FAQ: Lesson Cancellations & Substitute Teachers

Following our previous FAQ post “Shadowing & Training For New/Replacement Instructors“, we now look into how we manage lesson cancellations and substitute teachers.

It Is Unavoidable…

As mentioned in that previous post, while we experience very few changes, sometimes it is impossible to go through a term without one or two bumps along the way! Like all of us, instructors fall ill, have immovable appointments, experience important life events… This is life – we can all plan ahead as much as possible, but every now and then we need a day off! SwimWay works extremely hard to try to ensure our clients receive advance warning of any lesson cancellations or substitute teachers.

a swimway subsitute teacher teaching a young girl to swim

Substitutions

It is rare for an instructor to take time off during the term, so most substitutes occur due to illness or unchangeable appointments. Understandably, if an instructor calls in sick, advance notice is not always possible but we do try to act quickly and inform our clients via email. A fully-qualified replacement will be provided and the communication you receive will give you more information about the substitute teacher.

Cancellations

Lesson cancellations are always a last resort. We understand the importance of continuity in the classes, so if we can avoid a cancellation, we will. However, as with substitutes sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. If SwimWay has to cancel a lesson, we will do our best to provide as much notice as possible. Communications will usually come in the form or an email and a text message/phonecall for same-day cancellations. A make-up lesson will be provided if available, or a refund for that lesson will be paid.  It is important to note that instructor absences with cover provided do not qualify as a lesson cancellation.

You may also find our other FAQ post “Cancellations, Refunds, Credits & Make-Up Policies” of interest. If you still have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch!