Select Tuition Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction: Ensuring Safety in Education
Dedication to Excellence: At Select Tuition, our foremost dedication is to deliver high-quality educational services. This dedication goes hand in hand with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all individuals, with a special focus on children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Policy's Core Purpose: This Safeguarding Policy serves as the cornerstone of our commitment to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of those who engage in our educational programs and services.
Comprehensive Coverage: Our Company has formally embraced this safeguarding policy, and we expect wholehearted support and adherence from every adult involved in various capacities at SELECT TUITION. This policy, therefore, extends its jurisdiction to encompass all personnel, including staff, managers, trustees, directors, volunteers, students, or anyone representing the Company.
2. Guiding Principles
Policy's Protective Scope:
This policy serves as a protective measure for children and young individuals who benefit from our services, encompassing even those who are the offspring of adults potentially availing of our services.
Commitment to Child Safety:
The Company firmly upholds the belief that no child or young person should ever encounter abuse or harm.
Our unwavering commitment lies in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
This policy is designed to furnish guidance and establish overarching principles for those representing us, be it as volunteers or staff members, and to steer our approach to child protection and safeguarding.
3. Child Safety: Definitions and Areas of Concern
Overview: While the majority of children grow up in safe environments, it's imperative not to exaggerate potential risks. Children's well-being necessitates protection from a range of hazards, which encompass but are not restricted to:
1. Sexual Abuse
2. Grooming
3. Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect
4. Domestic Violence
5. Inadequate Supervision by Staff or Volunteers
6. Bullying, Cyberbullying, Acts of Violence, and Aggression within Educational Settings
7. Victimization
8. Self-Harm
9. Unsafe Environments and Activities
10. Criminal Activities
11. Exploitation
4. Safeguarding Children during Events and Activities
I. Our events and activities are categorized into three types:
(A) Those accessible to adults and children of all ages.
(B) Events designated for children accompanied by a 'parent.'
(C) Events for unaccompanied children, sometimes occurring concurrently with other events/activities.
II. For events and activities open to all ages, children below 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, who is not only responsible for bringing the child but also ensuring their safe return home afterward. Young people aged 16 or 17 may attend unaccompanied if they provide written consent and the mobile telephone number of one of their parents.
III. During events and activities for children accompanied by a 'parent,' children under 16 must be supervised throughout the event by an adult aged 18 or older. This adult is responsible for bringing the child to the event and ensuring their safe return home. If a lone adult brings more than one child, the children must remain together for unified supervision. Young people aged 16 or 17 may attend unaccompanied if they provide written consent and the mobile telephone number of one of their parents.
IV. At events and activities for unaccompanied children, those under 16 must be registered by a responsible adult before being entrusted to the event leader. The enrolment must include the child's name, age, and address, as well as the names and addresses of the child's parents, along with their mobile telephone numbers. Young people aged 16 or 17 may attend unaccompanied if they provide written consent and the mobile telephone number of one of their parents.
V. The terms "events" and "activities" are broadly defined to encompass any occasions where the Company delivers a service.
5. Code of Conduct
All staff members, volunteers, contractors, and representatives are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which includes respecting boundaries, treating all individuals with dignity and respect, and maintaining professionalism at all times.
6. Safeguarding and Disclosure Protocols
Our Offerings for Children:
The Company's services for children encompass:
Online Tuition Sessions
Background Checks for Specific Activities:
To ensure compliance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, specific activities within our offerings may necessitate DBS and/or police checks for adult participants or leaders.
The level of background checking required (if any) generally corresponds to the extent and frequency of unsupervised interactions with children.
Addressing Misconduct Allegations:
Allegations of misconduct concerning a Company member will be addressed with the utmost seriousness.
Immediate Reporting:
Any Company member who becomes aware of irregularities should promptly notify us.
Thorough Review Process:
Allegations will undergo a comprehensive review to assess potential risks to children.
Potential Disciplinary Actions:
If deemed appropriate, the Company may consider measures such as barring the member from future events, revoking their membership, or both.
Such actions will be executed strictly in accordance with the Company's established rules and procedures.
7. Photography Policy
Photographs of any child participating in an event or activity shall not be captured or shared without obtaining written consent from a person holding parental responsibility. Should any individual harbour concerns regarding photography during an event or activity, it is imperative that they promptly notify the Company for resolution.
8. Bullying Prevention Guidelines
Zero-Tolerance Stance:
We uphold a stringent zero-tolerance stance against child bullying, regardless of whether it originates from adults or fellow children.
Immediate Response to Child-On-Child Bullying:
In the event of child-on-child bullying at a Company event, swift separation of the involved parties will be initiated.
Parental Involvement:
Parents of the affected children will be engaged to address the issue promptly.
Comprehensive Incident Review:
Our Team will undertake a thorough review of all child-on-child bullying incidents.
Risk Assessment for Future Protection:
The aim is to evaluate potential future risks to children stemming from such incidents.
Potential Event Participation Restrictions:
If deemed necessary, our Team may consider limiting a child's participation in future events, but always in strict adherence to the Company's established protocols.
Adult Bullying Complaints:
Allegations of adults bullying children will be managed in accordance with this Policy.
9. Behaviour Management, Discipline, and Restraint Protocols
I. Prohibition of Corporal Punishment:
Adults overseeing children at Company events are strictly prohibited from employing any form of corporal punishment.
In situations necessitating physical restraint to avert harm or significant property damage, such restraint should be used sparingly and solely for that specific purpose.
II. Addressing Unacceptable Behaviour:
Instances of inappropriate behaviour exhibited by unaccompanied children during Company events will be addressed immediately. The typical response involves separating the children involved from one another and the larger group. Those engaged in misconduct will receive suitable supervision and will be reunited with their parents as soon as it is feasible.
III. Disciplinary Measures:
The Company reserves the right to impose additional disciplinary actions, including the potential prohibition of a child from participating in future events within the subsequent 18 months.
Decisions regarding such sanctions will be thoroughly considered and enforced by the appointed officer: Christopher Otter.
IV. Appeals Process:
Parents who disagree with this prohibition have the option to appeal to the Company.
The Company will take into account the perspectives of all relevant parties during the appeal process. The final decision of the Company following the appeal will be conclusive. Appeals should be directed to and resolved by the designated officer: Christopher Otter.
10. Child Safety and Health Precautions
Risk Assessment and Communication
Event Initiation: Before commencing any event involving unaccompanied children, the Team will perform a thorough risk assessment.
Risk Mitigation: Following the assessment, proactive steps will be taken to minimize potential health and safety risks.
Parent and Child Awareness: Parents and children will be promptly informed of any specific risks associated with the event. Additionally, clear guidance on risk mitigation will be provided.
Record Keeping: The Team will maintain a comprehensive record of all risk assessments conducted.
Emergency Response and Supervision
Adequate Adult Presence: To ensure the safety of unaccompanied children, an appropriate number of adults will be in attendance at every event.
Emergency Handling: This presence allows for swift response to emergencies, with one adult designated to address any urgent situations while another adult supervises children not directly affected by the emergency.
11. Conclusion
Safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and Select Tuition is committed to fostering a culture of safety and vigilance. We strive to create educational programs and services that provide a secure and nurturing environment for all individuals. We undertake safeguarding duties of our own free will and are under no legal obligation to do so. Relevant authorities should be informed of any individual safeguarding concerns.
Date of Policy Approval: September 2023