Tier Tutors Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Version: 1.0

Effective from: 1 July 2026

Review date: 1 July 2027

1. Purpose

Tier Tutors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person who accesses our services.

We believe every child has the right to learn in a safe, supportive and respectful environment free from abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm.

This policy explains how Tier Tutors protects children and outlines the responsibilities of all tutors working on behalf of the company.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Founder

  • All self-employed tutors

  • Anyone delivering services under the Tier Tutors name

It applies to:

  • 1-to-1 online tutoring

  • Group online tutoring

  • Medical school application support

  • Workshops

  • Online communication

  • Social media where interacting with students

3. Our Commitment

Tier Tutors is committed to:

  • Putting children's welfare first

  • Listening to children

  • Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously

  • Following UK safeguarding legislation

  • Providing safe online learning environments

  • Recruiting suitable tutors

  • Ensuring all tutors understand safeguarding responsibilities

  • Working with parents where appropriate

  • Sharing concerns with relevant authorities where necessary

4. Legal Framework

This policy follows safeguarding guidance relevant to England and Wales, including:

  • Children Act 1989

  • Children Act 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (where relevant)

  • Data Protection Act 2018

  • UK GDPR

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Name: Alannah Walker

Role: Founder & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Email: tiertutorss@gmail.com

Website: tiertutor.co.uk

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns

  • Keeping safeguarding records

  • Liaising with statutory agencies where required

  • Supporting tutors

  • Reviewing this policy annually

If the DSL is unavailable and immediate risk exists, tutors should contact emergency services or Children's Social Care directly.

6. Safer Recruitment

Tier Tutors will ensure all tutors:

✓ Complete an interview

✓ Provide proof of identity

✓ Hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate (or complete one before tutoring)

✓ Provide suitable references where appropriate

✓ Agree to this safeguarding policy

✓ Agree to the Tutor Code of Conduct

✓ Complete safeguarding training

✓ Follow Tier Tutors' lesson recording policy.

7. Online Safety

As Tier Tutors operates entirely online:

Tutors must:

  • Use professional video platforms (Google Meet)

  • Use professional email addresses

  • Communicate through approved Tier Tutors WhatsApp groups including parents where appropriate

  • Never communicate using personal social media

  • Dress appropriately during lessons

  • Conduct lessons in suitable environments

  • Report any online safeguarding concerns immediately

Where possible, a parent or responsible adult should be aware that tutoring is taking place and remain accessible during sessions involving children under the age of 18.

Tier Tutors does not routinely record tutoring sessions. Lessons will only be recorded where there is a clear educational, quality assurance or safeguarding reason, and only with the prior written consent of the parent/carer and tutor. Any recordings will be securely stored for no longer than 30 days before permanent deletion unless required for an ongoing safeguarding investigation, complaint or legal obligation.

8. Tutor Responsibilities

Every tutor must:

  • Put the child's welfare first

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Treat all students equally

  • Report concerns immediately

  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate

  • Follow Tier Tutors safeguarding procedures

  • Complete safeguarding updates when requested

9. Recognising Abuse

Tutors should remain alert to possible signs of:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Online exploitation

  • Child criminal exploitation

  • Grooming

  • Self-harm

  • Radicalisation

  • Domestic abuse

Tutors are not expected to investigate concerns but must report any worries.

10. If a Child Makes a Disclosure

Tutors should:

  • Stay calm

  • Listen carefully

  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  • Never promise confidentiality

  • Record exactly what was said

  • Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

Tutors should not:

  • Ask leading questions

  • Investigate

  • Confront alleged perpetrators

  • Delay reporting

11. Reporting Procedure

If a tutor has concerns:

Step 1

Ensure the child is safe.

Step 2

Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

Step 3

Complete a written safeguarding record within 24 hours.

Step 4

The DSL will decide whether external agencies need to be contacted.

If a child is believed to be in immediate danger:

  • Call 999

  • Contact Children's Social Care

  • Inform the DSL as soon as possible

12. Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns are shared only with those who need to know.

Records will be:

  • Stored securely

  • Password protected

  • Accessed only by authorised individuals

  • Retained in accordance with data protection legislation

13. Professional Boundaries

Tutors must never:

  • Meet students socially

  • Exchange gifts of significant value

  • Contact students through personal social media

  • Develop inappropriate relationships

  • Use inappropriate language

  • Engage in any behaviour that could place a child at risk

14. Parents and Carers

Parents will:

  • Receive this safeguarding policy upon joining Tier Tutors.

  • Be encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns immediately.

  • Be informed where appropriate if safeguarding concerns arise, unless doing so would place the child at further risk.

15. Equality and Inclusion

Tier Tutors believes every child deserves equal protection regardless of:

  • Age

  • Sex

  • Race

  • Religion

  • Disability

  • Sexual orientation

  • Gender identity

  • Family background

  • Additional educational needs

 Tier Tutors is committed to providing an inclusive, safe and supportive learning environment where every child has an equal right to protection regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

16. Whistleblowing

Any tutor concerned about unsafe practice by another adult should report this immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns will always be taken seriously.

17. Supporting Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

  • Tutor Code of Conduct

  • Parent Terms & Conditions

  • Online Safety Policy

  • Behaviour Expectations

  • Complaints Policy

  • Data Protection & Privacy Policy

  • Recruitment Policy

  • Health & Safety Policy

18. Useful Contacts

Tier Tutors Designated Safeguarding Lead

Alannah Walker

Founder

Email: Tiertutorss@gmail.com

19. Online Tutoring Expectations

  • Students should join lessons from an appropriate location within the home where possible.

  • Tutors should conduct lessons from a private, professional environment.

  • Cameras are encouraged unless agreed otherwise with the parent.

  • Parents may sit in on lessons if they wish.

  • Tutors must never ask students to keep conversations secret from parents.

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000

www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline

0800 1111

www.childline.org.uk

Emergency

999

Policy Approval

Approved by:

Alannah Walker

Founder & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Date: 1 July 2026

Review Date: 1 July 2027