Notice to end lessons? Options

[tetrachord]

I was just wondering what people's policies are on giving notice to end lessons? The mother of one of my pupils sent me an email to say they don't want to continue lessons any more and asked how much notice I require. It's not something I've ever done before (largely because the usual method of pupils stopping lesson in the past has been to just stop coming, or if I'm lucky to cancel their next lesson - and I never hear from them again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) )

I know the general policy is one month's notice. I'm just wondering how I would apply it. This girl only comes every second week and this email has come half way between two lessons so I don't know if the notice would start from when I contact the mum back today or from the girl's next lesson which won't be for another week.

[andante]

I would say it starts from when she wrote to you. She has given notice.

We gave half a term's notice that daughter was giving up flute, even though teacher had never given terms and conditions, it just seemed polite. That last half term though was very awkward as there seemed little point in learning new things and in the end as she was giving up in order to start bassoon, the teacher lent us his oboe so she could try a double reed instrument!

I think the best thing you can do is to concentrate on fun things like duets, so that pupil leaves with a positive experience.

[Dugazon]

In all honesty: I think it would be odd to try and enforce a notice period you haven't made clear in advance. If you don't have a notice period, it actually means people can (and will!) stop whenever they like.

EDIT: I am not entirely clear what you mean by "I know the general policy is one month's notice." Do you mean that's what you heard about how others are doing it, or do you mean you actually have it in your T&Cs/tell this to the student when they start lessons with you? If the latter is the case, andante has answered your question: Notice starts from when you are being told, unless your T&Cs state otherwise. It sounds to me though as if you actually never tell anyone from the outset (correct me if I am wrong), and then I think you cannot really enforce it later.

Since the mother in question is nice enough to ask, I would maybe invite them to one final meeting to finish lessons on a pleasant note. If they don't want to take you up on it, I don't think you should insist on anything.

For the future, you should have a thought about what notice period you deem appropriate (and enforceable) in your case, and then state it from the outset, with all parties involved being clear about it. I personally think 4 weeks is realistic, but I only do this with people who pay monthly. Who pays ad hoc can stop ad hoc, but that's just me. Again: It's not about what notice period is right or "standard", it's about what you need, making it clear from the outset and then sticking to it.

Since you obviously have problems with people just disappearing without telling you, it's maybe time to put something in place...

[Scooby Doo]

It depends what you have in your terms and conditions, really. If you haven't previously agreed anything then there is nothing to stop either side just stopping with no notice. Keeping going with someone through a notice period can be a painful experience for all concerned - demotivated pupil, it all seems rather pointless. I tend to let them go at that point rather than prolong the agony...of course, if you need the money that's another matter. Mum is obviously expecting some sort of notice period so you could say a month or something and see what happens. Hardly seems worth the effort for a maximum of 2 more lessons, does it?

[tetrachord]

I am not entirely clear what you mean by "I know the general policy is one month's notice." Do you mean that's what you heard about how others are doing it, or do you mean you actually have it in your T&Cs/tell this to the student when they start lessons with you?

Since you obviously have problems with people just disappearing without telling you, it's maybe time to put something in place...

I do mean that it's what I've heard other teachers require. Having read people's posts I do now think it would be best after all to let her go without any notice. I do know I need to have terms and conditions to deal with this and other issues, the problem is trying to work up the courage to actually DO it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) And I know it will be so much better for me when I do manage to go ahead with it, as well...

[andante]

Now is the right time of year, so that you can give them out at the end of term, to take effect from September.
(Assuming you work term time to some extent (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )

[pitcher54]

Assuming that payments are up to date, let 'em go! There is nothing more miserable than a child being made to work out a month's notice.

One of my students recently gave me a half-term's notice (her choice, not mine). Her decision to leave was based on the need to concentrate on preparing for exams at school, and she had been with me for nearly ten years.

But that six week half-term was a little uncomfortable for both of us. She had no particular reason to practice, and was making no discernible progress. However, we did conclude with a happy half hour sight reading really simple pieces, and we parted on good terms.

My usual policy is to accept the fact that a student wishes to leave, and to allow them to leave gracefully.