At Torrington Tutors we take safeguarding very seriously. The safety of our students is our uppermost priority; which is why we look to ensure that our tutors operate in such a way as to best protect the interest of all those involved in the tuition process.
We require all our tutors to undergo a thorough vetting before completing our registration and approval process; which includes their needing to submit key evidential documentations – see Tutor Vetting (under the Who We Are section of this page).
Safeguarding is a complex issue and as such tutors, students and their parents need to be ever vigilant to safeguard the best interests of all parties.
Despite the complexities involved, there are some simple precautions that can be taken, which can help to reduce the risk of any in appropriate behaviour and/or misunderstandings occurring.
We recommend that all parties adhere to the following Best Practice Guidelines:
Always working in an open environment and avoiding private or unobserved situations e.g. ‘keeping open’ the door of the room/area where the tuition is taking place.
Where a student is under 18; all communications and discussions about the tuition arrangements, should be conducted via the student’s parent or guardian and not directly with the student.
When positioning the tuition room study table and seats, this should be done in such a way as to ensure that the tutor maintains a safe and professionally appropriate distance from the student (usually the table and seats, are best arranged at right angles).
Where a student is under 18, there must always be another adult present* during the tuition session. This is usually a parent or guardian but could be another responsible adult.
* by ‘present’ we mean, within sight or within hearing distance of the tuition room/area (ideally in an adjoining room).Anyone who has concerns, about possible inappropriate behaviour by any party and/or about the welfare of a student, should report their concerns to Torrington Tutors Nominated Child Protection Officer.
Anyone who has an urgent and serious concern about the welfare of a child, young or vulnerable adult, but are unable to contact the Nominated Child Protection Officer, should report their concerns to Social Services, the Police, or call the NSPCC 24-hour Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or Child-Line on 08001111.