Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 29 January 2026

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using the services provided by Abby Parkes ADHD Coaching & Support ("we", "us", "our").

1. Services

We provide ADHD coaching services to adults and young people on a one-to-one basis. Our services include:

  • Individual coaching sessions (typically 50 minutes)
  • Email support between sessions as agreed
  • Goal-setting and accountability frameworks
  • Personalised strategies for ADHD management

Our services are not:

  • Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
  • Psychotherapy or counselling
  • A substitute for professional medical care
  • Emergency mental health support

If you require medical or psychiatric intervention, we will recommend you consult appropriate healthcare professionals.

2. Eligibility and parental consent

Adults (18+): You may engage our services directly.

Young people (under 18): You may access coaching services with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The consenting adult is responsible for:

  • Approving the coaching agreement and these terms
  • Payment of fees
  • Being available for periodic check-ins regarding progress
  • Being contactable in case of safeguarding concerns
  • Attending or being available during sessions for children under 13 (at coach's discretion based on maturity and safeguarding)

The consenting parent/guardian must provide proof of parental responsibility if requested. We reserve the right to verify identity and consent.

For children under 13: We may require a parent/carer to be present during sessions or immediately available (in the same building). This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the child's age, maturity, and comfort level.

3. Confidentiality for young people

For clients aged 16-17: Coaching sessions remain confidential between coach and client, except where outlined below.

For clients under 16: We maintain age-appropriate confidentiality. The young person's privacy is respected, but parents/carers will receive regular updates on:

  • Session attendance
  • General progress toward goals
  • Strategies being explored
  • Any concerns about engagement or wellbeing

Specific session content remains private unless:

  • The young person consents to sharing
  • We are legally required to disclose (safeguarding concerns, court orders)
  • There is risk of harm to the young person or others
  • Parents/carers need information to support strategy implementation at home

For all young people under 18, confidentiality is breached where:

  • We are legally required to disclose (safeguarding concerns, court orders)
  • There is risk of serious harm to the young person or others
  • The young person explicitly consents to information sharing

We will discuss confidentiality boundaries with both young person and parent/guardian at the start of coaching to ensure everyone understands what will and won't be shared.

4. Client responsibilities

By engaging our services, you agree to:

  • Attend scheduled sessions or provide 24 hours' notice for cancellations
  • Engage actively and honestly in the coaching process
  • Inform us of any medical conditions, medications, or SEND diagnoses that may affect coaching
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding other clients (if in group settings)
  • Take responsibility for implementing strategies discussed (with parental support for under 18s)

For young people under 18: Your parent/guardian agrees to:

  • Support your coaching by providing a suitable, private environment for sessions
  • Encourage attendance and engagement
  • Implement agreed strategies at home where appropriate
  • Communicate any changes in circumstances, medication, or wellbeing

5. Fees and payment

Session fees: Fees are confirmed at the time of booking and are payable in advance or as agreed.

Payment methods: Bank transfer or other methods as agreed.

Late cancellations: Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at 50% of the session fee. Non-attendance without notice incurs the full session fee.

Refunds: Unused sessions in pre-paid packages may be refunded within 30 days of purchase, less any sessions already delivered. No refunds after this period or once more than 3 sessions have been completed.

For young people under 18: The consenting parent/guardian is responsible for all payments and agrees to these payment terms.

6. Scheduling and cancellations

Sessions are scheduled by mutual agreement. You may cancel or reschedule with 24 hours' notice via email or phone. We reserve the right to cancel sessions with reasonable notice due to illness or unforeseen circumstances; alternative dates will be offered without charge.

For young people under 18: Either the young person or their parent/guardian may cancel or reschedule sessions.

7. Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all clients, particularly those under 18. We follow statutory safeguarding guidance and will report concerns about abuse, neglect, or risk of serious harm to appropriate authorities (local safeguarding teams, MASH, police, social services) regardless of confidentiality agreements.

Safeguarding concerns include but are not limited to:

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation
  • Exploitation or radicalisation
  • Peer-on-peer abuse or bullying posing serious risk
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Forced marriage

If we identify safeguarding concerns, we will normally discuss these with you (and your parent/guardian if under 18) before making a referral, unless doing so would increase risk of harm.

We hold current Enhanced DBS clearance.

8. Professional boundaries

Coaching takes place during scheduled sessions only. Email support between sessions should be limited to brief queries or scheduling matters. We do not provide emergency support; if you experience a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111, Samaritans (116 123), Childline (0800 1111 for under 18s), or emergency services.

We maintain professional boundaries and cannot engage in dual relationships (friendship, business partnerships, etc.) during or after the coaching relationship.

For young people under 18:

  • All contact must be appropriate and professional
  • Parents/guardians will be copied on scheduling and administrative emails
  • Direct messaging with young people will be kept to coaching-relevant content only
  • Sessions will be conducted in appropriate settings (video calls visible to parents if at home, or in professional premises)

9. Outcomes and limitations

Coaching effectiveness depends on active participation and commitment from both the young person and (for under 18s) parental support at home. We cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Progress varies by individual and depends on factors outside our control.

If after 3-4 sessions coaching is not proving beneficial, we'll discuss whether to continue or explore alternative support options.

10. Termination

Either party may end the coaching relationship at any time:

You may terminate by: Providing written notice via email. Unused sessions in pre-paid packages will be refunded pro-rata if within the refund period (Section 5).

For young people under 18: Either the young person or their parent/guardian may terminate the coaching relationship.

We may terminate if:

  • You breach these terms
  • There is abusive behaviour toward the coach
  • Fees remain unpaid
  • We determine coaching is not appropriate for the young person's needs
  • Safeguarding concerns mean coaching cannot continue safely
  • The young person consistently does not engage with the process

We'll provide written notice and, where appropriate, referrals to alternative services.

11. Liability

To the fullest extent permitted under UK law:

  • We are not liable for indirect consequences of implementing coaching strategies
  • Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for services in the 12 months prior to any claim
  • Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death/personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or other liabilities that cannot be excluded under UK law

Coaching complements but does not replace medical, psychiatric, or educational support. Parents/guardians remain responsible for decisions regarding their child's care, education, and wellbeing.

For young people under 18: The consenting parent/guardian acknowledges these limitations on behalf of their child.

12. Data protection

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. We collect only information necessary to deliver coaching services and maintain records for professional purposes. Data is stored securely and never shared without consent except as required by law.

For young people under 18: We process data about both the young person and their parent/guardian. This includes:

  • Contact details
  • Session notes and progress records
  • Information about ADHD diagnosis, medication, and related needs
  • Safeguarding records where applicable

Data rights for young people:

  • Under 13: Parents/guardians exercise data rights on the child's behalf
  • 13-15: Young people can exercise their own data rights, though parents retain access rights where relevant to safeguarding or their parental responsibility
  • 16-17: Young people exercise their own data rights independently

You have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of data. Contact us to exercise these rights.

Data retention: Records are kept for 7 years after the coaching relationship ends, in line with professional standards and safeguarding requirements.

13. Complaints

If you're dissatisfied with our services, please contact us directly at abbyparkes@gmail.com. We'll respond within 7 working days and aim to resolve matters within 28 days.

For young people under 18: Either the young person or their parent/guardian may raise complaints.

For safeguarding complaints: Contact your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) via your local authority website.

14. Changes to terms

We may update these terms occasionally. Changes take effect when posted on our website or emailed to active clients. Continued use of services after changes constitutes acceptance.

For clients under 18, parents/guardians will be notified of any material changes and must re-consent if changes affect safeguarding or confidentiality provisions.

15. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

16. Electronic communications

By using our services, you consent to receive communications electronically (email, text). Electronic communications satisfy any legal requirements for written communication.

For young people under 18: Both the young person and parent/guardian consent to electronic communications. Parents/guardians will be primary contacts for administrative matters.

17. Entire agreement

These terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any session agreements, constitute the entire agreement between us. Any previous discussions or agreements are superseded by these terms.

18. Contact us

For questions about these terms or our services:

Abby Parkes ADHD Coaching & Support

Email: abbyparkes@gmail.com

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

For clients under 18: The parent/legal guardian must sign a separate consent form acknowledging these terms before coaching begins. This consent form will also document:

  • The young person's agreement to participate (where age-appropriate)
  • Specific confidentiality boundaries agreed between coach, young person, and parent/guardian
  • Emergency contact details
  • Any additional needs or adjustments required