Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy

I am committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and take the responsipibility for the care and protection of the people I work with very seriously. I follow good practice in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy in every part of my role as a tutor. All practice and procedures are reviewed annually.

DBS Checks:

I have a current up-to-date standard and enhanced DBS check, which I am happy to share with anyone on request. This is renewed every 3 years. I am also registered with the DBS update service. I have been fully DBS-checked throughout the last 20+ years, and often with multiple checks from different organisations at the same time.  I undergo regular Safeguarding training and certificates of completed courses can be seen on request.

Insurance:

I hold an up-to-date Public Liability and Personal Indemnity insurance policy.

Safeguarding Practice:

Tutoring sessions will take place in a space where the child/young person's parent/carer is present, or in an adjoining room with the door open.

I will never be alone with a child/young person in a space where others are not present.

I will never contact a child/young person directly via emails, phone calls, text messages, or social media. Any commication will be with the parents/carers. In the unlikely event that a young person does need to be contacted to arrange a tutoring session, this will only be with parental permission and parents will always be copied in on any communication. 

Physical contact with the child/young person will always be avoided.

If a child/young person makes a disclosure of abuse or bullying, or if I have concerns a child/young person may be at risk of abuse or harm, this will always be taken seriously following these 3 simple steps:

1. Observe/listen carefully

2. Write down notes as soon as possible

3. Talk to the Safeguarding contact within 24 hours

In addition, the following protocol will be adhered to:

• Make sure the person speaking up feels they’re being listened to and supported.

• Don’t promise to keep information confidential between you and them.

• Be careful to only share the information with people who need and have the right to know.

• If there is an immediate risk of danger or harm to the person, call the emergency services.

If you have any questions about my Safeguarding policy and practice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I will be happy to receive your questions and provide evidence of my suitability to offer private tutoring.

If you wish to be further informed about Safeguarding for private tutors, a copy of the Government Safeguarding Guidance for out-of-school settings, which includes private tuition, can be downloaded here.

If you have any Safeguarding concerns at all of any nature, the person to contact is the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) for Kent. Contact information can be found here.