Child Protection And Safeguarding Policy

Pathways Tutoring: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Last Reviewed: November 2025

Next Review: July 2026 (or sooner, following changes to any UK statutory guidance)

1. Our Commitment and Legal Framework

Pathways Tutoring is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and young people who receive our services. The welfare of the child is our paramount concern. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children from all forms of harm and abuse.

This policy has been drawn up in line with key UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004.

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest guidance).

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest guidance).

  • Information and guidance available from the NSPCC (nspcc.org.uk/learning).

2. Purpose, Scope, and Responsibility

Purpose:

·        To protect the children and young people who attend and receive tutoring services from Pathways Tutoring from harm.

·        To respond swiftly and appropriately to any allegations or concerns relating to the welfare of a child.

·        To ensure all staff and tutors undertake regular, up-to-date safeguarding training.

Scope:

This policy applies to everyone working for or on behalf of Pathways Tutoring, including founders, tutors, and contractors. We expect parents and students to respect the principles of this policy.

Responsibility:

Everyone is responsible for Safeguarding. All adults associated with Pathways Tutoring must feel protected and empowered to raise concerns.

 3.Safe Recruitment and Vetting Procedures

Pathways Tutoring adheres to a detailed recruitment protocol to ensure all tutors are safe to work with children.

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): All tutors are qualified teachers who possess QTS, demonstrating professional competence.

  • Enhanced DBS Checks: All individuals working with children must hold a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (a basic check is insufficient) prior to starting work.

  • DBS Update Service: All tutors must register for and maintain their subscription to the DBS Update Service, and consent to Pathways Tuturing checking their status annually.

  • References: Comprehensive references are taken and verified, including specific questions about suitability to work with children.

4. Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries

All tutors must adhere strictly to the Pathways Tutoring Tutor Code of Conduct, which includes:

  • Professionalism: Tutors must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

  • Private Contact: Tutors must only contact children/parents via the agreed, professional channels (e.g., dedicated work email or phone).

  • Gifts: Tutors are discouraged from giving or receiving gifts of significant value.

5. Responding to a Safeguarding Concern or Disclosure

If a tutor has any concern about a child's welfare, or if a child makes a disclosure, the tutor must stop all questioning and follow this process immediately:

  1. Listen and Reassure: Show the child you have heard them and take their concerns seriously. Do not interrupt, prompt, or ask leading questions.

  2. Explain Confidentiality: Reassure the child you believe them, but gently explain that you cannot promise not to tell anybody because some information must be passed on to keep them safe.

  3. Record: As soon as possible, record everything the child said, noting the date, time, place, and the child's exact words where possible.

  4. Report to Local Authority Safeguarding Lead: Immediately report the concern to the Local Authority in line with company procedures.

  5. Emergency Action: If a child is in immediate danger, the tutor must call the police on 999 and then inform the Pathways Management.

6. Referral to Authorities

The Tutor will be responsible for making a referral to the appropriate statutory agencies.

  • If the concern is in relation to a Pathways Tutoring student, the tutor will contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Lead for the child's home town/county.

  • In the event of an allegation against a member of staff, Pathways management team will follow the procedure for managing allegations and inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or sooner if there are changes to relevant UK legislation, statutory guidance, or company operations.