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Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy - September 2025. 

 

  1. Introduction

This policy outlines No Walls Teaching's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, particularly those aged 16-18, who participate in our A-Level Biology tutoring services. We aim to provide a safe and supportive learning environment, whether online or in person.

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    2. Scope

This policy applies to all tutors, staff, and volunteers associated with No Walls Teaching and all students receiving tutoring services.

 

    3. Principles of Safeguarding

 

  • Student Welfare is Paramount: The well-being and safety of our students are our primary concern.

  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have a strict zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

  • Confidentiality and Information Sharing: We will handle sensitive information responsibly and share it only when necessary to protect a student or as legally required.

  • Transparency and Openness: We will be open and transparent in our safeguarding practices, ensuring students, parents/guardians, and staff understand their roles and responsibilities.

  • Empowerment: We will empower students to feel safe and confident in reporting any concerns they may have.

 

     4. Roles and Responsibilities

 

      4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

      Name: Clare Wharton
      Contact Details: Clare@nowallsteaching.co.uk

 

The DSL is responsible for:

 

  • Overseeing the implementation of this safeguarding policy.

  • Acting as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.

  • Providing advice and support to tutors and staff on safeguarding matters.

  • Liaising with external agencies, such as local authorities and police, when necessary.

  • Ensuring all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.

  • Maintaining accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns.

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     4.2 Tutors and Staff

All tutors and staff are responsible for:

 

  • Adhering to this safeguarding policy at all times.

  • Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

  • Being vigilant for any signs of abuse or neglect.

  • Reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.

  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with students.

 

    5. Recruitment and Training

 

    5.1 Recruitment

All tutors and staff will undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including:

 

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or equivalent background checks for non-UK residents).

  • Verification of qualifications and professional references.

  • Interviews that include questions on safeguarding knowledge and commitment.

 

    5.2 Training

All tutors and staff will receive regular safeguarding training, covering:

 

  • Understanding different types of abuse and neglect.

  • Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse.

  • Reporting procedures and responsibilities.

  • Maintaining professional boundaries.

  • Online safety and appropriate digital conduct.

 

     6. Reporting Concerns

 

     6.1 How to Report a Concern

Any student, parent/guardian, tutor, or staff member who has a safeguarding concern must report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Concerns can be reported verbally, in writing, or via email.

 

     6.2 What to Include in a Report

When reporting a concern, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

 

  • Name(s) of the student(s) involved.

  • Nature of the concern (what happened, when, where).

  • Any individuals involved or witnessed the event.

  • Any actions already taken.

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6.3 DSL Response to a Report

Upon receiving a report, the DSL will:

 

  • Listen carefully and record all information accurately.

  • Assess the level of risk to the student.

  • Determine whether immediate action is required to ensure the student's safety.

  • Consult with relevant external agencies (e.g., local authority children's services, police) if deemed necessary.

  • Maintain clear and confidential records of all actions taken.

  • Keep the reporter informed of the outcome, where appropriate and within confidentiality guidelines.

 

     7. Online Safeguarding

Given that most tutoring will be conducted online, specific measures are in place to ensure online safety:

 

  • Approved Platforms: All online tutoring sessions will take place on secure, approved platforms (e.g., [Specify Platform(s) like Zoom, Google Meet]).

  • Recorded Sessions (Optional/Consent-Based): Sessions may be recorded for quality assurance and safeguarding purposes, with explicit consent from all participants where required by law.

  • Appropriate Environment: Students and tutors are encouraged to conduct sessions in a suitable and private environment, free from distractions. Students should not conduct sessions in their bedrooms and there should be an adult present within the building and ideally within the same space or easily accessible. 

  • Professional Conduct: Tutors will maintain professional conduct and language at all times. Personal contact details should not be exchanged.

  • Filtering and Monitoring: While No Walls Teaching cannot monitor students' home internet use, we advise parents/guardians to ensure appropriate filtering and parental controls are in place.

  • Cyberbullying and Harassment: Any instances of cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate online behavior will be dealt with seriously and reported according to this policy.

 

     8. In-Person Safeguarding

For occasional in-person tutoring sessions:

 

  • Location: Sessions should ideally take place in a public space or a mutually agreed-upon location that ensures safety and appropriate supervision (e.g., a library, community centre, or the student's home with a parent/guardian present).

  • Parental Consent: For in-person sessions at a student's home, explicit parental/guardian consent is required, and ideally, a parent/guardian should be present or easily accessible during the session.

  • One-to-One vs. Group: While 1-to-1 tutoring is common, consider if a third party could be present or visible where appropriate, particularly for younger students or if there are any specific concerns.

  • Emergency Procedures: Tutors should be aware of emergency procedures for the chosen location.

 

     9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

 

  • All safeguarding concerns and related information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

  • Information will only be shared on a "need-to-know" basis to protect a student or as required by law (e.g., to local authority children's services or the police).

  • Students' personal data will be stored and processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

    10. Review of this Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our services.

 

Date of Policy Issue: September 2025
Date of Next Review: September 2026

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