Terms and Conditions
for On-Site Training Courses offered by
Therapy Training School
Updated on: 31.01.2014
1. Agreement to terms and conditions
All students must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before being accepted for Training Courses. All bookings are made via the Therapy Training School (TTS) website meaning that these terms and conditions will have been read, understood and agreed to before being able to complete any booking.
2. Mixed gender courses
All massage courses are mixed gender and require direct contact with others and the removal of various items of clothing. Any student who does not wish to work upon a person of the opposite gender (for religious reasons or personal preference) is NOT suitable for class training and MUST choose solo training.
3. License to practice therapy
Some London boroughs require therapists to have a license and specific qualifications. It is each student’s responsibility to check if a short course offering a Diploma will meet the requirements of their local council or any employer that they would wish to work for. This must be done before booking on a training course.
4. Contraindications overview
All students must read and understand the list of general contraindications (no. 16) which apply to every training course, the additional and course-specific specific contra-indications (no. 17) and the advisory conditions (no. 18). All students must confirm that they do not have any contraindication to training (unless discussed with Therapy Training School and also pre-approved and supported by a GP’s letter).
Please note: Some contraindications apply to group training only and if present, would still allow a student to proceed with solo training. This must be discussed with a member of TTS before booking.
5. Payment options for course fees
a. Course fees can be paid via PayPal (even if you do not have a PayPal account) or by phone with a debit or credit card, or by direct bank transfer (this is the slowest method. Use only if time permits).
b. All one-day courses must be paid in one instalment. Any two-day courses can be paid in two equal instalments. The first 50% payment is a non-refundable deposit which will secure the booking and give the student access to training materials on-line only. The second payment (due no less than 14 days before the course) gives access to download the training manual and complete the on-line test.
c. All courses booked must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to the course date(s).
6. Training manuals
a. Upon confirmation of payment for a course all students receive password access to a secure area of the website. It is the responsibility of each student to log-on and download their training materials.
b. The training manual should ideally be printed by the student and read thoroughly prior to the training day. If printing is difficult then the manual should at least be read fully in electronic format and taken to the training course on an i-pad or other electronic tablet so that it can be referenced at the course.
c. Printed manuals can be purchased from our publishers: ‘Lulu’. (Link in student area of website). Priced £15.00 - £25.00 manuals take 5-7 working days for delivery and should be ordered as soon as possible to allow at least one week to study them and complete the on-line test before the course.
d. Students are advised to bring their course manual to the training course on ALL training days so that they can make notes during their break(s) and/or ask questions and make note of the answers.
e. There is a theory test for each training course which must be completed BEFORE the training course (unless otherwise agreed in advance). The test is based upon the contents of each manual therefore no additional research is required. All test papers can be completed on-line.
f. Any student who fails the on-line theory test has the opportunity to re-submit it. This can be done as often as required until the 80% pass mark is achieved. There is no fee charged for this facility.
g. On each training course students are assessed throughout each day on their ability to perform the techniques demonstrated by the tutor. Students will receive their diploma when they have passed both the theory test paper (80% pass mark required) and the required number of days of practical training. NB: Aromatherapy students must complete a case study (8 treatments) after their practical training days and students of Reiki Masters must write a dissertation and have it approved by Therapy Training School. There is no limit to the number of times that Reiki students may submit their dissertations for approval.
h. Any student who fails the day(s) of practical training may attend another course to try once again to pass their practical training. The option to attend another course date and the possibility of a discount from repayment of the full fee are at the discretion of the Principal of Therapy Training School.
7. Cancellation (or rescheduling) of a training course by the student
a. Once a student has been given access to the course materials the course fees cannot be reimbursed if the student wishes to cancel their course.
b. Not showing up on the training day (for any reason) is subject to a 100% cancellation fee.
c. Rescheduling with less than 2 weeks’ notice (prior to the course date) is subject to a 100% cancellation fee. In this situation, courses may not be rescheduled.
d. Rescheduling with 2 weeks’ notice (or more) prior to the course date is subject to a £25.00 admin fee. Alternative dates at the same, or another venue will be offered to the student.
e. If alternative dates are unsuitable the student may complete the course via home study (If available).
8. Cancellation (or rescheduling) of a training course by Therapy Training School
From time to time, there may not be sufficient numbers of students (ie: 2) to allow a training day to proceed. If this is the case, the following conditions would apply:
a. Notice will be given (via e-mail, phone and text) at least 7 days before the training date.
b. Students would be given the opportunity to reschedule their training to the next available date at their chosen venue or to select another date and/or venue.
c. If solo training is available at their chosen venue then the student may opt for their course to proceed on this basis. A supplemental solo training fee may be required and students must bring a model.
d. If there is no available date for rescheduling then students will be offered the opportunity to complete the training course via distance learning. Any difference in course fees will be re-imbursed.
e. If the distance learning option is not available then students will be fully reimbursed.
9. Guarantees
Therapy Training School guarantees to respond to all enquiries in a timely manner. Complaints procedure:
By phone: +44 (0)845 226 3132
By e-mail: info@therapytrainingschool.com
By letter: Therapy Training School, 96 Church Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST3 3BB
10. Health and Safety
In the interests of health and safety for all students the following conditions apply to all training courses:
a. Students are required to shower or bath on the morning(s) of the training course for all courses involving massage. Additional exfoliation with body scrubs or exfoliating gloves is recommended.
b. Piercings in the ears, nose, belly-button, neck or face area must be removed on or before the training day(s) if massage is to be performed on or near the pierced areas. Clean skin thoroughly afterwards.
c. Any jewellery on the body which cannot be removed easily on the day of training must be removed prior to the day. This includes bracelets, necklaces, rings (including wedding rings). Please do not ask to keep any item of jewellery on as this will be a breach of health and safety protocols.
d. Braided bracelets, necklaces or ankle braids which cannot be untied must be cut off before training.
e. Only natural nails are permitted for any course involving massage. Maximum length: 2mm of growth. In special circumstances (and by pre-arrangement only) a student may be permitted to retain false nails (gel nails), but only if they do not exceed the maximum length of 2mm.
f. Nails should be unvarnished as nail varnish prevents a visual confirmation of clean nails. Nail varnish can also quickly become unsightly as it flakes off and may adhere to recipient’s skin during massage.
g. Students must be in a fit condition (both mentally and physically) to complete a training course.
11. Reasonable expectations
a. Therapy Training School has the reasonable expectation that all students are aware of the requirements of giving and receiving the therapy they wish to learn. In many cases there are tutorial video clips available on You Tube where students can view the practical techniques that they will be required to practice upon fellow students and also receive themselves. (see guidance notes). If they do not know already, it is the responsibility of each student to find out what the required procedures are in each training course so that they can participate fully (as required) in any course they book.
b. Each student who books on a training course agrees to present themselves in a fit state to receive and deliver massage, requiring no special consideration for physical infirmity, incapacity, hyper-sensitivity, disability, dysfunction or disinclination to perform any of the required procedures.
c. Therapy Training School offers training to both genders and all ages from 18 years old (no upper limit). If any student is unwilling to work with another student because of gender, then they MUST request solo training, or apply for bespoke group training with like-minded individuals.
12. On the day of training
It is the responsibility of each student to make sure that they know the route to the training venue and that they arrive in good time. Map and directions to all of our venues are available at our website. Access is granted to all venues 30 minutes before the start of training (start time is 10.00am), though students should try to arrive at the venue with at least 15 minutes to spare before the course begins. In the event of arriving earlier than 9.30am students are requested to seek refreshments in a nearby café or hotel. (If available these are identified in the venue details at the student area of the website).
13. Late arrival
If, due to unforeseen circumstances you find that you may be arriving late for a course then you should contact the trainer IMMEDIATELY. You must make contact before 10.00am (the start time for the course). If you arrive any later than 30 minutes after the start time then you will not be able to participate with the course and a refund cannot be offered. If you are not able to participate on the day then the individual circumstances will be considered and you may be offered the opportunity to choose an alternative date for training. In this case it is likely that at least a part-payment will be required. This is entirely at the discretion of Therapy Training School. Lateness can often be avoided by checking the route to the training course well in advance and researching alternative routes should there be an unforeseen delay.
14. Permissible use of training and training materials
Therapy Training School offers practitioner training courses to students to provide them with the skills for delivering therapy. Our courses are not intended to permit students to deliver training themselves, therefore any and all course materials are intended only for reference purposes when delivering therapy. Unauthorised copying, distribution or other use of training materials will be seen as a serious breach of copyright.
15. Copyright
All copyright and other intellectual copyrights of all printed or electronic training materials are owned by or licensed by Therapy Training School. Copying, adaptation or other use of all or any part of these materials without the express written permission of Therapy Training School is prohibited. We have a strict policy of prosecuting any and all infringements.
16. General contra-indications (these apply to all courses)
Therapy Training School reserves the right to withhold training if any of the following health and safety contra-indications are present in any student who attends a training course. It is the responsibility of each student to check the contra-indications before booking a course as fees cannot be re-imbursed after the student has downloaded their training manual. All of the general contraindications apply to all students unless agreed otherwise by both parties (in writing) prior to the training date.
• Pregnancy (ALL STAGES).
• Any physical disability or restriction of any kind in any part of the body, which prevents free movement for delivering massage or receiving massage required in each training course.
• Any infectious disease or condition.
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Extensive wounds, cuts, bruises or abrasions to hands and/or feet, or in any of the treatment areas.
• Extensive (or recent/severe) inflammation anywhere in the body (inc. severe, localised sunburn).
• Central nervous disorders, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinsonism.
• Trapped, pinched or inflamed nerve.
• Numbness, tingling, reduced sensitivity or numbness in the extremities or in any treatment area.
• Thrombosis/embolism or phlebitis, recent stroke, hemorrhage or blood clots.
• Excessively high or low blood pressure, dizziness and/or nausea.
• Serious heart conditions/circulatory disorders/severe varicose veins.
• Paranoia, psychosis or schizophrenia.
• High temperature or fever.
• Cancer (active or in remission) and ongoing treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation (unless sanctioned by GP or other healthcare professional).
• Osteoporosis, spondylitis, severe rheumatoid or osteo-arthritis.
• Any undiagnosed condition or illness.
• Hypertension, diabetes and epilepsy.
• Broken, infected skin as in acne, eczema and/or psoriasis, as this presents a health and safety risk.
• Head lice or nits.
• Cardio-vascular conditions such as: thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, and hypotension.
• Haemophilia and medical oedema.
• Recent head injury or neck injury (including whiplash).
• Recent operations/surgery: anywhere in the body.
• Asthma (unless very mild).
• Undiagnosed headaches including lumps or swellings especially in the case of recent severe pain.
• Kidney infections.
• Slipped or herniated disc.
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting.
17. Additional and course-specific contraindications
a. All massage courses:
• Extremely ticklish feet which you would not be able to have massaged by a fellow student.
b. Aromatherapy:
• Sensitive skin: Any student with sensitive skin is required to undertake a patch test.
c. Hot stones massage:
• Heat sensitivity.
d. Indian head massage:
• Facial acne.
e. Ear candle therapy:
• Perforated (or lack of) eardrum, ventilation tubes, auricular drains (paracentesis) or grommets,
recent ear surgery, auricular cysts, acute mastoiditis, otosclerosis or otospongiosis (ankylosis of
the stapes), ear tumor, implants or any recent dental work that has created sensitivity, allergy to
bee products or candles (cotton, beeswax, honey, St. John’s Wort, sage chamomile)
• Any other condition which may affect treatment (If in doubt: see your GP or health professional)
f. Thai full body massage:
• Sensitivity to firm massage. Students must be in a fit state to give and receive VERY firm massage.
18. Advisory conditions (please let us know if any of the following apply to you)
• Shaved head, or baldness, as this can impact a person’s learning experience in Indian head massage.
• Hair weaves, braided hair, hair extensions, a wig or hairpiece.
• Sensitivity or allergy to grapeseed oil or aqueous cream (for massage courses).
• Recent (slight) scar tissue.
• Localised swelling or mild inflammation.
• Varicose veins (mild).
• Any condition, which is being treated by a GP, which could impact training.
• Phobias. If extreme, please advise as this could impact your training experience. Individual training may be required if this cannot be accommodated within a class environment.
Please note: The conditions mentioned above are by no means fully comprehensive and that if there is any existing condition which you think might constitute a risk to you or to your fellow students you should contact head office on 0333 123 2626. Please note that we would rather be informed about a condition and be in a position to offer useful advice beforehand, that have to turn you away from a course.