1. Policy Statement
ATTC Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe every learner has the right to feel safe, respected and supported.
This policy is informed by:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Education Act 2002
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
- Prevent Duty Guidance 2015 (revised)
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, tutors and partners must follow this policy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All tutors and staff working for ATTC Education
- All learners and their families
- Any contractors or third‑party partners
It covers all online tuition delivered by ATTC Education.
3. Key Principles
- The welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act 1989).
- All concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
- Clear accountability for safeguarding roles and responsibilities.
- Safe online practice is essential in remote learning environments.
- Information is shared appropriately in line with statutory guidance.
4. Safer Recruitment
ATTC Education ensures safer recruitment by:
- Requiring Enhanced DBS checks for all tutors.
- Where tutoring meets the definition of regulated activity, an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check is required.
- Verifying identity, qualifications and right to work.
- Obtaining and checking references.
- Requiring all tutors to sign the Tutor Code of Conduct.
- Maintaining a Single Central Record (SCR) of vetting checks.
5. Online Safety
To ensure safe online learning:
- Lessons are delivered only via approved secure platforms (Google Meet, Teams, Zoom).
- Tutors must not share personal contact details with learners.
- Communication must take place only through ATTC approved channels.
- Sessions may be recorded for safeguarding purposes, only with parental notification and secure storage.
- Tutors must ensure a professional background and appropriate environment.
- Learners should not be left unsupervised online where possible; parents are encouraged to be nearby.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL (Paul Sanchez)
The DSL is responsible for:
- Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns
- Liaising with children’s social care, police and external agencies
- Maintaining safeguarding records
- Ensuring staff training and policy compliance
Deputy DSL (Sarah Weekes)
Supports the DSL and acts in their absence.
Tutors
- Must remain vigilant and report concerns immediately
- Must follow the Code of Conduct
- Must maintain professional boundaries at all times
Parents/Guardians
- Support safe online learning
- Report concerns to ATTC Education promptly
7. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Tutors must be trained to recognise:
- Physical, emotional, sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Online grooming or exploitation
- Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)
- Bullying or cyberbullying
All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.
If a child is in immediate danger, tutors must call 999.
The DSL will:
- Assess the concern
- Contact the Local Authority Children’s Services if needed
- Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff
- Record all actions securely
8. Allegations against Tutors or Staff
Any allegation involving a tutor must be reported to the DSL immediately.
The DSL will contact the LADO within one working day.
Tutors may be suspended pending investigation.
9. Training
All tutors receive:
- Safeguarding and child protection training at induction
- Annual refresher training
- Prevent Duty awareness
- Online safety training
10. Data Protection and Confidentiality
- Safeguarding records are stored securely in line with UK GDPR.
- Information is shared only on a need‑to‑know basis.
- Recordings (if used) are stored securely and deleted according to retention schedules.
11. Whistleblowing
ATTC Education encourages staff to raise concerns about unsafe practice. Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
12. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.