Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
This policy is aimed at ensuring users of TutorHost most importantly the vulnerable are protected. Therefore it’s imperative that all users are aware of our commitment towards carrying out this responsibility.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the conscious act of protecting the vulnerable, i.e. children or the disabled from harmful behaviour, by doing what is in their best interest thereby protecting their welfare. Therefore in promoting the welfare of a child or a vulnerable person, safeguarding aims to prevent any act that an adult or caregiver is aware of that involves but not limited to; acts of cyber bullying, self-harming, maltreatment etc. perpetrated with the intent of harming. A child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years. Therefore it’s vital that tutors and students are aware of our commitment towards safeguarding, by maintaining professional conduct at all times and communicating any concerns to our designated safeguarding lead or the local authority.
Safeguarding procedures at TutorHost
If a tutor suspect a child is in danger or may be the victim of abuse of any nature, you are legally obligated to file a report with TutorHost and/or your local council. Some typical signs/behaviours that a child or vulnerable person may display to help you in understanding if they are in danger or facing abuse are:
a. signs of being bullied which may involve been withdrawn if otherwise sociable, self-harming etc.
b. signs of Gang involvement which may include references to gang affiliations in writing or graffiti in books
c. Signs of drug or alcohol use which may include evidence of self-harm through markings on skin, pungent smell of alcohol or drugs on clothing and equipment.
d. Signs of drug or alcohol misuse by parent or carer which may include pungent smell of alcohol, signs of drug paraphernalia in surroundings etc.
e. Signs of neglect which may involve poor physical or emotional health
f. Signs of radicalization or support for extremist beliefs.
Tutors are advised to report any suspicious behaviour to the designated safeguarding lead by:
a. Providing details of the child or vulnerable person involved,
b. Reporting the specific danger, you suspect they may be in,
c. Clearly explaining how you were able to tell or develop an understanding that the child or vulnerable person is or may be facing danger or abuse.
Please send this report to the email address: safeguarding@tutorhost.org .
We will conduct fact finding to assess the best course of action and follow-up by passing on the required information to the right personnel.
How do tutors safeguard?
Though no lessons are taught on our platform, it’s important that tutors adopt all precautionary measures to ensure that the welfare of the child tutored is promoted. This can be done by ensuring:
1. The terms and conditions for use of TutorHost are complied with.
2. A safe location or environment is used for online or face to face tutoring this may include but not limited to, providing tutoring in an environment free from explicit images or content at all times.
3. Consent is provided by parents or an adult nominee when tutoring children under the age of 18 years without the presence of their parents and/or guardian.
4. There is no exchange of social media details with a child.
5. All students are treated the same respective of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
6. All contact details of a parent shared with you when they have paid the finder’s fee is protected. It’s vital that you do not share these details with third party without their consent and appropriate strategies are taken to protect their data shared with you.
7. If a child informs you that they have been the victim of bullying or abuse of any nature, you are duty bound to report this to the designated safeguarding lead and/or your local council.