[Phil Schneider]

Funny thing is i recently received a similar enquiry. i am sure all enquiries are genuine and no one would be trying to trap you into a legal claim for monetary gain. You can’t discriminate on certain legally defined attributes but like when i tried to join the millionaires club but was discriminated against for being poor but it aint illegal If i was a disabled millionaire may be .

You need to tread carefully. Don’t give out anything that can be construed as discriminatory. you can’t say “I don’t like to teach disabled people” but “I do not have adequate qualifications for this specialised area of teaching” as long as it is true or ” I am full at the moment please try later ” Lawyers please note quotation marks for purposes of example the opinions expressed therewithin are not mine or anybody associated with me but serve an educational fictious example based in the Ottoman empire and have no direct relevance to the uk law or could be a humorous piece of satire and is not legal advice.

[Phil Schneider]

Hi there are some legal niceties in working from home here are some points from a government website the Bottom line is you may be uninsured,breaking planing laws and breaking your rental agreement.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: You’ll need planning permission to base your business at
home if you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions:
will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residence?
will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people calling?
will your business involve any activities that are unusual in a residential area?
will your business disturb the neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?
If your house is pretty much going to remain a house, with your business quietly accommodated within it, then permission shouldn’t be required. If you’re unsure, contact your local council to seek their views. http://www.planningportal.gov.uk
Q: Do I need to tell the local authority I’m working from home?
A: This depends on whether you pass the planning test. If you need planning permission, you’ll have to inform your local authority.
Q: Do I need to tell the landlord?
A: Yes, it’s best to let them know that you will be working from home. The good news is that the government announced on 1 November 2010 that social landlords should review any contracts prohibiting people from running a business from home.
Q: Do I need to inform my mortgage provider?
A: Yes, it’s best to let them know – even though it shouldn’t
mean any change in the mortgage repayment.
Q: What about my insurance provider? Do they need to know?
A: Yes, do inform your insurance company. Tell them about the equipment and stock you have at home. An upgrade from a domestic to a business policy is not usually expensive so don’t be put off in making this call. Your insurance provider is likely to recommend that you also take out public liability insurance in case anyone who comes to visit suffers an injury
THE HOME BUSINESS GUIDE | 12

[Phil Schneider]

I think some songs don’t have very rhythmic melodies especially true of the over articulation of 90s divas (what about singing the tune). If she could sing a bacharach song accurately I suspect the material could be the problem. It takes a long time to develop highly accurate timing. Sometimes you have to accept a student may not be so able but as long as they enjoy learning and you do your best for them accept it and them.

[Phil Schneider]

Are frustrated students frustrating you ?

Most of us teachers have some students who are easy to work with and others are somehow draining. Part of this is the attitude they bring into the lesson. Some students are easily frustrated if they fail to get the exercise right first time, there is a lot of huffing and puffing which increases on each following attempt. How do you deal with this? I always remind students mistakes are inevitable. It is a game of probabilities over a long term. Don’t judge just play. Be mindful. The consequence of their frustration is you can become infected yourself or become frustrated at their frustration. Don’t let it happen to you.

[Phil Schneider]

I hate to think of how much money I have lost via no shows.Even when the policy of 48 hours notice there is the problem of irregular attendance. For instance three 49 hour notice cancellations in a row. I have a rule not always explicit. Three no shows with no payment in a row the student may need to be asked to find a more accomodating teacher or take a floating spot i.e. Email them with free times for the week ahead. This can suit busy/erratic students as well as the teacher.