Copy of OLD Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS

SENNIES Term & Conditions for utilising the ‘SENNIES service’

By using our Services, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not use our Services.

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the services provided by SENNIES LTD (hereafter referred to as "SENNIES") and apply to all individuals who use our services, including those who register as "Sennies" and "Clients". By registering with SENNIES, you are deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions and Fees.

'Sennie': refers to individuals seeking potential employment via SENNIES LTD, referred to as "Sennies" in these terms and conditions.

'Client': refers to any person, partnership, company, or organisation using SENNIES' service to find and hire a Sennie.

'Process': refers to the recruitment operations that SENNIES undertakes to vet and qualify Sennies to ensure their suitability and the quality of their service.

'SENNIES Search': refers to the period during which SENNIES provides its services to run the Process to supply the Client with suitable Sennies.

'Engagement': refers to the period during which SENNIES and the Client have agreed to begin a SENNIES Search after agreeing to all terms and paying the appropriate fees.

'Introductory Service': refers to the terms of SENNIES' engagement as an introductory agency only, meaning the employment contract will not be through SENNIES, but instead directly between the Client and the selected Sennie.

‘Registration Fee’: refers to registering with SENNIES and advertising your role only on external paid job sites.

“Final Placement Fee” refers to the fee SENNIES will receive upon a successful placement.

‘SENNIES network’: refers to the vast database of registered and vetted Sennies and the various websites and resources that SENNIES uses to source and recruit new Sennies.

Permanent roles:

Service Description
SENNIES provides a service for introducing SEN nannies/specialists ("Sennies") to families or individuals looking for childcare services (the "Client"). SENNIES is an introduction agency and not an employer of the Sennies or the Client.

Any 'Client' employing a 'Sennie' must ensure they take full responsibility for the 'Sennie', including tax and national insurance contributions, payslips, and pension contributions as per UK law. Further information on employer responsibilities can be found at https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities

Registration

To use our Services, you must register online, pay a registration fee, sign the SENNIES Agreement and provide us with certain information about your requirements. By registering, you agree to provide us with accurate and complete information and to keep it up to date.

Fees

SENNIES charges a registration fee and a final placement fee for its services. The registration fee is a one-time payment of £500 plus VAT and covers the costs associated with advertising your role on external paid job sites for an 8-week period. This fee does not come to SENNIES, as it is paid directly to the job site providers. SENNIES is only paid when a successful placement has been made.

SENNIES final placement fees are detailed on our website and are subject to change from time to time. These fees are non-refundable. By engaging our services, you agree to pay the final placement fee in full once a successful placement has been made. Failure to pay the placement fee within 5 working days of the invoice date will result in a 10% late fee charge and may result in legal action to recover the debt if money cannot be collected from the card associated with your SENNIES account.

In the event that a family chooses to pay the placement fee via credit card, please note that additional processing fees may apply. These fees will be disclosed during the payment process and will be the responsibility of the family.

SENNIES reserves the right to withhold its services until all fees are paid in full. In the event that a Sennie is dismissed or leaves employment within the first month of employment or whilst you have the extended guarantee in place, SENNIES will endeavour to find a suitable replacement at no extra cost, provided that all fees have been paid in full and on time.

SENNIES only accepts payment in British pounds and by credit or debit card. The registration fee is due immediately upon starting a SENNIES Search, and the final placement fee is due after an offer has been accepted and compliance checks have been completed, not on the first day of the Sennie's employment.

Payment details:
Account Name: Sennies Ltd
Account Number: 4185 4027
Sort Code: 60-83-71

Our Responsibilities

SENNIES Guarantee: Whilst we take every necessary action to ensure all of our 'Sennie' placements are successful, there may be times when, through no fault of the 'Client', something may occur whereby the 'Sennie' is no longer able to continue to undertake the role. To ensure peace of mind, we offer our ‘SENNIES guarantee’ for a period of 30 days, which begins on your Sennie's first day. This means that SENNIES will endeavour to find a suitable replacement, based on the original requirements provided only, within 8 weeks of receiving written notification of termination/resignation by the 'Client' or 'Sennie'.

Extended Guarantee: SENNIES offers an extended guarantee for an additional cost of £75 + VAT per month. This must be purchased before your chosen Sennie's start date and can be cancelled with one month's notice. Once cancelled, you cannot rejoin.

Amendments to Job Description: Any amendments made to the original job description or 'Sennie' role, including but not limited to: changing of days, times, or additional duties, will be viewed as creating a new 'Sennie' role. Therefore, this will not be covered by the SENNIES guarantee, and you will be invoiced for the full SENNIES fee associated with your new placement. Reasonable amendments to your job description during the 'SENNIES Search' process can be made at the discretion of SENNIES. However, multiple changes to your job description, advert, or requirements will incur an administration fee of £50 or the use of an additional search credit.

Creating your Job Description
After the 'Client' enters a period of 'Engagement' with SENNIES, SENNIES will collaborate with the 'Client' to create a job description for their role. SENNIES will require vital information such as location, pay rate, working hours, living arrangements, specific special educational needs assistance required, and any useful information about the family and the child/children for whom they are seeking care. Once confirmed by the 'Client', SENNIES will create a compelling advertisement/job description to be reviewed and approved by the 'Client'.

Communication
SENNIES will provide clear and prompt communication and will respond to all 'Client' and 'Sennie' communications as soon as possible, and within three working days. SENNIES takes every measure to be available to support 'Client(s)' and 'Sennie(s)' as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, SENNIES cannot respond to communications outside its office hours. Its office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Any urgent communications should be made during these hours to ensure a timely response. SENNIES cannot guarantee a response to correspondence outside these hours and days. In case of an emergency regarding a 'Sennie' or 'Client' during unsociable hours, SENNIES requests that the 'Sennie' and/or 'Client' contact each other directly to resolve any immediate issues.

Our Process

We will always do our best to ensure that the ‘Sennie’ and ‘Client’ are a good match and meet the requirements of the advertised position before making any introductions. All job descriptions and adverts will be proofread and checked by the ‘Client’ to avoid discrimination and comply with UK law. We reserve the right to refuse to advertise job roles that promote unacceptable working conditions. We conduct comprehensive background checks, but we cannot guarantee the history or character of either party.

The ‘Sennie’ undergoes a thorough background check, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, two professional references, and identity proof. We do not register international applicants who have not lived in the UK for at least six months. We are not responsible for any damages, loss, or personal injury during employment.

Once the ‘Client’ says they are interested in a ‘Sennie’, we will send a mutual introduction with contact details. The Client must contact the Sennie within 48 hours to arrange interviews and trials, or give their availability to SENNIES to get the interview/trial set up on their behalf without delay. ‘Clients’ can book a maximum of 2 trial days, which the Sennie must be paid directly at £10 per hour.

SENNIES will send an offer letter subject to complete compliance and reference checks. Formal job offers must be made via SENNIES.

The Client must not introduce any Sennies they have been introduced to, to any third party without SENNIES knowledge. If we are made aware of any unauthorised introductions, the Client and Sennie will be liable to pay the full cost of a Full-Time SENNIES placement plus an additional 10% of the fee. Similarly, the Sennie cannot undertake any additional work with the Client without contacting SENNIES. Breach of contract by either party may result in legal action or termination of the agreement with SENNIES.

Regular Communication:

To keep our clients informed about their search, we recommend a call every two weeks to discuss the progress. However, if there are Sennies available for review, we will communicate with our clients on a weekly basis. Please note that while we will always send Sennies to clients as and when they become available, we cannot guarantee the success of any search and therefore the number of Sennie we send per week can vary depending on the market. We only receive payment upon a successful placement.

Temporary Sennie placements are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the service is reduced. Contact us if you would like to inquire about a temporary placement.

Termination
SENNIES reserves the right to terminate any agreement with a Client or Sennie(s) at any time, with or without notice, in its sole discretion. The following terms apply to termination:

Without prejudice to any other rights or remedies SENNIES may have, SENNIES may terminate the agreement by giving written notice to the Client or Sennie(s) if the Client or Sennie(s) commits a material breach of the agreement and fails to remedy that breach within 14 days of being notified in writing of the breach.
If a Client or Sennie(s) terminates the agreement for any reason, SENNIES is not obliged to refund any fees paid, except as provided in these terms and conditions or as required by law.
If SENNIES terminates the agreement, SENNIES will refund any fees paid by the Client or Sennie(s) that relate to services not yet provided, except as provided in these terms and conditions or as required by law.
If a Client or Sennie(s) terminates the agreement before the end of the agreed period, no refunds will be provided for any fees paid, except as provided in these terms and conditions or as required by law.

Part-time Roles:

Service Description:
SENNIES acts as an introductory agency to connect clients with part-time SEN nannies/specialists ("Sennies"). The client acknowledges that SENNIES is not the employer of the Sennies or the client. When hiring a Sennie on a part-time basis through SENNIES, an Umbrella Company will be engaged to assume all employment-related costs and responsibilities as the employer.

The registration fee you pay grants you access for one academic year. However, if you decide to discontinue your affiliation with SENNIES during this period and later decide to rejoin, you will be required to pay another registration fee. On the other hand, if you choose to remain with SENNIES for more than a year without any breaks, you will not incur any additional registration fees.

Sennie Selection and Probation Period
SENNIES will select a Sennie with a minimum of 2 years of SEN experience (within a home or school setting) for the role. A 2-week probation period will be in effect, during which the client can terminate the employment of the Sennie with 24 hours' notice.

Notice Period
Following the 2-week probation period, the client agrees to provide 2 weeks' notice to end the contract with the Sennie and SENNIES. It is essential for the client to inform SENNIES if they choose to continue working with a Sennie on an ad-hoc, temporary, or permanent basis after the notice period or if overtime is required. Failure to inform SENNIES of subsequent work arrangements will result in both the client and the Sennie being held individually responsible for payment of the full-time placement fee and any additional compensation for loss of earnings due to a breach of contract.

Payment Terms
The client acknowledges that the hourly rate charged by SENNIES is all-inclusive, covering tax, administrative fees, and the Sennie's wages. The Umbrella Company ensures compliance with all legal requirements, relieving the client of any administrative burdens or employer responsibilities.

Payment Collection
All payments will be automatically collected by SENNIES monthly on the agreed-upon date, once timesheets have been completed. Payments are collected a month in advance based on the minimum committed hours. Time sheets, including any overtime worked, will be provided for completion. Additional funds will be collected as needed to cover the overtime for that specific month. In the event of contract termination, any overpaid sums will be refunded.

Inherent Risks and Support
The client acknowledges and accepts the inherent risks associated with employing SEN childcare and agrees to provide support to the Sennie during the settling-in process.

Time Frame
SENNIES strives to place a suitable Sennie in the client's part-time position within one month of engagement. This timeframe allows for the thorough selection of the right candidate and conducting necessary checks and training to ensure readiness for the start date.

Placement Process
The client acknowledges the placement process required by SENNIES, including the payment of a registration fee, signing of contracts, and the selection and placement of a Sennie by SENNIES. All Sennies will have an enhanced DBS check on the update service.

Replacement and Termination
If a Sennie leaves the role through no fault of the client, SENNIES will make efforts to find a suitable replacement, and payments will stop during the transition. The client has the right to terminate the services of a maximum of 3 Sennies within a one-year period without incurring an additional registration fee, provided they wish to continue using SENNIES' part-time service. SENNIES reserves the right to decline and advise that they are not the right agency for the client's specific role.

SENNIES Selection Authority
The client acknowledges and recognizes that SENNIES has the authority to select the most suitable Sennie for the role, taking into account their expertise, experience, and availability of candidates in the appropriate location and current market conditions. The final decision regarding the selection of the Sennie rests solely with SENNIES.

Expertise and Experience of SENNIES
The client fully comprehends and accepts that SENNIES is managed by a dedicated group of individuals with several decades of expertise in Special Educational Needs (SEN). The team includes the CEO, who has ADHD, as well as other members with unique skills, abilities, and experiences in SEN childcare.

Experience of the Sennie
Given the part-time nature of the role, the likelihood of finding a "Super Sennie" or a specialist is lower compared to full-time positions. However, all part-time Sennies provided by SENNIES will have a minimum of 2 years of SEN experience in either a school or home environment. If the client requires a Sennie with exceptional qualifications or specialized expertise, higher rates per hour may be applicable, or a full-time Sennie may be needed. The specific details regarding rates will be discussed and agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.

Sennie Pay:

The Client acknowledges that the hourly rate for the Sennie's services will be agreed upon between the SENNIES and the Sennie. SENNIES will charge £32 per hour to the client. The rate will be inclusive of all employer and employee taxes, administrative fees, and any other extras, including the Sennie's wages. The Client will be billed monthly based on the hours worked by the Sennie, 1 month in advance.

SENNIES is committed to supporting retention and the professional growth of our Sennies. Therefore, we offer free online and accredited training to all placed Sennies and will incorporate a yearly pay rise into the Sennie's salary, ensuring their continuous development, without any additional cost to the client.

Acknowledgement and Understanding of SENNIES Part-Time Childcare Services:

The Client confirms that they have read and understood the SENNIES Part-time childcare services provided below. If the Client has any questions or concerns about any aspect of this document, they agree to raise them with SENNIES before signing up to use the SENNIES part time service.

All SENNIES Services & Placements :

Customer Satisfaction
SENNIES strives to deliver exceptional service. However, if you are unsatisfied with any aspect of our service and wish to provide feedback about SENNIES or a team member, please contact us in writing at complaints@sennies.co.uk. We will investigate your complaint and aim to provide a response within 10 working days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the management team.

Complaints procedure:

Contact: If you have a complaint, the first step is to contact us as soon as possible. You can do this by phone, email, or in writing. Please provide as much detail as possible about the issue, including any relevant dates, times, or people involved.
Acknowledgement: Once we receive your complaint, we will acknowledge it within three working days.
Investigation: We will investigate your complaint thoroughly and impartially, gathering all relevant information and speaking to anyone involved.
Response: We aim to respond to all complaints within 28 days, although more complex complaints may take longer. Our response will outline the findings of our investigation, and any action we plan to take as a result. If we need more time to investigate your complaint, we will let you know.
External mediation: If you are still not satisfied, you can contact an external mediation service.
Follow-up: We will keep you informed of the progress of your complaint at every stage of the process, and we will provide you with the final outcome in writing. We will also keep a record of your complaint and any actions taken as a result.

We take all complaints seriously and are committed to resolving them in a fair and timely manner. We believe that complaints can provide us with valuable feedback about our services, and help us to continually improve the care we provide to children with special educational needs.

Law and Jurisdiction: These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising under these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. SENNIES LTD reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions and Fees at any time.

Liability

SENNIES accepts no liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury suffered or incurred by the Client, Sennie(s), or any other party, arising directly or indirectly from the services provided by SENNIES.
SENNIES shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, revenue, business or goodwill, arising from or in connection with the services provided by SENNIES. SENNIES liability in connection with the services provided by SENNIES is limited to the fees paid by the Client to SENNIES in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the liability.

Nothing in these terms and conditions shall limit or exclude SENNIES liability for death or personal injury caused by SENNIES negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded by law.

By registering with SENNIES Ltd the client acknowledges that SENNIES recommends the following placement process, and by deviating from this process, the client releases SENNIES Ltd from any liabilities arising from an unsuccessful placement:

One face-to-face interview away from the children
Two trial days, a minimum of 4 hours per day, conducted in the same week
Completed contract of employment, a draft of which can be provided by SENNIES Ltd
Completed online offer letter provided by SENNIES Ltd
A minimum of two professional references for the chosen candidate.

Indemnification

The Client or Sennie(s) agrees to indemnify and hold SENNIES harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including legal fees) arising from or in connection with any breach of these terms and conditions, any negligent act or omission, or any wilful misconduct.

Mental Health and Data Protection Acknowledgement
As a user of SENNIES' introductory agency services, the Client acknowledges that SENNIES takes its legal obligations seriously and prioritises the welfare of both its clients and Sennies. The Client understands that while SENNIES takes measures to screen and vet all Sennies, they cannot predict or prevent mental health or physical issues that may arise during employment. Thus, I acknowledge that SENNIES is not liable for any mental health-related or physical health-related issues that may arise during a Sennie's employment. If a Sennie leaves their role due to mental health reasons, I agree to act responsibly as an employer.

Furthermore, the Client acknowledges that SENNIES is bound by UK data protection law and is not permitted to collect or process sensitive personal data, such as health and mental health information, without a Sennie's explicit consent. SENNIES is only permitted to request information on medical conditions that could potentially affect the Sennies' ability to work with vulnerable children. The Client understands that any information or content provided on SENNIES' website and platforms is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and any disputes arising in connection with these terms and conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Variation
SENNIES reserves the right to revise or amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. The most recent version of the terms and conditions will be available on SENNIES website, and the Client or Sennie(s) is responsible for reviewing the terms and conditions on a regular basis.

Entire Agreement
These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Client or Sennie(s) and SENNIES, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of these terms and conditions.

GDPR Compliance
SENNIES is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and will handle your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Code of Conduct and Parent/Client Partnership

All ‘Sennies’ must read, agree to, and sign our ‘SENNIES Code of Conduct’. By registering with SENNIES, you agree not to breach our Terms & Conditions, including engaging in any direct competition with SENNIES. This includes opening any business similar to or related to SENNIES, such as a ‘Childcare agency’ or any service providing childcarers while you are a member of the SENNIES team and for up to twelve months in the event of your leaving SENNIES.

When a ‘Client’ has registered online and paid our registration fee, they are entering into a contract with SENNIES and are considered to have accepted these SENNIES LTD Terms and Conditions, Fees, and the jurisdiction of English Law.

SENNIES is a part of Sennies LTD, Company Number 12200922

VAT registration number: 391246589 - All charges do not include VAT, which will be applied separately.

These terms were last updated on 17th July 2023 to include the new part-time SENNIES service. The permanent search Term and conditions were last updated in March 2023