Safeguarding policy
Last updated: April 2026
1. Introduction
As a qualified teacher with 30 years of experience, including 20 years as Head of Department, I am fully committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all students I tutor. This policy outlines the measures I take to ensure a safe, secure, and professional learning environment for both in-person and online tuition.
2. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
I hold a current, valid Enhanced DBS Certificate. I am fully cleared to work with children and young people. Parents and guardians are welcome—and encouraged—to request to see my certificate and photo identification during our initial consultation or first session.
3. Communication and boundaries
- Contact with students: All communications outside of the tutoring sessions (such as scheduling, invoicing, and sharing resources) must go through the parent or guardian's email address or phone number. I do not communicate directly with students under the age of 18 via text, social media, or personal email.
- Professional boundaries: A strict professional teacher-student boundary is maintained at all times. Feedback and encouragement will always be educational and constructive.
4. In-person tuition
For sessions taking place at my home in Chandler's Ford:
- Sessions are conducted in a designated, professional teaching space.
- Internal doors remain open or slightly ajar during tuition.
- Parents and guardians are welcome to stay on the premises or wait in an adjacent room if they prefer, particularly for the initial sessions.
- Students must be dropped off and collected promptly by a recognised parent or guardian.
5. Online tuition
For sessions taking place via Zoom or other video conferencing software:
- Meeting links are generated securely and sent only to the parent or guardian.
- Students are expected to attend sessions in an appropriate shared living space at home (e.g., a living room, dining room, or open study), rather than a closed bedroom.
- Appropriate clothing must be worn by both the tutor and the student.
- Sessions are not recorded by the tutor unless explicitly requested and agreed upon in writing by the parent/guardian for revision purposes.
6. Raising a concern
If a student discloses information that raises concerns about their safety, or if I observe signs of potential abuse or neglect, I have a statutory duty to report this. As an independent tutor, any serious safeguarding concerns will be reported directly to Hampshire County Council Children's Services (or the relevant local authority where the child resides) or the police, in line with UK safeguarding legislation.
7. Data protection
Any personal data collected regarding students (such as school reports, target grades, or SEN information) is stored securely, used solely for the purpose of educational planning, and will not be shared with any third party without explicit parental consent.
8. Contact details
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this safeguarding policy, please contact me at: