Terms and Conditions

PARTIES

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Fees, payment and booking (Parties)

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• Customers book online to reserve their preferred date, time, theme, language of party and an estimate of potential guest numbers (we understand this changes but need to know the maximum it could be in case we need an additional presenter). A week prior to the party Spark Science will contact the customer to confirm all details including theme, add ons, location and guest number. After the confirmation call we will send out an invoice for the remaining bill which will be due within 30 days.

• If you have over 12 guests an additional presenter is needed at the party to ensure safety and quality. Please get in touch directly (phone or email) before booking to ensure this is possible.

• Upon customer request Spark Science may be able to change the date and time of the party if there is availability.

• Upon customer request Spark Science may be able to make changes to the party such as theme, number of guests, Add-Ons or the Take-Home experiments. Please give as much notice as possible so that we are better able to accommodate your request.

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Cancellation by the client (Parties)

• Party cancellations prior to 4 weeks of the party date will be offered a full refund (minus admin charge, this comes from our website provider and is usually no more than 10CHF).

• Party cancellation with 4 weeks of the party date will be refunded minus 150CHF. It is unlikely we can fill the spot with such short notice and we have to pay our staff.

• A change of date within the week will incur a 150CHF admin fee as we cannot fill the spot and we must pay our staff.

• Cancellation of dry ice will incur a 75CHF fee to cover costs.

• Please note that refunds will be made less any payment processing charges from our payment providers.

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Cancellation by Spark Science (Parties)

• In the event that Spark Science must cancel a party (such as an emergency with the Spark Scientist / extreme weather preventing travel / unexpected governmental measures (such as Corona) / Force majeure the customer will receive a full refund. This refund applies when we are unable to offer a suitable alternative in relation to government guidelines. We would offer to reschedule the party for a later date if the customer would like.

• If the age of a child participating in the event does not correspond to the age range specified, Spark Science has the right to request an adult to supervise this child and take full responsibility or to prohibit this child from participating. If the whole group does not meet the age requirement, Spark Science has the right to cancel the booking without refund.

 

Content of Service (Parties)

• All the parties are constantly updated and modified. The content depends on a variety of factors including age, number of participants, ability of the participants and can be modified appropriately by Spark Science.

• Spark Science reserves the right to replace some experiments and / or distributed gifts in case of a shortage of any required reagents, materials or consumables.

• Spark Science retains the right not to conduct certain activities if the presenter believes the children are not responding appropriately and therefore deems it unsuitable to conduct certain activities at the party.

• Language of the parties must be clarified in advance by the customer. All parties can be led in English and some parties on request can be led in German.

• Spark Science parties can be delivered outdoors on request so long as the outdoor temperature is above 10°C and not raining. This is for the safety and comfort of the children and our staff. Please note: all parties need access to a drain and some need electricity.

 

Timing (Parties)

• Parties start at 10:30 and 14:30 unless agreed in advance with the Spark Science team. Customers should ensure the children are ready to start at these times. The Spark Science presenter will arrive about 20 minutes in advance to set up. Please be aware that our staff can only accommodate the agreed time frame and late start time may result in a shorter party length or additional charges for presenter time.

• Waiting time for a presenter costs 50CHF per additional hour but may not always be possible unless agreed in advance.

 

1. Requirement provided by customer (Parties)

   1. Please note that all our parties require a table where the children can comfortably stand around and complete their experiments. We will bring a table cover to minimize mess as far as possible. It is better to remove rugs from under the table as hard floors can be cleaned easier if anything falls onto the floor. Please tell us in advance if you have carpets and we can bring additional floor protection.

   2. We require a floor space where the Spark Scientist can perform science experiments and demos and where the children can sit around at least 2 meters away (approximately 4-6 square meters) from the demo space. This is for safety.

   3. We will need access to a drain and a tap for water access and a bin.

   4. Parties can be delivered both inside and outside at the customer’s request. Some experiments are more impressive indoors (for example, the Giant bubble from the party Bubbles, Bangs and Burning, and the coloured flames from the parties Bubbles, Bangs and Burning and Rainbows and Unicorns). Some experiments for safety and avoidance of mess need to be done outside (Fireball from the party Bubbles, Bangs and Burning and the Volcano from the party Dino Dig.

   5. We may need access to electricity (for example if you choose to have the cotton candy Add-On). If your party is outside and needs electricity please ensure any extension cables are running along completely dry ground and are not a trip hazard.

 

Safety and insurance (Parties)

• Spark Science is covered with public liability insurance. Our Spark Scientists are freelancers and have public liability insurance and an up-to-date DBS check. Every member of our team undergoes a rigorous recruitment and training process before becoming a member of Spark Science.

• Spark Science always seeks to run events safely. However, parents should accept that children may be exposed to items that can cause an injury, e.g. Sharp objects, dilute chemicals, flammable materials, dry ice, and other hazards. All activities are risk assessed to prevent any type of accident.

• Spark Science follows regulatory guidelines regarding safe dilutions of chemicals and every step is taken to minimize risk. We clean up thoroughly after our visit and use table protectors to reduce any contamination. We remind children to wash hands after experiments and playing with Take-Home-Experiments such as slime. We warn children not to eat the slime. Slime should be kept out of the reach of small children and pets and should not be eaten. We do not take responsibility for the consumption of slime or any other Take-Home-Experiments after the party. We advise you to dispose of the slime when finished playing (ideally 1 week).

• During parties, the customer must ensure at least one adult is present in the same room for the entire duration of the entertainment. This is in case accidents should occur or children need to go to the toilet. For safety reasons, we cannot conduct the entertainment unless at least one adult is present in the room the entire time.

• During parties we understand that it can be a fun event for the adults as well. We don’t mind adults watching but please avoid chatting and loud behaviour because it can make it really difficult to give instructions to the children.

• During our parties we ask that no food or drink is provided during the entertainment that might distract children. This is also for safety reasons to avoid children consuming anything they should not.

• If you have chosen to have dry ice as an Add-On please ensure there is adequate ventilation in the room by way of open doors and open windows. Dry ice is not dangerous when stored and used correctly. It presents hazards because it is very cold and sublimates from solid to carbon dioxide gas. If handled for more than a few seconds without gloves it can cause a cold burn. Carbon dioxide isn’t toxic but can displace the oxygen from a room. For this reason, we ask the customer to help us by ensuring the area is well ventilated with open windows and doors to allow the gas to escape and not build up. Please inform us if you have any pets and ensure the room in which they are in is well ventilated.

• Due to safety, we require an additional supervisor (a trained member of Spark Science) to be present when there are 12 or more than 12 children at a party. This is paid as an additional cost by the customer.

• Any Take-Home-Experiments such as slime, bath bombs, Insect in Amber etc contain ingredients or small parts that should not be consumed. They should be kept out of the way of young children and pets. Spark Science is not liable for incidents that occur regarding such Take-Home-Experiments after the party.

• Hygienic safety measures: In keeping with the government regulations at the time. Thorough sanitization of equipment, washing of lab coats / dress up items and all safety goggles before every party, reminders to the children to wash hands, provision of hand sanitizer before and after the party, presenters and adults to wear masks when appropriate, safety distances where appropriate, reduction of skin to skin contact where possible.  

 

Liability and security (Parties)

• Spark Science does not take responsibility for children causing damage to a venue or any property that the party is held in. This includes, but is not limited to a home, hired venue or public area.

• If parties are held anywhere other than your home, we will assume that you have either hired or had permission to use the space and have deemed the area suitable and safe to use for the types of activities being provided by Spark Science. Sometimes our parties have smoke machines and experiments with flames and smoke. It is your responsibility to inform the venue and clarify if they allow such things. Spark Science will not be held responsible for the fire services coming to a venue or alarms being triggered.

• In case the chosen venue is unsuitable (there is a public fire alarm / smoke detectors) Spark Science reserves the right to leave out certain experiments which may cause alarms to be triggered.

• Children will be under supervision of the Spark Science staff throughout the booked party time. However, should accident or damage / loss of property be caused during this time, the costs will be covered by the parents’ accident insurance or directly by the parents.

 

CAMPS

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Fees, payment and booking (Camps)

• Upon completion of the online booking form camp places will be reserved for 72 hours and payment due. Camp places are confirmed when payment is received. If payment is not received within the stated time, the reservation will be cancelled and the camp place will be re-opened.

• Camp places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

• When payment is received the customer will be notified by email. A more detailed camp outline will be sent out a week before the camp start date.

 

Cancellation by the client (Camps)

• Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel a camp so we have the time to fill the spot.

• Cancellations made 28 days or more in advance of the event date, will receive a refund minus an admin fee (usually no more than 25CHF. This is dependent on the website provider).

• Cancellations 2-4 weeks prior to camp a 50% refund will be given.

• For cancellations in the week prior to the start of the camp week 100% of the fee will be payable and no refund can be given.

• Refunds are not offered for missed camp days.

• To ensure the safety of all children and staff and prevent infection spreading, children with symptoms of infectious illnesses should remain at home to recover. Refunds cannot not be offered for missed days due to sickness.

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Please note that refunds will be made less any payment processing charges from our payment providers.

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Cancellation by Spark Science (Camps)

• Camps require a minimum number of enrolments to operate – if this has not been reached you will be notified by email 10 days in advance and refunded in full.

• All camps, activities, venues and travel arrangements are subject to change according to programming.

• In the event that Spark Science must cancel a camp (such as unforeseen staffing emergencies) the customer will have the option to have a full refund or a voucher for a future service.

• In the event that a camp must be cancelled due to government measures (such as Coronavirus lockdown) Spark Science will either reschedule the camp or refund the customer in full. If participant numbers must be reduced due to additional governmental measure we will contact you and if necessary the order of booking will be used to allocate places.  

• If the age of a child participating in the camp does not correspond to the age range specified, Spark Science has the right to refund the booking (minus service charges).

• If a participant`s behaviour is a cause for concern we will notify the guardians / parents as soon as possible and try to find a solution that works within the best interests of the child conecerned, the other participants and the staff.

• If a participant demonstrates harmful or continual disruptive behaviour towards other participants, staff or themselves Spark Science reserves the right to withdraw their place at camp without refund.

 

Safety, liability and insurance (Camps)

• Spark Science always seeks to run events safely with full risk assessments prior. However, parents should accept that children may be exposed to items that can cause an injury, e.g. Sharp objects, dilute chemicals, flammable materials, dry ice, and other hazards. All activities are risk assessed to prevent any type of accident and minimize consequences.

• Spark Science services are fully risk assessed in advance. However, accidents can still happen and in this case, we follow a clear policy including accident reporting, communication with parents, first aid administration and if necessary, the involvement of emergency services where a member of staff will accompany the child if the parent cannot be present.

• Spark Science follows regulatory guidelines with regard to safe dilutions of chemicals and every step is taken to minimize risk. We clean up thoroughly after experiments to reduce any type of contamination. We remind children to wash hands after experiments and playing with Take-Home items. We do not take responsibility for the consumption of Take Home items.

• Spark Science and associated companies accept neither responsibility for personal injury nor the loss of/damage to property. Your child must be insured through your personal liability/health insurance.

• Spark Science is not liable to cover medical costs.

 

Time / Locations (Camps)

• Full day cover is offered and exact times and locations are stated on the camp adverts and parent information sent out 1 week prior to camp start. Children must be dropped off and collected within the designated times (9:00am – 4:30) and from specified locations.

• If you are unable to make the agreed drop off and pick-up times please let us know. Early drop-off (before 9) and late pick-up (after 16:45) can be arranged in advance and is charged at 20CHF per hour per child and at 15 minute intervals.

 

WORJS

WORKSHOPS

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Workshops in schools (Requirements and cancellations)

• For courses, cancellation two weeks prior will be refunded in full (minus admin charges). If the course is cancelled within 1 week prior a cancellation fee of 25CHF is due. Once the course has started the full fee is payable and no refunds can be offered for missed classes or lack of attendance.

• Workshops require a minimum number of children to run and have a maximum number of children per class. (We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum numbers have not been reached. An email notification will be sent out 24 hours prior to the start of the course and customers will receive a full refund / credit).

• Workshops require access to water and a drain, a table where all the children can stand / sit around in a group and a floor space where the children can sit and watch demonstrations.

• Spark Science always aims to put the room back together as found and leave the area clean and tidy. Floor and table protectors are provided by Spark Science when required. If there are special requirements (eg. chairs on desks or desks in a specific way) please inform us.

 

 

Workshops in Schools (Safety)

• Spark Science always seeks to run workshops safely with full risk assessments prior. However, parents should accept that children may be exposed to items that can cause an injury, e.g. sharp objects, dilute chemicals, flammable materials, dry ice, and other hazards. All activities are fully risk assessed to prevent any type of accident and minimize consequences.

• Spark Science has the right to stop a session or exclude participants who behave in a way that poses rise to themselves, others, the environment and equipment or those whose behaviour negatively affects the enjoyment and positive experience for other participants. (Please see section 15 for more detail).

• Spark Science follows regulatory guidelines with regards to safe dilutions of chemicals and every step is taken to minimize risk. We clean up thoroughly after experiments to reduce any type of contamination. We remind children to wash hands after experiments and playing with Take-Home items. We do not take responsibility for the consumption of Take-Home items.

• In the case of accident or injury we follow a clear policy including accident reporting, communication with the school and parents, first aid administration and if necessary, the involvement of emergency services where a member of staff will accompany the child if the parent cannot be present.

• Spark Science and associated companies accept neither responsibility for personal injury nor the loss of/damage to property. The children must be insured through personal liability / basic health insurance.

 

Workshops in Schools (Behaviour and conduct)

• The Spark Scientist leading the activity has the right to stop the session or remove a participant from the remainder of that session if they believe the child is not responding / behaving in a way that is appropriate or conducive to the task.

• To participate in a workshops, behaviour expectations are as follows: Behaviour emulates a classroom environment – respect, listen to the Spark Science teacher and other children giving ideas and answers, and follow instructions. To keep our participants safe and ensure maximal enjoyment for all we employ additional rules and code of conduct (similar to that expected in a science lab). During Spark Science workshops there is no eating or drinking food that hasn’t been provided by Spark Science. Food and drink must stay outside of the room if possible, or put to one side. Participants are to store bags, and other items away from the main experiment tables to avoid trip hazards. Participants must not touch equipment unless they have been asked to do so by the Spark Science teacher. If the Spark Science teacher is not present in the room participants are to wait patiently outside and not go in or return to the classroom. Participants walk in a lab and move slowly and calmly. Participants share and work together to find solutions in a respectful way. Participants must wear safety goggles, lab coats and other PPE when appropriate and asked to do so for safety reasons. Participants must always wash their hands with soap and water after the workshops. If any injury / spillage or breakage occurs participants must inform the Spark Science teacher immediately. Participants must respect and look after the equipment to avoid damage. Participants should behave in a kind and encouraging way to others within the workshop.

• In the case that a child`s behaviour becomes a cause for concern then the school and the child`s legal guardians will be informed. If behaviour persists the child will be removed from the course and a refund will not be issued.

 

GENERAL

 

Materials and Intellectual Property

• The copyright and other intellectual property prepared by Spark Science and given to you or used in any service are and remain Spark Science’s intellectual property.

• The materials provided in any service are made available on the strict condition that they are not circulated, reproduced, amended, altered or made available to any other party or individual for any purpose without the prior written agreement of Spark Science.

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Privacy & Data Protection

• When you make a booking online, by email or by phone and / or submit the contact form, we collect personally-identifiable information, including your name, e-mail address, and phone number to facilitate the order process and smooth running of the services.

• Any personal information you share with us, is kept private. If you do not wish to be added to our mailing list, please inform us or unsubscribe at any time.

• Services may be photographed or videotaped by Spark Science. By attending our camps and workshops you give your permission for images taken during the camp / workshop to be used by Spark Science for advertising and promotions of our services and to be shared with other parents at camp via access to google photos / dropbox or the Spark Science website. If you are not happy with this, please inform Spark Science in writing (email) before the event and we will not take photographs of your child or share the photos from the service with you. We will not video / photograph a party unless we have agreed with the customer prior to the party.

• We assure you that all the collected materials will be used within the law and not shared with any third party organization. Occasionally, for advertising purposes, we may share images of our services with the partner organisations as stated on the Spark Science website.

• Your information is, out of necessity, shared with payment providers when you enter and pay for your order. Spark Science cannot be held responsible for any misuse or a theft of personal information due to a third-party service provider.

• We do not retain any credit card information that you may provide.

• Although we try to manage your data with security in mind, it is possible that security can be breached, especially by determined entities. Spark Science cannot be held responsible for any personal information lost or made public nor for any subsequent damages.