Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Smart Fox Tuition

At Smart Fox Tuition, the safety, well-being, and protection of every child are paramount. As a professional tuition service, I am committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive online learning environment.

This policy applies to all online lessons, digital communications, and interactions between the tutor, students, and parents.

1. Professional Standards & Vetting

  • Qualifications & Registration: Lessons are delivered exclusively by a PGCE-qualified tutor holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and active membership with The Tutors' Association (MTA).

  • Background Checks: I hold a current, clean Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which is available for parents to view upon request.

2. Online Lesson Safety Measures

To ensure a secure digital environment during Zoom lessons:

  • Secure Classrooms: All Zoom lessons are password-protected, and a 'Waiting Room' is enabled. Only verified students are admitted to the session.

  • Appropriate Learning Environment: Lessons should ideally take place in a communal area of the home. If a child needs to use their bedroom for quiet study, the room door should remain open, and the workspace background must be appropriate for an educational setting (virtual backgrounds can be used if preferred). Students must be fully and appropriately dressed for a lesson.

  • Recording Policy: Lessons are not recorded. Recording by students or parents is strictly prohibited to protect privacy.

  • Digital Folders: Student folders are hosted on secure, password-protected cloud storage and are accessible only by the tutor, the student, and their parents.

3. Parental Involvement & Communication

  • Open Door Policy: Parents are always welcome to sit in on any online session or view the lesson from the same room. For younger learners or initial sessions, parental support nearby is actively encouraged.

  • Direct Communication: All scheduling, feedback, and operational communications are conducted directly with the parent via email, phone, or messaging apps. I do not communicate privately with students outside of live lesson times.

4. Reporting and Concerns

  • Duty of Care: If a student makes a disclosure, or if I notice any behavioural or physical signs that raise a welfare or child protection concern, I have a professional duty of care to act.

  • Procedure: Any concerns will be documented immediately. If appropriate, they will be discussed directly with the parent. In cases where a child is deemed to be at risk of significant harm, a report will be made directly to the relevant local authority Children's Services or safeguarding professionals in accordance with UK statutory guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education).

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with the latest UK safeguarding guidelines.

Last updated: October 2026

 

Safeguarding Policy