Terms and Conditions of Hire

1.1 Instruments are hired exclusively to individuals whose children are currently taking music lessons with a Associate Provider.

1.2 The hire is on a rolling annual basis. Continuation of the instrument hire will be automatically assumed for subsequent academic years unless  either Swindon Music Service or The Learning Resources Hub is notified otherwise.

1.3 To discontinue instrument hire, written notification must be sent to Swindon Music Service  or The Learning Resources Hub by 1st July each year.

1.4 Failure to provide notification by 1st July will result in a charge for the subsequent academic year.

2.1 The annual payment deadline is 1st August.

2.2 Failure to pay by the payment deadline may result in:

• Withdrawal of the instrument
• Imposition of additional charges

2.3 Hire charges are subject to annual increases.

3.1 When a child ceases music lessons, the hirer must:

Wiltshire

• Immediately notify The Learning Resources Hub or instruments in Wiltshire  via email at WSLRInstrumentLoans@wiltshire.gov.uk
• Return the instrument to the Associate Provider during the child's final lesson

Swindon

• Immediately notify Swindon Music Service at email at admin@smscio.co.uk
• Return the instrument to the Platform after your last lesson has concluded

3.2 Failure to return the instrument by the end of the term in which lessons cease will result in a fee equivalent to the full replacement value of the hired instrument.

4.1 Instruments must be returned in the same condition as when initially received.

4.2 The hirer is responsible for:

• Routine maintenance as per provided guidelines
• All damages or unreasonable wear during the hire period, regardless of hire cost - Repairs are to be arranged through Swindon Music Service at email: admin@smscio.co.uk

4.3 Decisions regarding what constitutes unreasonable wear will be made by instrument experts and are final.

4.4 In cases of irreparable damage:

• A fee for the full replacement value will be charged
• The damaged instrument, all broken pieces, and the instrument case must be returned to The Learning Resources Hub

5.1 It is strongly recommended that valuable instruments be insured.

5.2 The hirer will be required to pay for repair or replacement of the instrument in case of damage or loss.

5.3 Specialist musical instrument insurance is advised, as it may offer more comprehensive coverage than standard home insurance.

5.4 Before committing to any repair work:

• Consultation with the child's Associate Provider is mandatory
• Repairs must only be carried out by Swindon Music Service Instrument technicians. Contact: admin@smscio.co.uk

5.5 An annual service and maintenance check must be performed at a reputable instrument workshop, especially prior to instrument return.

6.1 All devices with electrical adaptors will be PAT (Portable Appliance Test) safety tested prior to delivery.

6.2 Electrical adaptors require annual PAT safety testing.

6.3 Hirers wishing to retain musical instruments and electrical devices over summer holidays must:

• Bring the device adaptor for PAT safety testing, OR
• Purchase a new adaptor from a reputable supplier
• Provide the receipt as proof of purchase when returning the item

6.4 Adaptor purchase costs will not be reimbursed.

For all queries and notifications related to instrument hire, please contact:

For Swindon: Swindon Music Service Email:  admin@smscio.co.uk

For Wiltshire: The Learning Resources Hub Email: WSLRInstrumentLoans@wiltshire.gov.uk