Cambridge Maths Tuition: Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement
Cambridge Maths Tuition Limited (hereafter referred to as "the Company") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, especially children and vulnerable adults. This policy outlines the procedures and practices that the Company follows to ensure a safe learning environment.
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2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, tutors, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of the Company.
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3. Definitions
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Child: A person under the age of 18.
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Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, or any other reason.
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Safeguarding: The process of protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring their health and development.
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4. Legal Framework
This policy is developed in accordance with the following legislation and guidelines:
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The Children Act 1989 and 2004
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The Education Act 2002
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The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
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The Care Act 2014
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Keeping Children Safe in Education (Department for Education, 2023)
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Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2018)
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5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Company will appoint a DSL responsible for implementing and monitoring safeguarding practices, including:
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Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns or allegations.
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Liaising with external agencies (e.g., social services, police) when necessary.
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Ensuring all staff and tutors are trained in safeguarding procedures.
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Keeping up-to-date records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken.
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5.2. Tutors and Staff
All tutors and staff have a responsibility to:
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Understand and comply with the Company’s safeguarding policy.
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Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL promptly.
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Participate in safeguarding training as required.
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5.3. Contractors and Volunteers
Contractors and volunteers working with the Company must adhere to this safeguarding policy. They should report any concerns to the DSL or another senior staff member.
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6. Safer Recruitment
The Company is committed to safe recruitment practices to ensure that all staff and tutors are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. This includes:
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Conducting Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
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Verifying identity, qualifications, and professional references.
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Conducting interviews to assess the candidate’s suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults.
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7. Training and Awareness
All staff and tutors will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training will include:
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Recognizing signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
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Understanding the procedure for reporting concerns.
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Promoting a safe and supportive environment.
Training will be updated regularly, and the DSL will ensure all staff are aware of any changes to safeguarding policies or legislation.
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8. Recognizing and Responding to Concerns
8.1. Recognizing Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including:
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Physical Abuse: Causing physical harm.
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Emotional Abuse: Causing emotional distress.
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Sexual Abuse: Involvement in sexual activities without consent.
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Neglect: Failing to meet a child or vulnerable adult’s basic needs.
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8.2. Reporting Concerns
All concerns about a child or vulnerable adult’s safety should be reported to the DSL immediately. If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the deputy DSL or a senior staff member.
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8.3. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know to protect the individual.
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8.4. Record Keeping
The DSL will keep detailed records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken. These records will be kept securely and only accessible to authorised personnel.
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9. Online Safety
Given the nature of online tutoring, special attention must be paid to online safety. The Company will ensure:
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Tutors and students use secure, approved platforms for online sessions.
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Tutors do not engage in private communication with students outside of official channels.
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Parents/guardians are aware of online safety measures and encouraged to supervise online sessions.
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10. Allegations Against Staff or Tutors
Any allegations of abuse made against a staff member or tutor must be reported to the DSL immediately. The Company will:
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Conduct a thorough investigation, following the guidance from statutory authorities.
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Consider suspending the staff member or tutor during the investigation to protect the individual involved.
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Follow disciplinary procedures where appropriate.
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11. Whistleblowing
All staff, tutors, and volunteers are encouraged to report any concerns about the conduct of colleagues or the Company’s practices. The Company will ensure that individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation.
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12. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL and the management team to ensure it remains effective and up-to-date with current legislation and best practices. Any changes will be communicated to all staff, tutors, and volunteers.
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13. Contact Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Hannah Gavin
Phone: 07989011162
Email: hannah@cambridgemathstuition.co.uk
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Approval Date: 31 August 2024
Next Review Date: 31st August 2026
Approved by: Hannah Gavin, Director
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This safeguarding policy is a living document and will be amended as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all students under the care of Cambridge Maths Tuition Limited.
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