Theory & PracticeTheory & PracticeLast Updated: 02/03/2026 by Richard Foudy and Peter Cusack
These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between Theory & Practice (“we”, “us”, “our”) and users (“you”, the “recipient of the service”) of our website and E-learning platform. As a provider of intermediary services – specifically defined as a “Hosting Service” under the Digital Services Act (DSA) – we are committed to providing a safe, predictable, and trusted online environment for students and teachers.
The website theoryandpractice.ie (the “Site”) is operated by Theory & Practice, located at:
Gola, Bailieborough, County Cavan, Ireland.
VAT Number: IE3635237EH.
Registration Number: 625536
By using our services, you agree to these Terms. They are designed to protect your fundamental rights and comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), the Consumer Rights Act 2022 (Ireland), the Digital Services Act (EU), and the educational standards of the Teaching Council of Ireland. These Terms are governed by the laws of Ireland.
3.1 Educational Purpose Only
The content provided in our books and E-learning courses (including projects, exercises, and instructional guides) is developed for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for pedagogical excellence, our materials do not constitute professional, legal, or technical advice.
3.2 Practical Application and Risk
Assumption of Risk: Many of our educational resources involve practical application or “learning by doing.” You acknowledge that any practical work undertaken based on our instructions is done at your own risk.
Safety Awareness: Before beginning any project described in our materials, users (and in the case of minors, their parents/guardians) are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate environment, tools, and supervision to perform the task safely.
No Liability for Results: Theory & Practice Ltd and its authors do not guarantee any specific academic or practical outcome from using our materials. We assume no responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from the use or application of the methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in our publications.
4 Errors, Omissions, and Errata
4.1 Accuracy of Information
We take great pride in the accuracy of our work. However, given the complexity of educational publishing, the Site and our Goods are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We do not warrant that the content will be entirely free from errors, inaccuracies, or omissions.
4.2 Correction and Errata Policy
Reporting Errors: If you discover a factual error or typo in any of our materials, we encourage you to report it to [email protected].
Our Right to Correct: We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice (including after an order has been submitted).
Digital Conformity: For E-learning and digital content, we will provide necessary “conformity updates” to correct material errors at no additional cost to the user, as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2022.
Print Versions: For physical books, significant errors will be corrected in the next print run or provided as a downloadable “Errata Sheet” on our website.
5. Copyright & Permissions
5.1 Our Ownership
At Theory & Practice, we put significant care and research into our publications. All content—including text, diagrams, course materials, and the “Theory & Practice” logo—is our property or used by us with permission. We want you to enjoy and learn from these materials, but please remember they are protected by Irish and international copyright laws.
5.2 Using Our Materials in Schools
We fully support the work of teachers and educational institutions. Under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, schools in Ireland are generally permitted to photocopy a small portion (usually up to 5% or one chapter) of our books for classroom use, provided the school holds a valid licence from the Irish Copyright Licensing Agency (ICLA).
5.3 What Requires Our Written Permission
To help us continue creating high-quality resources, we ask that you do not:
5.4 How to Request Extra Permission
We know that sometimes you might need to use a bit more of our content for a special project or a larger group. We are usually very happy to help! If you would like to request permission to use our material in a way not covered by these terms, please just drop us a line at:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Copyright Permission Request
We aim to respond to all permission requests within five working days.
6. E-Commerce, Digital Content, and Cancellations
6.1 Purchase of Goods and Services
By placing an order for physical books (“Goods”) or E-learning access (“Digital Content”), you agree to pay the price stated at the time of purchase. All prices are inclusive of Irish VAT, where applicable, at 0% for educational products.
6.2 Statutory Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Period)
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, you have a legal right to cancel your order within 14 days without giving any reason:
For Goods: The 14-day period begins from the day you receive the physical book. You must return the item at your own cost, and we will issue a refund within 14 days of receiving the returned goods.
For Digital Content: You expressly acknowledge that by accessing or downloading course materials via our E-learning platform before the end of the 14-day period, you waive your statutory right to cancel and receive a refund, provided the service has commenced with your consent.
6.3 Conformity and Updates
We are legally required to supply products that conform to this contract. For Digital Content, we will provide you with all necessary security and software updates required to keep the content in conformity for the duration of your access.
9. Competitions, Giveaways, and Scholarships
9.1 Promotions and Giveaways
From time to time, we may run competitions or giveaways. Unless otherwise stated in the specific promotion terms:
Eligibility: Promotions are open to residents of Ireland, students aged 12–18, and teachers in the Irish school system, unless otherwise stated. Employees and contractors of Theory & Practice are ineligible.
Nature of Award: Winners are selected based on skill and merit (using objective criteria established for each specific promotion) or via a random draw for free-to-enter promotions. While Theory & Practice reserves the right to exercise final discretion in the selection process to ensure the integrity of the award, all decisions will be made fairly and in accordance with the specific promotion’s rules. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Prizes: Prizes are non-transferable, and no cash alternative is provided. If a prize is not claimed within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to select an alternative winner.
9.2 Scholarship and Bursary Terms
Any scholarship or bursary awarded by Theory & Practice is subject to the following:
Accuracy of Information: Awards are contingent upon the truthfulness of the application. We reserve the right to withdraw a scholarship if any information is found to be false or misleading.
Evidence of Eligibility: In the final stages of the selection process, shortlisted scholarship applicants will be required to provide formal evidence of course enrolment and attendance at an approved educational institution. This documentation must comply with the criteria specified in the Scholarship Rules. Failure to produce valid evidence upon request may result in the applicant’s disqualification from the selection process.
Intellectual Property: By submitting an entry for a scholarship (e.g., project folio and photos), you grant Theory & Practice a non-exclusive license to use the work for promotional or educational purposes, subject to our Privacy Policy. We will contact the relevant applicants by email prior to this.
9.3 Disbursement of Funds
Any scholarship or bursary awarded shall be paid as a single, one-time lump sum payment directly to the recipient (or their designated parent/guardian, as specified in the award letter). This payment is final and constitutes the total amount of the award.
9.4 Right to Request Repayment
Theory & Practice reserves the right to request the full repayment of any awarded funds under the following circumstances:
Withdrawal or Ineligibility: If the recipient withdraws from their qualifying course or otherwise ceases to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Scholarship Rules.
Integrity and Ethical Standards: If we are made aware of new information or evidence that calls into question the integrity or eligibility of the applicant’s submitted work (including, but not limited to, evidence of plagiarism, deceptive fabrication, or breach of State Examinations Commission rules and guidelines).
Misrepresentation: If it is discovered that the applicant provided false or misleading information during any stage of the application or selection process.
9.5 Repayment Procedure
In such events, the recipient will be notified in writing and will be required to return the funds in full within 30 days of the request. Failure to do so may result in further legal action to recover the debt.
10. Refund & Cancellation
PART A: Public (Parents, Students, & Individuals)
This section applies to all individual customers purchasing directly from the Theory & Practice website.
10.1 Your 14-Day Right to Cancel (Physical Books)
Cooling-Off Period: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, you have the right to cancel your order for any reason within 14 days of receiving your book.
How to Return: You must notify us at [email protected]. You are responsible for the cost of returning the book to us. The book must be in 100% resalable condition (unmarked, no spine damage, and no stickers applied).
Refund Process: We will issue a full refund within 14 days of receiving the returned book.
10.2 Digital Content (E-Learning & LifterLMS)
Waiver of Rights: By purchasing and accessing digital content, you expressly agree to begin the service immediately. You acknowledge that you lose your 14-day right to cancel once the digital content has been accessed or downloaded.
Faulty Content: If a digital resource is faulty, you are entitled to a fix or a replacement. If we cannot fix it, a full or partial refund will be provided.
PART B: Bookshops & Trade (Retailers, Schools & Commercial Accounts)
This section applies to bulk orders and accounts held by bookshops, schools, or educational distributors.
10.3 Trade Return Limits
Prior Authorisation: No returns from trade customers will be accepted without prior written authorisation from Theory & Practice.
Quantity of Returns: We will accept any and all book returns with no limits or penalties for the number of returned items. We are confident in customer demand for our products and encourage bookshops and trade customers to place large orders as soon as possible.
Firm Sale Basis: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all “Special Orders,” customised materials, and “Export Sales” (outside of Ireland) are on a firm sale basis and cannot be returned.
10.4 Condition of Trade Returns
Resalable Quality: Goods must be returned in mint condition. We reserve the right to reject returns or apply a 20% restocking fee if books are returned with shop labels, price tags, or shelf-wear.
Shortages & Damage: Any shortages or damaged goods in a trade delivery must be reported to our customer service team within 48 hours of delivery.
10.5 Payment & Retention of Title
Late Payments: Trade accounts must be settled within 30 days. Late payments after 90 days may incur interest at a rate of 8% every 60 days.
Ownership: Title to the goods remains with Theory & Practice until payment has been received in full.