academic research and pedagogy, curriculum updates, or platform requirements.
3.1 Our commitments
At Shani’s Tutoring, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and academically rigorous learning environment that supports students’ learning and personal growth. Our commitments include:
- High teaching standards: all tutors are subject to appropriate checks, training, and ongoing personal development to ensure they deliver accurate, effective and engaging teaching.
- Knowledge-Rich Curriculum: we believe that all students deserve access to powerful knowledge. Every learner, regardless of background, identity, or school type, is entitled to cultural capital that enriches lives and opens doors for opportunity.
- Knowledge from all communities: we understand cultural capital is not a narrow list of elite ‘canon’ texts or traditions. It is the richness of knowledge produced by all communities and cultures. We strive to engage with a wide range of voices and perspectives, so that students will learn to respect and value the contributions of different cultures to our collective understanding.
- Preparation beyond exams: while we support student to achieve success in their qualifications, we also prepare them for the demands of university study, their future careers, and lifelong enrichment that comes from engagement with literature, history, philosophy and the arts and humanities.
- Safeguarding and well-being: every student has the right to feel safe and supported. We follow UK safeguarding standards and prioritise student welfare in all aspects of our work.
- Inclusivity: we value diversity and are committed to respecting students of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. We actively create space for different perspectives and voices.
- Academic integrity: our support is designed to help students build genuine skills and confidence. We will never complete work on a student’s behalf, but will instead guide, challenge and encourage independent thinking.
- Accessibility: we aim to make our resources and platforms accessible to all learners and are committed to continually improving the usability and inclusivity of all our services.
- Continuous improvement: we regularly review our teaching methods, course materials, and policies to reflect best practice, curriculum changes and student feedback.
3.2 Recruitment
Shani’s Tutoring takes recruitment seriously to ensure that all staff and tutors meet the highest standards of professionalism, safeguarding and subject knowledge. This includes:
- Safeguarding checks: all tutors must hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, or the relevant equivalent if based outside the UK. They must be subscribed to the Update Service or prepared to undergo regular DBS checks. Safeguarding training is mandatory and must be updated annually.
- Qualifications and expertise: we prioritise tutors with strong subject knowledge, a passion for education, a good rapport with students, and alignment with our values. While we welcome applicants who are qualified teachers, formal teaching qualifications are not required. We are committed to finding the best candidates and are happy to provide training and mentoring to ensure they meet our standards. Where relevant, we value teaching or tutoring experience, or experience in lecturing or curriculum design.
- Commitment to values: applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, academic integrity and the values outlined in Section 3.1.
- Valuing diverse perspectives: just as our students bring a range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds to their learning, we believe our staff should reflect that richness. We welcome tutors who bring different cultural, academic and personal experiences, as this strengthens our teachings, helps us to relate to our students, and ensures that students learn in an environment where multiple voices and ways of knowing are respected.
- Training and induction: successful applicants undergo induction training, which includes safeguarding, pedagogy, marking, digital safety, academic integrity, accessibility, and the Shani’s Tutoring Code of Conduct.
- Ongoing professional development: tutors are encouraged and supported to pursue further training, attend workshops, and engage with research in education and their subject areas to ensure teaching remains up to date and evidence-based.
- Monitoring and review: tutors’ work may be monitored through session recordings, student feedback, marking moderation, and regular reviews to maintain quality standards.
By keeping recruitment open to the most talented and passionate candidates regardless of whether they already hold formal teaching qualifications, we ensure that students benefit from both expertise and fresh perspectives, while maintaining robust standards through training and oversight.
We are selective in our recruitment process to ensure that only individuals who share our ethos and commitment to students’ well-being and development into the Shani’s Tutoring community.
4. Platform use and learning environment expectations
Shani’s Tutoring is an evidence-based and supportive learning platform designed to help students grow in confidence, deepen their understanding and succeed in their qualifications. We focus on academic rigour, critical thinking, honesty, trust, and respectful discussion to foster a safe, inclusive and effective learning environment.
All users must follow our Community Code of Conduct, which outlines our behaviour expectations across the website, Learning Hub, forums, live sessions and any other interactive features. Tutors and staff are held to a separate, internal Staff Code of Conduct, which includes enhanced safeguarding, professionalism and development standards.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding and online safety. If you ever feel unsafe or witness behaviour that puts someone at risk, you are encouraged to report it promptly via the appropriate contact method. More details can be found in our Safeguarding Policy and Digital Safety Policy.
In addition, students are expected to:
- Engage respectfully with tutors and peers.
- Arrive prepared and on time for any booked sessions.
- Take part actively and honestly in learning activities.
- Avoid any form of academic dishonesty or plagiarism, in line with our Academic Integrity Statement.
- Use digital features responsively (e.g. no disruptive behaviour, screen-sharing without consent or recording sessions).
- Keep all discussions on-topic, age-appropriate and academic in nature.
Failure to follow these expectations may result in warnings, restricted access or termination of your account in accordance with our Code of Conduct and Suspension Policy.
4.1 Acceptable use
To keep our platform safe, respectful and functional for all users, the following activities are not permitted on Shani’s Tutoring:
- Attempting to access or use another user’s account without permission.
- Sharing your account with others or allowing others to use your login.
- Bypassing access restrictions (e.g. to join sessions or view paid resources without authorisation).
- Impersonating another user, tutor, staff member or member of the public.
- Attempting to disrupt sessions, forums or community spaces.
- Spamming, phishing or sending unsolicited promotional messages.
- Posting, promoting or linking to materials, services or platforms that directly compete with Shani’s Tutoring or undermine our ability to operate as a business.
- Scraping, copying or downloading materials without permission.
- Recording or distributing sessions or resources, whether free or for financial gain, without explicit consent.
- Uploading, linking to, or sharing harmful or malicious content.
- Circumventing or interfering with platform moderation, security features or tracking tools.
- Misusing tools like chat, screen sharing or whiteboards for anything other than learning-related purposes.
- Encouraging or helping others to violate these Terms or our Community Code of Conduct.
Any breaches of acceptable use may result in warnings, removal of privileges, or account termination, as outlined in our Community Code of Conduct, Moderation Policy and Suspension Policy.
5. Eligibility and accounts
To use Shani’s Tutoring, you must be at least 13 years old.
Users under the age of 18 must have a designated parent, guardian, or school representative who takes responsibility for their use of the platform. This includes providing a reliable contact method for communication regarding safeguarding, behaviour, billing, academic progress, or other important concerns. They are also expected to ensure their student follows all relevant policies, including the Community Code of Conduct.
When creating an account, you must provide accurate, current information and keep your login details private. You may not allow anyone else to access or use your account.
Each user is only permitted to have one account, unless otherwise authorised by Shani’s Tutoring. Accounts are non-transferable, and users must not misrepresent their identity or use aliases to access additional content, features or pricing.
You are responsible for all activity under your account. If you suspect your account has been compromised, you must notify us immediately.
6. Payments and pricing
We offer a range of services with different pricing options depending on the format, subject, level of support and group size. Prices are clearly stated on our website or in bespoke agreements, and all payments must be made in line with these Terms.
6.1 Payment methods
We accept payments through the following channels:
- Stripe (credit or debit card)
- PayPal
- Bank transfer (by arrangement)
- Tap-To-Pay (for in-person sessions or events hosted at our premises)
On some occasions, we may accept cash for in-person sessions. However, this must be for purchases of over £100, as depositing cash incurs an additional fee for us.
We reserve the right to add to or remove payment methods in the future.
6.2 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed, payments must be made in full before access to live sessions, digital downloads, online courses or other services is granted. For certain services, we may offer:
- Instalment plans (with agreed payment dates)
- Deposit options (to ensure your place, with the balance due by a specified deadline)
- Subscription-based models (which renew automatically unless cancelled)
6.3 Failure to pay on time
Failure to pay on time may result in the following:
- Loss of access to courses, resources or booked sessions.
- Removal from scheduled group classes, lectures or webinars.
- Delayed marking or feedback for submitted work.
- Administrative fees for repeated missed payments or bounced instalments.
- Refusal of future bookings or services.
We reserve the right to discontinue services to users with a repeated history of late or missed payments.
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, please contact us as early as possible. We aim to offer flexible options where feasible.
6.4 Sales and discounts
We may occasionally offer limited-time sales, discounts, coupons or promotional pricing. These offers are subject to availability and terms, and we reserve the right to end or change them at any time. Where possible, we will clearly communicate the timeframes and conditions for such offers.
Unless stated otherwise, discounts cannot be combined or applied retroactively to purchases made before the promotion began.
6.5 Price changes
We reserve the right to update our pricing in response to changes in business costs, market rates, or service delivery models.
Existing bookings will not be affected by price increases, provided full payment or agreed instalments are made on time. Any future changes will be communicated clearly on our website by direct email, where applicable.
For ongoing subscriptions to self-based courses, students will retain the original subscription price as long as payments continue uninterrupted. If a subscription is cancelled or payments lapse, rejoining will be subject to the current pricing at the time of renewal.
6.6 Taxes and fees
Prices shown include VAT where applicable. If any additional charges apply (e.g. for international payments or materials), these will be outlined at checkout or agreed in advance.
6.7 Affiliates
Shani’s Tutoring may, from time to time, offer an Affiliate Programme, which allows approved partners to earn commission by recommending our services and resources. Affiliates are given unique links or codes, and when a purchase is made through these links, the affiliate may receive commission.
To ensure the programme is fair, transparent and professional, all affiliates must follow the expectations below:
- Affiliate links and tracking: affiliates will receive unique links or codes to share, and commission will only be applied when purchases are made directly through these.
- Transparency: affiliates must always disclose when they are sharing an affiliate link, in line with UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidance and other regulations.
- Alignment with our values: the content of the affiliate’s social media platforms and other promotional channels must not undermine or contradict our Values. Affiliates are expected to uphold the same standards of inclusivity, academic integrity, and respect that we require across our own platforms. Content that is discriminatory, misleading, or inconsistent with our values may result in removal from the programme.
- Compliance: affiliates are expected to represent our services fairly and accurately, avoiding false or misleading claims. They must also comply with our Affiliate Policy.
- Limitations: affiliates may not purchase services using their own affiliate link, encourage others to misuse the programme, or promote our services in a way that involves spamming, harassment, or overly aggressive marketing.
- Termination: participation in the programme is a privilege, not a right. We reserve the authority to suspend or remove affiliates at any time if we believe they have breached these Terms, the Affiliate Policy, or relevant advertising standards.
By choosing to take part in the Affiliate Programme, affiliates agree to these Terms as well as the separate Affiliate Policy.
7. Cancellation and refunds
We understand that plans can change and aim to offer flexible options wherever possible. Refunds and cancellations are governed by our Cancellation, Refund and Returns Policy, which sets out your rights and responsibilities in full. This includes details on cooling-off periods, last-minute bookings, missed sessions, rescheduling, and non-refundable products.
Key points include:
- Refunds are typically only available within 30 calendar days of purchase, provided the session or product:
- Has not yet been used or delivered.
- Has not been missed due to a no-show or late cancellation.
- Is eligible under our standard cancellation windows.
- Sessions missed or cancelled less than 24 hours from the start time are considered incomplete and therefore not eligible for refund, even if still within the 30-day period.
- Last-minute bookings made less than 24 hours before the session are non-refundable unless disrupted by tutor error or tutor-side technical fault.
- Bundles may be refunded within 30 days if unused. If partially used, the refund will be prorated, with used sessions deducted at the full single-session rate.
- Digital products and memberships are non-refundable once access is granted, including during the statutory 14-day cooling-off period, as you waive this right upon purchase.
- Refunds for discounted purchases are processed at the price paid, not the standard rate. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
- Discretionary refunds may be considered in exceptional circumstances such as bereavement, hospitalisation, or verified emergencies.
By purchasing or booking any service, you agree to these Terms. Please read the full Cancellation, Refund and Returns Policy for detailed guidance.
8. Safeguarding and student wellbeing
Shani’s Tutoring is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and student wellbeing. We believe that all learners deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported. This applies both online and offline and across all sessions, platforms and services.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All users of the platform (students, parents, guardians, school representatives, tutors and other staff members) are expected to play an active role in maintaining a safe environment. This includes reporting concerns, following relevant codes of conduct, and acting in good faith.
We take a proactive, trauma-informed and preventative approach to safeguarding. Our policies and training are based on UK legislation and best practice.
8.1 Our commitment
We believe that every learner has the right to feel safe, supported and heard. All staff and tutors must:
- Hold a valid enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate.
- Complete regular safeguarding and child protection training.
- Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy and Digital Safety Policy.
Safeguarding applies to all users regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion, disability, or background.
8.2 Confidentiality and disclosure
Tutors and staff have a responsibility to take all safeguarding concerns seriously. We are committed to creating an environment where students feel safe to speak up, and we will always prioritise student safety and wellbeing.
However, we cannot guarantee confidentiality if a student discloses something that suggests that they or someone else may be at risk of harm. In these cases, tutors and staff may need to share relevant information with a trusted adult, an external organisation or a safeguarding authority. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at a student’s school
- Social Services
- The police
- A student’s parent or guardian (if we believe that this will not place the student at further risk)
We aim to do this in a way that is respectful, appropriate, and sensitive to the student’s needs. Information is only ever shared on a strict need-to-know basis. Wherever possible and appropriate, students will be informed of any action being taken and supported throughout the process.
If you are ever concerned about your safety or someone else’s while using the platform, please reach out through the appropriate contact channels listed in our Safeguarding Policy.
8.3 Reporting concerns
At present, Shani’s Tutoring does not have a formally appointed Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), as we are a small business operated by a team of two: one tutor (Shani) and a community moderator (Patrick). However, we take all safeguarding concerns extremely seriously and have procedures in place to respond appropriately.
If you are worried about your safety, the safety of someone else, or wish to report any safeguarding concern while using the platform, please contact us directly via:
- Our dedicated Safeguarding Disclosure and Contact Form
- Email: hello@shanistutoring.com
- Message via the Learning Hub
All concerns will be handled with care and discretion, and we will act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy to determine the most appropriate course of action. This may include contacting an external authority or trusted adult, where necessary.
As the business grows and we onboard additional tutors or staff, we will formally appoint a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead to oversee safeguarding matters. This will form part of our wider commitment to maintaining a safe, transparent, and supportive learning environment for all users. When this happens, we will update these Terms, the Safeguarding Policy, and any other relevant documents to reflect the new structure and responsibilities.
8.4 Online safety
Shani’s Tutoring is committed to creating a safe and secure online environment for all users. While we take appropriate steps to ensure the security of our platform and content, we also expect users to play an active role in protecting themselves and others online.
We expect all users to follow these practices:
- Keep login details private. Never share your password with others or allow anyone else to access your account.
- Use secure internet connections. Avoid logging in via untrusted networks where possible.
- Be mindful of what you share. Do not post or disclose sensitive personal information (e.g. your address, phone number, full name, school or location) in public forums or chats, or to friends you have made online.
- Do not meet online contacts in person. For your own safety, never arrange to meet someone in real life whom you have only met online, unless supervised by a trusted adult.
- Report concerns promptly. If you see any content or behaviour that seems inappropriate, harmful, or unsafe, please report it immediately via the contact details provided in our Safeguarding Policy.
- Be cautious with links and files. Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown files, even if they appear to be shared by other users.
- Do not record or distribute content. Users may not record, screenshot or distribute any part of a session or course without written permission.
- Do not attempt to hack, bypass or disrupt the platform. Any attempt to gain unauthorised access, tamper with systems, or disrupt the platform’s functionality will result in immediate account termination and may be reported to relevant authorities.
We take reports of online abuse, harassment, grooming or exploitation very seriously. Where appropriate, we will report such incidents to the relevant authorities.
We expect parents, guardians and school representatives to support younger users by discussing online safety regularly and monitoring their use of the platform.
8.5 Supporting LGBTQIA+ students
We recognise that a student’s ability to feel seen, respected and affirmed can have a profound impact on their mental health and academic engagement. We are guided by the scientific consensus on the positive relationship between the affirmation of identity and overall well-being, including for LGBTQIA+ youth.
As such, our safeguarding approach includes a commitment to tolerance, inclusivity and respect for students of all identities. We strive to foster an environment where all students feel safe to learn, grow and express themselves without fear of discrimination.
We allow students to update their chosen name and pronouns on our Learning Hub and expect all other members of the community to respect these choices.
However, in accordance with government guidance on transgender and gender-diverse students, we are unable to withhold information from parents or guardians. For students under 18, a designated parent, guardian or school representative is required to take responsibility for the student’s use of the platform. This adult will have access to view the student’s account and profile, including any name or pronoun preferences listed in the Learning Hub, as well as forum participation and course activity.
We encourage students to have open conversations with a trusted adult if they are exploring their gender identity or need support. It is always better for students to have these conversations with their parents or guardians before this information is discovered through the Learning Hub.
We understand that families and individuals may hold different views on matters of identity. However, our priority is to ensure the safety and academic outcomes of our students and not impede that with political discussions regarding a student’s right to exist authentically.
This is therefore not a discussion that we will entertain publicly, where students may be exposed to behaviour that impacts their mental health. We do not engage in discussions about the validity or authenticity of the identities of our students and reserve the right to remove such content from our platforms.
If you find you are uncomfortable with referring to a student by their chosen pronouns, we recommend the following options:
- Use mutually agreed names or nicknames
- Refer to the student in the second person (you, your) wherever possible
- Default to they/them pronouns, which have been used to refer to singular individuals of unknown gender since at least Shakespeare’s time
9. Code of Conduct and behaviour expectations
At Shani’s Tutoring, we believe that everyone in our learning community has a role to play in creating a respectful, inclusive and academically honest environment. When you interact on the platform, your behaviour should reflect the shared values that underpin everything we do.
The Community Code of Conduct outlines our expectations of all users of the platform, including students, parents, guardians and school representatives. The Staff Code of Conduct extends these codes and provides more rigorous standards for tutors and other staff members.
They both apply across all spaces where Shani’s Tutoring operates, including but not limited to:
- Live sessions
- Courses
- Discussion forums
- Comments sections
- WhatsApp groups
- Discord channels
All users must act in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct. Violations may result in warnings, restrictions, or account termination in line with our Suspension Policy.
9.1 Community Code of Conduct
Our community is built on mutual respect, kindness, and a shared commitment to learning. We expect all users to contribute to a safe, welcoming, and productive environment.
By using any part of Shani’s Tutoring, you agree to follow the Community Code of Conduct and keep up to date with its most recent versions.
This includes treating others with respect, participating constructively, and following the rules outlined in our Acceptable Use Policy, Safeguarding Policy, and Digital Safety Policy. Discriminatory, dishonest or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Breaches of this Code may result in a warning, removal from group sessions, suspension of access to certain features, or permanent account termination. The exact consequence will depend on the nature, severity and frequency of the behaviour. Action will be taken in accordance with our Moderation Policy and Suspension Policy.
If you are ever unsure about expected behaviour, we encourage you to ask a member of staff or check the relevant policies.
9.2 Staff Code of Conduct
Tutors, moderators, administrators, and other staff members are held to the highest standards of professionalism, safeguarding and inclusivity. While Community Members are expected to follow the Community Code of Conduct, staff also adhere to an internal Staff Code of Conduct that reflects their additional responsibilities as educators, mentors, and representatives of the platform.
All staff are expected to:
- Model respectful and inclusive behaviour at all times.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Avoid any conflicts of interest or exploitation of power dynamics.
- Remain professional in all communications with students, parents and colleagues.
- Keep all contact with students and parents through approved platforms, such as the Learning Hub, WhatsApp group and Discord server.
- Deliver accurate, evidence-based content that supports student progress.
- Keep up to date with relevant safeguarding and subject knowledge through ongoing training.
- Follow all internal policies and procedures, including our Safeguarding Policy, Diversity and Inclusion Statement, and Teaching and Learning Policy.
All staff must hold an enhanced DBS certificate (or the equivalent for their country) and complete regular safeguarding training. Additional expectations relating to conduct in sessions, marking, communication and conflict resolution are covered in internal documentation provided upon onboarding.
Breaches of the Staff Code of Conduct are taken seriously. Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, we may take disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal and referral to relevant safeguarding or professional bodies.
9.3 Affiliate Policy
Affiliates are ambassadors of Shani’s Tutoring and are expected to uphold the same standards of honesty, inclusivity and academic integrity that apply across our community. In addition to the requirements set out in Section 6.7, all affiliates must:
- Act in a way that reflects positively on Shani’s Tutoring and its Values.
- Ensure that all content shared on social media platforms or other promotional channels is respectful, inclusive, and aligned with our commitment to safeguarding and diversity.
- Avoid promoting Shani’s Tutoring alongside content that is discriminatory, misleading, or harmful.
- Avoid engaging in, endorsing, promoting or encouraging others to engage in criminal activity alongside Shani’s Tutoring promotional content.
- Comply with relevant advertising and consumer protection laws, including clear disclosure of affiliate relationships.
Affiliates who fail to meet these expectations may be removed from the programme. This decision rests solely with Shani’s Tutoring and may be made without prior notice where necessary to protect students, staff, and the wider community.
For full details, please refer to our Affiliate Policy.
10. Academic integrity
Shani’s Tutoring is committed to academic honesty. We believe that students learn best when they take ownership of their work and develop the skills to think critically, write clearly, and express ideas in their own voice.
By using Shani’s Tutoring, you agree to uphold academic integrity in all activities and submissions.
For more detailed guidance on academic integrity, please refer to our Community Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Statement.
10.1 Expectations of academic integrity
Students are expected to complete their own work and use our sessions and materials to support genuine understanding. Our role is to support your learning, not to substitute your effort.
Breaches of academic integrity are called ‘academic dishonesty’ or ‘academic misconduct’. These include, but are not limited to:
- Plagiarism (submitting someone’s work as your own)
- Impersonation (asking or allowing someone else to complete work in your name)
- Copying or lifting material from the internet without proper citation
- Submitting AI-generated work as if it were your own
- Paying for or commissioning third-party essays, answers or assignments
- Asking tutors or AI to complete or substantially rewrite coursework or other assessed work
Flawed work that is authentically yours is always more valuable than perfect form that is not. Academic dishonesty is a waste of your time, our time, our resources and the money you paid for support. It prevents you from receiving feedback that actually helps you grow.
10.2 Consequences of academic misconduct
We are here to support, not to replace. Tutors will always provide guidance, feedback and challenge. We will not complete answers or provide students with unfair advantages.
Where breaches of academic integrity occur, we may take any or all of the following actions:
- Issue a written warning
- Inform a parent, guardian or school representative
- Cancel, remove or void the work submitted
- Charge a re-marking or admin fee
- Restrict access to certain features or services
- Permanently terminate the user’s account
We take concerns about AI use seriously. We understand that AI tools may be part of the drafting process, particularly for planning and checking for spelling, punctuation and grammar. However, if a submission contains more content written by AI than by you, it will be considered academic misconduct.
We value your authentic voice and your development as a writer and thinker. English, History and related Liberal Arts subjects rely on individual expression. Unlike when writing laws, policies, or scientific formulas, there is no standardised or formulaic way to structure information. Therefore, your unique thinking and writing style matter, and your work should reflect that.
It is particularly easy to identify AI-generated material in English, History and other Liberal Arts subjects. Unlike when writing laws, policies or scientific formulas, there is no standardised way of presenting information, so the output should reflect the writing style and voice of the student.
10.3 Suspected academic misconduct and verification
Where academic misconduct is suspected, we may request further evidence to verify authorship. This includes:
- Access to the document’s version history or revision log
- Proof of earlier drafts
- A written reflection or verbal explanation of your argument choices
- Confirmation that AI tools were not used beyond basic grammar and spell-check purposes
- A comparison with your previous work, especially from courses or sessions
If you are unable or unwilling to provide this, the aforementioned actions will come into effect.
Any work suspected of being AI-generated will be treated as such. We will not enter into debates about authorship if the evidence points to AI use, ghostwriting or plagiarism.
10.4 Maintaining academic integrity
We believe that academic integrity is best maintained through honesty, self-reflection and consistent effort. We encourage all students to build strong habits and make informed decisions about their work.
To support this, we recommend that you:
- Plan ahead to avoid last-minute pressure
- Acknowledge and correctly reference where you have been inspired by other people’s work
- Ask for feedback and clarification if you are unsure
- Keep your own notes and highlight areas you found challenging
- Use spellcheckers and grammar tools only as support, not to rewrite whole sections
- Never use AI tools to paraphrase or rewrite parts of your work
- Be honest when you’re struggling. Your tutor is here to help, not to judge.
Where appropriate, we may provide additional support in understanding proper citation, structuring arguments, or improving written expression. Our aim is to build your confidence and skills.
Remember that the work you submit here is for your own personal improvement. The advice you will get will be meaningless if it’s not based on your own work. While in the exam, it will be impossible for you to engage in academic misconduct, such as the use of academic tools or plagiarism. So, it would be extremely unwise to miss out on chances for feedback now.
Academic integrity is not about perfection. It’s about honesty, effort and a commitment to learning.
11. Content standards and inclusive practice
Shani’s Tutoring is committed to providing an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel respected, challenged and supported. We aim to reflect a wide range of voices and perspectives across our materials, examples and discussions.
We believe that students benefit from exploring a wide range of perspectives and voices, and strive to include diverse examples wherever possible. This may include texts by authors of different nationalities, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, belief systems, identities and lived experiences.
However, we are also limited by the exam specifications set by exam boards and awarding bodies, which often prioritise texts from the traditional ‘literary canon’. Where possible, we will supplement students’ work on their set texts with additional materials, examples and discussion points that offer greater diversity and help foster critical engagement.
Literature and other Liberal Arts subjects aim to connect people across place and time. Therefore, we strongly believe that unique perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds and identities enhance and strengthen our subjects. Therefore, we value student input and interpretations, aiming to spotlight their voices in everything we do.
11.1 Platform liability
Shani’s Tutoring provides access to educational content that reflects the requirements of exam boards as well as the wider goals of a knowledge-rich curriculum. This includes materials created by tutors, contributions from students and community members, and references to set texts, supplementary texts, historical documents, and third-party sources.
While we make every effort to ensure our content is accurate, accessible, and inclusive, Users should be aware of the following:
- Some works studied may contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language. These are included for academic purposes, not endorsement. Tutors will provide context and support to help students analyse them critically.
- Responsibility for forum posts, comments, and other contributions rests with the individual who created them. We moderate proactively and respond to reports, but cannot guarantee that all content will always meet our standards.
- External resources, websites or platforms linked for study or context are outside of our control. While we always strive to link to high-quality sources, we are not liable for the accuracy, safety or appropriateness of third-party materials.
- We provide warnings where appropriate, but cannot guarantee that every potentially sensitive or triggering theme will be flagged in advance.
By using Shani’s Tutoring, Users acknowledge that engagement with literature, history, and related subjects sometimes involves challenging content. Our role is to provide academic guidance and safe discussion spaces, not to shield students from difficult topics or information. Ultimate responsibility for interpretation and personal use of the material rests with the User.
11.2 Sensitive and potentially challenging content
As part of our commitment to academic honesty, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with diverse texts, students may encounter content that is emotionally or intellectually challenging. This includes, but is not limited to, depictions or discussions of:
- Racism, bigotry or slurs
- Physical, emotional, verbal, psychological or sexual abuse, or neglect
- Violence or harassment
- Racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, or other forms of discrimination
- Mental health concerns
- Suicide, murder or other depictions of death
- Villains or other characters expressing offensive or deplorable views
These themes may arise in both texts set by the exam boards and in supplementary materials chosen to encourage broader critical reflection. While such content can be uncomfortable, it is often necessary to confront it in order to understand historical and cultural contexts, discuss differences in values, explore authorial intent, and develop academic maturity.
We approach these materials with care and do our best to provide appropriate context to support thoughtful and respectful discussion. We expect all members of our community to approach such content from a purely academic perspective.
By using Shani’s Tutoring services, students and their parents, guardians, or school representatives acknowledge and accept that they may encounter such content. You also agree to engage in discussions academically and with grace and empathy for others.
11.3 Respecting differences in discussion
Our sessions, forums and course spaces are designed to support open and respectful academic discussion. Given the diverse range of voices, perspectives and experiences we explore, it is essential that all members of the Shani’s Tutoring community approach discussions with intellectual humility, empathy and respect.
We welcome disagreement and debate where it is constructive and grounded in academic exploration. However, we do not tolerate:
- Personal attacks or dismissive remarks
- Stereotyping or generalisations about groups of people
- Attempts to invalidate another student’s lived experience
- Derailing conversations away from the learning goals
- The use of offensive or inflammatory language, even in the name of ‘free speech’
Students are encouraged to express their views clearly and support them with evidence. At the same time, we ask that all users remain open to learning from others and reflect critically on their own assumptions.
All discussions should remain focused on the learning objectives of the session or course activity, and behaviour must remain consistent with our Community Code of Conduct. Where a conversation becomes inappropriate, tutors reserve the right to pause, redirect or end the discussion in the interest of maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.
11.4 Boundaries of academic discussion
We expect all discussions on our platform to remain academic, text-based, and respectful. This means:
- When referencing bigotry within a text, being explicit that the views have come from the text.
- Quoting the text directly where possible.
- Censoring slurs in quotes
- Avoiding language that might be interpreted as an endorsement of bigoted views
- Never using slurs or offensive terms outside of a direct, necessary reference to a text in the context of academic analysis.
We do not tolerate hate speech, bigotry or discriminatory remarks of any kind outside of academic, textual analysis of a specific character, text or event. This is the case even if the remarks are disguised as an opinion or debate.
When we discuss bigotry, we do so from the position of academic analysis of context, message, and effects. We never allow content that endorses, downplays, or plays ‘Devil’s Advocate’ for those views.
Other people’s right to live authentically is never up for debate on Shani’s Tutoring, so you must keep any such views to yourself and not share them on the platform.
Violation of these Terms will result in removal from discussion spaces or termination of access. We protect students’ right to exist and feel safe on the platform.
11.5 Age-appropriate content
We curate materials and discussions for a 13+ audience, with most resources geared towards students aged 14-19. We do not allow the sharing, promotion or use of content that is:
- Pornographic
- Excessively violent or gory
- Encouraging illegal activity or dangerous behaviours
- Inappropriate for the academic level or maturity of our student audience
However, we do recognise that the texts, art and historical periods studied at A-level, IB (or equivalent) and university level will engage with mature themes including, but not limited to, sex, violence, mental illness, abuse, trauma and death. These topics are often essential to the meaning of the text, and it is academically necessary for older students to engage with such material.
Therefore, materials or discussions aimed at students aged 16+ must remain in their dedicated course spaces, forums or sessions. Access to these spaces is limited to users who are eligible for that level of study. In those spaces, all discussions must be academic in nature.
Content in general spaces (including public-facing blogs, WhatsApp groups, Discord servers, general access forums and open chat areas) must remain appropriate for a 13+ audience, regardless of a student’s level.
All users are expected to use discretion and avoid posting mature content outside of its designated area.
11.6 Content warnings
We recognise that some of the topics covered in literature, media, history and the arts can be emotionally challenging or distressing.
Where possible, we strive to provide warnings to prevent shock or surprise when dealing with content which may trigger our Community Members. However, students should be aware that:
- It is not always feasible to provide content warnings for every piece of material, especially where the content is part of a set curriculum or widely known.
- Students engaging with A-level, IB (or equivalent), or university-level materials are expected to encounter complex and sometimes disturbing themes as part of their academic development.
- Set texts and historical case studies often do not come with content warnings, and students are responsible for preparing themselves emotionally for material they know will be covered.
- It is impossible to account for every type of content that may have traumatic connotations for Community Members. As such, we will strive to focus on the most common warnings.
If students feel overwhelmed or distressed during any part of a lesson or course, they are encouraged to step away from the activity or discussion. If in a session, please use a relevant contact method to notify a tutor or moderator.
We encourage students who have trauma responses to academic material to reach out for support via their school, trusted adults, or mental health services.
We are committed to fostering a respectful academic space. Students must remain mindful that discomfort does not justify bigotry, and all contributions should remain rooted in respectful, text-based discussion. Comments that endorse or promote harmful views will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
12. Accessibility
Accessibility is integral to Shani’s Tutoring. We believe inclusive design isn’t an optional extra but a foundational element that enhances learning for all. To ensure our platform remains accessible and effective for all users, we commit to maintaining an environment that supports the broadest possible participation.
12.1 Accessibility framework and standards
We strive to align our digital resources with recognised accessibility best practices, including WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes regularly reviewing our platform and materials for usability, readability, and navigability.
12.2 Accessibility features
Our Learning Hub offers a comprehensive accessibility widget providing:
- Customisable font size
- Highlighted titles and headings
- High-contrast link highlighting
- Dyslexia-friendly font
- Adjustable letter spacing, line height and font weight
- Adjustable dark and light contrast modes
- High and low saturation options
- Monochrome (grayscale) mode
- Reading guide to help users focus line-by-line
- Option to stop animations
- Enlarged cursor mode
This adjustable widget helps us to acknowledge and cater for the uniqueness of each user’s needs and preferences, delivering the best experience to as many users as possible.
12.3 Creating accessible content
When we create content for our platform and sessions, we endeavour to:
- Provide captions or transcripts for audio/visual materials
- Use consistent navigation and layout across content
- Include descriptive alt-text for images
- Limit flashing or rapid animations that may cause discomfort
If you have a suggestion for how we can improve the accessibility of our content, we are always interested in your feedback. We are keen to implement anything on our platform which may make the experience better for our users, so please reach out with your thoughts.
12.4 Your role in accessibility
All users are encouraged to:
- Utilise the accessibility tools available on the Learning Hub to enhance their experience
- Report any accessibility barriers or issues through the channels in our Accessibility Policy
- Use up-to-date browsers and compatible assistive technologies where needed
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, it is your responsibility to reach out to a member of staff. We strive to help as much as is within our power, but we require communication with students to be as effective as possible.
Parents, guardians and school representatives are responsible for supporting their students’ development. They should attempt to solve as many of the students’ accessibility issues as possible, and reach out to Shani’s Tutoring staff on their students’ behalf where necessary.
12.5 Acknowledging limitations
While we strive for full accessibility, third-party integrations or content outside of our platform may not meet the same standards. We will make reasonable efforts to provide alternatives when issues are identified.
We recognise that providing an accessible platform is an ongoing process, with innovations in the field occurring regularly. We will continually reflect on and improve our platform’s accessibility arrangements.
However, we are currently a one-person operation. Therefore, although accessibility implementations are always a priority, changes may be gradual.
We are currently working with an accessibility expert to rectify coding-based accessibility concerns, which may affect navigation across the platform. We appreciate your patience as we work hard on improving our user experience.
By continuing to use Shani’s Tutoring, you acknowledge our accessibility commitments and agree to engage with us constructively to improve access and inclusion for all students and Community Members.
13. User-generated content and copyright compliance
Shani’s Tutoring welcomes contributions such as comments, discussion posts, forum entries, and student submissions (collectively, ‘User Content’). We value these creative and academic contributions, as they are an essential aspect of student growth and development.
However, they also carry responsibilities. The following outlines the rights you retain, the rights you grant to Shani’s Tutoring, and the standards you must follow.
13.1 Ownership and rights
You retain ownership of any original User Content you create and submit. By submitting User Content, you grant Shani’s Tutoring a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to display, reproduce, and, where necessary, adapt the content for educational and community purposes.
You must not submit content unless you either own the rights to it or have permission from the rights holder.
13.2 Copyright infringement and moderation
You must not submit content that infringes the copyright or intellectual property rights of others. This includes uploading or copying material from books, websites, articles, videos or other sources without permission or without making a legitimate fair-dealing use with clear attribution (i.e. referencing the source appropriately).
If we receive a credible notice of copyright infringement, we will remove or restrict access to the material in line with our legal obligations. You may request a review of any removal by contacting us.
13.3 Platform liability and safe harbour
Shani’s Tutoring does not monitor all User Content before publication and is not responsible for content created by users without our knowledge. Once made aware of potential infringement, we will act promptly to remove the material to comply with applicable safe harbour protections.
13.4 User responsibilities
You must only submit content you have created or that you are fully authorised to use. When using third-party works, you must acknowledge the source and ensure your use complies with copyright law. Quoted material must be limited to what is necessary for academic discussion and analysis.
13.5 Enforcement
User content that breaches these requirements may be removed at any time.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in a warning, removal of privileges or permanent account termination. Legal action may also be taken to protect the rights of Shani’s Tutoring and others.
14. Content on Shani’s Tutoring and intellectual property
Unless otherwise specified or clearly recognisable, all content available on the Service is owned or provided by Shani’s Tutoring.
All original content created by Shanis Tutoring, including but not limited to text, images, videos, audio recordings, PowerPoint presentations, lesson plans, worksheets, course materials, quizzes, assessments, and other resources (collectively, ‘Shani’s Tutoring Content’), is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws.
Shani’s Tutoring undertakes its utmost effort to ensure that the content provided on Shani’s Tutoring does not infringe any applicable legal provisions or third-party rights. However, it may not always be possible to achieve such a result. In such cases, without prejudice to any legal prerogatives of Users to enforce their rights, Users are kindly asked to preferably report related complaints using the contact details provided in these Terms.
14.1 Ownership
Unless otherwise stated, Shani’s Tutoring retains full ownership of all Shani’s Tutoring Content, whether provided as part of a paid course, subscription, one-off purchase, or free of charge.
Purchase, download, or authorised access to Shani’s Tutoring Content grants you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the materials for your own educational purposes only.
14.2 Permitted use
You may:
- View, download and print copies of Shani’s Tutoring Content for your personal study or development
- Use resources with students who have personally been granted access to them (e.g. they purchased their own copy or received it directly and legitimately from Shani’s Tutoring)
- Use resources under a valid, active Teacher Distribution License, which allows the printing and sharing of specific, approved resources with students within the scope and duration of that license.
The content available on the Shani’s Tutoring platform is created primarily for the use of students in their personal growth.
14.3 Prohibited use
You may not print, photocopy, scan or otherwise reproduce resources for anyone who has not been granted access, unless you hold a valid Teacher Distribution license for that resource.
Sharing digital files, links, logins, videos or other paywalled or exclusive content without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited. You may not upload resources to any public or shared platform, including shared drives, forums, or learning management systems, not licensed by Shani’s Tutoring for that content.
14.4 Teacher Distribution License
Educators may apply for a Teacher Distribution License, which grants permission to reproduce and distribute specified resources to their own students for educational purposes, subject to the terms of the license. Distribution and reproduction of content must occur within the valid dates of the License.
Without such a license, photocopying, scanning or redistributing our resources is strictly prohibited.
14.5 Enforcement
Unauthorised use of Shani’s Tutoring content may result in suspension
Unauthorised use of Shani’s Tutoring content, including the sale, trade or distribution of content for money or for free without permission, is against these Terms. Breaches of these Terms may result in suspension or termination of your account, non-refundable withdrawal of access to resources, and recovery of any losses incurred.
Shani’s Tutoring reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies in cases of unauthorised distribution or reproduction of our content to protect our intellectual property rights.
15. Data use
Shani’s Tutoring collects, stores and processes information and materials for specific purposes in the course of delivering our services. These purposes include, but are not limited to:
- Safeguarding and protecting the welfare of students
- Enabling students to recap live sessions or catch up on missed lessons
- Creating bespoke learning materials tailored to student needs
- Improving our services and resources
- Delivering staff training and quality control
- Conducting educational research and analysis
- Meeting legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of your data in accordance with these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
15.1 Data collection and storage
- We collect and process personal data, including your name, contact details, billing address, payment history, academic records, communications, submissions to the Learning Hub, webcam recordings, and participation in live sessions.
- Payment transactions are processed securely via Stripe and/or PayPal, and we do not store full payment card details on our systems. However, we may retain associated information such as your billing address, last four digits of the card, and transaction history for accounting, fraud prevention, and legal compliance purposes.
- Session recordings, chat logs, forum posts, and submitted assignments may be stored securely for safeguarding, quality assurance, and educational purposes.
- All personal data is stored securely and handled in compliance with UK data protection law.
15.2 Safeguarding
We collect, store and process information relevant to a student’s welfare, safety, and wellbeing in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy. This may include safeguarding concerns, disclosures, communications or reports.
All safeguarding data is kept encrypted and stored securely, with access restricted to authorised individuals who have a legitimate safeguarding role. Certain details may also be shared securely with specific members of staff on a need-to-know basis.
These records are stored in encrypted cloud storage with two-factor authentication and file-level encryption.
We may:
- Review, monitor, or share safeguarding data (including session recordings) if there is a reason to believe that a student or another person is at risk of harm.
- Share information with parents or guardians, school representatives, in-school Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) or their deputies, external organisations, safeguarding authorities, and/or the police, where appropriate.
- Share information only with those who need to be aware, in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Safeguarding data is retained for as long as necessary to meet our legal obligations and protect individuals’ vital interests.
Under GDPR, safeguarding records are exempt from erasure requests when retention is required by law or to protect someone from harm. Once the retention period ends, the data will be securely deleted.
15.3 Session and event recordings
We may record live tutoring sessions, lectures, workshops or other events for the following purposes:
- Allowing enrolled students to revisit the material for revision and consolidation.
- Providing a catch-up opportunity if a student misses a session.
- Quality control, staff training, and service improvement.
- Creation of new educational materials, such as asynchronous courses, explainer videos, and other resources.
- Marketing and promotional purposes, including advertising our services.
When recordings are used for creating new materials or marketing purposes, all students will be anonymised. Faces, names, and other identifying information will not be shown unless permission is explicitly gained beforehand. The primary focus will be on the tutor, although anonymised questions, comments or contributions from students may be included.
Recordings are stored securely and access is restricted to authorised individuals. Students and parents/guardians will be informed when a session is being recorded, and the recording will only be shared with those who have a legitimate, educational, safeguarding, or agreed-upon marketing reason to view it.
Downloading, copying or redistributing recordings without explicit permission is strictly prohibited.
Recordings will be retained for a limited period as set out in our Data Retention Policy and will be deleted when no longer required for the purposes outlined above.
13.4 Creating educational material
We may use non-identifiable, non-sensitive, and anonymised student data, including contributions, questions, suggestions, and work samples, to create new educational resources. This may include content for asynchronous courses, explainer videos, worksheets and other learning materials.
- All student data used for this purpose will be fully anonymised to remove identifying details such as names, faces, voices, locations, genders, and any other personal information.
- Only data that is already non-sensitive in nature will be used (for example, academic essays or general comments related to the lesson).
- Where session recordings are used, the focus will primarily be on the tutor. Any included student contributions will be audio-only or text-based, with no identifying features visible.
Occasionally, we may display student work that has won competitions (such as essay competitions). This will be used to provide models for other students, accompanied by the student’s first name and the initial of their surname. Explicit permission for this will be sought during the competition process.
15.5 Marketing and promotional material
We may use anonymised contributions, questions, comments, reviews, suggestions and testimonials from students and other Community Members for marketing and promotional purposes, including our website, social media, and other marketing materials.
- All data used for marketing will be anonymised and non-identifiable unless we have obtained explicit permission to use identifiable information.
- If we wish to use images, audio or video in which a student’s face, voice or other identifiable information appears, we will seek explicit written consent from the student if they are over 18, or from their parent/guardian if they are under 18.
- Consent for the use of identifiable information is entirely optional and will never affect a student’s access to services or treatment on the platform.
- Where possible, promotional material will focus on the tutor and content, with minimal or no visible identifying information about students.
- Any grades, progress statistics, demographic information, educational needs, or other performance data used in marketing will always be aggregated (combined with other student data as part of a percentage, graph or other anonymous statistical presentation method), anonymised, and non-identifiable.
We will never publish a student’s personal results, profile, or academic history without explicit consent.
15.6 Research and service improvement
We may use student data to monitor quality, improve our services, implement bespoke academic interventions, and contribute to educational research.
- Service improvement: Identifiable data, such as attendance records, learning profiles, grades, engagement patterns, educational needs, disabilities, assignment hand-in records, time on the platform, and previous work, may be reviewed internally by authorised team members. This allows us to track individual progress, address learning barriers, and ensure teaching methods and resources meet the needs of each student. This will always be stored securely and only used by specific, authorised Shani’s Tutoring staff.
- Bespoke academic interventions: Where a tutor identifies that a student is struggling, we may share and review relevant data across our teaching team to design targeted interventions, such as additional resources, tailored feedback, or adjusted teaching strategies.
- Quality assurance: Recordings of sessions or copies of student work may be reviewed internally to monitor teaching quality, provide tutor training, moderate marking and feedback, and ensure fairness, accuracy, alignment with teaching and marking standards, and consistency across courses.
- Impact measurement: Aggregated statistics, such as grades, demographics, educational needs, disabilities, and engagement data, may be included in reports to measure the effectiveness of our teaching, identify gaps, and maximise positive outcomes for all students.
- Research: Non-identifiable, non-sensitive and anonymised data may be used for internal or academic research purposes. This will always adhere to the most up-to-date version of the Ethical Guidelines for Educational Research.
15.7 Data retention
We retain different types of data for different periods to balance educational value, safeguarding requirements, and privacy rights.
Sensitive or personal information on the Learning Hub, such as contact details, grades, assessment feedback, attendance records, and safeguarding information, is kept for a maximum of two years after a student completes their final course, unless a longer period is required by law or safeguarding obligations. After this period, it will be securely deleted or anonymised so it can no longer be linked to an identifiable individual.
General contributions that do not contain personal or identifiable information, such as forum posts, blog comments, and other community interactions, may be kept indefinitely for educational and community purposes. Students may request the removal of this material at any time after the completion of their course.
Our Learning Hub’s Moodle data retention settings are used to manage specific retention schedules for each type of stored data.
Students (or their parents/guardians, where applicable) have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about them by submitting a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR or SAR). Where possible, this will be managed through the Learning Hub’s built-in request tools.
16. Third-party services and data handling
We use trusted third-party services to help deliver our products and services, including (but not limited to) website hosting, payment processing, analytics, communications, video conferencing, and learning management. These providers may access personal data on our behalf.
By using Shani’s Tutoring, you acknowledge and agree that such third-party providers may process your personal data in accordance with their own privacy policies and applicable law.
We carefully vet all providers to ensure they meet high standards of security, reliability, and compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR.
For the most up-to-date list of third-party providers we use, along with details on the type of data they process, please see our Privacy Policy.
Please note that some of these third-party providers also use cookies, tracking technologies, or similar tools. For more information on how these are used and how to manage your preferences, please see our Cookie Policy.
17. Service interruptions and force majeure
We strive to make Shani’s Tutoring available and reliable at all times. However, certain events or circumstances beyond our reasonable control may delay, interrupt, or prevent our services.
17.1 Service interruptions
Services may occasionally be unavailable due to technical faults, scheduled maintenance, or other unforeseen issues. In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to notify users promptly through email, website notices, or other communication channels. Announcements about planned or ongoing downtime affecting the Learning Hub will also be posted on the main Shani’s Tutoring website.
We will restore service as quickly as possible.
17.2 Force majeure
We are not responsible for any failure or delay in performing our obligations caused by events beyond our reasonable control (‘force majeure events’). These include, but are not limited to:
- Internet or hosting outages
- Power failures
- Natural disasters
- Fires or explosions
- Strikes, industrial disputes, or labour shortages
- Acts of terrorism, armed conflict, or civil unrest
- Government actions or restrictions
- Epidemics, pandemics, or public health emergencies
However, we always put the education of our students first. Where possible, we will attempt to provide alternative arrangements, such as back-up video conferencing software, additional resources, alternative formats, or rescheduled activities, to minimise disruption to learning.
17.3 Remedies in the event of significant disruption
If a force majeure event significantly affects the delivery of a service you have paid for, we will work with you to arrange a suitable alternative.
In the event of a disruption, please ensure that you check all communication channels, such as email, WhatsApp, the Learning Hub and the main website for more information on how we will proceed.
It is the responsibility of the student and/or their parent, guardian or school representative to ensure that all communication methods are up-to-date. This will help us to communicate as quickly and effectively as possible in the event of a significant disruption.
Shani’s Tutoring will not be held responsible for missed sessions or loss of learning that occurs because communication was missed or contact details were not updated.
18. Suspension and termination of accounts
We may suspend or terminate an account if a student, parent or guardian breaches these Terms and Conditions, violates our Code of Conduct, or engages in behaviour that harms our staff or other members of the Shani’s Tutoring community.
Suspension or termination may also occur if fees remain unpaid or if there is evidence of misuse of our services.
18.1 Suspension
Suspension may be used as a temporary measure when a breach of our Terms and Conditions, Code of Conduct or other policies occurs, but does not warrant immediate termination. It may also be applied while we investigate alleged breaches, illegal activity, payment issues, or technical concerns.
During a suspension, the account holder will be unable to access the Learning Hub, live sessions, or any other features or services. We will inform the account holder of the reason for the suspension, the steps required to lift it, and the deadline for completing those steps.
If the suspension period ends without the required actions being taken, the account may be terminated.
18.2 Grounds for termination
We may permanently terminate an account if a user:
- Breaches these Terms or any related policy, including the Code of Conduct
- Engages in harassment, abuse, or other behaviour that disrupts learning or community safety
- Participates in illegal activity on or in connection with our services
- Fails to make required payments or engages in fraudulent activity
- Misuses the platform, including sharing materials without permission or attempting to interfere with system security
18.3 Refund ineligibility following suspension or termination
Accounts that are suspended or terminated under Sections 18.1 or 18.2 are not eligible for refunds. Any unused sessions, bundles, or course access will be forfeited.
In exceptional circumstances, Shani’s Tutoring may, at its sole discretion, offer partial credit or rescheduling options. This does not create an entitlement for future cases.
19. Disclaimers, liability and indemnification
While Shani’s Tutoring aims to provide reliable, high-quality educational services, there are natural limits to what we can promise.
19.1 General disclaimer
Shani’s Tutoring provides academic support, resources, and guidance to help students improve their knowledge and skills. Our services are designed to enhance learning and provide opportunities for progress, but they do not replace the work, effort or responsibility of the student.
However, while our services have a proven track record of helping students to improve their grades significantly, this can only occur with the hard work and cooperation of the student. We provide the tools necessary to see huge improvements, but we have no control over how students use these tools, or any extenuating circumstances which may affect outcomes.
We cannot guarantee specific outcomes, such as passing an exam, achieving a particular grade, securing a place at a specific school or university, or meeting any external performance standard. Academic results depend on many factors beyond our control, including a student’s commitment, attendance, prior knowledge, and individual circumstances.
These services are also not a replacement for school attendance and participation. They aim to enhance and supplement what you learn in school.
19.2 Indemnification
The User agrees to indemnify and hold Shani’s Tutoring and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders, partners, and employees harmless from and against any claim of or demand – including but not limited to lawyer’s fees and costs – made by any third party due to or in relation with any culpable violation of these Terms, third-party rights or statutory provisions connected to the use of the Service by the Uer and or its affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders, partners and employees to the extent allowable by applicable law.
19.3 Service availability
We make every reasonable effort to ensure that our website, Learning Hub, live sessions, and resources are accessible and reliable. However, we cannot guarantee that our services will always be available, uninterrupted, error-free, or free from technical issues.
Occasional downtime may occur due to scheduled maintenance, software updates, internet or hosting provider problems, or circumstances beyond our control. We will aim to notify users of planned maintenance where possible and aim to resolve unexpected issues as quickly as we can.
Students and parents are responsible for maintaining their own internet connection, compatible devices, and up-to-date software in order to access our services. Shani’s Tutoring is not liable for disruptions caused by a user’s equipment, internet provider, or failure to meet minimum technical requirements.
19.4 Third-party services
Some features of Shani’s Tutoring rely on third-party platforms and providers, such as payment processors, video-conferencing tools, learning management systems, and advertising partners. While we take care to work only with trusted and reputable providers, we cannot accept responsibility for errors, outages, or breaches that occur on systems we do not directly control.
Your use of these services may also be subject to the third-party provider’s own terms and privacy policies, which we encourage you to read.
If a third-party service experiences disruption, we will make every effort to minimise the impact on your learning experience. However, Shani’s Tutoring is not liable for any direct or indirect loss arising from the unavailability or failure of external platforms or services.
19.5 Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Shani’s Tutoring, its staff, and partners are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that may arise from the use of our services. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of data, interruption of service, missed sessions, or perceived loss of educational opportunity.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for any other matter that cannot legally be excluded under UK law.
Our total liability in respect of any claim related to our services will not exceed the total amount paid by you for the service in question.
We are committed to acting in good faith, taking reasonable steps to prevent issues, and supporting students fairly wherever challenges arise.
19.6 Maximum liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of Shani’s Tutoring, its tutors, staff, and affiliates for any claims arising out of or in connection with your use of our service is strictly limited. In no circumstances will our liability exceed the total amount of fees you have paid to us in twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
This cap applies regardless of the form of action, whether contractual, tortious (including negligence), statutory, or otherwise. It also applies even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot be excluded by law.
By enrolling in our services, you acknowledge that this limitation is reasonable in light of the nature of our offerings, the scale of our operations, and the fees charged.
19.7 User-generated content
Our platform includes interactive areas such as forums, discussion boards, live chat, and comments sections where students, parents or guardians may post questions, contributions, or other material. These contributions are referred to as User-Generated Content (UGC).
Shani’s Tutoring is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or appropriateness of User-Generated Content at the time it is posted. We do not pre-approve or monitor all material before it appears on the platform. Responsibility for such content rests with the individual who created and shared it.
However, once we have been made aware of User-Generated Content that may be unlawful, harmful, or in breach of these Terms (including the Code of Conduct), we will review it promptly and take appropriate action, which may include editing, removing, or restricting access to the content. Users are encouraged to report any material they believe is inappropriate or in violation of these Terms.
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to remove or edit User-Generated Content without notice, and to suspend or terminate accounts that repeatedly post material in violation of our policies.
By posting User-Generated Content, you grant Shani’s Tutoring a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display and distribute that content for the purposes of operating our services, supporting learning, developing resources, promoting Shani’s Tutoring, and improving or expanding our offerings.
You retain ownership of your content, and this license does not limit your rights to use your own contributions elsewhere.
20. Feedback and user suggestions
We value feedback and suggestions from students, parents, guardians, and members of our community. Your input helps us improve our services, develop new features, and ensure that Shani’s Tutoring continues to meet the needs of learners.
If you choose to share feedback, ideas, proposals, suggestions, or testimonials with us, whether through the Learning Hub, surveys, email, or any other communication method, you agree that:
- We may use, develop, or act upon your feedback without obligation to compensate you, financially or otherwise.
- Any ideas or suggestions you submit become part of the wider pool of improvements we may draw on when shaping our services and resources.
- You grant a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use and incorporate your feedback into our services, materials and advertisements.
Although we greatly appreciate contributions, please note that we cannot commit to adopting every suggestion. Final decisions about service design, development, and improvement rest with Shani’s Tutoring.
20.1 Roadmap
Shani’s Tutoring maintains a public Roadmap where you can view planned developments, ongoing improvements, and upcoming features.
To submit a suggestion, please post it directly to the Roadmap. User-submitted ideas are automatically added, where they can be seen by the community and considered for future development.
Suggestions submitted through other channels (such as email or chat) will be considered for inclusion on the Roadmap if they align with our priorities and resources. However, there is no guarantee that they will be added.
You can also upvote or comment on existing roadmap items to show your support or add context. This helps us to see which improvements matter most to the community.
The Roadmap provides transparency about what we are working on, while also showing how community feedback helps guide our future direction. However, inclusion of an item on the Roadmap does not guarantee its delivery, as timelines and priorities may change.
21. Complaints and dispute resolution
Shani’s Tutoring is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and supportive process for handling complaints and disputes. We recognise that concerns may arise, and we want to ensure that they are addressed respectfully, efficiently, and in line with best practice.
For more information on our procedures for complaints and dispute resolution, please see our Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy.
21.1 Submitting a complaint
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our services, please raise the issue by completing our official Complaints Form, which can be accessed through the main website. Using the form ensures that your complaint is logged, tracked, and reviewed promptly by the appropriate member of our team.
When completing the form, please provide as much detail as possible, such as the date, the nature of the problem, and any supporting information or evidence. The more detail we receive, the easier it will be for us to investigate thoroughly and respond fairly.
Examples of matters that may be addressed through this process include, but are not limited to:
- Teaching quality
- Administrative processes
- Technical issues
- Payment issues
- Community conduct
21.1 Response time
Once a complaint is received through our official Complaints Form, we will acknowledge receipt within a reasonable timeframe, usually within five working days. All complaints will be handled with fairness, confidentiality, and due consideration.
Complaints will be reviewed by a senior member of the Shani’s Tutoring team who was not directly involved in the matter under review, to ensure impartiality. Where this is not possible, we will take reasonable steps to ensure the investigation remains fair and impartial. In certain circumstances, we may appoint an external advisor to provide independent insight. This may include a member of The Tutors’ Association or Qualified Tutor teams (for which Shani’s Tutoring holds membership), a senior educator, advisor, solicitor, or another trusted professional not connected to the case.
The reviewer will investigate the circumstances, which may include reviewing session recordings, communications, or other relevant materials. Where appropriate, the complainant may be contacted for further clarification or supporting information.
We aim to resolve most complaints within twenty working days of receipt. If it becomes clear that more time is needed due to the complexity of the issue, we will notify the complainant before the deadline and provide an updated timeframe for resolution.
If a resolution is reached, the outcome will be communicated clearly to the complainant, along with any steps that will be taken to remedy the issue or prevent similar concerns in the future.
21.3 Escalation
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of our internal complaints process, you may request that your complaint be escalated. In such cases, we will review the matter again, either by appointing a different senior staff member or, if appropriate, by seeking the view of an external advisor with relevant expertise.
The escalation process will involve a fresh assessment of the original complaint, the investigation carried out, and the outcome reached. Additional information provided by the complainant at this stage will also be considered. We aim to complete escalation reviews within twenty working days, and, as with the initial investigation, we will notify the complainant if more time is needed.
The decision made at the conclusion of the escalation process will be final within Shani’s Tutoring. However, this does not affect your right to seek further advice or support from external organisations, such as consumer advice services, alternative dispute resolution providers, or legal channels, should you choose to do so.
21.4 External moderation
If a satisfactory resolution still cannot be reached after internal review and any involvement of external advisors, Shani’s Tutoring may recommend the use of independent mediation.
Participation in mediation is voluntary and requires the consent of both parties. Any associated costs will be discussed in advance.
21.5 Jurisdiction
All complaints and disputes arising in connection with Shani’s Tutoring are governed by the laws of England and Wales. By using our services, you agree that any unresolved legal disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. This ensures consistency, clarity, and fairness in the resolution of legal matters.
All services are deemed to be provided from the United Kingdom, regardless of where they are accessed.
If you reside outside of the United Kingdom, this clause does not override any mandatory legal rights or consumer protections available to you under the laws of your country of residence. In such cases, those protections will continue to apply alongside this agreement.
21.6 Safeguarding concerns
Any complaints or concerns relating to safeguarding will be treated with the highest priority. Safeguarding issues include, but are not limited to, concerns about the safety, welfare, or protection of children or vulnerable adults.
Where a safeguarding concern is raised, we will:
- Immediately review and act on the information provided
- Escalate the matter to the appropriate safeguarding authority, such as local safeguarding boards, social services, or law enforcement.
- Seek external advice where needed from professional safeguarding bodies to ensure the matter is handled correctly.y
Safeguarding concerns will not be handled through the standard complaints process or timeline. Instead, they will be addressed urgently and in accordance with statutory obligations. Safeguarding matters cannot be resolved through mediation.
Please note that while we will always acknowledge receipt of a safeguarding disclosure and confirm that it is being handled, we cannot guarantee to provide ongoing updates about actions taken. This is because safeguarding matters may involve confidential information, external authorities, and, in some cases, legal proceedings. Sharing certain details could compromise the safety or privacy of those involved.
22. Changes to terms
At Shani’s Tutoring, we are committed to keeping our services fair, safe and effective. As our platform develops and legal requirements change, we may occasionally need to update these Terms and the policies linked to them. All updates are made with care, transparency, and the best interests of our Community Members in mind.
22.1 Right to update
Shani’s Tutoring reserves the right to amend, update, or replace these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updates may be made for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:
- Reflecting improvements in our teaching methods or online platforms
- Incorporating new resources or services
- Clarifying existing policies
- Responding to feedback from students and other Community Members
- Complying with new laws, regulations, or safeguarding requirements
We take this responsibility seriously and will only make changes where they are necessary to maintain a safe, transparent, and effective learning environment. Every update is made with the aim of protecting students’ interests, ensuring fairness across our community, and supporting the continued delivery of high-quality education.
22.2 Notice of changes
When changes are made to these Terms and Conditions, we will make every reasonable effort to inform our users promptly. Updates will always be published on our Website, and where appropriate, we will also send notices through the Learning Hub or by email.
We believe transparency is essential. Our goal is to ensure that students and other Community Members are not taken by surprise but are given the opportunity to read and understand the updated Terms. We therefore encourage all users to review announcements carefully and familiarise themselves with any adjustments that may affect how they use our services.
22.3 Effective date
Each update to these Terms will include a clearly stated effective date at the top of the document. Unless otherwise specified, the updated Terms will take effect from that date onward. This means that any sessions, resources, or services delivered after the effective date will be governed by the most recent version of the Terms. Bookings made before the effective date will remain valid and honoured according to the Terms that applied at the time of purchase.
Please note, however, that changes to key safeguarding and conduct documents take effect immediately from the effective date. This includes:
- Community Code of Conduct
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Anti-Bullying Statement
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
These policies are fundamental to ensuring a safe, respectful, and legally compliant environment, and therefore apply to all sessions and interactions from the effective date, regardless of when a booking was made.
22.4 Responsibility to stay informed
We will always make reasonable efforts to notify users when these Terms or related policies are updated, such as by displaying notices on the main website, posting announcements on the Learning Hub, or sending an email where appropriate. However, it is ultimately each user’s responsibility to review the most recent version of the Terms and related policies to ensure that they remain aware of their rights and obligations.
By continuing to use Shani’s Tutoring after an update has been published, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and accepted the new version. We encourage users to check the Terms and policies regularly, especially before making bookings, joining new group classes, signing up for new memberships, or using new features on the platform.
22.5 Material changes
Occasionally, we may need to introduce significant updates to these Terms or to related policies, where the change has a meaningful effect on your rights, obligations, or the way our services operate. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Adjustment to our cancellation and refund rules
- Major updates to our safeguarding procedures
- Substantial alterations to the way our platform functions
Wherever material changes occur, we will provide clear and timely notice through the main website and, where appropriate, by email. We may also include a summary of the key changes so that you can quickly understand what has been updated.
Where the change materially affects a booking or an ongoing subscription, we will take steps to ensure you have a fair opportunity to review the new Terms and decide whether to continue.
22.6 No retroactive disadvantage
While we may update these Terms and associated policies from time to time, we will not apply changes in a way that unfairly disadvantages you for bookings, payments, or commitments made under a previous version. For example, if you booked a session under one cancellation policy, that booking will continue to be honoured under the rules in place at the time of booking.
We will not retroactively penalise or sanction Community Members for actions, posts, or contributions that complied with the policies in place at the time they were made.
Please note, however, that the following safeguarding and conduct-related documents take effect immediately:
- Community Code of Conduct
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Anti-Bullying Statement
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
This means that we may edit, hide, or remove existing contributions (such as comments, forum posts or uploaded content) that no longer align with updated policies. These adjustments will not result in punishment for the user, but may be necessary to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
22.7 Continued use as acceptance
By continuing to use Shani’s Tutoring after any changes to these Terms or related policies take effect, you indicate your acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with the revised terms, you should discontinue use of our services.
We encourage all students, parents, and guardians to review updated policies carefully to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities. Our aim is always to be transparent, supportive, and fair in how changes are introduced. Where possible, we will provide clear explanations and highlight key updates to make this process easier.
23. Governing law
These Terms and Conditions, along with any related policies, are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. By using Shani’s Tutoring, you agree that any disputes or claims arising from your use of our services will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
This ensures consistency, fairness and clarity in how legal matters are handled, regardless of where our users are located. We recognise that some of our Students and other community members may join us from around the world, and welcome this diversity. However, for the sake of legal certainty, all users agree to these jurisdictional terms as a condition of using our Services.
If you reside outside of the United Kingdom, this clause does not override any mandatory legal rights or consumer protections available to you under the laws of your country of residence. In such cases, those protections will continue to apply alongside this agreement.
23.1 Applicable legislation
Our Terms are framed with reference to key UK legislation and regulations relevant to the services we provide. These include, but are not limited to:
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
- Equality Act 2010
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (statutory guidance)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (statutory guidance)
- Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
- Digital Economy Act 2010
We are committed to keeping these Terms aligned with current legal requirements. If relevant laws change, we will review and, where necessary, update our Terms and related policies accordingly.
24. Contact information
For general enquiries relating to these Terms and Conditions, our services, or your account, please use our Contact Form available on our website. Using the form helps us ensure that your request is directed to the appropriate person and that it can be tracked efficiently.
Email contact may be used in exceptional circumstances (for example, safeguarding disclosures, accessibility-related requests, or where directed by Shani’s Tutoring staff). In these cases, please write to hello@shanistutoring.com.
24.1 Safeguarding contact
If you are concerned about your safety, the safety of someone else, or wish to report a safeguarding matter while using our services, please use our Safeguarding Disclosure and Contact Form, available on our Policies page.
In urgent cases, you may also contact us at shani@shanistutoring.com.
All safeguarding disclosures will be treated with sensitivity and discretion, and handled in line with our Safeguarding Policy. Please note that while we will always acknowledge receipt, we cannot always provide detailed updates due to confidentiality and the involvement of external authorities.
24.2 Complaints contact
If you wish to raise a formal complaint about our services, please submit it through our Complaints Form, which can be found on our Policies page. This ensures your complaint is recorded and can be investigated appropriately in accordance with our Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy (see Section 21).
Complaints submitted through the general contact form or email will be acknowledged, but you may be redirected to complete the Complaints Form so that we can process your concern properly.
25. Related policies
- Core Policies
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- GDPR Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Cancellation, Refund and Returns Policy
- Community Code of Conduct
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Lone Working Policy
- Recruitment Policy
- Safety and Behaviour
- Anti-Bullying Statement
- Digital Safety Policy
- Moderation Policy
- Session Recording Policy
- Academic and Teaching Standards
- Teaching and Learning Policy
- Academic Integrity Statement
- AI Use Statement
- Example Work Policy
- Homeschooling Policy
- Inclusion
- Accessibility Statement
- Diversity and Inclusion Statement
- Sensitive and Distressing Topics Statement
- Cultural Capital Statement
- Payments, Bookings and Business Conduct
- Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy
- Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
- Affiliate Policy
- Copyright Policy
- Testimonial Policy