Terms of Service

Welcome to Otem.

These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of the website at https://www.otem.co.uk and the tutoring services provided by Edusensys Ltd, a UK limited company located in London, United Kingdom. By using our website and services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our website or services.

1. Introduction
By using Otem, you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use your data to provide our services. It's an important document you should read, and you can find a link to it in the footer of our website.The tutoring services we provide are intended to supplement a student's education and are offered on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. This includes any future output from our upcoming Generative AI Tutor, which will also be offered on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis with no guarantees. While our qualified teachers are committed to helping students, we do not guarantee specific academic results, grades, or exam scores. Student progress depends on individual effort, circumstances, and other factors outside of our control.

2. Description of Services
We provide one-to-one tutoring services for learners.
Our services include:
Online Tutoring: Live, interactive sessions conducted via the Zoom or Google Meet video conferencing platform.
In-Person Tutoring: Direct, one-to-one sessions conducted at a location specified and supervised by a parent or guardian.
Group Intervention Lessons: Online and in person sessions include subject intervention workshops with a maximum of 8 learners in the group.  

We also have a form available for users to register their interest in a future Generative AI Tutor. This form can be obtained by contacting us if you wish to join the trial user group by sending us an email or getting in touch using the Contact us page on this website. Please note that completing this form is an expression of interest only and does not create a binding agreement or a contract for services. The Generative AI Tutor is a planned addition to function as a learning companion and guide for learners, parents, and teachers, and is not yet an active service.

3. Booking and Data Collection
Booking Process: All bookings are managed through our embedded Calendly scheduling calendar. To book a session, you must provide your name, email, contact number, level of study, and qualification. This data is strictly necessary for the performance of a contract—to schedule and provide the tutoring service you have requested.

In-Person Sessions: For in-person sessions, you will also be required to provide the location details of the session. This data is also processed under the lawful basis of the performance of a contract.

Generative AI Learning Companion Register Interest Form: Any data submitted through the website forms to register interest is collected based on your consent. This data is used solely to notify you when the service is launched. Your submission of the form does not create a contract, and no service is provided at this time. You have the right to withdraw your consent and opt out of these communications at any time.

4. Payment, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Policy
Payment for all tutoring sessions must be made in advance via bank transfer. Your booking will only be confirmed once full payment has been received in our account. You will be provided with our bank details at the time of booking. To provide the best possible service and ensure fairness to our teachers, we have the following policy regarding payment, rescheduling, and cancellations:

Rescheduling: To reschedule a tutoring session, you must provide at least 24 hours' notice via our designated booking platform. With proper notice, you will not be charged, and we will work with you to find a new session time.

Cancellations: All cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled session time to be eligible for a full refund.

Late Cancellations and No-Shows: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice or any "no-show" sessions (where the student fails to attend) will be charged in full, and no refund will be issued.

Teacher/Tutor Cancellations: In the rare event that a teacher/tutor needs to cancel a session, we will notify you as soon as possible. You will be provided with a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.
By booking a tutoring session with us, you agree to this policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in this policy.

5. Data Protection and Privacy
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. We collect and process only the minimum personal data necessary to provide our services.
For a complete understanding of how we collect, use, and protect your data, please review our separate and comprehensive Privacy Policy.

We use third-party services to deliver our services. By using our website and services, you acknowledge and agree that your data will be processed by:
Calendly, Inc: Our form for scheduling and booking calendar provider.

Google Meet Google LLC (US) - Online video conference sessions (connected via Calendly)

Zoom: Online video conference sessions (connected via Calendly)

As the Data Controller, we have a legal responsibility to ensure your data is handled securely by our Data Processors Calendly, Google and Zoom. This will include payment processors such as Stripe and Paypal integrated to deliver booking and services when payments become active.
By having accounts with these services, a Data Processing Addendum (DPA) is incorporated into their terms, ensuring they handle your personal data in compliance with UK GDPR laws.

6. Marketing Communications
We may collect your email address to build our user base and provide you with updates on our education-related services, whether they are delivered online or in person. We will only do this if you give us your explicit consent. We will never share or sell your email address to third parties for marketing purposes. You have the right to withdraw your consent and unsubscribe from these communications at any time by following the link provided in any marketing email you receive from us.

7. Intellectual Property
All tutoring materials, including but not limited to lesson plans, worksheets, presentations, and any digital content provided during sessions, are the intellectual property of Otem or our teachers. These materials are intended solely for the personal and non-commercial use of the student. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or use these materials for any other purpose without the express written consent of Otem.

8. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer
By using our products and services, you agree that Otem, its teachers, and its affiliates will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our tutoring services. This includes, but is not limited to, any claims related to academic performance, personal injury, or any other loss or damage.
Our services are provided "as is." We do not guarantee specific learning outcomes or academic results. We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services or website. We are not responsible for the suitability of the in-person tutoring location or any unforeseen events that occur during an in-person session, as responsibility for supervision and location safety lies with the parent or guardian.

9. User and Teacher Conduct
Teacher and User Conduct: All users and teachers on the Otem platform agree to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor in all interactions, both within the platform and on external channels. Any form of harassment, abuse, bullying, or inappropriate behavior towards our teachers, students, or staff is strictly prohibited.

This includes, but is not limited to, verbal or written communication, and any inappropriate content, comments, or displays on social media, messaging apps, or other communication platforms that do not align with our values of respect and integrity.
Otem reserves the right to immediately and without notice terminate the services and access to the platform for any user or teacher found to be in violation of this policy.

User Conduct: Users of our service agree to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner.
This includes, but is not limited to, being punctual for sessions, being prepared with necessary materials, and treating the teacher with courtesy.
The student is expected to actively participate and complete any assignments or tasks given by the teacher. Otem reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for any user who fails to comply with these standards of conduct, with or without notice.

10. User Obligations, Safeguarding, and Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Parental and Guardian Responsibilities: The parent or guardian is fully responsible for their child's engagement, conduct, and safety during tutoring sessions, including ensuring the student is prepared with the necessary materials and is actively participating. This responsibility extends to overseeing the child's conduct and communications with the teacher, especially in online settings. Otem and its teachers are not responsible for a student's lack of effort, non-completion of assigned work, or any actions that occur outside of the scheduled tutoring sessions.

Safeguarding and Online Safety: While Otem requires all teachers to hold a valid, enhanced DBS certificate and takes every reasonable step to ensure the integrity of our teachers, the responsibility for the safety and supervision of the student during tutoring sessions rests with the parent or guardian. We strongly recommend that a parent or guardian is present or in the vicinity during all sessions, especially for students who are minors. Otem is not responsible for the supervision of the student or for any activity that occurs outside of the scheduled tutoring session.

Online Sessions: You are responsible for ensuring appropriate equipment is available and in working order, a stable internet connection and a suitable environment for the session.

In-Person Sessions: The safety of the learner is our highest priority. The parent or guardian is solely responsible for the supervision of the session.

You must ensure that:
A parent or guardian is present and supervises the tutoring session at all times.
The session takes place in an appropriate, communal space (e.g., a living room or kitchen), and never in a private bedroom. The tutoring environment is free from distractions and is safe for all parties.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility: By booking a session, you confirm that you are the parent or legal guardian and are acting on behalf of the minor. You are responsible for ensuring the minor's compliance with these Terms.

11. Teacher Vetting and Conduct
Otem is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. We require all teachers to provide a full, enhanced DBS certificate that meets our strict safeguarding criteria before they are able to offer tutoring services on our platform. While we perform this initial vetting, we cannot and do not guarantee the continuous conduct of any teacher after their initial background check. Users acknowledge and agree that Otem is not responsible for any actions, omissions, or liabilities of a teacher that occur after a background check has been completed. It is the responsibility of the teacher to report any changes to their DBS status or any new criminal offenses to Otem and the relevant authorities immediately. By using our services, you agree that you will not hold Otem, its employees, or its affiliates liable for any damages or claims arising from a teacher's conduct.

12. Independent Contractor Relationship
Users acknowledge and agree that all teachers on the Otem platform are independent contractors and not employees, partners, or agents of Otem. Teachers are solely responsible for the methods, materials, and all other aspects of the tutoring services they provide. Otem's role is strictly limited to connecting students with qualified teachers and providing a platform for the delivery of those services.

13. Non-Circumvention
You acknowledge and agree that the teachers on our platform are a valuable and proprietary asset to our business. Therefore, you agree not to directly or indirectly solicit, hire, or engage in any private tutoring arrangements with any teacher you were introduced to through our services. This includes all forms of direct communication or booking with the teacher outside of the Otem platform, through any means including email, social media, messaging apps, or any other communication channels. This prohibition applies both during your active use of our services and for a period of 12 months following the termination of your use of the service. In the event of a breach of this clause, you agree that such a breach constitutes a loss of revenue and goodwill for Otem, and you agree to pay Otem a liquidated damages fee equivalent to £3,000, which is a genuine pre-estimate of the loss incurred by Otem as a result of such a breach.

14. Booking Confirmations and Communications
When you book a session, you will receive an email confirmation and a text message notification two hours before the session. This is an integral part of our service and is necessary for the performance of the contract.

15. Changes to These Terms or Services
We continuously work to develop and improve our Services.
These Terms may be updated from time to time due to:
Changes to the law or regulatory requirements
Security or safety considerations
Unforeseen circumstances
Technological advancements
We will notify you of any significant changes to these Terms via email or platform notifications before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the services after a change indicates that you agree to the revised terms.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and any disputes related to these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
By using Otem products and services, you confirm you understand and accept these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.Last Updated: Sept 2025