Terms and conditions for Schools (Institutional Users)

Welcome to Connectee Education ("Connectee", "we", "us", or "our"), a digital platform that connects schools and educational institutions ("Schools") with independent professional educators ("Educators"), for short-term or long-term teaching and tutoring engagements. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to Schools using our Platform to find and book educators to cover teaching necessities or for other educational purposes. By registering an account or using the Connectee platform as a School, you ("the School") agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy and any other posted policies. If you do not agree, you should not use our services.

Connectee provides the Platform and tools to facilitate staffing and tutoring arrangements; however, Connectee is not a party to the actual contract between your School and the Educator. Educators on Connectee are independent professionals, not employees of Connectee (and not employees of your School unless you separately hire them). Connectee’s role is to connect the School with Educators who best suit its needs. We strive to ensure a safe and effective environment, and we rely on all users to adhere to these Terms.

Please read this document carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require clarification.

1. Introduction

   Connectee Education operates solely as an intermediary marketplace that facilitates contacts and agreements between Schools and Educators. Connectee is not a party to any teaching or tutoring agreements made between users, and we do not employ or directly supervise the Educators in their teaching duties. All educational services arranged through Connectee are provided by Educators as independent contractors engaged by the Schools – no employment, partnership, or joint venture is created between Connectee and any user (School or Educator) by use of the Platform.

   Connectee does not control the manner or content of the educational services provided by Educators; our function is to provide the infrastructure, vetting, and support to enable Schools to find suitable Educators and enter into arrangements for teaching or tutoring. We support scheduling, communication, and payment processing, and we monitor performance and feedback, but the day-to-day teaching activities are carried out under the School’s oversight.

   These Terms apply to services provided in-person at your School and to any services facilitated online through our Platform. Whether an Educator is teaching on-site in a classroom or providing virtual tutoring sessions, the same rights, obligations, and policies outlined here shall apply. Connectee reserves the right to modify these Terms as needed (with notice as described in the “Changes to Terms” section below).

   It is the School’s responsibility to read and understand these Terms before using the Platform. If you have any questions about any provision, please contact us for clarification.

   By using the Platform, you acknowledge your agreement to these Terms.

2. Definitions

   For the purposes of this document, the following terms have the meanings defined here:

   • Platform:The digital platform and related services provided by Connectee that enable Schools to find, communicate with, schedule, and manage Educators for teaching or tutoring assignments. This includes our website, app, and support tools for booking and payments.
   • School (“you”):The educational institution (such as a school, college, or similar organization) using Connectee to find and engage Educators for services. The School is represented on the Platform by an authorized individual (administrator, principal, or staff member) who has the legal authority to enter into contracts on the School’s behalf. By using the Platform, this representative confirms they are 18 or older and authorized to bind the School to these Terms.
   • Educator:An independent professional who offers teaching, tutoring, or coaching services through Connectee. This term encompasses both Qualified Teachers and Vetted Tutors available via the Platform. Educators are not employees of Connectee or of the School (unless the School separately hires them directly); they are service providers engaged by the School for specific assignments.
   • Qualified Teacher:An educator who is a fully certified teacher with in-depth curriculum knowledge and formal teaching experience in their subject area. Qualified Teachers typically tutor or teach in their specific field of expertise and bring a high level of professional training to their engagements. Due to their certified status, Qualified Teachers generally command higher rates of compensation on the Platform in recognition of their qualifications and experience.
   • Vetted Tutors:An educator who may not be a formally certified teacher but has been rigorously vetted by Connectee for strong teaching ability and subject mastery. Vetted Tutors are skilled in their subject areas and suitable for providing practice, enrichment or targeted academic support. They may have substantial tutoring or coaching experience even if they lack official teacher certification. (In some school assignments, Vetted Tutors may be offered for roles that do not explicitly require a certified teacher. Schools will be informed of the Tutor’s status and can decide their needs.)
   • Booking:The arrangement formed when a School and an Educator agree on an assignment’s details (such as the dates, times, location, and fees) through the Platform. A Booking is a binding commitment for the Educator to provide the agreed services to the School at the specified time(s) and for the School to pay the agreed fees.
   • Session:An instance of educational service provided by an Educator, which could be a single class period, a half-day or full-day of teaching, or a tutoring lesson. A Booking may consist of a single session (e.g., one full day of substitute teaching) or multiple sessions (e.g., a week of daily classes, or a series of tutoring lessons).
   • Short-Term Cover:A temporary teaching assignment typically ranging from a single session up to a few weeks in duration. Short-Term Cover includes needs like single-day substitute teaching, covering a teacher’s brief absence, or other interim coverage generally less than one month. Short-term assignments are usually billed at daily or weekly supply rates (see Payment Terms).
   • Long-Term Placement:An extended teaching engagement generally longer than a few weeks, such as covering a long-term leave (maternity, sabbatical) or filling a vacancy for a term or semester. Long-Term Placements are often arranged on a weekly or monthly basis and may lead to the School hiring the Educator permanently (subject to a placement fee, defined below).
   • Placement Fee:A one-time fee charged by Connectee if the School hires an Educator introduced through Connectee for direct employment with the School (i.e., the Educator leaves the Platform to become an internal employee of the School). This fee is applicable to long-term hiring situations as described under Payment Terms.
   • Add-On Services:Optional services or products offered by Connectee that a School may purchase in addition to basic teaching/tutoring engagements. Examples include professional development workshops, bulk tutoring packages, or custom onboarding services, as detailed later in these Terms.
   • We/Us/Connectee:Refers to Connectee Education, the service provider operating the Platform and offering the intermediary services described in these Terms.

   (Any other capitalized terms in this document have the meanings defined within.)

3. Account Registration and Eligibility

   To use Connectee as a School client, you must create a School account on the Platform. The individual registering the account must be an adult (18 years or older) and have the legal authority to act on behalf of the School in agreeing to these Terms. By registering, you confirm that you meet these requirements.

   When creating and maintaining your School’s account, you agree to the following:

   • Provide truthful and complete information:All information submitted during registration or in your School profile must be accurate, current, and complete. This includes the official name of the School, business address, contact person’s name and title, contact details (email, phone), and billing information. If applicable, you should also provide any required identification details such as school registration numbers or tax IDs. Misrepresenting your identity or your institution’s details is not permitted. Providing false or misleading information can result in suspension or termination of your account.
   • Keep information updated:You should promptly update your account information if there are any changes. For example, if your School’s contact person or billing details change, or if any aspect of the service needs (such as school location or schedule preferences) is updated, ensure the Platform reflects these changes. Keeping information up-to-date helps Connectee and the Educators to provide the best service.
   • Secure your account:You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. Choose a strong password and do not share account access with unauthorized persons. If multiple staff members need to use Connectee, establish appropriate user access (if available) or ensure that the single login is used responsibly by authorized personnel only. You are accountable for all activities that occur under your School’s account. If you suspect any unauthorized access or a security breach, notify us immediately so we can help secure the account.
   • One account rule:In general, a School or institution should register only one account. Do not create multiple accounts for the same School to bypass usage limits or for any improper purpose. If your organization has multiple campuses or distinct units that require separate accounts, please discuss this with Connectee support to arrange it. Impersonating another institution or person, or misusing another School’s account, is strictly prohibited.
   • Authorization and capacity:By using the Platform, you affirm that the person operating the account has the authority to make bookings and enter contracts for services on behalf of the School. If at any point this authority is revoked or changed (for instance, the contact person leaves the School), you will notify Connectee and update the account to reflect a valid representative. Connectee may require proof of authorization or identity verification for the School’s representative as part of our security and anti-fraud measures.
   • Compliance with vetting requirements:If Connectee or law requires certain verifications before an Educator can work with your School, you agree to comply and provide any necessary acknowledgments.

   Connectee reserves the right to refuse registration or deactivate any School account that violates our policies or for other legitimate reasons. We may require additional verification steps to confirm your School’s identity, your authority, or payment information to ensure the integrity and safety of our marketplace. Failure to comply with verification requests, or if any provided information is found to be fraudulent, can result in account suspension or denial of service. If a School or its representative has been previously banned from Connectee for misconduct, you must not attempt to re-register without our permission.

   By registering and maintaining an account, the School agrees to use the Platform in compliance with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations.

4. Platform Usage and Conduct

   By using our Platform, you agree to conduct all interactions in a professional, respectful, and lawful manner. We strive to maintain a positive, safe, and reliable community for both Schools and Educators. The following general rules of conduct apply to your use of Connectee (as well as to all users, including Educators):

   • Professionalism and Respect:Treat Educators and any Connectee staff with courtesy and respect at all times. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or abusive language is not tolerated. As a School, you should ensure the Educators you engage are welcomed into a safe and appropriate environment for teaching. Provide a work environment free from harassment or severe disciplinary issues. Any form of hate speech, inappropriate behaviour, or violation of dignity is prohibited.
   • Honesty and No Misrepresentation:Be truthful about your identity, your School’s details, and the nature of the assignment you are requesting. Do not misrepresent the subject, grade level, class conditions, or expectations of the job when posting a request or booking an Educator. Providing accurate information (such as class size, special needs of students, curriculum details, or any extraordinary duties required) helps ensure the Educator is a good fit and prepared. You must not mislead an Educator about the conditions or change the assignment significantly after booking without prompt communication, as this could affect their ability to deliver services.
   • Appropriate Use of Platform:Use Connectee only for its intended purpose of arranging educational services for your School. Do not use the platform to pursue unrelated commercial activities or any fraudulent or illegal activities. For example, you may not use Connectee to recruit Educators for jobs outside the platform without involving Connectee, and you must not post any content or communications that facilitate cheating, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty. Any job postings or messages should be related to legitimate educational needs of your School.
   • Appropriate Content and Confidentiality:Any content you post or share via the Platform (such as messages, job descriptions, or documents sent to Educators) should be lawful and appropriate. Do not upload content that is obscene, defamatory, infringing of intellectual property, or violates privacy rights. If you share any student-related information with an Educator (for example, class lists, student first names, or learning needs), do so through secure Platform channels and only as necessary for the Educator to perform their duties. The School is responsible for ensuring that sharing such information with an external Educator complies with applicable privacy laws (such as the GDPR) and that the Educator agrees to keep it confidential (Connectee’s Terms for Educators also obligate them to confidentiality). Do not share full personal data of minors beyond what is needed for the Educator’s assignment, and never post sensitive personal information in public areas of the Platform.
   • No Off-Platform Payments or Side Arrangements (Non-Circumvention):All engagements with Educators that are initiated through Connectee should be booked and paid through Connectee’s Platform. Do not solicit or accept any arrangement to pay Educators outside of Connectee (such as cash or direct bank payments to the teacher for sessions found via the platform). Similarly, do not provide your personal or your School’s direct contact information (email, phone, etc.) to an Educator, or ask for theirs, for the purpose of moving the engagement off-platform before a booking is confirmed. Circumventing Connectee’s platform to avoid fees not only violates these Terms but may result in account termination. (Note: Of course, once a booking is confirmed, sharing necessary contact details and arranging logistics is fine, but the contractual and financial arrangement must remain through Connectee until and unless the Educator is formally hired by the School under the terms allowed in these Terms.)
   • Safety and Compliance with Laws:If an Educator is providing in-person services at your School, you are responsible for maintaining a safe environment in line with all applicable health, safety, and child protection regulations. Ensure that any visiting Educator is treated as a guest staff member: for example, they should check in upon arrival, be briefed on emergency procedures, not be left alone with students in violation of supervision policies (unless they have met all legal requirements) and be given appropriate support by staff. Both the School and the Educator must take reasonable precautions – for instance, the School should verify the Educator’s identity upon arrival and provide a secure working environment. If at any time you have concerns about an Educator’s behaviour or any safety issue, report it to Connectee immediately and take any necessary steps to protect students (including removing the Educator from duty if needed). Likewise, Educators are instructed to report any concerns about the School environment or student safety to Connectee. Both parties are expected to follow all laws regarding working with minors, background checks, mandatory reporting, and so on. The School must not ask an Educator to do anything that would violate the law or professional ethical standards.
   • Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity:When using the Platform and selecting Educators, Schools must comply with applicable anti-discrimination laws. Do not refuse to engage an Educator on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, etc., if those characteristics are not bona fide requirements for the role. You may specify legitimate requirements (e.g., language fluency or subject-specific qualifications) but should not violate equal opportunity principles.
   • Feedback and Reviews:Connectee may ask Schools to provide feedback or performance evaluations of Educators. Any such reviews should be fair, truthful, and professional. Do not include personal data about students in feedback. Connectee uses feedback to ensure quality and will investigate if an Educator consistently receives poor reviews. However, providing false or malicious feedback about an Educator is a violation of these Terms. If you have a serious complaint, also contact Connectee support directly so we can help resolve it.
   • No Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property:The Platform content (including Educator profiles, reviews, Connectee’s educational resources, etc.) is for your use in connection with our services. You must not scrape, reproduce, or exploit any content from Connectee for unrelated purposes. Likewise, respect Connectee’s trademarks and branding – you may not use our name or logo without permission other than factual statements (e.g., "We use Connectee to source substitute teachers").
   • Cooperation with Connectee Staff:You agree to cooperate with Connectee’s team as needed. For instance, we may reach out for clarification on a booking request, or to resolve a dispute or scheduling issue. Timely and open communication helps maintain the platform’s effectiveness. If Connectee schedules check-in meetings or performance reviews (especially for long-term placements), the School should reasonably accommodate these.

   Violations of the above conduct rules can result in warnings, suspension, or termination of your account, at Connectee’s discretion. We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these guidelines or is otherwise objectionable. We may also take appropriate legal action for unlawful conduct. Connectee will investigate complaints or reports of misconduct and may cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities if required.

   By adhering to these rules, you help us maintain a trustworthy platform that benefits your School and the Educators providing services.

5. Booking Assignments and Payments

   This section explains how Schools can book Educators for assignments through Connectee, the fees and pricing structure for various services, and how payments are handled, including invoicing and any applicable additional charges.

   Finding and Selecting Educators:Through the Connectee Platform, Schools can request Educators by specifying their needs (for example, subject, grade level, dates of cover needed, location, and whether a Qualified Teacher or Tutor is preferred). You may browse educator profiles or post a job request that matches your requirements. Connectee may also provide assistance or recommendations, especially for urgent cover needs. Initial communications with prospective Educators should occur via the Platform’s messaging system. Provide as many details as possible about the assignment in your request so that interested Educators can accurately assess the opportunity. (Note: Personal contact details should not be exchanged until a booking is confirmed, as per the non-circumvention rules above.) Educators are encouraged to respond promptly to School inquiries – typically, you can expect a reply or acceptance within a short timeframe, especially for urgent requests.

   Booking Confirmation:Once you identify a suitable Educator and both parties agree to proceed, a Booking should be formally created on the Platform. For short-term or one-off assignments, this may involve selecting the specific date(s) and half-day or full-day sessions needed. For long-term placements, the booking may cover an initial period (e.g., one week or a trial period) and then be extended. The Booking details will include the agreed start date and duration of the assignment, daily or weekly schedule, location (on-site at your School or online), and the applicable fees or rate. When you submit a booking request, the Educator will need to accept it through the Platform for it to be confirmed. Until the Educator accepts, the booking is not finalized, and the Educator is not obligated to show up. Once the Educator accepts the booking, both the School and the Educator have a binding agreement for that assignment.

   • For short-term cover bookings,if you are booking for the next day or same day, Connectee will treat it as an urgent request (and the platform may highlight the 24-hour short-notice status). The Educator’s acceptance may occur very close to the start time.
   • For longer-term engagements, you might first book a shorter trial or initial period. It is important to clarify with the Educator (via messaging or in the booking notes) if the intention is to continue beyond the initial booking. Connectee can facilitate recurring or extended bookings:for instance, after a successful trial week, you can extend the booking week-by-week or agree on a longer period.

   Rates and Pricing:Connectee’s pricing structure for services is designed to be transparent and standardized where possible. Rather than fixed values, fees are determined according to the nature of the service and the circumstances of the booking. For example:

   • Short-Term Supply Teaching:Temporary cover assignments (typically covering up to one week) are billed on a half-day, full-day, or weekly basis. Urgent requests made with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a short-notice surcharge. Rates include Connectee’s service and support, and no additional placement fees apply unless otherwise agreed and specified.
   • Long-Term Placement (Extended Staffing):For longer engagements typically lasting more than two weeks (such as covering a term or an open-ended vacancy), pricing is typically calculated on a weekly basis. The exact fee depends on factors such as the Educator’s qualifications, experience and subject area. If a School decides to hire the Educator as a permanent staff member, a one-time placement fee will apply, reflecting Connectee’s recruitment and vetting services. Schools may also begin with a short trial period at the standard weekly/daily rate before committing to a longer-term arrangement. Connectee provides a replacement guarantee in the event that a long-term Educator leaves or proves unsuitable within the first few weeks.
   • Exam Preparation Tutoring:Schools may arrange additional tutoring services for exam preparation or academic support. Fees differ depending on whether the Educator is a Qualified Teacher or a Tutor and may vary further based on whether sessions are one on one or in small groups. Package deals may also be offered, which provide flexibility and potential discounts.
   • Add-On Services:Optional services, such as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), onboarding support, or customized tutoring packages, are available upon request. These are charged separately, and associated fees are communicated in advance.
     • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Educators:We can arrange training workshops or professional development sessions for the Educators at your School (or even for your permanent staff, if desired). For example, a workshop on the latest educational technology or a training session on student wellness can be provided. Exact pricing depends on the topic, duration, and trainer.
     • Onboarding and Custom Integration:If your School requires special onboarding processes for external Educators or integration of Connectee’s services with your school’s systems, Connectee can offer support. For instance, we can assist in setting up a custom school profile, integrating with your timetabling system, or conducting on-site orientations for a cohort of supply teachers. Such one-time services may incur an onboarding fee, which would be agreed upon before the service.
     • Additional Tutoring Packages:Aside from exam prep, Schools can commission bespoke tutoring programs (for remedial support, gifted enrichment, etc.). Pricing for these will be provided case-by-case.

   These add-ons are optional and will only be provided if requested. Any associated fees for extra services will be clearly agreed upon in advance and added to the relevant invoice.

   Payment Terms: Connectee handles all payment processing for services facilitated through the Platform. The School will be invoiced for the services provided by Educators, and Connectee will pay the Educators on your behalf (minus our service commission).

   For Schools, two types of payment flows apply:

   • Tutoring engagements:When the School books Educators for tutoring sessions, payment is made to the Educator through Connectee. The School will be invoiced directly by Connectee, and Connectee processes the payout to the Educator, retaining any applicable service commission.
   • Short-term and long-term staffing engagements:When the School engages Educators for cover teaching or longer-term placements, the Educator is hired directly by the School. In these cases, Connectee charges the School a commission equivalent to 20% of the total value of the contract between the School and the Educator. This commission is invoiced and payable to Connectee separately.

   Key points about payments:

   • Invoicing Cycle:For convenience, Schools are typically billed on a monthly basis. Connectee will compile the charges for all bookings and services delivered to your School during the invoicing period (usually a calendar month) and issue an invoice to the School. The invoice will detail the services (dates of cover, Educator names, hours or days, rates, and any surcharges or fees) and the total amount due. In some cases, for very short-term single engagements or new clients, Connectee may require payment at the time of booking or before service delivery, but our standard practice for Schools is monthly post-service billing.
   • Payment Methods:Payment can be made via bank transfer, direct debit, or any other payment method that Connectee agrees to accept for School clients. We may allow payment by credit card, though for larger invoices bank transfer is preferred. Payment instructions will be included on the invoice.
   • Payment Due Date:Invoices are typically due upon receipt or within a specified period stated on the invoice. The School is expected to pay on time as per the invoice terms. Timely payment ensures continuity of service; Connectee reserves the right to suspend new bookings or service delivery if outstanding invoices are significantly overdue.
   • Late Payment:If a School’s payment is not received by the due date, Connectee may charge a late fee or interest as permitted by law. For example, we may add a late payment interest at a reasonable rate or a fixed late fee for administrative costs. Before imposing any such charge, we will notify you of the delinquency and provide a short grace period to resolve it. Persistent non-payment or excessive delay in payment is a breach of these Terms and may result in suspension of your account or legal action to recover owed amounts. The School will also be responsible for any costs of collection (such as legal fees) if it comes to that.
   • Disputed Charges:If you believe there is an error in an invoice (for example, a discrepancy in hours or an unauthorized charge), you must contact Connectee promptly (ideally within five business days of receiving the invoice) to dispute the charge. We will investigate and, if an error is found, correct it or issue a credit in the next invoice. Disputing a portion of an invoice does not absolve the School of paying the undisputed amounts on time. Also, please do not “charge back” or reverse payments through your bank without contacting us, as that could be interpreted as non-payment; we are committed to resolving billing issues cooperatively.
   • Taxes:All fees and rates stated are exclusive of any applicable taxes (unless expressly stated otherwise). If Value Added Tax (VAT) or any similar tax is applicable, it will be added on the invoice as a separate line item in accordance with local tax laws. The School is responsible for any taxes that apply to the services provided under these Terms, except for taxes on Connectee’s own income. If the School has a tax-exempt status, it must provide appropriate documentation to Connectee in advance so that invoicing can be adjusted accordingly.
   • Receipts and Records:Connectee will provide receipts or confirmations for payments received. Both parties agree to maintain records of transactions as needed for compliance with financial regulations and audits.

   Volume Discounts and Custom Agreements: If your School anticipates a high volume of bookings (for example, multiple Educators or continuous usage over the school year), please discuss this with us. Connectee may offer volume discounts or custom pricing packages to fit your needs. Any such custom arrangements will be documented and will override the standard rates where applicable. We aim to be flexible for long-term partnerships.

   Connectee’s goal is to make the process of engaging Educators transparent and hassle-free. All pricing or fees that apply to a service will be communicated upfront. There are no hidden fees; you will only be billed for the services you have agreed to and any clearly stated additional charges per these Terms.

6. Cancellation, Rescheduling, and No-Shows

   We understand that in a school environment plans can change – schedules get adjusted, events cause cancellations, or an Educator might become unavailable unexpectedly. However, once an assignment or session is booked through Connectee, both the School and the Educator are expected to honour that commitment or provide adequate notice of cancellation. This section outlines our policies for cancellations or no-shows by either party, as well as any applicable charges or remedies. The guiding principle is fairness: to respect the Educator’s time (so they are not left uncompensated for last-minute cancellations) and the School’s needs (so you receive the service or aren’t charged unfairly when an Educator fails to deliver).

   Cancellation by the School (Client):

   • Advance Notice – No Charge:If your School needs to cancel or postpone a booked session or assignment, please do so as early as possible by notifying Connectee and the Educator through the Platform. In general, if you cancel with sufficient advance notice, there will be no charge for the cancelled session. “Sufficient notice” is defined as at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the session or assignment, unless a different minimum notice period was specified for a particular booking. For example, if you have a teacher booked for Monday at 8:00 AM, canceling by Sunday 8:00 AM or earlier would typically be considered sufficient notice. In such cases, any fees for that booking will be fully waived or refunded if pre-paid, and the Educator will not be paid for that session (since they can potentially find other work for that time).
   • Late Cancellation:If the School cancels a booking on short notice (less than 24 hours before the start) or if an Educator arrives at the School only to find the class is cancelled or not needed (which is effectively a last-minute cancellation), Connectee reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee to cover the Educator’s lost opportunity and time. Typically:
     • Cancelling the evening before or early morning of the assignment may incur a fee of up to 50% of the scheduled session fee.
     • Cancelling after the Educator has already arrived or on extremely short notice (e.g., an hour before start, or a situation where the Educator shows up and is turned away) could incur up to 100% of the session fee, as the Educator had no chance to replace the work.

   The exact charge may depend on the circumstances and the specific cancellation policy stated for the booking. Connectee will be reasonable and will communicate any such charge. The aim is not to punish schools for emergencies, but to ensure Educators are treated fairly when cancellations happen too late for them to adjust.

   • No-Show by School:In the context of in-person assignments, a “no-show” from the School’s side could mean the School fails to inform the Educator that they are not needed, causing the Educator to arrive and find no class or no one to receive them. It could also mean the School contact is unavailable to let the Educator in or the school is closed unexpectedly. This is treated similarly to a last-minute cancellation: the School will likely be charged the full fee for that session, as the Educator set aside that time and made the effort to attend. Always communicate promptly if a situation arises that an Educator should not come in.
   • Extenuating Circumstances (School Side):We recognize that true emergencies or unexpected events (e.g., a sudden school closure due to weather or public emergency, etc.) can occur without 24-hour notice. If such an event causes a cancellation, inform Connectee and the Educator as soon as possible and explain the situation. Connectee may, at our discretion, waive cancellation fees for legitimate emergencies or force majeure events that are outside the School’s control. We handle these on a case-by-case basis. Clear communication is crucial — a School that promptly notifies of an emergency is more likely to receive leniency than one who simply cancels last-minute without explanation.
   • Rescheduling in Lieu of Cancellation:If the School would prefer to reschedule the session or assignment rather than cancel outright, and the Educator is agreeable, we encourage that solution. For example, if a planned tutoring session can’t happen on the scheduled day but both parties can shift it to another day, no cancellation fee will apply — the booking can be updated or a new booking made for the rescheduled time, and any payment already made will be applied to the future session. Use the Platform or contact us to handle rescheduling formally so that records are clear. If rescheduling is not feasible, then it remains a cancellation subject to the above terms.
   • Repeated Cancellations:While cancelling with sufficient notice incurs no fees, if a School repeatedly cancels bookings, it can be disruptive and may deter Educators from accepting your assignments. Connectee monitors cancellation patterns. If we find that a School frequently books Educators and then cancels (especially on short notice) in a manner unfair to Educators, we reserve the right to address this behaviour. We will typically reach out to discuss the issue and see if there’s a problem we can help solve. In extreme cases of abuse, Connectee could suspend the School’s account. Our goal is reliability: Educators should trust that a booking with your School is likely to proceed, and Schools should book in good faith.

   Cancellation by Educator:

   • Advance Notice from Educator:Educators are expected to honour their commitments, but occasionally an Educator may need to cancel an accepted assignment (due to illness or emergency). They are instructed to give as much notice as possible via the Platform to the School and to Connectee. Connectee urges Educators to use cancellations only when absolutely necessary and to do so with professionalism. If an Educator cancels in advance (e.g., a day or more before the start), Connectee will immediately inform the School and will work to find a replacement Educator for the assignment. In such cases, the School will not be charged for any session that is not delivered; any prepayment would be refunded or not billed. We will present alternative Educator options (if available) and you may choose to accept a replacement or cancel the session.
   • Last-Minute Cancellation or No-Show by Educator:If an Educator cancels on very short notice (within 24 hours of the start time) or simply fails to show up for the assignment without notice, this is treated seriously. The School will not be charged for that session (you should never pay for a service not rendered). Connectee will apologize for the inconvenience and prioritize finding a last-minute replacement if at all possible. In the event no replacement can be found in time, we will work with you to mitigate the impact (for example, if it’s a multi-day assignment and the first day was missed, we’ll still aim to have someone from the second day onward). From the Educator’s side, such behaviour is a breach of our terms and will be addressed; repeat no-shows by Educators typically lead to their removal from our platform. Our commitment is to minimize disruption to your School.
   • During Long-Term Placements:If an Educator in a long-term placement needs to terminate the assignment early, they are expected to give ample notice (preferably at least one or two weeks) to allow a transition. Connectee will promptly notify the School and begin searching for a suitable replacement Educator. There will be no additional placement fee for providing a replacement mid-assignment if the original Educator’s departure was not due to the School’s action. The School will only be billed for services received; if an Educator leaves mid-week, for example, we would adjust billing so you are not charged for days not covered.
   • Unsatisfactory Performance:If the School finds an Educator’s performance unsatisfactory and wishes to terminate or replace an Educator (even mid-session/day), you should contact Connectee to discuss the situation. Our policy is to ensure student safety and educational quality: if an Educator is not meeting expectations or has misconduct, we will take it seriously. If you end a session early or send an Educator away due to serious issues, let us know the details. Connectee will not charge you for any remaining time in that session and will work on sending a replacement if appropriate. We may investigate and, if warranted, remove that Educator from future assignments. Note that for less serious performance issues, it’s often better to communicate and allow the Educator a chance to adjust, possibly with support from Connectee’s team, especially in longer placements. But your School’s needs and standards are a priority; you are not locked into keeping an Educator who isn’t working out for you.

   Refunds and Credits: In any case where the School has prepaid for a session or package that gets cancelled in accordance with the above policies (e.g., you prepaid for a week but one day was cancelled with sufficient notice, or an Educator’s no-show means you are owed a refund), Connectee will issue a refund or credit promptly. Refunds will typically go to the original payment method if a direct payment was made, or as a credit on your account to be applied to the next invoice, depending on circumstances and your preference. Connectee aims to process any due refund as soon as possible (usually within a few business days of confirming the amount).

   Force Majeure: If unforeseen events beyond anyone’s control (natural disasters, government shutdowns, pandemics, etc.) cause widespread cancellations, Connectee will not enforce cancellation penalties on either side. In such scenarios, we will communicate a policy (which may involve rescheduling all sessions or pausing services) and neither the School nor Educators will be blamed for the disruption. The priority will be safety and resumption of service when possible.

   In summary, reliability is key: Educators are expected to show up as agreed, and Schools are expected to follow through with bookings or cancel in a timely manner. Both parties should communicate proactively if changes are needed. Connectee is here to facilitate fair outcomes – if any disputes or confusion around cancellations arise, please reach out to our support team. We will mediate and do our best to ensure a fair resolution for everyone.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

   Your School’s privacy and the privacy of your students and staff are important to us. In the course of using Connectee, you will be sharing certain personal data with us (and, in a limited way, with Educators). This may include information about your School’s staff (e.g., contact info for the account holder or class teachers), and potentially about students (e.g., first names, ages, or specific learning needs relevant to a tutoring session). We handle all such information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws. This section provides a summary of how we collect, use, and protect data in the context of providing services to Schools. (For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.)

   Your School’s privacy and the privacy of your students and staff are important to us. In the course of using Connectee, you will be sharing certain personal data with us (and, in a limited way, with Educators). This may include information about your School’s staff (e.g., contact info for the account holder or class teachers), and potentially about students (e.g., first names, ages, or specific learning needs relevant to a tutoring session). We handle all such information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws. This section provides a summary of how we collect, use, and protect data in the context of providing services to Schools. (For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.)

   • Data We Collect:We collect only what is necessary to facilitate the services. This includes the information you provide when registering and filling out the School profile (such as school name, address, contact emails/phones, billing info) and information about your service requests (e.g., “Need a math teacher for 2 weeks,” details about the assignment, and any information you choose to share about the class or students for context). We also collect communications through the Platform (messages between you and Educators or with Connectee staff), and records of bookings and transactions. If you call or email us, we may keep a record of that correspondence. Connectee may also collect technical data when you use the Platform (IP addresses, device info, and cookies) as described in the Privacy Policy.
   • How We Use Your Data:The primary use of the data we collect is to provide and improve our services to you. For example, we use your contact information to communicate with you about bookings or support inquiries; we use details about your requested assignment to match you with suitable Educators; we use your billing information to process payments. We may also use your email to send you updates about our services, such as confirmations of bookings, invoices, or notices of changes to terms or policies. If you opt in to any newsletter or marketing communications, we might send you those as well (you can opt out at any time). Any use of personal data is done in line with legitimate interests of service delivery and any consent you have provided. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
   • Sharing of Data:Connectee treats your information confidentially. We share School information with others only as needed to provide the service:
     • With Educators:When you book or are in discussions about an assignment, the Educator will see certain information about your School and the assignment. This typically includes the school name and general location (so they know where they would be working), the first name and contact of the on-site contact person (once a booking is confirmed, so the Educator can check in), and details necessary for the job (grade level, subject, schedule, class specifics). We do not share unnecessary personal information; for example, an Educator doesn’t see full student lists or any sensitive student data from our side. If tutoring, they might know a student’s first name and academic needs. Educators are bound by their own agreement with Connectee to keep any information about your School or students confidential and to use it only for the purposes of providing the service.
     • With Service Providers:We use reputable third-party service providers to support our operations (for example, cloud hosting services for our database or communication tools to send emails or SMS). These providers may process some of your data as part of their function, but they are contractually obligated to protect it and use it only as necessary to provide their service to us.
     • Legal or Regulatory Disclosure:If required by law, court order, or governmental regulation, we may disclose certain data to authorities. For example, in some jurisdictions, we might be asked to confirm that educators working with minors have appropriate background checks, or we might be required to share records for an audit. We will comply with law but only provide the minimum necessary information and, where permissible, will inform you of such requests.
     • Business Transfers:In the unlikely event that Connectee undergoes a major business transaction (like a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets), user information might be transferred to the successor entity. If that happens, we will ensure the new entity is bound to respect the privacy terms and will notify users of the change.
   • Data Security:Connectee implements technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion. For example, our website is encrypted (HTTPS), sensitive data is stored securely, and access to internal systems is controlled. We also train our staff on data protection. However, no system can be 100% secure, so we also rely on you to use good practices – keep your account credentials confidential and alert us if you notice any suspicious activity.
   • Confidentiality Obligations:Both Connectee and the Educators are under obligations to keep any personal information about the School or its students confidential. Likewise, we expect Schools to treat any personal information of Educators in accordance with privacy laws – for instance, if you receive an Educator’s CV or ID for verification, you should handle it with care and not share it outside the necessary administrative staff.
   • Cookies and Tracking:Our Platform may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience (such as keeping you logged in or remembering preferences) and to analyse usage for improvement. Our Privacy Policy provides details on what cookies we use. You can manage cookies via your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies might affect functionality.
   • Retention:We will retain your School’s data for as long as needed to provide services and as required by law (for instance, financial records must be kept for a certain number of years). If you terminate your relationship with Connectee, we will delete or anonymize personal data we hold about you upon request, except for data we are required to keep for legal reasons.
   • Your Data Rights:As an organization or as individuals representing the School, you may have rights under applicable data protection laws (such as GDPR if you are in Europe). This can include the right to access personal data we hold, the right to correct any inaccuracies, or the right to object to certain processing. To exercise any data rights or ask any questions about your data, you can contact us at [email protected].
   • Student Data Considerations:Connectee is designed to minimize direct handling of student personal data. We typically do not need full student names or identifiable information beyond what is provided in context by the School to the Educator (and often that can be done without sharing sensitive data). If any student personal data is processed by Connectee (for instance, if a tutor writes a progress report that mentions a student’s first name and performance), Connectee treats that as highly confidential. We act as a data processor for any student data on behalf of the School under data protection laws, meaning we will only process it per your instructions and our terms, and it remains the School’s responsibility to ensure you have the right to share that data with us and the Educator. We are happy to sign any additional data processing agreements if required by your policies.
   • Third-Party Links:If in using the Platform you follow any links to third-party websites or services (for example, an Educator shares a Google Doc link or you use an external video conferencing tool), those third parties’ privacy policies will apply to any data you provide on their services. Connectee’s Privacy Policy will not cover the external sites, so please be mindful of what data you share there.
   • Privacy Policy:This summary is provided for convenience and to highlight key points. However, it is not exhaustive. Our complete Privacy Policy (available on our website) provides further information on all of the above aspects. By using Connectee, you acknowledge that you have read or have had the opportunity to read the Privacy Policy and that you consent to Connectee’s handling of data in accordance with it.

   If you have any questions or requests regarding privacy or data protection in relation to Connectee’s services for Schools, please contact our support team at [email protected]. We will be glad to assist.

8. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

   While Connectee strives to provide excellent service by connecting Schools with qualified Educators and supporting their engagements, it is important to understand the extent of our responsibilities and the limits of our liability. By using our Platform, you acknowledge the following disclaimers:

   • Independent Educators – No Guarantee of Performance:Connectee is a facilitator that enables you to find Educators, but we do not provide the teaching services ourselves. Educators on our Platform are independent contractors, not employees or agents of Connectee. We carefully vet Educators (especially qualified teachers) and take steps to verify credentials and background information where possible, and we monitor feedback to maintain quality. However, Connectee cannot guarantee that every Educator’s statements (regarding their qualifications, experience, etc.) are 100% accurate or that their teaching style will perfectly meet your School’s expectations. We rely on information provided by the Educators and on standard vetting processes, which, while thorough, have limitations. We encourage Schools to review Educator profiles, ask any pertinent questions during the selection process, and even after placement, to observe or evaluate the Educator’s performance. If you find any discrepancy or issue with an Educator’s claimed qualifications or performance, please inform us, and we will take appropriate action (including re-verification and removal from the platform if necessary).
   • No Guaranteed Outcomes:Connectee does not warrant or guarantee any specific educational outcomes or improvements as a result of using an Educator from our Platform. For example, we cannot promise that a short-term substitute will cover all material exactly as the regular teacher would, or that students’ exam scores will increase by a certain amount due to tutoring. The effectiveness of educational services depends on many factors beyond our control, including the Educator’s methods, the School’s environment, the student’s effort, and so on. Our guarantee is to provide the service (i.e., a qualified person to fill the role or deliver the tutoring) or to refund/credit you if the service isn’t delivered as promised; we do not guarantee specific results for your School or students.
   • Service Continuity:While we pride ourselves on having a robust network of Educators, Connectee does not guarantee that a suitable Educator will always be available for every request or that replacements can be found instantly in every situation. There may be rare instances (such as extremely last-minute needs in remote locations) where we cannot fill a request. We will do our best, but the availability of Educators is subject to market conditions.
   • Platform Availability:We strive to keep the Connectee Platform operational 24/7 and error-free, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted service. There may be occasional technical issues or downtime (for maintenance, upgrades, or unforeseen outages). Connectee will work promptly to resolve any technical problems, but we shall not be held liable for any minor disruptions or errors on the Platform. In the event that a platform outage affects a scheduled online tutoring session or an important communication (for example, the messaging system goes down when you’re trying to reach an Educator), we will work with you to make appropriate adjustments, such as rescheduling the session, but we cannot provide compensation for the inconvenience beyond possibly waiving any fees for a session that couldn’t take place due to our system being down.
   • Third-Party Tools:Connectee may integrate or recommend third-party services as part of our offering (for instance, a video conferencing tool for online tutoring, or a background check service for vetting). We select reputable providers, but we do not control these third parties and thus cannot guarantee their performance or be responsible for any issues caused by them. For example, if an online whiteboard we integrate experiences an outage or a background check provider has a delay, we will help troubleshoot and follow up, but we are not liable for the direct effects of those external services. Our responsibility is limited to the functions we directly provide.
   • School’s Responsibilities:The School retains certain responsibilities when using an external Educator through Connectee. For instance, the School is responsible for supervising the Educator’s day-to-day activities on-site (Connectee does not have on-site managers) and ensuring that the Educator is briefed on school policies (fire drills, signing in procedures, etc.). If an Educator is tutoring students on school premises, the School should ensure appropriate supervision or that such tutoring is in line with parental consents or school rules. Connectee cannot be held liable for incidents that occur on the School’s premises under the School’s watch, such as accidents or injuries, except to the extent they are directly caused by an Educator’s actions (and even then, the Educator, as an independent party, would bear responsibility).
   • Actions of Educators:Because Educators are independent providers, Connectee is not liable for acts or omissions of the Educators in the course of providing services at your School. This includes any professional negligence, misconduct, or other torts committed by the Educator. For example, if an Educator were to arrive late consistently, or fail to follow the School’s instructions resulting in some loss, Connectee is not automatically responsible for those consequences. Certainly, we want to know about any such issues and will take corrective action (like warning or de-listing an unreliable Educator, or helping you address the situation), but we do not assume liability for the Educator’s conduct. Similarly, if an Educator infringes on someone’s intellectual property or rights while teaching, or engages in inappropriate behaviour, they are individually accountable; Connectee will assist in remedying the situation (by removing them and cooperating with any investigation) but will not be the guarantor of an individual’s behaviour.
   • Background Checks and Safety:Connectee may perform background checks and verification of qualifications for Educators, particularly those in long-term or sensitive roles. However, except where required by law, Connectee does not guarantee that every Educator has undergone a formal background check beyond our standard vetting process. We rely on publicly available records and the information provided by the Educator. We disclaim liability for any undiscovered issues in an Educator’s past. That said, if any serious issue does come to light (for instance, an Educator is found to have falsified credentials or has a barred status that we weren’t aware of), we will act swiftly to remove that Educator and notify you if it affected your School. Schools should also exercise standard caution, in line with best practices. Connectee will not assume liability for any harm resulting from an Educator’s interactions with students; those are inherently the Educator’s and the School’s responsibilities on the ground. We facilitate and vet to reduce risks, but we cannot eliminate them entirely.
   • Limitation of Liability:To the maximum extent permitted by law, Connectee’s liability to the School for any claims arising out of or related to our services or these Terms will be limited to the amount the School has paid to Connectee in fees for the service in question (for example, if the issue was with a specific week of service, limited to the fees for that week), or some other reasonable estimate of damages as required by law. We will not be liable for indirect, consequential, or special damages such as loss of profits, loss of opportunity, loss of data, or reputational harm. For instance, if a teacher’s absence could not be covered and the school had to close a class for a day, we understand that is disruptive, but we would not be liable for, say, the parents’ lost work time or any media fallout. Our remedy would be limited to not charging you for that missed day and perhaps assisting in some way to make up for it, but not beyond direct service refund.

   However, nothing in these Terms is intended to limit liability where it cannot be limited by law. These Terms should be read subject to any such non-excludable provisions of law.

   • Indemnification:The School agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Connectee, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) that arise out of the School’s own breach of these Terms or negligence. In other words, if the School’s actions or inactions (for example, violating the non-circumvention clause, or providing an unsafe environment that leads to an Educator’s injury, or misusing the platform in a way that causes a dispute) result in Connectee being sued or harmed, the School would be responsible for covering those losses. We will notify you promptly of any such claim and cooperate in defence, but we expect you to handle and bear the costs if it was due to your wrongdoing.
   • School’s Insurance:Connectee does not provide insurance for Educators or for the School. We recommend that Schools ensure their general liability insurance covers outside contractors on premises. Educators themselves are instructed to have personal liability coverage if they are professionals, but not all independent tutors may carry extensive insurance. Thus, the School should consider requiring certain protections or be prepared via its own insurance for any incidents. Connectee is not liable for injuries or property damage that may occur during a session — those would normally fall under the School’s responsibility if on school grounds (similar to how a visiting consultant or a volunteer might be covered).
   • No Warranties:Connectee provides the platform and services “as is” and makes no express warranties regarding the services aside from what is explicitly stated in these Terms. We disclaim any implied warranties to the extent allowed by law (like implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, etc.). For example, we do not that using Connectee will meet all of the School’s expectations or that every Educator is a perfect match, though we will do our best to facilitate a great experience.
   • Feedback and Decisions:Any decisions the School makes based on information from the Platform (such as selecting a particular Educator based on their profile or reviews) are at the School’s own risk. We encourage diligence and can assist with recommendations, but the final decision and its outcomes rest with the School. Connectee will not be liable for any negative outcome from an Educator selection if we provided the relevant information in good faith (for instance, if an Educator turns out to be less effective than hoped, but had good credentials and reviews, that’s unfortunate but not something we could have guaranteed against).

   By acknowledging these Terms, you understand that Connectee’s role is as a facilitator and support platform, and that the direct provision of education services is by independent Educators. Each party (Connectee, School, Educator) has its sphere of responsibility, and Connectee’s liability is limited accordingly.

   • Indemnification:The School agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Connectee, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) that arise out of the School’s own breach of these Terms or negligence. In other words, if the School’s actions or inactions (for example, violating the non-circumvention clause, or providing an unsafe environment that leads to an Educator’s injury, or misusing the platform in a way that causes a dispute) result in Connectee being sued or harmed, the School would be responsible for covering those losses. We will notify you promptly of any such claim and cooperate in defence, but we expect you to handle and bear the costs if it was due to your wrongdoing.
   • School’s Insurance:Connectee does not provide insurance for Educators or for the School. We recommend that Schools ensure their general liability insurance covers outside contractors on premises. Educators themselves are instructed to have personal liability coverage if they are professionals, but not all independent tutors may carry extensive insurance. Thus, the School should consider requiring certain protections or be prepared via its own insurance for any incidents. Connectee is not liable for injuries or property damage that may occur during a session — those would normally fall under the School’s responsibility if on school grounds (similar to how a visiting consultant or a volunteer might be covered).
   • No Warranties:Connectee provides the platform and services “as is” and makes no express warranties regarding the services aside from what is explicitly stated in these Terms. We disclaim any implied warranties to the extent allowed by law (like implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, etc.). For example, we do not that using Connectee will meet all of the School’s expectations or that every Educator is a perfect match, though we will do our best to facilitate a great experience.
   • Feedback and Decisions:Any decisions the School makes based on information from the Platform (such as selecting a particular Educator based on their profile or reviews) are at the School’s own risk. We encourage diligence and can assist with recommendations, but the final decision and its outcomes rest with the School. Connectee will not be liable for any negative outcome from an Educator selection if we provided the relevant information in good faith (for instance, if an Educator turns out to be less effective than hoped, but had good credentials and reviews, that’s unfortunate but not something we could have guaranteed against).

   By acknowledging these Terms, you understand that Connectee’s role is as a facilitator and support platform, and that the direct provision of education services is by independent Educators. Each party (Connectee, School, Educator) has its sphere of responsibility, and Connectee’s liability is limited accordingly.

9. Suspension and Termination of Account

   Connectee hopes to be a long-term partner for your School’s staffing and tutoring needs. However, we must address the circumstances under which a School’s account may be suspended or terminated, and the consequences thereof. We aim to enforce these Terms consistently to protect the integrity of our platform.

   Grounds for Suspension or Termination: Connectee reserves the right to suspend (temporarily deactivate) or terminate (permanently close) a School’s account under the following circumstances:

   • Serious or Repeated Violations:If the School materially breaches these Terms or engages in conduct that is seriously against our policies, we may suspend or terminate the account. Material breaches include, for example: wilful non-payment of invoices, fraud or misrepresentation of identity, repeatedly circumventing the platform for payments, serious harassment or discrimination toward Educators, or any illegal activities involving the Platform. Even if no single act is egregious, a pattern of repeated minor violations (e.g., persistently late payments combined with frequent short-notice cancellations) after warnings can also lead to termination. We will usually try to work with you on issues, but we retain the right to act if problems are not corrected.
   • Legal Compliance:If required by law or requested by law enforcement or regulatory authorities, we may suspend or terminate an account. For instance, if a government body informs us that a certain School is not allowed to engage in certain activities, or if keeping the account open would violate sanctions or education regulations, we will comply. Also, if we discover that any information provided during account setup was falsified in a way that violates law (such as false accreditation), termination may be immediate.
   • Safety or Integrity Concerns:Connectee may suspend an account immediately if we have credible information that continues to allow the School on the platform poses a risk to the safety of Educators or students, or the integrity of the platform. For example, if multiple Educators report unsafe conditions at the School (such as violence or illegal activity on site), or if the School is involved in some scandal that could severely damage Educators’ trust, we might pause services to that School pending investigation. Similarly, if a School misuses data or engages in hacking or exploitation of the platform, that is grounds for immediate removal.
   • Non-Use:This is less of a termination and more of an administrative closure – if an account remains completely inactive for a very long period, we might close it as part of routine maintenance. This would typically happen only after attempts to reach the account holder, and it’s meant to clear out old data. (The School could always re-register if needed.)
   • Procedure for Enforcement:
   • In cases of less severe issues or first-time violations, Connectee’s approach is usually to issue a warning or reach out to discuss the matter before taking action. We prefer to resolve problems through communication. For example, if we notice a pattern of late cancellations, we might email the School to discuss how to improve scheduling to avoid that.
   • If a violation is severe or poses an immediate threat (for instance, fraud or safety issues), Connectee may suspend the account access first and then notify the School afterward (for example, preventing new bookings while we investigate). Suspension might involve temporarily disabling login or the ability to request new Educators, pending resolution.
   • When we decide to terminate an account, we will normally provide notice of termination and the reason, except in cases where legal constraints forbid full disclosure. If you believe a suspension or termination is a mistake, you can contact us to appeal the decision. We will review any appeal in good faith. Our primary goal is to keep the community safe, lawful, and reliable, not to punish unnecessarily.
   • If an account is suspended, it may be reinstated later if the issues are resolved. If it is terminated, that School may not be allowed to re-register without explicit permission.

10. Procedure for Enforcement:

    • In cases of less severe issues or first-time violations, Connectee’s approach is usually to issue a warning or reach out to discuss the matter before taking action. We prefer to resolve problems through communication. For example, if we notice a pattern of late cancellations, we might email the School to discuss how to improve scheduling to avoid that.
    • If a violation is severe or poses an immediate threat (for instance, fraud or safety issues), Connectee may suspend the account access first and then notify the School afterward (for example, preventing new bookings while we investigate). Suspension might involve temporarily disabling login or the ability to request new Educators, pending resolution.
    • When we decide to terminate an account, we will normally provide notice of termination and the reason, except in cases where legal constraints forbid full disclosure. If you believe a suspension or termination is a mistake, you can contact us to appeal the decision. We will review any appeal in good faith. Our primary goal is to keep the community safe, lawful, and reliable, not to punish unnecessarily.
    • If an account is suspended, it may be reinstated later if the issues are resolved. If it is terminated, that School may not be allowed to re-register without explicit permission.

    Effect of Termination:

    • Ceasing Use:If your School’s account is terminated (whether by us or by your own decision to stop using Connectee), these Terms are considered terminated as well, except for any provisions that are meant to survive (such as payment obligations, confidentiality, limitation of liability, and indemnification clauses). The School must immediately cease using the Platform and our services. You should destroy or return any confidential information or materials of Connectee if any were provided.
    • Existing Bookings:Upon termination, any upcoming bookings may be cancelled at Connectee’s discretion. If we terminate the account, we will typically cancel future sessions (and not charge for them, of course) and inform the affected Educators that the arrangement is off. If there are ongoing long-term placements, we’ll discuss with the School and Educators how to wind those down responsibly (for example, maybe letting an Educator finish out a week to not leave a class without a teacher abruptly, unless the reason for termination prevents that).
    • Payment Settlement:The school will still be obligated to pay for any services that were provided up to the termination date. For instance, if an Educator taught for the first half of a month and then the account was terminated, the School needs to pay for that half-month. We will issue a final invoice if needed for any outstanding fees. Conversely, the School is entitled to any refunds for services paid for but not rendered. Using the same example, if you had prepaid the full month, we would refund the unused half-month. We’ll settle accounts as part of the termination process.
    • Data Access:After termination, the School will generally lose access to the Platform, including records of past bookings or messages. If you need copies of any data (like invoices or reports) that were on the Platform, you should request that promptly. We can assist in providing records, but we might not retain all details forever after account closure (subject to our data retention policies).
    • No Future Use:If we terminate your account for cause, you are not allowed to create a new account or use the Platform again without our express permission. Connectee reserves the right to block accounts or users that attempt to circumvent a termination.
    • Educator Communication:Connectee will inform Educators of a School’s termination only to the extent necessary (for example, telling a currently assigned substitute that the arrangement is ending because the School is no longer using Connectee). We will handle communications professionally to avoid undue reputational issues for either party.

    Our aim is to avoid ever having to terminate a School’s account. We value our relationships with schools and will make reasonable efforts to resolve problems collaboratively. Termination is a last resort typically reserved for serious breaches or untenable situations. If you do end your relationship with Connectee, we hope it would be on good terms and you’d consider us again in the future.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

    These Terms and any disputes arising from or related to them or the use of Connectee’s services by Schools shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Portugal, where Connectee is headquartered and operates. We choose Portuguese law to provide a consistent legal framework, regardless of where your School is located, though we of course comply with specific local laws as applicable in providing our services.

    Jurisdiction: Both you (the School) and Connectee agree that any disputes that escalate to a legal action will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Portugal, unless otherwise required by applicable law. This means if there is a lawsuit between us, it will likely be filed in a court in Portugal (for example, in the district where Connectee is registered). By agreeing to these Terms, you are consenting to the Portuguese courts’ authority over you for this purpose.

    • If your School is in a different country, please be aware that by using Connectee and agreeing to these Terms, you might be waiving any argument for jurisdiction elsewhere (except where a law gives a different right that cannot be waived). We clarify that this choice of venue is intended to apply to business-to-business disputes.
    • Exception (if applicable):If any law in your country explicitly provides you the right to bring a claim in that jurisdiction or under that jurisdiction’s law despite what we agree here (for example, some public institutions might have rules about arbitration or jurisdiction), we will of course follow that law to the extent it applies. However, generally for private schools or educational companies, the agreed jurisdiction will hold.

    Negotiation and Amicable Resolution: We truly encourage you to contact us first and attempt to resolve any issue informally before resorting to legal action. Our team is committed to addressing any concerns, whether it’s a billing dispute, a service problem, or any misunderstanding. Often a quick call or meeting can resolve what might otherwise become a drawn-out dispute. We find that almost all issues can be solved amicably given open communication.

    Dispute Resolution Mechanism: If a dispute cannot be resolved by mutual discussion, the default path is litigation in the courts, as mentioned. We have not mandated arbitration in these Terms, so judicial resolution is the method. That said, nothing stops both parties from mutually agreeing to alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation or arbitration) at the time a dispute arises. If both sides prefer that route for efficiency or confidentiality, it can be arranged by mutual consent at that time.

    Class Action Waiver: To the extent permitted by law, the School and Connectee each agree that any claims will be brought only in an individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding. This essentially means you agree not to combine your claims with those of other schools or do a group lawsuit against Connectee in one action, and we agree similarly not to lump claims against multiple schools. Each case will be handled on its own merits between Connectee and the individual School.

    Severability: If any provision of these Terms (or portion thereof) is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be severed or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remainder of the Terms will continue in full force and effect. In other words, one illegal clause doesn’t void the whole contract; we would still be bound by the rest.

    No Waiver: If either party fails to enforce a provision of these Terms at any time, it does not mean that the party has waived the right to enforce it later or waived the provision altogether. All waivers must be explicitly communicated to be effective.

    These clauses ensure that both parties have clarity on how disputes will be handled and under what legal framework. It provides predictability which is beneficial for a stable partnership.

12. Changes to Terms

    Connectee Education reserves the right to modify or update these Terms and Conditions at any time, as our services evolve, in response to changing business needs, or to comply with legal requirements. We will make such changes in a transparent manner and strive not to do so arbitrarily.

    Notification of Changes:If we make significant changes to these Terms that affect your rights or obligations, we will provide you with advance notice of the changes before they become effective. Notification may be given via email to the contact on your account, via a prominent announcement on our Platform (such as a dashboard notification or banner), or other reasonable means. We will typically give at least 15 days’ notice before material changes take effect, so that you have time to review them. In cases where changes are required more urgently (for example, to comply with a new law or for security reasons), we might implement them with shorter notice, but we will still inform you as soon as possible.

    Reviewing Changes:We encourage you to carefully read any updated Terms when we notify you. If you have questions or concerns about the changes, contact us within the notice period. We are open to feedback and can clarify the intent behind modifications.

    Acceptance of Changes:Continued use of the Platform or our services after the effective date of updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of those changes. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you should stop using the Platform and may terminate your account before the changes take effect (you would still be responsible for any outstanding obligations under the earlier Terms up to that point). We do not want to lock anyone into terms they don’t accept, so it’s important to act if you object to an update.

    Scope of Changes:Changes to Terms can include, for example, adding new policies, modifying sections (like updating pricing structures, altering cancellation rules, etc.), or clarifying language. We will not, however, retroactively change terms for services already provided – changes apply going forward. Also, any changes to the Privacy Policy or other specific policies will be communicated and often have their own process (especially if required by law).

    Minor Edits:Not all changes will warrant a formal notice. We may make minor amendments that do not materially affect the School’s rights – such as correcting typos, updating company addresses, or clarifying ambiguous language. Nonetheless, the latest version of the Terms will always be available on our website with the “last updated” date for transparency.

    By keeping this Terms document up to date, we ensure that it accurately reflects our service and policies. Your continued partnership and usage of Connectee signify that you trust us to make necessary adjustments, and we, in turn, commit to doing so considerately.

    Acceptance:By using the Connectee Education Platform and services as a School client, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. If there is any provision that you are unsure about, we welcome you to reach out to us for clarification before proceeding.

    Thank you for choosing Connectee to support your School’s educational staffing and tutoring needs. We are committed to facilitating a successful and positive collaboration.

    We look forward to providing your School with qualified Educators and excellent service, and we appreciate your adherence to these Terms which are designed to protect all parties involved!