1. Introduction and purpose
The A Level Maths Tutor Limited ("we", "our", "us") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students who use our services. This policy applies to all tutors, staff and volunteers working with or on behalf of The A Level Maths Tutor.
Our services are primarily aimed at A Level students (typically aged 16–18), though we may also work with younger students. We recognise that some of our students are children (under 18) and we take our duty of care seriously.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
2. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSL immediately.
3. Recruitment and vetting of tutors
All tutors working with The A Level Maths Tutor are independent contractors. Before they begin working with students, we require:
- Enhanced DBS check — all tutors are required to hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate prior to engagement, save where a tutor is known to be currently employed in a teaching role within a UK school or college. In such cases, The A Level Maths Tutor relies upon the tutor's employing institution's own statutory safeguarding obligations — including the maintenance of current DBS clearance — in satisfaction of this requirement.
- Identity verification — we verify the identity of all tutors before engagement.
- Qualifications and experience — tutors must demonstrate relevant teaching experience, typically including past or current employment within a UK educational institution.
- Interview — all tutors are interviewed before they are accepted onto our platform.
4. Online safety
All our tuition is delivered online. We take the following measures to keep students safe:
- Secure platform — tuition sessions are delivered through our own online classroom, which requires authentication to access. Sessions cannot be joined without a valid login.
- No unsupervised contact — tutors communicate with students only through our platform during scheduled sessions. Tutors must not contact students via personal social media, messaging apps or personal email.
- Session recording — group tuition sessions may be recorded for safeguarding purposes. Recordings are stored securely and are only accessed if a safeguarding concern is raised. One-to-one sessions are not recorded.
- Breakout rooms — during group sessions, students may work together in breakout rooms. Tutors monitor these rooms but continuous direct supervision may not be possible at all times.
- Screen sharing — tutors share educational content via screen share. Students may also share their screens for the purpose of working through problems together.
5. Code of conduct for tutors
Tutors are independent contractors who provide tuition services through The A Level Maths Tutor's platform. The A Level Maths Tutor operates as an agency and does not direct or supervise tutors in the delivery of their lessons. However, as a condition of accessing and using The A Level Maths Tutor's platform and student introductions, tutors agree to:
- Conduct themselves with professionalism and maintain appropriate boundaries in all interactions with students.
- Refrain from using language or engaging in behaviour that is discriminatory, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate in the context of educational provision.
- Not exchange personal contact details (including personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or social media identifiers) with students introduced through the platform.
- Not solicit or arrange tuition sessions with students outside of The A Level Maths Tutor's platform, whether directly or indirectly.
- Report any safeguarding concerns arising in the course of providing tuition to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.
- Familiarise themselves with indicators of abuse, neglect and exploitation and with the procedure for raising concerns set out in this policy.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a relationship of employment or worker status between any tutor and The A Level Maths Tutor.
6. Code of conduct for students
Students are expected to:
- Treat tutors and fellow students with respect and courtesy.
- Not use offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate language during sessions.
- Not share personal contact details with other students during group sessions.
- Report any behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe to their parent/guardian or directly to us.
7. Parental involvement
For students under 18:
- A parent or guardian must consent to the student receiving tuition.
- Parents/guardians are welcome to be present during sessions if they wish, though this is not required.
- Parents/guardians will be informed of any safeguarding concerns relating to their child, unless doing so would put the child at further risk.
8. Recognising and responding to concerns
A safeguarding concern may arise if a student:
- Discloses abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- Shows signs of physical or emotional harm.
- Exhibits significant changes in behaviour or mood.
- Makes comments that suggest they are at risk of harm.
If a student discloses a concern during a session, the tutor should:
- Listen carefully and take the student seriously.
- Not promise confidentiality — explain that they may need to share the information to keep the student safe.
- Not ask leading questions or investigate the matter themselves.
- Make a written record of what was said as soon as possible after the session.
- Report the concern to the DSL immediately.
9. Reporting and referrals
The DSL will assess all safeguarding concerns and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include:
- Monitoring the situation and keeping a record.
- Contacting the student's parent or guardian.
- Making a referral to the local authority children's social care team.
- Contacting the police if a child is in immediate danger.
In an emergency where a child is at immediate risk of harm, anyone may contact the police on 999 without waiting for the DSL.
Useful contacts:
10. Record keeping
Records of safeguarding concerns are kept securely and confidentially. They are only shared with those who need to know in order to safeguard the child. Records are retained in accordance with our Privacy Policy and relevant legal requirements.
11. Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our working practices.