Top of the Class Private Tutor
Date: July 2024
Review Date: July 2025
Policy Statement
At Top of the Class Private Tutor, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people aged 5–16 who attend our tuition sessions. We believe every child has the right to be safe, protected from harm, and supported to thrive.
This policy outlines how we keep children safe, including our approach to in-person and online tuition.
Key Principles
- The welfare of the child is always paramount.
- All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or identity, have equal rights to protection from harm.
- We work in partnership with children, parents, carers, and other agencies to support welfare and wellbeing.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Kate Scott is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Top of the Class Private Tutor.
- Holds an enhanced DBS check (update service)
- Completes safeguarding training annually
Safeguarding Procedures
In-Person Tuition
- Location and supervision: Lessons take place either 1:1 in a family home (in an open family space) or in small groups at a local venue.
- Group sessions: Maximum tutor-to-student ratio is 1:10, with Kate Scott as the sole adult present.
- Pick-up policy: Parents must nominate an authorised adult for collection. Children will only be released to this person.
Online Tuition
- Platform and security: Sessions are run via Zoom, using secure, password-protected links.
- Student environment: Children must join from an open family space, not from a private room.
Keeping Children Safe
We will seek to keep children safe by:
- Valuing, listening to, and respecting them
- Following safeguarding best practice through clear policies and a code of conduct
- Implementing online safety measures
- Providing training and supervision for safeguarding responsibilities
- Recording and storing information securely, in line with data protection guidance (ICO website)
- Ensuring children and families know where to turn for help if they have a concern
- Sharing safeguarding concerns appropriately with relevant agencies
- Managing allegations against staff properly and promptly
- Maintaining an anti-bullying environment
- Providing a safe physical environment that meets health and safety standards
- Building a culture of respect, openness, and trust
Recognising and Reporting Abuse
Recognising Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. Possible indicators may include:
- Unexplained injuries or inconsistent explanations
- Sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, or aggression
- Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
- Disclosures from a child about abuse or mistreatment
Reporting Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises:
- Listen – to the child without judgment or making promises.
- Record – details accurately, including date, time, and facts.
- Report – the concern immediately to the local council’s safeguarding team and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Kate Scott, as DSL, is responsible for carrying out this process.
Training
Kate Scott undertakes safeguarding training annually to ensure knowledge of current law and best practice.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
All safeguarding matters are treated as confidential. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis, in line with child protection requirements and data protection law. Records are stored securely.
Review
This policy will be reviewed every year to remain up to date with law and best practice.
- Next review: July 2025
Top of the Class Private Tutor
www.topoftheclass.net | topoftheclass25@gmail.com