Introduction

This contract is between the relevant company for the nursery you are attending (referred to as 'the Nursery') and the Parent(s)/Legal Guardians (referred to as the 'Parent') of the child (or children) enrolled at the nursery. Each Step Start nursery operates under its own limited company and is registered with Ofsted as a Day Care Nursery, operating within their regulations, guidelines, and rules.

By enrolling your child at Step Start Nurseries, you agree to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in this document. These terms and conditions are designed to ensure the smooth operation of the nursery and to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for your child. Please read this document carefully and contact the nursery management if you have any questions or require further clarification.

Fees and Discounts

Plan Fees

The nursery operates Monday to Friday, 51 weeks per year, excluding Bank Holidays and a one-week closure at Christmas. Bank Holidays are included in your fees and are not discounted.

Fees cover all meals, drinks, nappies, and wipes. Parents must provide formula milk, nappy creams, and pull-ups if required.

Fees are reviewed periodically, with a minimum of one month’s written notice for any changes. Current fee schedules are available by emailing accounts@stepstart.co.uk.

Discounts

Only one discount applies per child for fully paid sessions.

Sibling Discount

A 5% discount is available for the eldest child when siblings are enrolled.

Full-Time Discount

A 7% discount is available for children attending full time.

Emergency Services Discount

Parents working in emergency services are eligible for a discount upon providing photographic proof of employment to admin@stepstart.co.uk.

Registration and Deposits

Registration Fee and Deposit

To secure your child's place at our nursery, a non-refundable registration fee of £99 is required, along with a deposit based on the number of days you reserve for your child.

The registration fee and deposit must be paid by card when filling out the 'Secure a Place' form.

Once the payment has cleared, our enrolment team will contact you to confirm the availability of the days you have selected.

Upon confirmation of the available days, your child's place will be reserved, and you will receive a confirmation receipt for your records.

The deposit will be applied towards your first month's invoice, ensuring a smooth transition for your child.

The remaining fees, excluding the registration fee and deposit, should be paid at least two weeks before your child's start date. However, if the start date is sooner than that, the full payment, including the registration fee, will be due immediately.

Please note that the registration fee is non-refundable, and in the event of cancellation, the deposit will not be refunded.

Funding

Funding Options

The nursery accepts 15 and 30 hours funded childcare for eligible children. All funded spaces are stretch funded, meaning the funding is distributed evenly across the year.

Parents will be required to pay a consumable charge per day to cover consumables. This charge is detailed in our funding booklet on "The Step Start All Inclusive Consumable Fee" page.

Children who are entitled to Nursery Education Grant (NEG) funding can use it against their nursery fees. However, additional fees will be required for extra sessions booked beyond the funded hours.

If your child receives Nursery Education Grant funding, the fees will be calculated by session. Fees are reviewed on an annual basis, with a minimum of one month’s notice given for any changes.

All information about how funding works at Step Start can be found in our funding guide. This guide is available via the QR code on the teddy given during your nursery visit or in the welcome email.

Please send your funding code to this link.

Please send any funding queries to funding@stepstart.co.uk.

Payment of Fees

Payment Terms

Childcare fees are payable monthly in advance. Invoices are issued on the 20th of each month (or the nearest working day) and must be settled by the 1st of the following calendar month.

Fees must be paid by Direct Debit, Tax-Free Childcare, and/or Childcare Vouchers from the start. Parents must provide their Tax-Free Childcare code on the enrolment form or send it via email to admin@stepstart.co.uk once they have received it.

The monthly invoice will detail the sessions charged for, any extra sessions/hours, and any discounts applied. Extra sessions will be billed on your next invoice if requested by the 19th of the month; otherwise, they will appear on the following month’s invoice.

Third Party Payments

While we accept payments from third parties such as Job Centres or Colleges, the responsibility for payment ultimately falls to you. Delays in third-party payments will result in a delay in your child starting nursery or continuing to attend and we will seek reimbursement from the parent/legal guardian.

Account Charges

An account is considered in arrears if any outstanding fees have not been settled by the 1st of the month when the invoice is due. A £25 administration fee will be charged for late or returned payments, including Direct Debits, Tax-Free Childcare, or Childcare Vouchers.

If payments are not received by the 8th of the month, we reserve the right to exclude your child from attending until payment is up to date. Fees will still apply during the exclusion period.

A £5 daily fee will be charged for each day after the 1st until the balance is paid.

Absences and Holidays

All fees are non-refundable in the event of your child’s absence. Fees will still apply while your child is off sick, on holiday, or excluded due to non-payment of fees.

Payment Queries

All payment queries should be directed to our Accounts Department. It is your responsibility to contact the Accounts Team at accounts@stepstart.co.uk if you encounter any difficulties in settling your childcare fees.

Termination and Plan Changes

Termination Notice

If you wish to withdraw your child from the nursery, we require one month’s written notice sent to admin@stepstart.co.uk. Alternatively, you may pay one month’s fees in lieu of notice.

Notice of termination given after the 19th of the previous month may result in a delay in the refund of any overpaid fees, deposits, etc.

Plan Changes

If you wish to change your child’s attendance schedule permanently, resulting in an increase or decrease in sessions, we require one month’s written notice sent to admin@stepstart.co.uk.

Any changes requested after the 19th of the month will be actioned in the next invoicing period.

Deferred Starts

If, after booking a place, you wish to delay your child’s start date, you may defer this once for up to two months. If you wish to defer the place again or decide not to take it up, the deposit will not be refunded.

Attendance and Sessions

Session Times

The nursery operates Monday to Friday, 51 weeks per year, excluding Bank Holidays and a one-week closure at Christmas.

We only provide full day sessions. Half day sessions have now been discontinued.

Parents must inform the nursery by 9am for morning sessions and by 1:30pm for afternoon sessions if their child will not attend. Failure to inform may result in the nursery contacting emergency services after attempting to reach the parents and emergency contacts.

Your child must be collected by the end of their session. An additional fee of £5 for the first 10 minutes and £1 per minute thereafter will be charged in the event of late collection.

Additional Sessions

If you wish to book additional one-off days, you can do this through the Famly app using the ‘request care’ button. Fees will be calculated on a daily rate and billed on your next invoice if requested by the 19th of the month; otherwise, they will appear on the following month’s invoice.

Late Arrival and Early Pickup

If your child arrives late or is picked up early, please inform the nursery team as soon as possible to ensure proper arrangements can be made. Note that fees are not adjusted for late arrivals or early pickups.

Absences

All fees are non-refundable in the event of your child’s absence. Fees will still apply while your child is off sick, on holiday, or excluded due to non-payment of fees.

In case of long-term absence, please communicate with the nursery management to discuss your situation and any possible arrangements.

Settling In and Policies

Settling In Policy

We have a structured settling-in process consisting of three sessions:

• A 30-minute session where you stay with your child to help them acclimate to the nursery environment.
• A 1.5-hour session where you are encouraged to leave partway through or at the beginning to help your child adjust to being without you.
• A 3-hour session over lunch or tea time so your child can experience a meal time at the nursery.

If we believe your child needs additional settling sessions, we will provide them free of charge to ensure a smooth transition.

A named key person will be allocated to your child when they start at the nursery. If your child develops a stronger bond with a different team member, we will reassign the key person to better suit your child’s needs.

We welcome all children and aim to respond appropriately to each child’s background and individual needs. Please give us as much notice as possible if your child has a disability or special educational needs. This allows us to explore ways to provide the best support for your child.

Meals

We provide a light breakfast, two hot meals for lunch and tea, plus snacks and drinks each day. Our meals are supplied by an external provider, are nutritionally checked, cooked, and delivered fresh daily.

Menus rotate every four weeks and are displayed in the lobbies of each nursery and on our website to ensure variety and balanced nutrition.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements your child has before they start attending. We will make every effort to accommodate these needs.

Health and Safety Policies

Inform us immediately if your child has, or develops, an allergy, asthma, or any other medical condition. Full information regarding the condition and treatment must be provided.

Medication that must be administered during nursery hours requires a completed medication form with instructions on dosage and timing. Written consent is also needed for applying creams and lotions.

All medications must be labelled with your child's name. Consistent medications like asthma pumps or Epipens must be provided for nursery use, with an additional one for emergencies.

Outdated medications will result in your child being unable to attend until a new, in-date medication is provided. It is your responsibility to keep your child’s medication up-to-date.

Sun Cream Policy

You are required to provide sun cream that is factor 50+ and completely nut-free. The sun cream must be labelled with your child's name. Our staff will apply sun cream before outdoor activities as needed.

Nappy/Barrier Creams

You must provide nappy/barrier cream for your child if needed, which will be applied by our staff as necessary.

General Policies

Outings and Activities

Occasionally, we organise trips for the children outside the nursery premises. These outings are carefully planned, and we ensure additional staff-to-child ratios and supervision is planned.

Parents will be asked to sign a consent form detailing the outing venue, date, time, mode of transport (if any), and adult/child ratio. A risk assessment will be carried out before the outing.

If your child does not normally attend on the day of the trip and you are unable to accompany them, payment for the session will be required to cover staff ratios. Should you not wish for your child to attend the trip, they can still attend the nursery for their regular session without trip fees.

Behaviour Management

We focus on encouraging good behaviour and rewarding positive actions rather than concentrating on negative behaviours.

If a child's behaviour becomes a threat to their own safety or the safety of others, we reserve the right to suspend their place at the nursery. This decision is only taken as a last resort and after all other behaviour management strategies have been exhausted.

Photographs and Videos

We take photographs and videos of children at the nursery daily for their learning journeys and daily posts within the Famly app as part of your child's learning updates.

Photos for the website, prospectus, social media pages, and press have additional permission requirements. Your permission is required for these purposes, and you can indicate your consent on the parent consent form. For sharing good practice, photographs may be emailed within the company or, where consent is given, to a specified third party.

Child Protection

The nursery has a duty to take reasonable action to ensure the welfare and safety of the children in our care.

If we have any concerns that a child may be subject to ill-treatment, neglect, or other forms of abuse, we will follow Step Start Nurseries Child Protection Procedures and inform Social Services. This may involve a visit to the child's home by a social worker.

Major Incidents

In the event of a major incident requiring evacuation, children will be taken to a designated collection point. You will be contacted by Head Office staff and must make arrangements to collect your child as quickly as possible.

Communication and Updates

We encourage you to share any concerns with the Nursery Manager or, in their absence, the Deputy Manager.

Effective two-way communication is essential for your child’s ongoing positive development. We will keep you updated with newsletters, letters, messages on the Famly app, newsfeeds, and emails.

Security

We only release children to parents/guardians or authorised persons. Photographs of authorised persons must be provided on the Famly app for our records to ensure safe collection.

You may also be asked to provide a personal password for emergency pickups by someone not on the collection list. This password should be unique each time and not reused.

Equal Opportunities

We value and respect the different racial origins, religions, special needs, cultures, and languages of each child, ensuring every child is valued as an individual.

Parental Responsibilities

Emergency Contact Updates

It is your responsibility to keep the nursery informed of any changes to emergency contact details. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses.

Ensure that all emergency contact information is current and accurate to facilitate immediate communication in case of an emergency.

Change of Address

Notify the nursery promptly if you move to a new house or change your place of work.

All records must be up to date to ensure effective communication and response in case of emergencies.

Notification of Absences

Parents must inform the nursery by 9am for morning sessions and by 1:30pm for afternoon sessions if their child will not attend. Failure to inform the nursery may result in them contacting emergency services after attempting to reach the parents and emergency contacts.

All absences must be reported to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

Personal Belongings

Label all personal belongings, including clothing, bottles, and comfort items, with your child’s name.

The nursery is not responsible for lost or misplaced items, so please avoid sending valuable items with your child .

Punctuality

Ensure your child is dropped off and picked up on time. Late arrivals and early pickups can disrupt the nursery schedule and other children’s routines.

In case of late collection, additional fees will be applied as stated in Section 7: Attendance and Sessions.

Participation and Feedback

Attendance at two parent mornings per year is mandatory. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and participate in their learning journey.

Parents are required to complete two observations per month on their child in the 'Journey' section of the Famly app. These observations document progress in your child's needs, interests, and abilities, aiding the nursery in planning the best ways to support your child's development.

'To and Fro' books are provided to support your child's learning. Parents are encouraged to complete activities at home with their child to reinforce and extend their learning.

Parent and Staff Interaction

Conduct

Parents are expected to interact with all nursery team members in a respectful and professional manner at all times.

Any concerns or issues should be addressed through the appropriate channels, such as discussing with the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager, rather than directly confronting team members.

Abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour towards team members will not be tolerated and may result in termination of your child’s place at the nursery.

Social Media and Personal Boundaries

To maintain professional boundaries, parents are requested not to follow, friend, or engage with nursery team members on personal social media channels.

Any necessary communication should be conducted through the nursery’s official communication channels, such as the Famly app or official nursery email.

Private Childminding Services

Nursery team members are not permitted to offer private childminding services to parents outside of nursery hours.

Engaging nursery team members for personal childminding services can lead to conflicts of interest and is strictly prohibited.

If you require additional childcare services, please discuss this with the nursery management, who may be able to provide recommendations within professional boundaries.

Conflict Resolution

In case of disputes or misunderstandings, parents are encouraged to seek resolution through the nursery’s established conflict resolution procedures, involving the Nursery Manager or the designated complaints officer.

Feedback and Communication

Constructive feedback is always welcome and should be provided through the correct channels.

Attendance at two parent mornings per year is mandatory. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and participate in their learning journey.

Regular communication between parents and the nursery is encouraged to ensure the best care for your child. This includes completing two observations per month on your child in the 'Journey' section of the Famly app.

We have parent suggestion boxes in all of our nurseries for parents to submit any shout outs, comments, or requests that are not urgent.

Complaints and Feedback

Complaints Procedure

If you have any complaints or concerns, we encourage you to discuss them initially with the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager. Open communication is essential for resolving issues promptly and effectively.

If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate the complaint to the nursery's head office. Please submit a detailed written complaint to headoffice@stepstart.co.uk or via the Famly app.

The nursery will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days and aim to resolve the issue within 20 working days. You will be kept informed of the progress throughout the process.

In the unlikely event that your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily by the nursery, you may contact OFSTED, the regulatory body for nurseries, to take further action.

Providing Feedback

We value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions to help us improve our services.

Feedback can be given directly to the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager, through the Famly app or in our parent suggestion box at the nursery.

Regular surveys may be conducted to gather your opinions on various aspects of the nursery's operations and to identify areas for improvement.

Positive feedback and testimonials may be used on our website and promotional materials with your consent. You will be asked for permission before any such use.

Data Protection

Data Sharing

We may need to share child or parent data with third parties, including third-party service providers and other entities within our group. This is done to ensure the efficient operation of the nursery and the best care for your child.

We require third parties to respect the security of your data and to treat it in accordance with the law. All data shared will be done so securely and only for necessary purposes.

Data Security

Your data is stored securely, and access is limited to authorised personnel only.

We take appropriate measures to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Parent and Child Information

Personal information collected includes contact details, medical information, dietary requirements, emergency contact details, and any other information necessary for the care and safety of your child.

This information is used to provide appropriate care, communicate with parents, and comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

Your Rights

You have the right to access your personal data held by the nursery. Requests for access should be made in writing to our Head Office at headoffice@stepstart.co.uk.

You also have the right to request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data and to request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.

Retention of Data

Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

Once your child leaves the nursery, certain information may be retained for a specified period as required by law.

Consent

By enrolling your child at Step Start Nurseries, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your data as described in this section.

If we need to use your data for a new purpose not covered by this policy, we will seek your consent to do so.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about our data protection practices, please contact the Nursery Manager.

Confidentiality

Privacy of Information

All personal information about children, parents, and families is treated with the utmost confidentiality. This includes medical information, personal details, and any other sensitive data.

Information is only shared within the nursery on a need-to-know basis to ensure the well-being and safety of the children.

Staff Confidentiality

All nursery team members are required to adhere to strict confidentiality policies. They are trained to understand the importance of maintaining privacy and are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Team members are prohibited from discussing any child, parent, or family information with unauthorised persons, both within and outside the nursery.

Use of Information

Personal information is used solely for the purpose of providing high-quality care and education for your child. This includes planning activities, managing health and safety, and maintaining effective communication with parents.

We may also use anonymised data for internal analysis to improve our services and ensure we meet regulatory standards.

Third-Party Confidentiality

When we share data with third parties, such as external service providers, they are required to comply with our confidentiality policies and data protection regulations.

We ensure that any third parties handling personal data sign confidentiality agreements and are trained in the importance of maintaining privacy.

Breaches of Confidentiality

Any breaches of confidentiality are taken very seriously and will be addressed promptly. This may involve disciplinary action for team members or termination of contracts with third parties.

Parents will be informed immediately if a breach involves their personal information or that of their child.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents are also expected to respect the confidentiality of other children, parents, and families. Information learned about other children or families within the nursery setting should not be shared outside of the nursery.

By enrolling your child at Step Start Nurseries, you consent to our confidentiality practices as outlined in this section.

We will inform you of any significant changes to our confidentiality policies and seek your consent if necessary.

Force Majeure

Circumstances Beyond Control

The nursery shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this contract if such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes), war, acts of terrorism, pandemics, governmental actions, or any other events that could not have been anticipated or avoided by reasonable measures.

Notification

In the event of a force majeure, the nursery will promptly notify parents of the nature and extent of the circumstances causing the disruption.

We will make every effort to continue providing services as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so. This may include temporary changes to operating hours, staffing, or the location of services.

Fees and Refunds

During periods of force majeure, fees will still be payable. However, the nursery will consider adjustments on a case-by-case basis depending on the length and impact of the disruption.

If the nursery is unable to open for an extended period, we will communicate with parents regarding any potential refunds or credits for fees paid during the closure.

Alternative Arrangements

Where possible, the nursery will attempt to provide alternative arrangements to minimise disruption to your child's care and education. This may include remote learning activities or temporary relocation to an alternative site.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents are encouraged to have contingency plans in place for their child’s care in the event of nursery closure due to force majeure.

It is important to keep contact details up to date to ensure timely communication during such events.

Insurance

Coverage Details

The nursery maintains comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against various risks, including public liability, employer’s liability, and property damage. This ensures that the nursery can operate safely and responsibly, providing a secure environment for your child.

Personal Property

While the nursery takes every precaution to ensure a safe environment, we cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage of personal property brought onto the premises.

Parents are advised to label all personal items, including clothing, bags, and comfort items, with their child’s name. Valuables or irreplaceable items should not be brought to the nursery.

Accidents and Incidents

In the event of an accident or incident at the nursery, our insurance policies provide coverage for medical expenses and other necessary support. All accidents and incidents are recorded and reported according to regulatory requirements.

Parents will be informed immediately if their child is involved in an accident or incident, and appropriate medical care will be provided.

Third-Party Insurance

Any external service providers or contractors working with the nursery are required to have their own insurance coverage. This includes anyone providing extracurricular activities or specialised services on the nursery premises.

Claims Process

Should you need to make an insurance claim related to an incident at the nursery, please contact headoffice@stepstart.co.uk for guidance on the claims process. We will assist you in providing the necessary documentation and information required by our insurance provider.

Review and Updates

Our insurance policies are reviewed annually to ensure they provide adequate coverage and comply with current regulations and industry standards.

Any significant changes to our insurance coverage will be communicated to parents promptly.

Legal Compliance

Adherence to Regulations

Step Start Nurseries is committed to complying with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the operation of childcare facilities. This includes regulations set forth by OFSTED and other regulatory bodies.

All team members are trained to understand and adhere to these regulations, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for your child.

Health and Safety Compliance

We strictly follow health and safety regulations to provide a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors. Regular risk assessments are conducted to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

The nursery is equipped with appropriate safety measures, including fire safety equipment, first aid supplies, and secure entry systems.

Team Qualifications and Training

All nursery team members are required to hold relevant qualifications and undergo regular training to stay updated with best practices and legal requirements. This includes safeguarding training, first aid certification, and continuous professional development.

Team members undergo thorough background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, to ensure they are suitable for working with children.

Record Keeping

Accurate and up-to-date records are maintained for all children, including attendance, medical information, and developmental progress. These records are kept confidential and secure, in compliance with data protection laws.

Parents are required to provide current and accurate information regarding their child’s health, emergency contacts, and any other relevant details.

Changes to Terms

The nursery reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions as required to comply with changes in the law or operational needs. Parents will be notified of any significant changes in advance.

Any changes to terms and conditions will be communicated via email, the Famly app, and posted on the nursery notice board.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents are expected to comply with all nursery policies and procedures. This includes adhering to health and safety guidelines, providing necessary information, and ensuring timely payments of fees.

Non-compliance with nursery policies may result in termination of your child’s place at the nursery.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions will be addressed through the nursery’s complaint and conflict resolution procedures. If a resolution cannot be reached, legal recourse may be sought in accordance with applicable laws.

Amendments to the Contract

Notification Process

Step Start Nurseries reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions as necessary to reflect changes in the law, operational needs, or improvements in our services.

Parents will be notified of any significant changes to the terms and conditions at least one month in advance of the amendments taking effect. Notifications will be communicated via email, the Famly app, and posted on the nursery notice board.

Minor changes that do not significantly impact the contract terms may be implemented without prior notice but will be communicated as soon as possible.

Acceptance of Amendments

Continued enrolment of your child at Step Start Nurseries after notification of changes to the terms and conditions will be considered acceptance of the amended terms.

If you do not agree to the changes, you have the right to withdraw your child from the nursery by providing one month’s written notice to accounts@stepstart.co.uk. Any prepaid fees for the period after the withdrawal will be refunded, excluding the registration fee and deposit.

Review of Terms and Conditions

The nursery regularly reviews its policies and terms and conditions to ensure they remain current and effective. Parents are encouraged to provide feedback on any areas they believe could be improved.

The most up-to-date version of the terms and conditions will always be available on the nursery’s website and can be requested from the Nursery Manager.

Parental Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the parents to stay informed about the current terms and conditions. Regularly reviewing the terms and conditions helps ensure that you are aware of any updates or changes that may affect your child’s care.

Any questions or concerns regarding the terms and conditions should be directed to the Nursery Manager for clarification.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Applicable Law

This contract and any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with it (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The nursery operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for your child.

Jurisdiction

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this contract or its subject matter.

By enrolling your child at Step Start Nurseries, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Legal Compliance

Step Start Nurseries adheres to all legal requirements, including those related to health and safety, data protection, and childcare regulations. Our policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure ongoing compliance with the law.

Parents are required to comply with all nursery policies and procedures, which are designed to meet legal standards and provide a safe, nurturing environment for all children.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute or claim, parents are encouraged to seek resolution through the nursery’s established complaint and conflict resolution procedures before pursuing legal action.

If a resolution cannot be reached through internal procedures, legal recourse may be sought in accordance with the applicable laws and the jurisdiction stated above.

Contract Interpretation

Any provision of this contract that is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the provision shall be deemed deleted, and the remainder of the contract shall remain in full force and effect.