Safeguarding Procedure
CTS
1. Purpose
The purpose of this safeguarding procedure is to ensure that all children and young people who receive tuition from CTS are protected from harm and that all staff, tutors, volunteers, and contractors understand their responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
We are committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment where all children feel respected, valued, and protected.
2. Scope
This procedure applies to:
- All tutors
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Contractors
- Anyone working on behalf of the business
This procedure applies to face-to-face tuition, online tuition, group sessions, and any activities organised by the business.
3. Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding means:
- Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment.
- Preventing impairment of children's health or development.
- Ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care.
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
4. Types of Abuse
Staff should be aware of the following forms of abuse:
Physical Abuse
Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.
Emotional Abuse
Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child's emotional development.
Sexual Abuse
Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
Neglect
Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs.
Additional safeguarding concerns may include:
- Child criminal exploitation
- Child sexual exploitation
- Domestic abuse
- Online abuse
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Radicalisation and extremism
- Self-harm
- Mental health concerns
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Forced marriage
5. Safer Recruitment
The business will:
- Obtain enhanced DBS checks where appropriate.
- Verify identity and qualifications.
- Obtain references before engagement.
- Assess suitability to work with children.
- Maintain recruitment records.
No tutor may commence unsupervised work with children without appropriate safeguarding checks.
6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Name: \[Insert Name\] Position: \[Insert Position\] Contact Number: \[Insert Number\] Email: \[Insert Email\]
The DSL is responsible for:
- Receiving safeguarding concerns.
- Recording safeguarding incidents.
- Liaising with parents, schools, social care, and other agencies where appropriate.
- Maintaining safeguarding records.
- Ensuring safeguarding training is completed.
In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be reported to:
Deputy DSL: Jessica Storey
7. Recognising Concerns
All staff should remain alert to signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, including:
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden behavioural changes
- Poor attendance
- Fearfulness around specific adults
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Sexualised behaviour inappropriate for age
- Signs of emotional distress
Staff should never assume somebody else will report a concern.
8. Reporting Concerns
If a tutor becomes concerned about a child:
1. Listen carefully and remain calm.
2. Do not promise confidentiality.
3. Reassure the child they have done the right thing in speaking up.
4. Record exactly what was seen, heard, or disclosed.
5. Report the concern to the DSL immediately.
6. If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services by calling 999.
9. Recording Concerns
All safeguarding concerns must be recorded promptly and include:
- Child's name
- Date and time
- Nature of the concern
- Exact words used where possible
- Actions taken
- Name of person making the report
Records must be:
- Kept securely
- Confidential
- Shared only on a need-to-know basis
- Retained in accordance with data protection requirements
10. Online Tuition Safeguarding
For all online sessions:
- Sessions should be conducted using approved platforms.
- Parents/carers should be aware of scheduled sessions.
- Tutors should use professional accounts only.
- Tutors must not record sessions without explicit consent.
- Communication should remain professional at all times.
- Personal contact details should not be exchanged.
Where possible:
- Children should work in a communal area of the home.
- Cameras should remain on unless agreed otherwise.
11. Professional Boundaries
Tutors must:
- Maintain professional relationships at all times.
- Avoid favouritism.
- Not communicate via personal social media accounts.
- Not meet pupils outside agreed tuition arrangements.
- Not transport pupils unless specifically authorised and risk assessed.
12. Allegations Against Tutors or Staff
Any allegation concerning inappropriate conduct by a tutor or member of staff must be reported immediately to the DSL.
The DSL will:
- Secure all relevant information.
- Consider whether the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be informed.
- Follow local safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
Where the allegation concerns the DSL, it should be reported directly to the business owner/director.
13. Confidentiality
Safeguarding information will be shared only with those who need to know to protect the child.
The welfare of the child always takes priority over confidentiality concerns.
14. Training
All tutors and staff will:
- Receive safeguarding induction.
- Complete safeguarding training before working with children.
- Receive regular safeguarding updates.
- Be familiar with this policy and reporting procedures.
15. Review
This safeguarding procedure will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
- Legislation changes.
- Guidance is updated.
- A safeguarding incident identifies improvements are required.
Safeguarding Reporting Contacts
Emergency Services: 999
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Local Authority Children's Social Care: MASH team at RMBC 01709 382121
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Claire Blood Phone: 07704524720 Email: bloodclaire@ymail.com