SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding Policy Statement 

Greg Sly t/a Propulsion Tutoring 

Effective Date: January 2026 

Next Review Date: January 2027

1. Introduction and Commitment 

Propulsion Tutoring is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children  and young people who receive tuition. We recognise our moral and legal responsibility to  protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. 

This policy sets out the safeguarding principles, procedures, and practices that guide how we  work with students, parents, and schools to create a safe and supportive learning  environment. 

This policy applies to all online tutoring delivered by Propulsion Tutoring. 

2. Our Safeguarding Principles

We are committed to: 

  • Creating a safe, professional, and respectful learning environment 

  • Recognising signs of abuse, neglect, or harm and responding appropriately

  • Working in partnership with parents, schools, and local safeguarding services

  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times 

  • Keeping children informed about their right to be safe and how to raise concerns

  • Acting in the best interests of the child in all decisions and actions 

  • Treating all children with dignity and respect, regardless of age, ability, gender, or  background

3. Scope and Definitions 

Who this policy applies to 

This policy applies to all tutoring relationships involving young people under the age of 18.

What is safeguarding? 

Safeguarding refers to the actions we take to protect children from abuse, harm, and neglect.  This includes: 

  • Physical abuse 

  • Emotional abuse 

  • Sexual abuse 

  • Neglect 

  • Exposure to domestic abuse 

  • Online abuse or exploitation 

  • Peer-on-peer abuse 

4. Professional Boundaries and Safe Practice 

During Tutoring Sessions 

  • Sessions are conducted professionally and focused on academic progress

  • Communication remains appropriate and tuition-focused 

  • One-to-one sessions are held in appropriate settings with reasonable visibility, and  parents are aware of where and when their child is undertaking the session 

  • Parents are informed of session times and progress regularly 

  • I recognise that as a tutor I hold a position of trust in relation to students and must not  abuse this position. Any behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming, favouritism,  or inappropriate emotional dependence is strictly prohibited. 

Outside of Sessions 

  • Contact with students outside of tutoring is limited to tuition-related matters and  scheduled via agreed communication channels 

  • Communication with students will primarily be through the parent/guardian unless it  is essential to communicate directly with the student (e.g., to reschedule a session due  to illness, or for brief progress updates requiring immediate response)

  • Personal social media contact with students is not permitted 

  • All communication with students is conducted in a professional manner and, where  possible, with parental knowledge 

  • No gifts or personal favours are exchanged 

Online Tutoring Safeguards 

  • Sessions are conducted via secure, reputable platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Google  Meet, Zoom) 

  • Screen sharing and session recording are discussed and agreed with parents in  advance 

  • The student's learning environment is appropriate  

  • No personal information is stored or shared beyond what is necessary for tutoring 

5. Student Conduct and Behaviour

I expect all students to: 

  • Treat me and other people with respect and courtesy 

  • Communicate appropriately during tutoring sessions 

  • Not use abusive, offensive, or inappropriate language 

  • Follow reasonable instructions related to the tutoring session 

  • Not engage in bullying, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behaviour If a student's behaviour is consistently disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate, I will: 

  • Address the concern directly and professionally with the student 

  • Inform the parent/guardian of the issue 

  • Work with the parent to agree on how to resolve the matter 

  • In cases where behaviour does not improve, consider whether the tutoring  relationship can continue

6. Recruitment and Vetting 

As a self-employed sole tutor, I: 

  • Hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with active DBS  Update Service, which enables continuous monitoring of criminal record status  between renewals 

  • Have completed appropriate safeguarding training 

  • Maintain professional indemnity insurance

  • Keep records of qualifications, training, and safeguarding arrangements available on  request 

  • Act as my own Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and am responsible for receiving,  recording, and reporting safeguarding concerns in accordance with this policy. 

7. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns 

Signs That May Indicate Abuse or Neglect

As a tutor, I am alert to possible indicators of abuse or harm, including: 

  • Unexplained changes in behaviour, mood, or attendance 

  • Signs of physical injury, poor hygiene, or malnutrition 

  • Emotional distress, anxiety, withdrawal, or inappropriate sexual knowledge

  • Disclosures or hints about abuse at home or elsewhere 

  • Fear of a particular person or place 

  • Reluctance to go home or extreme anxiety about family matters 

  • Age-inappropriate knowledge or behaviour 

  • Neglect of schoolwork or sudden changes in academic performance unrelated to  tutoring 

  • I understand that children may disclose sensitive information during tutoring. My role is to  listen without judgment, take the concern seriously, and follow the reporting procedures set  out below. 

8. What To Do If I Have A Safeguarding  Concern 

If a child discloses abuse or harm 

  1. Listen carefully and calmly – take the child seriously 

  2. Do not interrogate or ask leading questions – let the child speak at their own  pace 

  3. Do not promise confidentiality – explain that I have a duty to report concerns to  the appropriate authorities to keep them safe 

  4. Record what was said – write down the key details and date/time as soon as  possible after the session 

  5. Do not contact the parent directly – if I suspect abuse by a family member,  contacting the parent may put the child at further risk

Reporting the concern 

I will report the concern to the appropriate authority without delay: 

If the child is in immediate danger, I will contact: 

  • Emergency services: 999 

For concerns about abuse or neglect, I will contact: 

  • Local Children's Services/Social Care in the area where the child or suspected  abuser lives, or 

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if the concern involves an  adult working with children, or 

  • The NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (available 24 hours) for advice if I am  unsure how to proceed 

I will also: 

  • Inform the child's school if known (via their Designated Safeguarding Lead) so they  are aware of the concern and can follow their own safeguarding procedures 

  • Keep a confidential record of the concern, who I reported it to, and when

  • Not discuss the matter with other parents, students, or unrelated parties 

9. Allegations Against Me 

If a parent, student, or other person raises an allegation or concern about my conduct  towards a student, I will: 

  • Take the allegation seriously 

  • Not attempt to investigate or defend myself directly with the child or family

  • Report the allegation to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) without delay

  • Cooperate fully with any investigation 

  • Seek advice from my professional body or legal representative if needed 

I understand that false allegations can happen, and I am committed to transparency and  cooperation with safeguarding authorities.

10. Information Sharing and Confidentiality 

I will: 

  • Share information about a student only when it is necessary to safeguard their welfare

  • Store student records securely and in line with UK GDPR requirements 

  • Not discuss a student's progress or personal circumstances with other parents or  students 

  • Share information with schools, parents, and safeguarding services as needed to  protect the child 

  • Not disclose information obtained in confidence to anyone outside safeguarding  authorities without the parent's consent, except where a child is at risk of significant  harm 

11. Training and Development 

I am committed to: 

  • Completing relevant safeguarding training on a regular basis 

  • Keeping up to date with current safeguarding guidance and legislation

  • Reflecting on my safeguarding practice and seeking advice when needed 

12. Monitoring and Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in response to: 

  • Changes in legislation or guidance 

  • Safeguarding concerns identified in my practice 

  • Feedback from parents or students 

  • Best practice developments in the tutoring sector 

13. Useful Contact Information For concerns about a child's safety: 

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours, free and confidential)

  • Emergency services: 999 (if a child is in immediate danger) 

  • For your local authority children's services, search:

  • "Children's services [your local authority name]" or visit the council's website For the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in your area: 

  • Contact your local council's safeguarding team 

For additional safeguarding resources: 

14. Policy Owner and Contact 

Policy Owner: Propulsion Tutoring (Self-employed sole trader) 

If you have questions about this policy or safeguarding practices, please contact me via the  details provided in your tuition agreement. 

Policy Approval: January 2026 

Signed: Greg Sly 

Appendix: Key Legislation and  Guidance 

This policy is informed by: 

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2024) – statutory guidance for schools and  settings in England, where relevant to independent tuition providers 

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2018) – multi-agency  guidance for safeguarding professionals 

  • After School Clubs, Community Activities and Tuition: Safeguarding Guidance for  Providers (DfE, 2023) 

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 

  • The Tutors' Association Code of Practice