HANNAH’S TUTORING

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Effective Date: 12 March 2026

Hannah Smith trading as Hannah’s Tutoring (Sole Trader)

8 King Charles Square, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8FA

1. Statement of Commitment

Hannah’s Tutoring is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The safety and wellbeing of Students is paramount in all tutoring activities.

2. Legal Framework

This policy operates in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest guidance), the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Data Protection Act 2018.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Hannah Smith acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and holds overall responsibility for safeguarding.

The DSL is responsible for receiving safeguarding concerns, maintaining records, and liaising with external agencies where necessary.

4. Safer Recruitment & DBS Requirements

All Tutors engaged by the Business must hold a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. A Basic DBS certificate is the minimum requirement, although Tutors who hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate may also provide this.

Where a Tutor does not currently hold a valid DBS certificate, they must apply for a Basic DBS check within seven (7) days of engagement with the Business.

Tutors may begin delivering tutoring sessions while a DBS application is in progress, provided that:

• the DBS application has been submitted
• identity verification checks have been completed
• no safeguarding concerns have been identified
• all other safeguarding onboarding requirements have been satisfied

The Business reserves the right to suspend or terminate tutoring arrangements if a DBS certificate is not obtained within thirty (30) days of engagement, or where safeguarding concerns arise.

For data protection purposes, the Business records only the verification details of DBS certificates, including the certificate number and issue date. Full DBS certificates are not retained.

5. Safeguarding Training

All Tutors must complete recognised safeguarding awareness training within three (3) months of engagement.

The DSL will ensure safeguarding awareness remains up to date.

6. Online Safeguarding Procedures

All tutoring sessions are conducted online via approved platforms such as Google Meet.

Communication must remain professional and, where possible, transparent (e.g. monitored WhatsApp groups or platform messaging).

Tutors must not engage in private, unmonitored communication with Students.

7. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Abuse may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or online exploitation.

Tutors must remain vigilant to behavioural or academic indicators that may suggest safeguarding concerns.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSL.

The DSL will assess the concern and determine whether external referral (e.g. local authority or police) is required.

Records of safeguarding concerns will be kept securely and confidentially.

9. Allegations Against Tutors

Any allegation made against a Tutor will be investigated promptly and may result in immediate suspension pending investigation.

Where appropriate, external authorities will be notified.

10. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Safeguarding information is handled in accordance with the Business Privacy Policy and UK GDPR.

Information may be shared with relevant authorities where required by law or in the vital interests of the child.

11. Parental Responsibility

Parents/guardians retain primary responsibility for supervision of the Student during online sessions.

12. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.