FINANCE and FLEXIBLE Payments Available

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Terms and Conditions & Privacy Notice

  /  Terms and Conditions & Privacy Notice

FOUR PAWS GROOM SCHOOL – Effective from May 2026 

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION 

1.1 Definitions 

In these Terms and Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires: 

  • “Agreement” means the legally binding agreement between Four Paws Groom School and the Student created upon acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. 
  • “Awarding Organisation” means any awarding body, including but not limited to iPET Network. 
  • “Cancellation Period” means the statutory 14-calendar-day cooling-off period described in Clause 15. 
  • “Course” means any training course, qualification, workshop, assessment, or related service provided by Four Paws Groom School. 
  • “Four Paws Groom School” means collectively: 
  • Four Paws Groom School Ltd; and 
  • Four Paws Groom School Herefordshire Ltd. 
  • “Student”, “you”, or “your” means the individual purchasing, enrolling on, or attending a Course. 
  • “Tutor” means any employee, contractor, assessor, or representative delivering training on behalf of Four Paws Groom School. 
  • “We”, “us”, or “our” means Four Paws Groom School. 

1.2 Company Details 

Four Paws Groom School Ltd 

59 Clifton Drive 
Leftwich 
Northwich 
Cheshire 
CW9 8BQ 

Registered Company Number: 08970517 
VAT Registration Number: 282178585 

Four Paws Groom School Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fizz Star Group Limited. The group incorporates a range of animal care and education-based businesses, including: 

  • iPET Network 
  • Four Paws Groom School 
  • The Dog Grooming Hub 
  • Pet Training Courses 

Although each business is individually operated, the group shares Shareholders, Company Directors, and company values. 

Four Paws Groom School Herefordshire Ltd 

7 The Southend 
Ledbury 
Herefordshire 
HR8 2EY 

Registered Company Number: 13422900 
VAT Registration Number: 433776476 

Four Paws Groom School Herefordshire Ltd operates independently from Fizz Star Group Limited due to differing shareholders and directors but works closely with associated businesses. 

1.3 Allocation of Bookings 

When making a booking through the Four Paws Groom School website, your booking will be allocated to the business where the physical or theory training takes place. 

Online and remote courses may be allocated according to Tutor expertise and delivery requirements. By booking a Course, you consent to: 

  • either Four Paws Groom School entity delivering the Course; 
  • the sharing of your details between relevant businesses for administration and delivery purposes. 

1.4 Acceptance of Terms 

Your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions creates a legally binding agreement between you and Four Paws Groom School for the provision of Courses and related services. 

2. COMMUNICATIONS 

2.1 Electronic Communications 

You agree that we may deliver documents and communications electronically. 

You warrant that all contact details, including email and postal addresses supplied by you, are accurate and up to date. 

2.2 Contact Details 

Email 

info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk 

Telephone 

01606 333765 

Office Hours 

Monday to Friday 
9:00am – 5:00pm 
Excluding bank holidays and advertised closure periods. 

2.3 Changes to Contact Details 

You must notify us promptly if your email address, telephone number, or postal address changes. 

2.4 Service of Documents 

A document transmitted: 

  1. by post shall be deemed delivered on the third day following posting; and 
     
  2. by successful email shall be deemed delivered on the working day immediately following transmission. 

We cannot guarantee receipt of emails sent to us. 

3. PAYMENTS 

3.1 Deposits 

All deposits are non-refundable. 

A deposit is required before: 

  • course registration; 
  • enrolment processing; and 
  • reservation of training dates. 

3.2 Full Course Payments 

Where payment is made in full, a non-refundable amount of £500 plus VAT shall automatically be allocated as a deposit. 

For Courses costing less than £500 plus VAT, the full course fee shall be non-refundable. 

Refund rights are subject to Clause 15. 

3.3 Final Balance 

The remaining balance for in-person Courses must be paid no later than three (3) weeks before the Course start date. 

Payments must be made by bank transfer using the Student’s name as the payment reference. 

3.4 Payment Plans 

Payment plans are offered at our discretion and agreed individually. 

All instalments must be paid through the Go Cardless system. 

Until all sums due are paid in full: 

  • certification may be withheld; 
  • access to online learning systems may be suspended; and 
  • Course services may be paused or terminated. 

Failure to maintain agreed instalment payments may result in immediate suspension of services. 

4. FINANCE OPTIONS THROUGH IDEAL4FINANCE 

4.1 Finance Provider 

FOUR PAWS GROOM SCHOOL LIMITED is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd trading as Ideal4Finance. 

  • FCA Number: 1038567 
  • Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd FRN: 703401 

Ideal4Finance is a credit broker and not a lender. 

FOUR PAWS GROOM SCHOOL LIMITED is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd, t/a Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender (FRN 703401). Finance available subject to status. The rate offered is always provisional and will depend upon your personal circumstances, the loan amount and the term.

Finance is subject to status and approval. 

4.2 Finance Process 

Students applying for finance may be required to: 

  • provide personal and financial information; 
  • complete identity verification; 
  • participate in open banking checks; and/or 
  • provide supporting documents. 

Applications may be: 

  • approved; 
  • declined; or 
  • referred for further underwriting review. 

4.3 Course Commencement 

Once finance has been approved and accepted: 

  • Four Paws Groom School may begin arranging Course dates; 
  • Course dates will normally be booked after fourteen (14) days from funding being approved; 
  • Registration with iPET Network or another awarding body may occur. 

Once registration and commencement procedures have begun, the Course shall become non-refundable. 

Students must complete and return all required finance documentation e.g. Completion Note & Authority to Pay – Training with 24 hours of registration or forfeits cancellation of the course, agreed dates and registration. 

5. HEALTH AND SAFETY 

5.1 Student Responsibilities 

Students attending in-person training will receive a health and safety induction. 

Students must: 

  • follow all verbal and written instructions; 
  • comply with all health and safety policies; 
  • disclose any disability, medical condition, or relevant requirement before attending training. 

Failure to disclose relevant information may limit or exclude our liability where legally permissible. 

5.2 Breach of Health and Safety Requirements 

Failure to follow health and safety procedures may result in: 

  • suspension from training; and/or 
  • termination of the Agreement. 

5.3 Smoke-Free Policy 

All Four Paws Groom School locations are smoke-free and vape-free environments. 

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on site. 

5.4 CCTV 

Some locations operate CCTV systems for crime prevention and internal operational purposes. 

CCTV footage: 

  • shall remain confidential; 
  • shall not be distributed; and 
  • shall only be disclosed where legally required. 

6. EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY 

6.1 Responsibility for Equipment 

Students must report any damage or malfunction of equipment immediately. 

Where damage is caused through misuse, negligence, or failure to report damage, Students shall be liable for repair or replacement costs. 

6.2 Personal Property 

Students remain responsible for their personal belongings at all times. 

Four Paws Groom School accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal possessions unless caused by our negligence. 

7. COURSE COMPLETION 

7.1 Learning Requirements 

Students must complete all required: 

  • learning hours; 
  • assessments; 
  • coursework; 
  • practical elements; and 
  • attendance requirements. 

7.2 Assessment Standards 

Students must demonstrate sufficient competence to meet: 

  • qualification standards; 
  • health and safety requirements; 
  • animal welfare standards; and 
  • assessment criteria. 

Where Students fail to meet required standards, additional training days may be required at additional cost. 

7.3 Learning Resources 

Learning resources may be supplied electronically, online, or in printed form. 

Students are responsible for completing all required work. 

8. CERTIFICATION PROCESS 

8.1 Qualification Certification 

iPET Network qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and subject to quality assurance procedures. 

Certification may take approximately three (3) to five (5) months following completion. 

8.2 Certification Stages 

Certification may include: 

  1. Completion of assessments by the Student; 
  2. Marking and feedback by the Tutor; 
  3. Resubmissions where required; 
  4. Internal Quality Assurance; 
  5. External Quality Assurance; 
  6. Issuing of certificates. 

8.3 Electronic Certificates 

Certificates are typically issued electronically. 

Physical copies may be available directly from the Awarding Organisation. 

8.4 Reassessment and Resubmissions 

Students failing to meet assessment standards may be required to: 

  • re-sit examinations; 
  • re-submit assessments; and/or 
  • undertake additional training. 

Additional fees may apply. 

8.5 Artificial Intelligence and Plagiarism 

Use of artificial intelligence tools to complete assessments or assignments shall be treated as plagiarism unless expressly permitted. 

We reserve the right to: 

  • investigate submissions; 
  • reject work suspected of plagiarism; and 
  • apply disciplinary measures. 

9. SOCIAL MEDIA 

9.1 Promotional Content 

We may publish photographs, videos, or progress updates relating to Students on social media platforms. 

Students wishing to opt out must notify their Tutor before training commences. 

9.2 Professional Boundaries 

Students must not expect or request Tutors or staff members to connect through private personal social media accounts. 

10. COURSE TRANSFERS AND ATTENDANCE 

10.1 Transfers Before Course Start 

Course dates may be transferred with prior written agreement where: 

  • at least eight (8) weeks’ notice is provided; and 
  • the transfer occurs within six (6) months of the original start date. 

10.2 Changes After Course Commencement 

Training dates cannot normally be changed once training has commenced unless: 

  • at least eight (8) weeks’ notice is provided; and 
  • the request is approved in writing. 

Additional charges may apply. 

10.3 Missed Training Days 

Students remain responsible for completing all required learning hours. 

Missed or incomplete days may need to be rebooked at the discounted training rate of £145.00 per day. 

10.4 Expiry of Unused Training Days 

Unused training days shall expire six (6) months after the original Course period unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

11. CANCELLATION RIGHTS 

11.1 Statutory Cancellation Rights 

For Courses purchased online or by telephone, Students have the legal right to cancel within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of acceptance and enrolment. 

This period is referred to as the “Cancellation Period”. 

11.2 Cancellation Procedure 

All cancellation requests must: 

  • be submitted in writing by email; and 
  • clearly identify the Course and Student. 

11.3 Refund Timing 

Approved refunds shall normally be processed: 

  • within fourteen (14) days of acceptance of the cancellation request; and 
  • using the original payment method where reasonably possible. 

11.4 Cancellation Outside the Cancellation Period 

After expiry of the Cancellation Period: 

  • no automatic refund rights apply; and 
  • refunds remain entirely at our discretion. 

11.5 Failure to attend after Cancellation Period 

  • no refund rights  

Failure to provide requested refund processing information within thirty (30) days may result in account reactivation. 

13. TERMINATION BY FOUR PAWS GROOM SCHOOL 

13.1 Grounds for Termination 

We reserve the right to terminate this Agreement immediately where a Student: 

  • breaches these Terms and Conditions; 
  • breaches health and safety requirements; 
  • behaves abusively, aggressively, or inappropriately; 
  • fails to comply with qualification delivery requirements; or 
  • engages in misconduct. 

13.2 Refunds Following Termination 

Any refund following termination shall be entirely at the discretion of the Directors. 

Any refund may be reduced by: 

  • non-refundable deposits; 
  • administration fees; 
  • Awarding Organisation registration costs; and 
  • training costs already incurred. 

14. FEEDBACK, REVIEWS, AND EQUALITY 

14.1 Feedback 

Students are encouraged to provide feedback throughout their Course. 

14.2 Reviews 

Students may leave reviews through social media or review platforms. 

Where dissatisfaction exists, Students are encouraged to contact us directly first to allow an opportunity for resolution. 

14.3 Equality and Diversity 

Four Paws Groom School operates an Equality and Diversity Policy. 

We shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of: 

  • age; 
  • disability; 
  • gender reassignment; 
  • marriage or civil partnership; 
  • pregnancy or maternity; 
  • race; 
  • religion or belief; 
  • sex; or 
  • sexual orientation. 

15. ACCOMMODATION 

Accommodation information may be available upon request. 

Certain locations may offer self-catering accommodation subject to availability and additional fees. 

Accommodation arrangements remain subject to separate terms where applicable. 

16. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 

16.1 Informal Complaints 

Students are encouraged to raise concerns informally with the relevant staff member in the first instance. 

16.2 Formal Complaints 

Where informal resolution is unsuccessful, complaints must: 

  • be submitted in writing; 
  • clearly explain the nature of the complaint; and 
  • normally be submitted within seven (7) days of the relevant event. 

Formal complaints should be sent to: 

info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk 

16.3 Complaint Handling 

Complaints shall be investigated fairly and confidentially where appropriate. 

We aim to: 

  • encourage early resolution; 
  • investigate fairly; 
  • maintain professionalism; and 
  • improve services where appropriate. 

16.4 Confidentiality 

Certain complaints may require disclosure of relevant information to staff, investigators, or external bodies. 

Where identity disclosure becomes necessary, the complainant may be informed. 

16.5 Anonymous Complaints 

Anonymous or third-party complaints shall not normally be accepted. 

17. DATA PROTECTION AND GDPR 

17.1 Data Controller 

Four Paws Groom School Ltd acts as Data Controller for personal data processed in connection with Courses and services. 

17.2 Processing of Personal Data 

We may collect and process personal data including: 

  • contact details; 
  • assessment records; 
  • learning evidence; 
  • complaints information; 
  • safeguarding information; and 
  • equality and diversity data. 

17.3 Lawful Bases 

We process personal data under lawful bases including: 

  • contractual necessity; 
  • legal obligations; 
  • legitimate interests; 
  • consent; and 
  • vital interests. 

17.4 Data Sharing 

Data may be shared where necessary with: 

  • Awarding Organisations; 
  • regulators; 
  • government authorities; 
  • safeguarding bodies; 
  • IT service providers;
  • quality assurance personnel; and
  • Third Party sales platforms for marketing purposes.

17.5 Retention Periods 

Personal data shall be retained in accordance with: 

  • legal obligations; 
  • awarding body requirements; 
  • safeguarding regulations; and 
  • operational needs. 

17.6 Student Rights 

Students may exercise rights including: 

  • access; 
  • rectification; 
  • erasure; 
  • restriction; 
  • portability; and 
  • objection. 

Requests should be sent to: 

info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk 

17.7 ICO Complaints 

Four Paws Groom School Ltd is registered with the ICO for compliance. Students may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). 

18. DIGITAL CONSENT 

By enrolling on a Course, Students consent to: 

  • photography; 
  • video recording; and 
  • storage of assessment evidence. 

Evidence may be retained for a minimum of three (3) years. 

19. GROOMING COURSE TERMS 

19.1 Equipment Requirements 

Students may be required to purchase or rent grooming equipment. 

For Courses lasting fifteen (15) days or longer, purchase of the Student Equipment Starter Kit is compulsory. 

Rental equipment may be available at £10 plus VAT per day. 

Students remain fully responsible for their equipment. 

19.2 Clothing 

Students should wear: 

  • comfortable clothing; 
  • suitable footwear; and 
  • clothing suitable for animal grooming environments. 

19.3 Training Hours 

Typical training hours are: 

9:15am to 4:30pm daily. 

Students are entitled to a thirty (30) minute lunch break. 

19.4 Photography Restrictions 

Students may take photographs of their own work for portfolio purposes only. 

Students must not: 

  • photograph other students’ work; 
  • photograph the wider site; or 
  • publish portfolio images publicly without permission. 

19.5 Animal Models 

Animal models are scheduled in advance. 

Where a scheduled model becomes unavailable, Students may be required to: 

  • share models; or 
  • adjust practical activities. 

19.6 Student-Owned Animals 

Students wishing to use their own dog or cat as a model must obtain prior approval. 

Animals not actively being groomed cannot be housed on site. 

20. CUSTOMER GROOMING TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

20.1 General Conditions 

Customers using grooming services agree to comply with all customer grooming terms. 

20.2 Appointments 

Appointments are subject to availability. 

Arrival more than fifteen (15) minutes late may result in cancellation. 

20.3 Pricing 

Prices are based on: 

  • coat condition; 
  • temperament; 
  • behaviour; and 
  • estimated grooming time. 

Additional charges may apply. 

20.4 Matting 

Where coats are severely matted: 

  • grooming styles may be altered; 
  • clipping may be required; and 
  • additional fees may apply. 

All matting procedures shall comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 

20.5 Aggressive Behaviour 

We reserve the right to refuse grooming services to any animal displaying aggressive or unsafe behaviour. 

20.6 Veterinary Treatment 

Where urgent veterinary treatment becomes necessary, owners shall remain responsible for all related costs. 

20.7 Collection and Holding Fees 

Late collection may incur additional holding charges. 

Animals not collected by close of business may be treated as abandoned where contact cannot be established. 

20.8 Parasites 

Where fleas, ticks, or parasites are discovered: 

  • appropriate treatment shampoos may be used; and 
  • a £10 surcharge may apply. 

20.9 Grooming Corrections 

Free grooming corrections are available within twenty-four (24) hours of the appointment. 

20.10 Force Majeure 

We shall not be liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control. 

20.11 Limitation of Liability 

We maintain appropriate insurance; however: 

  • liability for injury or death shall only arise where negligence is proven; 
  • liability shall be limited to the animal’s purchase value up to a maximum of £2,000. 

20.12 Abuse Toward Staff 

Bullying, harassment, threatening behaviour, or abuse toward staff shall not be tolerated. 

Customers may be refused service and reported to appropriate authorities. 

21. STUDENT GROOMING SERVICES 

21.1 Student Groomers 

Student or apprentice groomers may carry out grooming under supervision. 

21.2 Discounted Pricing 

Discounted pricing may apply for grooming completed by Students. 

21.3 Consent 

Animals shall only be groomed by Students with owner consent. 

21.4 Welfare Priority 

Animal welfare shall remain the highest priority at all times. 

21.5 Training Timeframes 

Student grooming appointments may require extended durations. 

22. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION POLICY 

We aim to resolve complaints promptly and professionally. 

Written complaints should normally be submitted within seven (7) days. 

A Manager shall review complaints and respond as soon as reasonably practicable. 

23. MATTED DOG/CAT DISCLAIMER 

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, prolonged de-matting causing unnecessary suffering shall not be undertaken. 

Where severe matting exists: 

  • coats may need to be clipped short; 
  • skin irritation may become visible following clipping; and 
  • owners acknowledge associated risks. 

Additional charges may apply for severely matted coats. 

Owners remain responsible for veterinary treatment required following grooming unless negligence is proven. 

24. GENERAL LEGAL PROVISIONS 

24.1 Entire Agreement 

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the parties. 

24.2 Severability 

If any provision is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 

24.3 Waiver 

Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of rights. 

24.4 Third Party Rights 

No third party shall acquire rights under this Agreement except where expressly stated. 

24.5 Governing Law 

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. 

24.6 Jurisdiction 

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising under these Terms and Conditions. 

25. ACCEPTANCE 

By booking, enrolling on, attending, or participating in any Course or service provided by Four Paws Groom School, you confirm that: 

  • you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions; 
  • you agree to be legally bound by them; and 
  • you consent to the policies and procedures contained within them. 

PRIVACY NOTICE

1. Who We Are

Four Paws Groom School is a training and education provider.  We are the Data Controller for the personal data we collect and process.

Located in three premises 59 Clifton Drive, Leftwich, Northwich, CW9 8BQ & 17-19 Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 1PH and 7 The Southend, Ledbury, HR8 2EY.

Tel: 01630 317617

Text: 07597 794098

Email: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk

2. What This Privacy Notice Covers

This Notice describes how we collect, use, store and share personal data relating to:

  • people using our website
  • individuals completing online or paper forms
  • prospective and current learners
  • individuals who contact us by phone, email or social media
  • individuals whose data we process during complaints, investigations, regulatory enquiries or awarding organisation monitoring activities

This Notice applies to personal data we collect:

  • directly from you
  • automatically through our website
  • through our training and assessment activities
  • as part of a complaint, investigation, regulatory requirement or awarding organisation monitoring activity

It explains the lawful bases we rely on and your rights under UK GDPR.

3. The Personal Data We Collect

Information you provide directly. Examples include:

  • name, address, contact details
  • date of birth
  • enrolment or application information
  • identification documents
  • assessment submissions and course-related material
  • reasonable adjustment requests, special condition requests, appeals and supplementary documentation supporting these processes
  • emails, messages, phone calls or complaint correspondence
  • information entered into paper and website forms

Information we’ll create or record as part of our work. We maintain internal records such as:

  • learner files
  • assessment records
  • internal quality assurance (IQA) reports
  • tutor/assessor observations
  • communications or case notes
  • investigation or complaint documents

Information collected automatically via our website

  • IP address
  • device/browser settings
  • pages viewed and time spent
  • cookies and analytics

Information received indirectly (occasionally): We may receive personal data incidentally where it relates to our training, safeguarding, or complaints management functions. For example:

  • a complainant may name another learner or staff member
  • an employer may provide information relating to a learner
  • an individual may raise a safeguarding concern

This information is processed only where relevant, necessary and proportionate.

Important clarification:

We do not routinely obtain learner personal data from awarding organisations, regulators, or external bodies. However, we may be required to share personal data with those bodies (see Section 6).

In some cases, we collect or process special category data, for example:

  • information about health or disability where required for reasonable adjustments or safeguarding
  • information relating to safeguarding concerns
  • equality and diversity information (if collected voluntarily)

We process this information only where necessary and rely on the appropriate UK GDPR Article 9 conditions, such as:

  • substantial public interest (e.g., safeguarding and preventing harm)
  • vital interests (protecting someone’s life)
  • obligations in employment, social protection or education law
  • explicit consent (where applicable)

This information is always handled sensitively and stored securely.

4. Why We Collect Personal Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • responding to enquiries
  • course applications and learner registration
  • delivering training, assessment and certification
  • providing learner support and reasonable adjustments
  • maintaining quality assurance and internal verification
  • managing our website and improving user experience
  • handling complaints, appeals or investigations
  • ensuring regulatory compliance
  • maintaining records for audit and legal obligations

5. Lawful Bases for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR:

  • Contract – to provide education, training and assessment services
  • Legal Obligation – regulatory, safeguarding, funding and audit requirements
  • Legitimate Interests – centre administration, communication, quality assurance
  • Consent – only for certain marketing or optional activities
  • Vital Interests – where needed to protect someone’s life or wellbeing

Where we rely on legitimate interests, these include:

  • ensuring the effective delivery and quality of our training and assessment
  • maintaining accurate learner and assessment records
  • monitoring and improving our services and website
  • managing centre administration and internal operations
  • preventing and investigating malpractice or misuse of our services
  • communicating with learners, employers and stakeholders in a proportionate manner

We only rely on legitimate interests where these are not overridden by your rights or freedoms.

We do not rely on consent where another lawful basis is more appropriate.

We do not carry out automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects for individuals. All assessment decisions involve human judgement.

6. Who We Share Personal Data With

We only share personal data where necessary and lawful.

Awarding Organisations (AOs):

We share personal data with AOs for:

  • learner registration
  • assessment, moderation and certification
  • external quality assurance
  • investigations (including malpractice or maladministration)
  • complaints and appeals
  • regulatory compliance

AOs act as independent Data Controllers.

Regulators and Statutory Bodies:

Where required, we may share data with bodies such as:

  • Ofqual
  • Qualifications Wales
  • CCEA
  • ESFA
  • Ofsted
  • safeguarding partners
  • the police or other authorities

Employers or Referring Organisations (where applicable). For example, when training forms part of employment or an apprenticeship.

Complaints, Appeals and Investigations:

If a complaint or investigation arises, we may need to share relevant:

  • learner records
  • assessment evidence
  • internal notes and IQA records
  • correspondence
  • investigation documents

This may include information not originally supplied by the individual themselves if it forms part of the official record.

Data Processors (service providers):

We use trusted third-party suppliers to support our operations, including:

  • secure cloud storage
  • email and IT systems
  • learning or assessment platforms

These organisations act only on our instructions and must keep your data secure.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

How Long We Keep Your Data:

We keep personal data only for as long as necessary to meet our awarding‑organisation obligations, legal requirements, and legitimate business needs. Retention periods are determined by:

  • UK legislation
  • awarding organisation (AO) rules
  • Ofqual and regulatory requirements
  • safeguarding legislation
  • HMRC and financial regulations
  • operational needs for audit, quality assurance, and complaint resolution

We do not retain personal data for longer than necessary and follow the minimum retention periods set out in our Record Keeping and Retention Policy.

Typical Minimum Retention Periods:

  • Learner registration details: 3 years after certification or withdrawal
  • Assessment evidence and decisions: 3 years after certification
  • Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) records: 3 years after certification
  • Appeals records: 3 years after resolution
  • Complaint records: 3 years after resolution (unless part of malpractice)
  • Malpractice investigations: 6 years after closure
  • Reasonable adjustment and special consideration records: 3 years after certification
  • Certification records: 3 years after issue
  • Assessor and IQA competence records: 3 years after last activity
  • Conflict of interest declarations: 3 years

Safeguarding Records:

Safeguarding records may be kept until the learner reaches age 25 if they were under 18 at the time of the concern, unless statutory agencies require a different period.

  • Other Records
  • Financial records: 6 years (HMRC requirement)
  • Website analytics data: 12–26 months
  • General communications (e.g. emails, enquiries): 12–24 months, unless part of an ongoing case or investigation

Full retention periods, including qualification‑specific and awarding‑organisation‑specific requirements, are set out in our Record Keeping and Retention Policy.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • access your personal data
  • request correction
  • request erasure (where lawful)
  • restrict or object to processing
  • request data portability
  • withdraw consent (for consent-based processing)
  • complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise your rights, contact us at: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk

You have the right to submit a complaint to ICO: https://ico.org.uk

9. How We Protect Your Data

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures including:

  • secure and encrypted systems
  • password protection and access restriction
  • staff data protection training
  • secure transmission of data to awarding organisations
  • regular audit and monitoring

10. International Data Transfers

We aim to store personal data within the UK.

Where data is transferred outside the UK (e.g., cloud services), it is protected using:

  • adequacy regulations, or
  • standard contractual clauses (SCCs), or
  • other approved safeguards

11. Updates to This Notice

  • We may update this Notice periodically.
  • Any changes will be published on our website with a revised date.

Enhance your animal care career

Completing a course with Four Paws Groom School offers learners a distinct advantage in enhancing their animal care career by providing a comprehensive and hands-on curriculum taught by experienced professionals. With a focus on grooming techniques, animal behaviour, and industry best practices, our training courses equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the competitive field of animal care. The modern facilities and personalised guidance from experienced tutors ensure that student not only meet but exceed industry standards, positioning them for success in a fulfilling and rewarding career working with animals.

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