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Student Charter

Discover mutual commitments for a productive learning experience.

Introduction

The School of Natural Therapies is committed to continually improving the quality of its courses. Our Student Charter outlines that commitment. As well as what you can expect from us, this charter also explains what the School of Natural Therapies expects of you. In other words, the quality of the services that we believe you are entitled to, balanced with responsibilities placed on you.

Part 1 - Expectations

What You Can Expect from Us

  • On day one, we will provide you with information about the school and its facilities.
  • A full appraisal of the course syllabus showing key stages and criteria for examination.
  • For students partaking in blended learning, the above will be outlined during the first live online session.
  • We will provide a full timetable of all live online sessions (using the Zoom platform) prior to the commencement of the course. These are also listed with classroom dates on the website for the relevant course.
  • We will do our best to ensure that all live online sessions are working effectively using our third-party platform – Zoom. Please note, as this is a third-party platform, the school cannot be held responsible for any malfunction or connection issues, in the unlikely event they should occur.
  • Live sessions will be recorded and made available to learners throughout the duration of the course.
  • The teaching you receive will be evaluated. That means we will ask for feedback at the end of the course – we will use any welcome and constructive feedback to enhance the quality of our teaching for future courses.
  • We will work with you to help you develop your learning skills, recognising that this is an ongoing process.
  • We will provide a quality learning environment in class.
  • We will provide you with access to appropriate resources to enable you to complete your studies.
  • We will support you in your learning, to help you complete your studies.
  • Teaching staff will be courteous, professional, punctual, and efficient.
  • We will seek to create and maintain an atmosphere and environment which is conducive to learning – in a classroom setting and on live Zoom sessions where applicable.
  • We will respect your right to dignity and confidentiality.
  • We will comply with all relevant legislation.

What We Expect from You

  • That you will take responsibility for your own learning and assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere and environment which is conducive to learning for all, whether in class or on live online sessions.
  • That you take responsibility for seeking any support you need and advise us as soon as possible.
  • That you use our facilities with respect and consideration for others.
  • That you will be courteous, efficient, and behave in a professional manner towards staff and fellow students, in class and on live online sessions.
  • That you will be punctual, arriving in good time for classroom or live online sessions, notifying teaching staff of any expected late arrival or absence.
  • Although we operate a non-discrimination policy, respecting amongst other things, spiritual and religious views, nonetheless, it is vital that each student is able to work freely with everyone else in the class, regardless of race, religion, or sex. This is a learning environment; therefore, students are expected to work with each other during the practical sessions of the course, whether male or female. It is vital that students take part in the giving and receiving of massage, so that different body types, skin types, age groups, and musculature can be experienced for training and development purposes.
  • We have special arrangements in place for any unforeseen circumstances.

Part 2 - Terms and Conditions

Assignment Work and Case Studies

  • We deliver and receive back assignments and case studies electronically by email. All relevant marking and feedback will be provided by the tutor in the same way.
  • We would request that anyone who does not have email or PC access notify the school as soon as possible, so that alternative arrangements for issuing homework/assignments can be made.
  • We expect all homework/assignments to be handed in or electronically received by the tutors in a timely fashion. Where problems or delays are anticipated by the student, we request that the tutor is notified as soon as possible.
  • Any assignments handed in later than the specified final date of submission may incur additional marking fees.

Examinations

ITEC Level 3 Programmes
  • ITEC examination costs are included in the course fee (for A&P and Massage) or are paid within the first 3 months (for Reflexology). All students are expected to sit the examinations on the allocated date, which is advertised on the website course page.
  • If students are unable to attend the allocated examination day, only those with a certificated medical condition (issued by a suitably qualified medical practitioner) will be allowed to postpone. In such instances (and in line with ITEC ruling), students must subsequently attend the next available examination day within 4 months, which will be agreed with the School Principal. Payments must continue as per the original agreement and cannot be postponed.
  • Any reason which falls outside of the above will not be considered as a reason for deferral.
  • Any need for additional marking or to attend extra lessons outside of their original course deadlines will incur teaching and marking fees. These will be clearly outlined according to the volume of outstanding work required and will have a fixed duration period, within which the student must attend those classes, submit all outstanding work, and take their final exams.
  • If students decide not to take their exam or have not completed the scheduled assignments and/or case studies in time for the exam, at the discretion of the school and according to available slots on exam days, students may be permitted to complete their exam in the future within 4 months. However, it would be at their own expense, as the school is unable to obtain a refund for the original scheduled exam.

School Policies and Procedures

  • Under regulations and OFSTED requirements, the School of Natural Therapies Ltd is obligated to publish its policies and procedures. They can be found on the School’s website under Policies and Procedures. These include:

    • Policy and Procedure on Malpractice and Maladministration
    • Complaints Procedure
    • Whistleblowing Procedure
    • Terms and Conditions (it is the student’s responsibility to make themselves aware of these).

Class Attendance

  • ITEC and the school have a minimum attendance criterion of 85%. Any student falling short of this criterion will be required to make up the shortfall in study hours.
  • For the BTEC bridging programme, each weekend is a separate unit with its own set of learning outcomes. Failure to attend every weekend may require additional study weekends with the School of Natural Therapies or its sister schools, incurring additional charges.

Payment for the course

  • We operate an easy pay instalment scheme, agreed with us at the time of enrolment, to help students spread the cost of their course. It is a concession that SNT offers, and the school reserves the right to cancel this arrangement if payments are not being met, which would result in the full course fee becoming payable immediately.
  • We ask that all payments are made by the due date, as outlined at the time of booking.
  • Any payments not received by the due date incur a late fee of £25.00 – no exceptions made, unless a late payment has been pre-authorised with the School.
  • If students decide to leave the course early, for any reason (including medical reasons), and not continue with their studies, the full course fee becomes immediately payable at the time of notification.
  • Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable from course to course.
  • The school reserves the right to pursue any non-payment legally.
BTEC Level 5 Payment Arrangements
  • There is a one-off external £387.00 BTEC/ISRM fee payable within the first two months of the Level 5 programme. This fee may be spread over the duration of the course within the instalment programme. It covers the online assignment, marking and feedback system, 13 months membership to the ISRM, exam fees, and final certification.
  • Students who withdraw from the programme will have up to two years to complete it. Re-assessment after the first year of withdrawal will incur a cost.
  • If students withdraw, for any reason (medical or otherwise), there is a transfer fee to pay. Additional practical in-class revision time will incur tutor fees. Associated assignment marking time at a later date will not incur a late fee.

Agreement

By completing this form you agree that you acknowledge that this document is a contract between yourself and The School of Natural Therapies and as such, you are liable to pay the whole course fee whether you complete the course or not. You also confirm that you have read and understood all of The School of Natural Therapies’ policies including the Student Charter.