Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: April 15, 2026

1. Statement of Intent

At Specialist Tutor, the welfare of the child is paramount. We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all students. This policy outlines our procedures for protecting children from harm and ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.

2. Responsibilities

As the head tutor, Louise Birchall is responsible for:

  • Maintaining a safe environment for all tutoring sessions.

  • Recognising the signs of abuse, neglect, or other welfare concerns.

  • Acting appropriately on any concerns raised.

  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding practices.

3. Professional Conduct

To ensure the safety of both the tutor and the student:

  • Communication: All communication with students will be conducted through parents/guardians, or via the parent-monitored professional email/platform.

  • Environment: Sessions will take place [in the student’s home/in a designated public space/online via a secure video link].

  • Physical Contact: There will be no unnecessary physical contact between the tutor and the student.

  • Professional Boundaries: I will maintain a professional relationship with all students and avoid any conduct that could be misinterpreted.

4. Responding to Concerns

If a student discloses information that suggests they are at risk of harm, or if I notice signs of abuse or neglect, I will:

  1. Listen: Allow the child to speak without interruption. Do not ask leading questions.

  2. Reassure: Explain that I cannot keep secrets if they are in danger, but that I will only tell people who can help.

  3. Record: Write down exactly what was said and observed, using the student’s own words, with dates and times.

  4. Report: I will contact the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the child’s local Social Services department immediately.

  5. Advise: Inform the parents/guardians of the concern, unless doing so would put the child at further risk of harm.

5. Online Safety (If applicable)

For online sessions, we follow these additional measures:

  • Parents are encouraged to be in the vicinity during sessions.

  • Links for sessions will be password-protected.

  • No personal contact details or social media connections will be exchanged between the tutor and the student.

  • Video sessions will not be recorded without the explicit, written consent of both the parent and the tutor.

6. Training and DBS

  • DBS Check: I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, which is available for inspection upon request.

  • Training: I participate in regular safeguarding training to ensure my knowledge remains current.

7. Useful Contacts

In the event of a concern, I will contact the following:

  • Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP): 01403 229900

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Emergency Services: 999 (if a child is in immediate danger)