Parents and bookings

Missed lesson and cancellation policy template

A short, clear policy on missed lessons, cancelled lessons, refunds and leaving at the end of term. The questions parents ask most, answered once in writing.

What's inside

  1. 1. Your place is for the whole term
  2. 2. Missed lessons
  3. 3. If we cancel a lesson
  4. 4. Refunds after the term starts
  5. 5. Leaving at the end of a term
  6. 6. Your right to cancel a new booking

[School name] missed lesson and cancellation policy

1. Your place is for the whole term

Lesson fees cover a place in a class for the full term. Fees are due in advance, as shown on your invoice.

2. Missed lessons

If a swimmer misses a lesson for sickness, holiday or any other reason, no refund or credit is given, as payment secures the place for the full term.

[Optional: where a space is free in a class at the same stage, we may offer a make-up lesson. Make-ups are not guaranteed and cannot be carried over or exchanged for credit.]

3. If we cancel a lesson

We may cancel any lesson or course, for example because of a pool closure or staff illness. Affected swimmers will be credited for the missed session, usually against the next term's fees. Where that is not possible or suitable, we may offer another arrangement or a refund.

4. Refunds after the term starts

Refunds are not normally given once the term has started. Any refund or credit is at the discretion of management and where required by law. Approved refunds may carry a [£10] administration charge, unless the refund is because we cancelled a lesson or course.

5. Leaving at the end of a term

You must give at least [14] days' written notice before the end of the current term if you do not wish to continue. Without notice, fees for the following term will be due.

Send notice in writing to [email].

6. Your right to cancel a new booking

If you book online, you can cancel within 14 days of accepting our terms without giving a reason. If you ask for lessons to start within those 14 days and then cancel, we will refund what you paid less the cost of lessons already given.

Download the template

An editable Word copy with the same text. Replace the words in [square brackets] with your own.

Download as Word (.docx)

Printing this page prints just the template.

How to adapt it

  • Offering make-ups: keep the optional make-up sentence and set a cap per term.
  • Monthly billing: change "term" to "month" and the notice period to suit.
  • Medical absences: add a line on pausing fees for long absences if you offer it.

How ClassBase handles this

When you cancel a lesson, ClassBase credits affected swimmers against next term's fees, and notice to leave is recorded against the account.

The ClassBase class list for a term, with each class, its stage and teacher Termly class management

Questions

Should swim schools offer make-up lessons?

It depends on how full your classes are. Many schools don't, because the fee secures the place, and make-ups can fill spaces needed for the waiting list.

What if we cancel a lesson?

Credit or refund the affected swimmers. Section 3 credits the missed session against next term's fees.

How much notice should parents give to leave?

Two weeks before the end of term is common. Without notice, the next term's fees are due.

Further reading

Read the guide on our blog

A starting point, not legal advice. Check it against your insurer's and governing body's requirements before you use it.

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