Before you book — for your child or for yourself — here is exactly how I work. Nothing on this page is vague on purpose.
Lessons are one-to-one
Never a group. You are never put in with students you don't know, and neither is your child.
Recording
[HIS POLICY — state it plainly either way. If lessons are never recorded, say so. If they are, say who can access the recording, where it is stored and when it is deleted.]
If your child is learning with me
You are trusting me with your child, often from another country, before we have ever met in person. I don't take that lightly.
Parents are welcome in any lesson
You never need to ask, and you never need to warn me. Sit in whenever you like, for as long as you like. If you would rather be in the next room with the door open, that is fine too.
Background checks
[IF HE HOLDS A DBS OR EQUIVALENT — state which, the year, and offer to show the certificate on request. If he does not hold one, either obtain one or say honestly what assurance he can offer instead. Do not leave this section vague.]
References
[WHETHER EXISTING PARENTS WILL SPEAK TO PROSPECTIVE ONES, and how to arrange it.]
What I know about your child, and for how long
I keep only what I need to teach: your child's first name and age, what we have covered, and a way to contact you. I do not share it with anyone. If you would like it deleted, ask and I will delete it.
If you are learning with me yourself
Adults ask me different questions, and they are just as fair to ask.
Someone can sit in, if you would rather
[HIS POLICY — whether a spouse, mahram or family member may sit in on an adult's lesson, and whether he will teach with the camera off or audio only if a student prefers it. Adult women in particular weigh this before booking a male teacher for a one-to-one video lesson. A clear answer here settles it; silence loses the booking quietly.]
What I keep about you
Your first name, what we have covered, and a way to contact you. Nothing more, and nothing shared.
Nothing is pitched at a child unless the student is one
A good number of my students came to this in their thirties, forties and beyond, and several were embarrassed to ask. You will not be talked to as though you were eight years old, and you will not be asked to explain why you are starting now.
If something concerns you
Tell me directly, and I will take it seriously. You can reach me at [email protected].