Child Protection & Safeguarding September 2024

 Quality In Tutoring

Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy September 2024

 Date Adopted: September 2024

Author/owner: Quality in Tutoring Ltd

Anticipated Review: Autumn Term 2025 

Quality In Tutoring

Child Protection & Safeguarding

Policy September 2024 

Key External Contact Details:

Key Organisation Contact

Policy Overview

Quality in Tutoring Ltd prioritises the safety and well-being of all students and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding for children and at-risk adults. Safeguarding involves a collective commitment to openness, integrity, and accountability to ensure the safety of those under our care.

Our tutors understand that working with children means engaging with a vulnerable group who may be susceptible to various forms of harm, including both physical and emotional mistreatment. Quality in Tutoring Ltd requires all tutors to prioritise the welfare of every child, maintaining a legal and moral obligation to report any suspected or observed abuse.

Purpose

This policy provides guidelines for tutors to safeguard all students under their instruction, creating a secure environment that supports both educational growth and personal safety.

Responsibilities and Conduct for Tutors

Tutors working with Quality in Tutoring Ltd must uphold a professional, considerate, and respectful environment for every student. The following guidelines outline tutor responsibilities:

• Treat all students respectfully and without discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, or other factors.
• Use appropriate language, refraining from offensive or discriminatory terms.
• Maintain a strictly professional relationship and avoid inappropriate communication with students.
• Acknowledge and value each student’s effort and work.
• Ensure a parent or guardian is present during lessons for students under 18.
• Treat students with disabilities with due sensitivity and respect.
• Establish and maintain a suitable and professional tutoring environment free from inappropriate content.

Additional Expectations for Online Tutoring For online lessons, Quality in Tutoring Ltd requires that:

• Tutors ensure their tutoring environment is free of inappropriate visuals or materials.
• Tutors attend lessons on time.
• If a responsible adult is not present for an online session, tutors must confirm the student feels comfortable proceeding. If the student is uncomfortable, tutors are encouraged to terminate the session.
• Lessons will be recorded for safeguarding review if needed and may be submitted to authorities if required for criminal investigations.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Quality in Tutoring Ltd has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who serves as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns. The DSL, trained in safeguarding protocols, is responsible for receiving and assessing any reports of suspected abuse. In case of a report, the DSL will record all relevant information, follow reporting procedures, and decide on the necessary steps forward. The DSL may liaise with social services or police child protection units as needed.

Designated Safeguarding Lead of Quality in Tutoring Ltd:

Maha (maha.alkhulaqi@qualitytutoring.org.uk)

Maha can also be reached by phone on 07463668490

Safeguarding Concerns and Reporting Procedures

If a tutor suspects that a student is being abused, they are legally obligated to report the concern to Quality in Tutoring Ltd’s DSL. The DSL will consult with local authorities or the Police Child Protection Unit as appropriate. Quality in Tutoring Ltd does not undertake independent investigations but supports law enforcement or social services as required.

If a student discloses abuse, tutors should listen supportively without promising confidentiality, as tutors must report concerns. If the student’s safety is immediately threatened, tutors should contact emergency services, then inform the DSL promptly.

Bullying and Abuse Bullying includes deliberate actions by individuals or groups to harm others, which may be physical, verbal, or emotional. Forms of bullying may also include cyberbullying. Tutors should be vigilant for signs of distress, isolation, or behavioural changes that may indicate bullying.

Protecting Confidential Information Tutors are required to protect the personal information of students, adhering to GDPR. Personal information must remain confidential and should not be shared with unauthorised parties. Tutors should avoid sharing lesson details with third parties, even if the information appears inconsequential.

Social Media and Professional Boundaries Tutors should not engage with students on social media and should maintain privacy settings that limit student access to personal content. Tutors are expected to:

• Decline social media friend requests from students.
• Avoid any non-tuition-related communication with students.
• Refrain from making inappropriate comments or requesting personal information from students.
• Avoid photographing or recording students without explicit consent.

Commitment to Safeguarding All tutors with Quality in Tutoring Ltd agree to this Safeguarding Policy, protecting every student’s welfare through vigilance, professionalism, and respect.