1. Introduction

1.1 The DAC Tutors Website and Online School helps Students to find Tutors, Tutors to provide teaching, and for Students to book and pay for Lessons. All of these terms and conditions apply to Students and Tutors, unless they specifically state otherwise, or are marked with a "T", when they only apply to Tutors.

1.2 The DAC Tutors Website is owned and operated by Delight Academic Coaches ltd, trading as DAC Tutors. Delight Academic Coaches ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales under company number 11224115. Contact details are set out on the Website, found at https://dactutors.com.

1.3 A User may be registered on the Online School Platform which is at https://dac-tutors.live-online-classes.com/ as a Student or as a Tutor. A User may use the Website without registering, but if a User does register, certain information will be stored, making future visits to the Website easier.

1.4 By registering on or using our Website, the User agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are legally binding – every User should read them fully before agreeing to them. (Please print or save these terms for future use.) If a User does not wish to be bound by these terms, they should not use the Website.

2. DAC Tutors Rights & Responsibilities

This clause sets out what DAC Tutors promises to do:

2.1 To match Students to Tutors and allow Lessons to take place on the online school platform.

2.2 To maintain a functioning Website, including communication systems and Online School Platform for booking and conducting lessons, wherever possible. DAC Tutors cannot guarantee that the Website will always be available, or that it will always work, but it will try to have it up and running properly at all times.

2.3 To communicate any planned maintenance of the Website or downtime.

2.4 To use reasonable endeavours to check the identity of all Tutors and the background checks of Tutors who have Background Checked Status.

2.5 To communicate new Bookings, confirmation of Bookings and cancellations, to both Students and Tutors via the Website and by email (except where a Student or Tutor has chosen to alter their notification settings to exclude email communication).

2.6 To endeavour to ensure Complaints are considered promptly and in accordance with these terms and conditions.

2.8 To endeavour to ensure that credit refunds to Students are made promptly in accordance with these terms and conditions.

2.9 To take precautions that DAC Tutors considers appropriate to protect Students' and Tutors' information.

2.10 To monitor postings made on the Website and messages sent between Students and Tutors. DAC Tutors does to stop misuse of the Website, as set out in these terms and conditions.

2.11 Although DAC Tutors undertakes certain checks to assess the suitability of each Tutor prior to recruiting them, Students are responsible for checking the credentials, expertise, references, qualifications and insurance policies of any Tutor with whom they confirm a Booking.

3. User Responsibilities – this applies to both Students and Tutors, and anyone else who uses the Website

3.1 Users are responsible for their own security in conjunction with the services through the Website and Online School Platform, both online and offline.

3.2 Users are solely responsible for the material they post on the Website, including messages sent, and they must not post defamatory, offensive or illegal material.

3.3 Users must immediately report to DAC Tutors any defamatory, offensive or illegal material they view on the Website.

3.3 Users must immediately report to DAC Tutors any concerns they have about the conduct and behaviour of other users.

3.4 Users must exercise their own judgement regarding the accuracy of information provided on the Website. DAC Tutors cannot and does not guarantee that all of the content on the Website is complete, accurate or up-to-date.

3.5 Users must contact DAC Tutors immediately if they believe their password has been compromised. Users will be responsible for the actions of any interactions conducted in their name until they have notified DAC Tutors that they believe their password has been compromised.

3.6 Users must not use the Website with the intention of engaging directly with other Users outside of the DAC Tutors environment. Users must not promote opportunities or services of any company other than DAC Tutors on the Website.

3.7 Any User who fails, in DAC Tutor’s opinion, to comply with these terms and conditions may be immediately suspended from using the Website and any related services. DAC Tutors reserves the right to cancel any existing bookings in such circumstances.

4. Student and their Parent’s Responsibilities

4.1 DAC Tutors is not responsible for the acts or omissions of Students or Tutors and is solely responsible for its own acts or omissions.

4.2 Students must be at least 18 years old to book a Tutor for themselves. Students under the age of 18 must be represented by a parent or legal guardian who gives consent for them to receive tuition from a Tutor via DAC Tutors. DAC Tutors is not responsible for any dispute between a person under the age of 18 and a parent or guardian.

4.3 Students must ensure that all of their personal details and contact information are accurate and up-to-date.

4.4 Tuition fees are payable by monthly standing order. The monthly payment amount is fixed and is calculated by spreading the total cost of term-time tuition evenly across the school year, based on Sheffield school term dates. This means that the same amount is payable each month, regardless of the number of lessons scheduled in that month.

4.5 Students and/or parents may request additional lessons during school holidays; however, these must be agreed in advance by both the parent and the tutor. Any additional holiday lessons will be charged separately and are payable in addition to the fixed monthly standing order payments.

4.6 To comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the fixed monthly payment will be divided into two separate standing order payments: (i) the tutor's fee, which is payable directly to the tutor's nominated bank account; and (ii) DAC Tutors' commission, which is payable directly to DAC Tutors' nominated bank account. Payment details for both standing orders will be provided at the beginning of the school year or, where tuition commences during the school year, before tuition begins.

4.7 When a Booking is confirmed and paid for, the Student enters into a direct contract with the Tutor for the provision of Lessons and DAC Tutors accepts no liability in relation to the Tutor’s provision of lessons.

4.8 Students agree not to book lessons outside of the DAC Tutors website with a Tutor found through the Website.

4.9 Students must ensure that they have given enough information to the Tutor, including their correct address, to allow the Lesson to take place. If a Lesson is to take place at the Student’s home, the Student must provide a suitable setting for tuition.

4.10 Students are responsible for checking that Bookings made by Tutors on their behalf are done so correctly and understand they will be informed of these Lessons by email (except where a student has chosen to alter their notification settings to exclude email communications) and through the Website only.

4.9 Students are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct equipment to be able to access the Online Classroom prior to an Online Lesson. No refunds will be made in the event that Students are unable to access the Online Classroom for whatever reason, save where such inability to access the Online Classroom arises as a result of DAC Tutors failing to provide the services.

4.10 Any Student who fails, in DAC Tutors’ reasonable opinion, to comply with these terms and conditions may be immediately barred from using the Website and any related services. DAC Tutors reserves the right to cancel any existing Bookings in such circumstances.

4.11 Students may cancel a booked lesson without incurring a charge by giving more than 24 hours' notice directly to the Tutor. Any cancellation made less than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson will be charged in full, except in extenuating circumstances and at the Tutor's discretion.

4.12 Students are permitted to cancel and rearrange no more than one lesson per school term. Any replacement lesson is offered solely at the Tutor's discretion and, where possible, must be scheduled within the same calendar month as the original lesson. Missed or cancelled lessons will not be carried forward to future months unless the lesson has been cancelled by the Tutor.

4.13 If a lesson is cancelled by the Tutor, a replacement lesson will be arranged at no additional cost. Where it is not possible to reschedule the lesson within the same calendar month, it will be arranged during the following month at a mutually convenient time.

4.14. By making the first monthly payments, the student’s parent will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to abide by the terms and conditions outlined.

4.15 Simply by agreeing to these terms and conditions, a Student is not required to sign up with any Tutor or make any Bookings.

4.16 Ending Tuition: Should a parent or student wish to discontinue tuition, a minimum of one month's written notice must be provided to DAC Tutors. Notice must be received before the start of the next payment month. If notice is received after a new payment month has commenced, the full payment for that month will remain payable, and tuition will continue until the end of the notice period.

5. DAC Tutors - Tutors Code of Conduct

5.1 Purpose

The DAC Tutors Code of Conduct sets out the professional standards and responsibilities expected from all tutors working with DAC Tutors. Our aim is to provide students and families with a safe, supportive, professional, and high-quality tutoring experience.

By joining DAC Tutors, tutors agree to uphold these standards and responsibilities at all times and represent DAC Tutors professionally.

5.2 Employment Status

5.2.1 Tutors engaged by DAC Tutors provide tutoring services as self-employed independent contractors and are not employees, workers, or agents of DAC Tutors.

5.2.2 As a self-employed tutor, you are responsible for:

• Managing your own tax affairs and complying with all applicable UK tax legislation and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requirements.

• Registering with HMRC as self-employed where required and submitting any necessary Self-Assessment tax returns.

• Paying your own Income Tax and National Insurance contributions where applicable.

• Maintaining appropriate records relating to your tutoring business and income.

5.2.3 Nothing in this Code of Conduct or the Tutor Agreement creates an employment relationship, worker status, partnership, agency, or joint venture between DAC Tutors and the tutor.

5.2.4 DAC Tutors acts as an introductory and tutoring management service, providing an online platform for online lessons, matching tutors with students, coordinating tutoring arrangements, and providing administrative support.

5.2.5 Parents or carers contract directly with tutors for the provision of tuition and pay the tutor's agreed tutoring fee directly.

5.2.6 Parents or carers also pay DAC Tutors a separate administration and agency fee for the introduction, management, and support services provided by DAC Tutors.

5.2.7 Ensure you have the legal right to work and provide tutoring services in the United Kingdom

5.2.8 Tutors must be legally entitled (possessing the relevant immigration status where relevant) to work in the UK on a self-employed basis.

5.2.3 Tutors must be at least 18 years old.

5.3. Professional Conduct

5.3.1 Tutors must:

• Act professionally, respectfully, and responsibly at all times.

• Treat students, parents/carers, and DAC Tutors staff with courtesy and respect.

• Provide high-quality tutoring that supports each student's learning goals.

• Arrive on time and be prepared for every lesson. Tutors who are late for a Lesson must provide evidence that they contacted the Student directly to make them aware of their lateness and that the Student was happy to take the Lesson at a later time. Any Tutors who fail to do so will be liable to refund to the Student any Tutor fee they have received for the relevant booking.

• Ensuring that they have the correct Lesson location and are at the Lesson location ready to teach at the agreed time as booked on the Website for lessons taking place face-to-face.

• Attempt to call the student and/or parent, be able to provide evidence of the call and allow at least 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of a Lesson for Students to attend the Lesson for lessons taking place online. If Tutors fail to do so, they will be liable to refund to the Student any Tutor Fee they have received for the relevant booking.

• Communicate clearly and professionally. Ensure that all written communication with Students to organise Bookings and arrange Lessons takes place via the Website.

• Only make Bookings for Lessons in accordance with the instructions of their Students. If a Tutor is not able to deliver a lesson, 24hrs notice must be given to the Student except in extenuating circumstances.

• Make Bookings for Lessons and respond to messages received from DAC Tutors and Users promptly.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.

• Not complete or intend to complete coursework, or any similar assignments, on behalf of Students.

• Represent DAC Tutors positively when working with clients.

• Ensure that the personal information they provide, their personal statements on the online school platform and profile they provide during the onboarding process are accurate and in no way misleading. They must update this information promptly to maintain its accuracy.

5.3.2 Tutors must not:

• Agree to book lessons outside of the DAC Tutors website with a Student found through the Website.

• Engage in inappropriate behaviour, language, or communication.

• Discriminate against students or families on any grounds.

• Provide misleading information about qualifications, experience, or availability.

• Behave in a way that could damage the reputation of DAC Tutors.

5.3.3 If Tutors contact Students who are under 18, they must ensure that these Students are represented by a parent or legal guardian who gives consent for the Student to receive tuition.

5.4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Tutors play an important role in supporting the safety and wellbeing of students.

5.4.1 Tutors must:

• Prioritise the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all students.

• Follow DAC Tutors safeguarding procedures.

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to DAC Tutors.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.

• Ensure all interactions with students remain professional.

5.4.2 Tutors must not:

• Engage in inappropriate personal relationships with students.

• Communicate with students through personal social media accounts unless authorised.

• Arrange private activities or meetings with students outside agreed tutoring arrangements.

• Place themselves or students in situations that could compromise safeguarding.

5.5. Confidentiality & Data Protection

5.5.1 Tutors must:

• Keep all student and family information confidential.

• Only use student information for the purpose of providing tutoring.

• Store student information securely.

• Follow UK GDPR and data protection requirements.

5.5.2 Tutors must not:

• Share student information with third parties.

• Discuss students publicly or online.

• Take or share photographs/videos of students without appropriate consent.

5.6. Lesson Standards

5.6.1 Tutors are expected to:

• Plan lessons appropriate to the student's needs and learning objectives.

• Provide engaging and effective tuition.

• Adapt teaching methods to support different learning styles.

• Encourage student confidence and progress.

• Provide constructive feedback.

• Maintain appropriate lesson records where required.

5.6.2 Tutors must:

• Deliver lessons professionally and without unnecessary distractions.

• Notify DAC Tutors promptly of any issues affecting lesson quality.

5.7 Online Tutoring Responsibilities and Standards

Tutors are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct equipment to be able to access the Online Classroom prior to an Online Lesson. Tutors will be liable to refund any fees received for an Online Lesson in the event that they are unable to access the Online Classroom for whatever reason, save where such inability to access the Online Classroom arises as a result of DAC Tutors failing to provide the services.

5.7.1 Camera Use During Online Lessons

To maintain a professional, engaging, and safe learning environment, DAC Tutors requires tutors to have their camera switched on during all online tutoring sessions unless a specific exception has been agreed in advance with DAC Tutors.

Tutors must:

• Keep their camera switched on for the duration of online lessons.

• Ensure their face is clearly visible throughout the session.

• Tutor from a suitable, quiet, and professional environment.

• Ensure their background is appropriate for a learning environment.

• Ensure their camera, microphone, and internet connection are working before lessons begin.

5.7.2 Reasons for the Camera Requirement

Camera use is required because it helps to:

5.7.2.1 Build trust and engagement

• A visible tutor creates a stronger personal connection and helps students feel supported.

5.7.2.2 Improve teaching effectiveness

• Tutors can better understand student engagement, confidence, and areas of difficulty by observing facial expressions and reactions.

5.7.2.3 Maintain professionalism

• A camera-on approach reflects the professional standards expected from DAC Tutors.

5.7.2.4 Support safeguarding

• A visible tutor helps maintain transparency during online sessions and supports safer working practices.

5.7.2.5 Improve accountability and lesson quality

• Camera use encourages active participation and helps maintain focus during lessons.

5.7.3 Exceptions

5.7.3.1 If a tutor has a genuine reason why their camera cannot be used (such as technical difficulties, accessibility requirements, or exceptional circumstances), they must inform DAC Tutors and agree an appropriate solution.

5.7.3.2 Repeated failure to use a camera without prior approval may be considered a breach of the DAC Tutors Code of Conduct.

5.8 Communication with Parents and Students

5.8.1 Tutors must:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents/carers.

• Keep DAC Tutors informed of important student-related issues.

• Notify DAC Tutors promptly of cancellations, concerns, or changes.

• Direct new enquiries or requests for additional lessons through DAC Tutors.

5.8.2 Tutors must not:

• Agree private tutoring arrangements with DAC Tutors clients outside DAC Tutors.

• Exchange personal contact details with clients for the purpose of bypassing DAC Tutors.

5.9 Non-Solicitation / Non-Poaching of Students and Clients

5.9.1 To protect the relationship between DAC Tutors, students, and families, tutors agree that they will not:

• Approach, encourage, or persuade any DAC Tutors student or family to arrange tutoring directly with them outside DAC Tutors.

• Accept private tutoring work from DAC Tutors students introduced through DAC Tutors unless authorised in writing.

• Attempt to bypass DAC Tutors by arranging lessons privately with DAC Tutors clients.

• Encourage or assist a DAC Tutors client to leave DAC Tutors.

• Use contact information obtained through DAC Tutors to gain private tutoring work.

5.9.2 This applies during the tutor's engagement with DAC Tutors and for a reasonable period after the tutor stops working with DAC Tutors.

5.9.3 Any attempt to remove or divert students or clients from DAC Tutors may result in termination of the tutor agreement and removal from the DAC Tutors tutor network.

5.10 Conflicts of Interest

5.10.1 Tutors must:

• Inform DAC Tutors of any potential conflicts of interest.

• Be transparent about existing relationships with students or families.

5.10.2 Tutors must not:

• Use their position with DAC Tutors to gain unfair personal advantage.

5.11 Professional Image

5.11.1 Tutors represent DAC Tutors and should:

• Dress appropriately for tutoring sessions.

• Maintain a professional attitude.

• Create a positive and supportive learning environment.

• Ensure their tutoring environment reflects professional standards.

5.12 Payments and Administration

DAC Tutors operates a structured payment system to ensure consistency, transparency, and reliable payment arrangements for tutors and families.

5.12.1 Tuition Fees and Payment Structure

5.12.1.1 Parents/carers will be invoiced at the beginning of each academic year for the planned tutoring provision. The total annual tuition fee is calculated based on:

Number of tutoring weeks during term time (according to the Sheffield school calendar) × agreed lesson fee

5.12.1.2 The lesson fee consists of:

• The tutor's agreed hourly/lesson rate; and

• The DAC Tutors commission.

5.12.1.3 For the 2026/2027 academic year:

• Weekly tutoring is calculated based on 32 teaching weeks.

• Fortnightly tutoring is calculated based on 16 teaching weeks.

5.12.1.4 The annual tuition cost is divided into equal monthly payments as follows:

• GCSE and A Level students: Annual tuition cost ÷ 9 monthly payments.

• All other students: Annual tuition cost ÷ 11 monthly payments.

5.12.2 Monthly Payment Arrangements

5.12.2.1 Parents/carers are required to set up monthly standing orders to cover the agreed tuition fees. Payments will be made:

• Starting on 25 August for the 2026/2027 academic year.

• On the 25th of each subsequent month.

• At the same monthly amount regardless of how many lessons take place within an individual calendar month.

5.12.2.2This payment structure ensures predictable monthly payments and avoids fluctuations caused by school holidays, half terms, or variations in lesson frequency.

5.12.3 Starting Tuition After the Academic Year Begins

5.12.3.1 If a student begins tutoring after the start of the academic year:

• The remaining number of planned tutoring weeks will be calculated based on the Sheffield school calendar.

• The remaining tuition cost will be calculated accordingly.

• Monthly payments will be adjusted to reflect the remaining tuition period.

5.12.4 Payment Distribution

5.12.4.1 Parents/carers will make two separate monthly payments:

Tutor Payment

• Paid directly into the tutor's nominated bank account.

• Covers the tutor's agreed tutoring fee.

DAC Tutors Payment

• Paid directly to DAC Tutors.

• Covers DAC Tutors' commission and administration services.

5.12.4.2 Tutors must ensure their payment details provided to DAC Tutors are accurate and up to date.

5.13 Attendance and Missed Lessons Policy

5.13.1 The following attendance policy applies from September 2026:

• If a student is unable to attend a scheduled lesson, any replacement lesson will be offered solely at the tutor’s discretion and must, where possible, be scheduled within the same calendar month.

• Missed lessons by students will not be carried forward into future months unless the lesson has been cancelled by the tutor.

• If a lesson is cancelled by the tutor, a replacement lesson will be arranged in the following month at no additional cost to the student or parent/carer.

5.13.2 Tutors are responsible for communicating lesson cancellations promptly and ensuring any agreed replacement lessons are recorded appropriately.

5.14 Tutor Responsibilities

5.14.1 Tutors must:

• Provide accurate payment information.

• Maintain accurate lesson records where required.

• Notify DAC Tutors promptly of any changes affecting lesson arrangements.

• Follow DAC Tutors' agreed payment procedures.

• Communicate attendance issues and cancellations promptly.

• Use their own judgement about whether they wish to offer their tuition services to each individual Student.

• Take every precaution to ensure that they work in a safe environment and are responsible for taking out and maintaining their own insurance policies to cover the work they undertake.

• Disclose any criminal convictions or cautions they may have to DAC Tutors, including any criminal convictions or cautions received at any time after having registered a tutor account on the Website and for as long as the Tutor remains registered.

5.14.2 Tutors must not:

• Request or accept alternative payment arrangements directly from DAC Tutors clients.

• Agree private payment arrangements with DAC Tutors students or families outside the agreed process.

• Misrepresent lessons delivered for payment purposes.

5.15 Tutor Indemnity

5.15.1 Tutors shall indemnify DAC Tutors against any claims, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses arising from the Tutor's breach of these Terms and Conditions, negligent acts or omissions, or unlawful use of the Website.

5.16 Breaches of the Code of Conduct

5.16.1 Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:

• A discussion or review meeting.

• A formal warning.

• Suspension from tutoring assignments.

• Removal from the DAC Tutors tutor network.

• Termination of the tutor agreement.

• Further action where appropriate.