top of page

Child Safety and Safeguarding Policy

​

Purpose: This policy is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children during online tutoring sessions provided by Hearken Tutors. Our priority is to create a secure, supportive, and transparent learning environment for all students. This policy outlines the procedures and standards we follow to safeguard children from harm and to promote their welfare.
 

Regulations:
 

a) Background Checks:

  • Mandatory Checks: All tutors must undergo a comprehensive background check before they can begin teaching. This includes but is not limited to, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify their criminal record and ensure they are safe to work with children.

  • Periodic Renewals: Background checks will be renewed periodically to maintain up-to-date records, ensuring ongoing safety.
     

b) Parental Supervision:

  • Primary School Students: For children in primary school (ages 6-11), it is mandatory that a parent or guardian is present in the room during all online tutoring sessions. This supervision ensures the child's safety and provides immediate support if needed.

  • Role of Parents/Guardians: Parents or guardians should remain within sight and hearing distance of the child and tutor, but they should avoid interrupting the session unless necessary.
     

c) Reporting Concerns:

  • Immediate Action: Tutors are required to report any concerns regarding a child's safety or well-being to the company immediately. This includes any signs of abuse, neglect, or any other situations that may endanger the child.

  • Confidentiality: All concerns will be handled confidentially and in accordance with child protection laws and regulations. The company has a designated safeguarding lead who will handle all reports and take appropriate action.

  • Response Procedures: Upon receiving a report, the safeguarding lead will assess the situation and may contact relevant authorities or agencies if necessary to ensure the child's safety.
     

d) Session Timings:

  • Standard Hours: Online tutoring sessions are to last only 60 minutes and to be conducted only between the hours of 4 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, 9 AM and 8 PM on weekends and holidays. This ensures that sessions occur during convenient  hours when parents/guardians are likely to be available.

  • Special Arrangements: Any sessions outside these hours require special arrangements and must be approved by both the company and the parents/guardians. These arrangements will be documented and monitored for compliance.

  • Consistency and Routine: Keeping sessions within these hours helps maintain a consistent routine for the child, which is beneficial for their learning and wellbeing.
     

e) Restricted Contact:

  • Approved Channels: Tutors are strictly prohibited from contacting students outside of the scheduled lesson times. All communication must be conducted through the approved channels provided by the company, such as the official email system or learning management platform.

  • Boundaries: Tutors should maintain professional boundaries at all times. Any attempt to contact students outside of these times will be considered a violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

  • Parental Involvement: Parents/guardians will be informed about all communication protocols and will be able to monitor interactions to ensure compliance.
     

Implementation and Enforcement:
 

  • Training and Awareness: All tutors will receive comprehensive training on child safety and safeguarding as part of their induction process. This training will cover recognizing signs of abuse, understanding the reporting process, and maintaining professional boundaries. Regular refresher training sessions will be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.

  • Monitoring and Compliance: The company will regularly monitor online sessions to ensure compliance with this policy. This may include recording sessions (with parental consent) and reviewing communications between tutors and students. Any breaches of this policy will be investigated promptly, and appropriate action will be taken.

  • Support for Tutors: Tutors will have access to resources and support to help them recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. The designated safeguarding lead will be available to provide advice and support as needed. Tutors will also have access to a confidential helpline for any concerns they may have.
     

Responsibilities:
 

  • Tutors: Must adhere to this policy, complete all required training, and report any concerns about a child's safety immediately.

  • Parents/Guardians: Must ensure they are present for sessions involving primary school students and report any concerns about the tutor or the tutoring process.

  • Hearken Tutors: Will ensure all tutors are properly vetted, trained, and monitored, and will handle any safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
     

Conclusion:
 

Hearken Tutors is committed to maintaining the highest standards of child safety and safeguarding. By adhering to this policy, we aim to provide a secure and nurturing environment for all our students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times. We believe that a collaborative approach involving tutors, parents, and our administrative team is essential for the effective safeguarding of children.
 

We welcome any questions or concerns about this policy and encourage open communication to continuously improve our safeguarding practices. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for our students.


 

bottom of page