Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Johnny Robinson trading as John Lindon Mathematics Tutor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use our tutoring services. We recognise that everyone has the right to be safe from abuse and neglect, and we take our responsibilities seriously to protect those in our care.

This policy applies to all tutoring activities, whether conducted in person or online, and is in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, and the Wales Safeguarding Procedures.

2. Key Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from harm
• Working in partnership with parents, guardians, and other agencies is essential to safeguarding
• All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Confidentiality will be maintained appropriately, but never at the expense of a child's safety

3. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. The following are the main categories of abuse that everyone should be aware of:

4. Safe Working Practices

The following practices are in place to ensure the safety of all students:

• The Tutor holds an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• For in-person sessions with under-18s, a parent or guardian must be present in the home
• Sessions take place in appropriate, agreed locations
• Physical contact with students is avoided unless necessary for safety
• Professional boundaries are maintained at all times
• Communication with students under 18 is conducted through parents/guardians where possible
• Records of sessions and any concerns are maintained securely

5. Online Safety

For online tutoring sessions, additional safeguards are in place:

• Sessions are conducted using reputable, secure video conferencing platforms
• Parents/guardians are informed of the platform used and how to access sessions
• Sessions are not recorded unless explicit written consent is given by the parent/guardian
• Students are encouraged to use the platform in a communal area of the home
• Appropriate dress and behaviour is expected from all participants
• Screen sharing is limited to educational content only

6. Reporting Procedures

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, or if a child makes a disclosure of abuse, the following steps should be taken:

• Listen carefully to the child and take what they say seriously
• Do not promise confidentiality — explain that you may need to share information to keep them safe
• Do not ask leading questions or investigate independently
• Record the concern in writing as soon as possible, noting facts rather than opinions
• Report the concern to the appropriate authority immediately

Emergency Contacts

7. Designated Safeguarding Officer

8. Training

The Tutor undertakes regular safeguarding training to ensure knowledge and skills are up to date. This includes online safeguarding courses and awareness of current guidance and legislation. Training records are maintained and available upon request.

9. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and actions taken are recorded in writing promptly and securely. Records are stored confidentially and retained in accordance with data protection legislation. Records may be shared with relevant authorities where necessary to protect a child.

10. Whistleblowing

Anyone who has concerns about the conduct of the Tutor or any person involved in the tutoring service should report their concerns immediately. Concerns can be raised with the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline on 0800 028 0285 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. All concerns will be treated seriously and confidentially.

11. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to legislation, guidance, or if an incident occurs that highlights the need for a review. The review date will be recorded, and all parents/guardians will be notified of any significant changes.

12. Additional Resources

• NSPCC — National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
• Childline — Free, confidential support for children and young people
• Wales Safeguarding Procedures — National safeguarding procedures for Wales
• Working Together to Safeguard Children — Government guidance

13. Declaration