Safeguarding policies

1. Overview

At TutorsValley, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all students who use our online tuition services. This policy outlines our safeguarding measures and the responsibilities of everyone involved in delivering and receiving online tuition, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all.

2. Legislation

This policy is informed by the following UK legislation and statutory guidance:

Children Act 1989 & 2004
Education Act 2002
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE 2018)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2023)
The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR (2021)

This policy also takes into account the recommendations made by the UK Safer Internet Centre and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Our site and coordinating policies have been developed to ensure we comply with all relevant safeguarding legislation.

This safeguarding policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions.

3. Aims of the Policy

To safeguard all students engaged in online tuition, ensuring their safety and protection from harm.
To provide a clear framework for the responsibilities of the company, students, tutors, and parents.
To outline reporting and response procedures in the event of a safeguarding concern or breach.
To ensure all stakeholders understand and comply with their safeguarding responsibilities.

4. Company Responsibilities

TutorsValley holds primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of students during online tuition. Our key responsibilities include:

1. Recruitment & Vetting:
All tutors undergo rigorous pre-employment checks, including Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, qualification verification, and references, to ensure they are suitable to work with children and vulnerable individuals.
2. Monitoring & Supervision:
We monitor tutoring sessions for safeguarding and quality assurance purposes. We also offer regular opportunities for tutors to discuss safeguarding concerns or receive additional guidance.
3. Data Protection:
Personal information about students and their families is protected under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act. We maintain secure storage and handling procedures to ensure confidentiality.
4. Responding to Concerns:
Any safeguarding concerns raised by tutors, students, or parents are treated with urgency. We have clear processes for reporting, investigating, and responding to potential breaches of safeguarding.

5. Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to engage in their online learning in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner. Their responsibilities include:

1. Respecting Online Boundaries:
Students should behave appropriately in online sessions, showing respect to tutors and other students. Bullying or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
2. Reporting Concerns:
If a student feels unsafe or uncomfortable during a session or has any safeguarding concerns, they are encouraged to report this to their tutor or contact TutorsValley directly.
3. Online Safety Awareness:
Students should follow online safety guidelines, including keeping personal information private and using secure technology for their tuition.

6. Tutor Responsibilities

Tutors at TutorsValley play a vital role in safeguarding students. Their responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining Professional Boundaries:
Tutors must conduct themselves professionally and maintain appropriate boundaries with students at all times.
2. Observing & Reporting:
Tutors are required to be vigilant for any signs of potential safeguarding concerns, including changes in behavior, signs of distress, or any inappropriate communication. Any concerns must be reported immediately to the police or NSPCC.
3. Creating a Safe Learning Environment:
Tutors are responsible for ensuring the online platform is used appropriately and that all communications remain professional and focused on learning.
4. Privacy & Data Protection:
Tutors must adhere to data protection guidelines, ensuring that any personal information shared during lessons is kept confidential and used only for educational purposes.

7. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting the safeguarding of students. Their responsibilities include:

1. Supervising Online Sessions:
Parents should ensure that their child is using technology safely and appropriately during tutoring sessions. They should regularly check in with their child to discuss the content and experience of their lessons.
2. Providing a Safe Environment:
Parents are responsible for ensuring that the physical environment in which their child engages in tuition is safe and appropriate for learning.
3. Reporting Concerns:
If a parent has any concerns regarding their child’s safety or well-being during online tuition, they should report this immediately to TutorsValley.
4. Sharing Relevant Information:
Parents should inform TutorsValley if there are any relevant safeguarding concerns or changes to the child’s situation that could affect their safety or well-being during tuition.

9. Reporting a Breach of Safeguarding

1. Any Student or Tutor reported for a breach of our Safeguarding Policy will be immediately suspended from the site until the matter reported has been investigated by the appropriate authority. We will inform them of their suspension and seek guidance where required. The Student or Tutor reporting the breach may be informed of the resolution, if appropriate.

2. TutorsValley reserves the right to make a final decision on action taken for minor breaches of our Safeguarding Policy.

3. Any Student or Tutor reported for illegal activity whilst using the TutorsValley Website may be barred from the service, reported to the police and any other relevant organisations.

10. Updating the Policy

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice guidance changes. Updates will be communicated to all tutors, students, and parents to ensure ongoing compliance and awareness.

Last updated: 18/10/24

By adhering to this policy, we are committed to creating a safe and positive learning environment for all our students.

This policy covers all key aspects of safeguarding, including legislation, responsibilities for all parties, and clear steps for addressing concerns.