Terms & Conditions of Service
Helen O'Keefe – Developmental Nurse Specialist
Effective Date: July 2026
Last Reviewed: July 2026
Responsible Person: Helen O'Keefe
This Agreement outlines the terms of support between Helen O'Keefe, Developmental Nurse Specialist (“Helen O’Keefe”, "the Service", "I", "me", or "my"), and the parent/carer named below ("you", "your"), in respect of the child/young person named below. By booking, attending, or paying for the Service, you agree to be bound by this Agreement.
1. About the Service
Helen O'Keefe provides independent developmental and neuro-affirmative support for children, young people and families. Services may include:
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Home visits
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Nursery and school observations
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Telephone or video consultations
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Practical strategies and guidance
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Pre- and post-diagnostic support
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Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)
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Written reports and recommendations
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Support around communication, routines, behaviour and play
The Service is family-centred and works in partnership with parents/carers to build confidence, understanding and practical skills to support the child within everyday life.
2. Nature of Support
The Service does not provide a medical diagnosis, emergency care, crisis intervention or psychotherapy. Support and recommendations are based on professional observations, discussions, and information shared by the family and relevant settings.
Where concerns arise that fall outside the scope of the Service, families may be advised to seek support from appropriate health, educational or specialist services. The Service does not replace NHS or emergency services.
3. Parent / Carer Involvement
Support is intended to be collaborative and family-focused. Parents/carers are expected to:
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Attend agreed appointments where appropriate
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Share relevant information openly and honestly
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Participate in discussions and strategies
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Take responsibility for implementing agreed strategies within daily routines, where appropriate
The aim is to empower families with practical skills and confidence to support their child.
4. Fees & Payment Terms
Standard Appointments / Assessments
A £50 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure appointments and services. The remaining balance must be paid:
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on or before the date of appointment/service, or
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before reports or documents are released
Packages / Ongoing Support
For larger packages of support, a payment plan may be agreed in writing between both parties. Details of any agreed payment arrangements will be recorded separately and form part of this Agreement.
5. Cancellation, Termination & Payment Responsibility
Cancellation by Parent / Carer
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule appointments.
Where sufficient notice is given, deposits may be transferred to a new appointment.
Missed appointments, or cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, may result in the deposit being retained.
Where a parent/carer chooses to end support after services have commenced:
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The initial £50 deposit remains non-refundable.
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Payment remains due for any work already completed, including appointments, observations, preparation time, reports, or agreed package support.
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Any remaining balance for completed work, booked sessions, or agreed package support remains payable.
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For agreed packages or payment plans, the remaining balance must be paid within 14 days of cancellation, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Cancellation of services does not remove responsibility for payment for work already carried out or agreed.
Non-Attendance
Missed appointments without sufficient notice may result in:
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loss of deposit
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cancellation of future appointments
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continuation of payment obligations under agreed packages or payment plans
Cancellation by Helen O'Keefe
I reserve the right to cancel or terminate services where:
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the support required falls outside the scope of the Service
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there is a breakdown in the professional relationship
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communication becomes inappropriate or unsafe
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safeguarding concerns arise
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unforeseen personal or professional circumstances occur
Where services are cancelled by Helen O'Keefe:
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families will not be charged for any future or uncompleted support
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any payments made towards uncompleted sessions or services may be refunded, on a pro-rata basis, at my discretion
6. Reports & Documents
Written reports, observations and recommendations are intended to support families and may be shared with relevant professionals or educational settings at the parent/carer's discretion.
Reports remain the intellectual property of Helen O'Keefe and must not be altered or reproduced without permission.
7. Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information shared will be treated confidentially and stored securely, in line with professional responsibilities and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality may be breached where:
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there are safeguarding concerns
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there is a risk of harm to the child or others
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disclosure is required by law or professional obligation
Where possible, this would be discussed with the family first.
8. Safeguarding
I am committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Where there are concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, there is a legal and professional obligation to report these concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authorities.
9. Communication
Communication outside of appointments may include email, telephone, or messaging for appointment-related matters and brief follow-up support. Extended support outside agreed sessions may incur additional charges.
10. Limitation of Liability
I will exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence in providing the Service. However, liability is not accepted for any adverse outcomes, or delays in progress, that may arise from the support provided, except where such loss or damage results from negligence or breach of duty.
11. Amendments to This Agreement
This Agreement may be amended from time to time. Where changes are made, families will be notified in writing, and continued use of the Service will be deemed acceptance of the updated terms.
12. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
13. Consent
By signing the Terms and Conditions of Service and Service Agreement contracts, you confirm that:
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you understand the nature of the Service being provided
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you agree to the payment terms outlined above
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you consent to support being provided for your child/young person
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you understand that the Service does not replace NHS or emergency services
14. Contact Details
For questions regarding this Agreement, please contact:
Helen O'Keefe - Developmental Nurse Specialist