VLE Tutors Ltd: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Effective Date: 27 April 2025
Next Review Date: 27 April 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Glenroy Francis
Contact Email: [email protected]

1. Our Commitment

At VLE Tutors Ltd, we are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults we work with.
We believe every student has the right to learn in a safe, supportive environment, free from abuse, neglect, and harm.

All VLE Tutors staff and tutors are trained and supported to understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are expected to act at all times in the best interests of children and young people.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, contractors, volunteers, and associates of VLE Tutors Ltd

  • All students and service users under our care

It applies to both online tutoring and any face-to-face interactions arranged under the VLE Tutors Ltd name.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
    Glenroy Francis
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: +44 7359 373239

The DSL has overall responsibility for safeguarding matters and acts as the first point of contact for any concerns.

All tutors are individually responsible for:

  • Maintaining student safety during lessons

  • Reporting safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Following the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct

4. Training and Vetting

All VLE Tutors personnel must:

  • Hold a valid Enhanced DBS Certificate.

  • Be registered with the DBS Update Service.

  • Complete safeguarding and child protection training every year.

  • Understand and comply with the VLE Tutors Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

We verify DBS status at least annually or immediately if any concerns arise.

5. Code of Conduct for Tutors

Tutors must:

  • Maintain clear, professional boundaries with students at all times.

  • Only communicate with students through official VLE Tutors channels.

  • Avoid private communication outside scheduled sessions.

  • Conduct sessions in appropriate environments (online and face-to-face).

  • Treat all students with dignity, respect, and fairness.

6. Child Protection Procedures

If a tutor becomes aware of, suspects, or receives information about:

  • Abuse

  • Neglect

  • Exploitation

  • Any other safeguarding concern

They must:

  1. Record the facts clearly (date, time, concern, actions taken).

  2. Report immediately to the DSL.

  3. Not investigate independently.

  4. Maintain confidentiality — only those who need to know will be informed.

The DSL will take appropriate action, which may include notifying external safeguarding agencies.

7. Online Safety

VLE Tutors Ltd places high importance on online safeguarding:

  • Only secure, approved platforms will be used.

  • No tutoring will occur over personal social media or messaging apps.

  • Parents should be informed when sessions are taking place.

  • Sessions may be recorded with prior consent for safeguarding purposes.

8. Safer Recruitment

Our recruitment processes include:

  • Identity verification

  • Qualification checks

  • Minimum two satisfactory references

  • Enhanced DBS check with ongoing registration on the Update Service

  • Formal interviews and safer recruitment questioning

No tutor will be assigned students until all vetting is completed.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • All safeguarding concerns are kept confidential.

  • Information is only shared with appropriate individuals/agencies.

  • VLE Tutors complies with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or immediately if:

  • Changes in safeguarding law occur

  • A safeguarding incident requires policy revision

 

If you have any safeguarding concerns or queries, please contact:
Glenroy Francis
📧 [email protected]
☎️ +44 7359 373239