1. Policy Statement
ScholarCore Tutors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, supportive and positive learning environment where students are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation and inappropriate behaviour.
The welfare of the child is paramount in all activities and decisions undertaken by ScholarCore Tutors.
2. Purpose of this Policy
This policy outlines how ScholarCore Tutors seeks to:
- Protect children and vulnerable adults who use our services.
- Promote safe tutoring practices.
- Ensure tutors understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Create a culture of safety, respect and accountability.
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Tutors
- Students
- Parents and guardians
- Employees
- Contractors
- Volunteers
- Any individual representing ScholarCore Tutors
The policy applies to both online and in-person tutoring services.
4. Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding refers to actions taken to protect children and vulnerable adults from:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Exploitation
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Radicalisation and extremism
- Grooming
- Online harm
5. Recruitment and Vetting of Tutors
ScholarCore Tutors aims to engage suitable individuals who demonstrate professionalism and commitment to student welfare.
Where appropriate, tutors may be required to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Qualification certificates
- Professional references
- Employment history
- Enhanced DBS checks (or equivalent)
We reserve the right to reject or remove tutors where safeguarding concerns arise.
6. Online Tutoring Safeguards
To promote student safety during online lessons:
Tutors should:
- Conduct lessons professionally.
- Use approved communication channels where possible.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Dress appropriately.
- Conduct sessions in a suitable environment.
Tutors must not:
- Exchange inappropriate messages.
- Request personal or sensitive information unnecessarily.
- Communicate through private social media accounts.
- Engage in inappropriate discussions.
- Record lessons without consent.
7. Parent and Guardian Involvement
For students under 18 years of age:
- Parents or guardians are encouraged to be involved in the tutoring process.
- Parents may request progress updates.
- Parents should provide emergency contact information where required.
ScholarCore Tutors encourages transparency between tutors, students and parents.
8. Code of Conduct for Tutors
Tutors are expected to:
- Treat students with dignity and respect.
- Maintain professional boundaries.
- Act as positive role models.
- Use appropriate language at all times.
- Promote a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Tutors must not:
- Engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
- Meet students privately without appropriate arrangements.
- Share personal contact details unnecessarily.
- Discriminate against any student.
- Use abusive, threatening or inappropriate language.
9. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Significant behavioural changes
- Signs of neglect
- Disclosure of abuse
- Persistent absence
- Indicators of emotional distress
- Signs of online exploitation
- Concerns relating to radicalisation
Tutors are not expected to investigate concerns but should report them appropriately.
10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to ScholarCore Tutors.
Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm:
- Emergency services should be contacted immediately.
- Appropriate local safeguarding authorities may be notified.
Tutors should:
- Record factual information.
- Avoid making assumptions.
- Avoid conducting investigations.
- Maintain confidentiality.
11. Confidentiality
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Confidentiality may be overridden where disclosure is necessary to protect a child or vulnerable person from harm.
12. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ScholarCore Tutors is committed to providing a safe learning environment regardless of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
All students have the right to be treated fairly and with respect.
13. Use of Technology
Students and tutors should use technology responsibly.
Prohibited behaviour includes:
- Cyberbullying
- Harassment
- Sharing inappropriate content
- Recording sessions without permission
- Unauthorised distribution of personal information
Any misuse of technology may result in removal from the platform.
14. Allegations Against Tutors
Any allegation involving a tutor will be taken seriously.
ScholarCore Tutors may:
- Suspend tutoring activities during investigations.
- Request additional information.
- Contact relevant authorities where appropriate.
- Remove tutors from the platform if concerns are substantiated.
The safety of students will always be prioritised.
15. Policy Review
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice guidance.
Updates may be made at any time to reflect changes in legislation or operational procedures.
16. Contact Information
For safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact:
ScholarCore Tutors
Email: [admin@scholarcoretutors.com]
Website: [scholarcoretutors.com]
Where there is an immediate risk to a child or vulnerable person, contact emergency services by calling 999.
Commitment to Safeguarding
ScholarCore Tutors is committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful learning environment where students can learn with confidence and achieve their full potential.
We expect all tutors, staff, students and parents to share responsibility for safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
