Read Jon's discussion about safeguarding in different environments for Tutors
Interviewer
Today, we are really focusing on something absolutely critical in professional education - safeguarding best practices for tutors. You know, whether you're tutoring right there in the student's home or, like, managing things remotely, understanding these responsibilities both legal and ethical. It's just fundamental. This discussion is really a quick but thorough graph of these key professional duties. We're digging into guidance from places like the TTA, NSPCC, and also the really high standards from organisations like the Tutor Trust,
Jon
And specifically looking at those questions tutors need to be asking themselves about safety, depending on the setting and I think it's vital we frame safeguarding properly from the start. It's not just ticking boxes for regulations, right? It's a fundamental ongoing thing like responsibility. It's how you build trust, create that secure space where a child can actually learn effectively. And the interesting thing is this basic duty of care, it applies across the board. Every single tutor, even working completely solo, needs to be aware of risks, and crucially, know what to do if they spot something concerning.
Interviewer
Okay, let's start right there, then the non negotiables. What's the professional standard that just has to be there regardless of where the tutoring happens.
Jon
Well, the source is really hammer home maintaining strict professional boundaries, meaning avoiding, you know, too much personal chat and definitely no contact outside the agreed tutoring sessions or those specific approved channels, like a portal. Keep it contained. Interactions have got to stay professional, especially one to one, and communication with parents absolutely essential. Part of that boundary setting. You need that regular chat with parents or guardians about how things are going progress, and, importantly, raising any concerns. It's a partnership for protection.
Interviewer
Okay, so boundaries and communication are key, but trust really starts before the first lesson, right? Let's talk about vetting recruitment.
Jon
Yes, the gatekeepers of trust, as you put it,
Interviewer
The DBS check comes up immediately. It seems like a baseline. Many parents schools, too, they want that enhanced DBS check now before hiring anyone, it
Jon
is pretty much standard. Yes, yeah. And the level of rigour can vary. For bigger outfits, like the Tutor Trust mentioned in the sources. Their safer recruitment is, well, it's incredibly thorough. How so multiple steps. They're confirming identity, photo ID, proof of address. They insist on the enhanced DBS with the barred list check. They need to see proof of qualifications like QTS. And they look at a candidate's entire career history, asking about any gaps? Why were you not working?
Interviewer
That's very comprehensive. But what about independent tutors? You know, the lone professional, how do they show that same level of care without a whole HR team?
Jon
That's a really practical question. The NSPCC has guidance here. It boils down to transparency and verification. Okay, so best practice, proactively show parents your up to date criminal records, check certificate, and maybe even more crucial, provide contact details for at least two referees.
Interviewer
Ah, referees, that makes sense.
Jon
It shows you're open to scrutiny, committed to accountability. It builds that initial trust, right?
Interviewer
So, vetting handled? Let's shift to the environment itself, because the rules seem to change quite a bit depending on whether you're in the same room or online. The goal is the same, keep the child safe, ready to learn, but how you do it differs
Jon
Exactly. Analysing the environment is key. Let's start with in person. Say you were tutoring at the student's home, or maybe a library. Okay? First rule, choose an appropriate setting, a library, a study, maybe the kitchen table somewhere where parental oversight is well, easy makes sense,
Interviewer
Avoid the bedroom, presumably?
Jon
Absolutely and for one to one in a home, the physical setup is your risk management. The core principle, never be totally alone, isolated with a child. So practically work in a room where others can see in open curtains, open windows and the door to the room. Leave it open, always open. And critically, another adult parent or carer must be within earshot. Parents should absolutely not just leave you with a child and pop out.
Interviewer
Okay, that's a clear physical checklist for being in the home. But what about the tutor's own presentation and legal stuff they might not even think about. You mentioned disqualification by association. How does an independent tutor handle that?
Jon
Yeah, that requires some self assessment. Tutors need to make sure their own environment, even if they're just passing through and how they dress, is professional, no inappropriate images or documents visible. Obviously standard professionalism, right? But the disqualification by association point, it's a legal thing in England and Wales. It means you have to actively think, is anyone else in my household potentially unsuitable to be around children?
Interviewer
Why does that matter if the tutoring isn't at the tutor's home?
Jon
Because it could legally affect where or how you can tutor, especially if. A session unexpectedly had to shift to your place, or even just reflects on your suitability. You need to know that rule exists and check your own situation against it.
Interviewer
Wow, that's a huge point, connecting your private situation directly to your professional work. Okay, let's switch gears the remote world, trading physical presence for technical rules,
Jon
Exactly and remote tutoring has its own really high stakes rules. First, secure platforms are a must use things like vidamo or whatever the agency specifies communication, keep it strictly on that approved platform or channel, any DMS, emails, texts outside of that that needs reporting immediately to the agency or the parent or teacher. No side channels, okay?
Interviewer
And there was a really specific rule about parents being present online.
Jon
Yes, this is critical highlighted by the Tudor trust for kids 16 and under a parent or legal guardian must be there and show themselves on camera at the start and at the end of the session, start and end. Yes, they have to identify themselves. If that doesn't happen, the tutor must cancel the session. No, ifs No, buts,
Interviewer
That's quite strict, but it makes sense. It's like the digital version of keeping the door open, that handover, that accountability check
Jon
precisely. It means the parent isn't just vaguely around. They're actively involved in book ending the session safely.
Interviewer
And what about the tutors then? If they're working from home?
Jon
Same principle. Maintain professionalism, quiet space, neutral, plain background, avoid inadvertently sharing anything distracting or, you know, inappropriate from your personal space. Keep the focus on learning
Interviewer
Makes sense. And monitoring online sessions can be recorded,
Jon
Yes, and parents need to know this. It's often done for safeguarding and quality assurance agencies like tutor trust explicitly state they monitor messages postings on their platforms and can review live sessions anytime.
Interviewer
So constant potential oversight
Jon
And underpinning all of this, especially with recordings and student data, is GDPR, strict adherence to data protection guidelines is essential,
Interviewer
Okay, so whether in person or online, it's about transparency, clear rules and some form of oversight a parent listening a recorded platform. Now let's talk about the tutor's role in spotting problems vigilance? What signs should a tutor who often sees a child regularly be looking out for? What signals potential risk?
Jon
Tutors are in a unique spot because of that regular contact, they might notice things others miss. Signs could include sudden changes in behaviour, maybe in their school work too that you can't explain, like what kind of changes? Maybe signs of anxiety, becoming withdrawn, fearful. Perhaps unexplained injuries are a red flag, or if they seem really reluctant to talk about home, okay, the key, according to the NSPCC, is looking for patterns over time, not just one off day
Interviewer
Right, context matters, and it's crucial, as the sources say that tutors observe and report but do not investigate themselves. That must be hard.
Jon
It is. It takes real discipline when your instinct is probably to jump in and fix things, but investigating is not the tutor's role. That distinction observe versus investigate is maybe the most critical boundary.
Interviewer
So they've observed something concerning. They've noted a pattern. What's the exact process? The steps for reporting?
Jon
It's a clear procedure. Step one, document, write down the specifics, dates, times, exactly what you saw or heard be factual. No opinion, just the facts. Okay. Step two, report internally. If you're with an agency or school, speak to their designated safeguarding lead or officer. They'll know the next steps
Interviewer
And if you're an independent tutor.
Jon
Step three, seek external guidance. The NSPCC helpline, 0808 805,000 is a key resource or contact your local authority safeguarding team. And step four, if you believe a child is in immediate danger, then it's step four. Call the police on 999, no delay.
Interviewer
Clear steps, document, report internally or seek external advice. Escalate to police if needed. Now, the really difficult moment a child actually tells the tutor something, a disclosure of abuse. How must that be handled?
Jon
This requires immense care centred on the child, but following procedure first, show you believe them, show compassion, you know, say something like, Thank you for telling me you've shown such courage today. Okay, affirm their bravery. Then listen, really. Listen without interrupting. Let the child go at their own pace. Don't probe, just listen.
Interviewer
And the crucial part the promise,
Jon
Here it is, and it's non negotiable. Never promise to keep it a secret. You must explain gently that this is serious information, and you have to share it with someone who can help them. That clarity is vital. Then afterwards, make detailed, accurate notes of what was said, verbatim, if possible.
Interviewer
Okay, so be supportive. Listen, don't promise secrecy. Explain, you need to tell someone to get help and document carefully. And finally, what happens if a tutor doesn't follow these rules? If they breach safeguarding protocols?
Jon
The consequences are, frankly, severe and immediate. It can mean instant suspension being permanently barred from working with children, especially via agencies, right? And if there's any suggestion of illegal activity, it'll be reported to the police or relevant authorities. The system has these strong measures to enforce safety for the child.
Interviewer
So wrapping this up, what does this deep dive really mean for a tutor?
Jon
Well, to sum it up, safeguarding isn't a one off task. It's an ongoing practice. It rests on sort of three main pillars, which are, first, really clear professional boundaries in every single interaction. Second, being meticulously aware of the environment, physical visibility in person. Third party oversight online. And third, knowing and using those rigorous reporting mechanisms, always putting the child's safety first.
Interviewer
So by knowing all these details, these procedures, you're not just meeting requirements, you're actually ensuring you can deliver the best quality education because the student feels safe enough to actually focus and learn exactly that we talked a lot about secure online platforms and reporting communication that happens outside approved channels, it makes me think more broadly about digital safety. If you're using secure platforms, what specific role do strong logins and passwords play in protecting not just the child's data but the integrity of the whole tutoring session and maybe, how often should parents or teachers be prompted to review those security details just to make sure that online learning space stays, you know, completely secure that feels like a key question for keeping things safe long term online.
Today, we are really focusing on something absolutely critical in professional education - safeguarding best practices for tutors. You know, whether you're tutoring right there in the student's home or, like, managing things remotely, understanding these responsibilities both legal and ethical. It's just fundamental. This discussion is really a quick but thorough graph of these key professional duties. We're digging into guidance from places like the TTA, NSPCC, and also the really high standards from organisations like the Tutor Trust,
Jon
And specifically looking at those questions tutors need to be asking themselves about safety, depending on the setting and I think it's vital we frame safeguarding properly from the start. It's not just ticking boxes for regulations, right? It's a fundamental ongoing thing like responsibility. It's how you build trust, create that secure space where a child can actually learn effectively. And the interesting thing is this basic duty of care, it applies across the board. Every single tutor, even working completely solo, needs to be aware of risks, and crucially, know what to do if they spot something concerning.
Interviewer
Okay, let's start right there, then the non negotiables. What's the professional standard that just has to be there regardless of where the tutoring happens.
Jon
Well, the source is really hammer home maintaining strict professional boundaries, meaning avoiding, you know, too much personal chat and definitely no contact outside the agreed tutoring sessions or those specific approved channels, like a portal. Keep it contained. Interactions have got to stay professional, especially one to one, and communication with parents absolutely essential. Part of that boundary setting. You need that regular chat with parents or guardians about how things are going progress, and, importantly, raising any concerns. It's a partnership for protection.
Interviewer
Okay, so boundaries and communication are key, but trust really starts before the first lesson, right? Let's talk about vetting recruitment.
Jon
Yes, the gatekeepers of trust, as you put it,
Interviewer
The DBS check comes up immediately. It seems like a baseline. Many parents schools, too, they want that enhanced DBS check now before hiring anyone, it
Jon
is pretty much standard. Yes, yeah. And the level of rigour can vary. For bigger outfits, like the Tutor Trust mentioned in the sources. Their safer recruitment is, well, it's incredibly thorough. How so multiple steps. They're confirming identity, photo ID, proof of address. They insist on the enhanced DBS with the barred list check. They need to see proof of qualifications like QTS. And they look at a candidate's entire career history, asking about any gaps? Why were you not working?
Interviewer
That's very comprehensive. But what about independent tutors? You know, the lone professional, how do they show that same level of care without a whole HR team?
Jon
That's a really practical question. The NSPCC has guidance here. It boils down to transparency and verification. Okay, so best practice, proactively show parents your up to date criminal records, check certificate, and maybe even more crucial, provide contact details for at least two referees.
Interviewer
Ah, referees, that makes sense.
Jon
It shows you're open to scrutiny, committed to accountability. It builds that initial trust, right?
Interviewer
So, vetting handled? Let's shift to the environment itself, because the rules seem to change quite a bit depending on whether you're in the same room or online. The goal is the same, keep the child safe, ready to learn, but how you do it differs
Jon
Exactly. Analysing the environment is key. Let's start with in person. Say you were tutoring at the student's home, or maybe a library. Okay? First rule, choose an appropriate setting, a library, a study, maybe the kitchen table somewhere where parental oversight is well, easy makes sense,
Interviewer
Avoid the bedroom, presumably?
Jon
Absolutely and for one to one in a home, the physical setup is your risk management. The core principle, never be totally alone, isolated with a child. So practically work in a room where others can see in open curtains, open windows and the door to the room. Leave it open, always open. And critically, another adult parent or carer must be within earshot. Parents should absolutely not just leave you with a child and pop out.
Interviewer
Okay, that's a clear physical checklist for being in the home. But what about the tutor's own presentation and legal stuff they might not even think about. You mentioned disqualification by association. How does an independent tutor handle that?
Jon
Yeah, that requires some self assessment. Tutors need to make sure their own environment, even if they're just passing through and how they dress, is professional, no inappropriate images or documents visible. Obviously standard professionalism, right? But the disqualification by association point, it's a legal thing in England and Wales. It means you have to actively think, is anyone else in my household potentially unsuitable to be around children?
Interviewer
Why does that matter if the tutoring isn't at the tutor's home?
Jon
Because it could legally affect where or how you can tutor, especially if. A session unexpectedly had to shift to your place, or even just reflects on your suitability. You need to know that rule exists and check your own situation against it.
Interviewer
Wow, that's a huge point, connecting your private situation directly to your professional work. Okay, let's switch gears the remote world, trading physical presence for technical rules,
Jon
Exactly and remote tutoring has its own really high stakes rules. First, secure platforms are a must use things like vidamo or whatever the agency specifies communication, keep it strictly on that approved platform or channel, any DMS, emails, texts outside of that that needs reporting immediately to the agency or the parent or teacher. No side channels, okay?
Interviewer
And there was a really specific rule about parents being present online.
Jon
Yes, this is critical highlighted by the Tudor trust for kids 16 and under a parent or legal guardian must be there and show themselves on camera at the start and at the end of the session, start and end. Yes, they have to identify themselves. If that doesn't happen, the tutor must cancel the session. No, ifs No, buts,
Interviewer
That's quite strict, but it makes sense. It's like the digital version of keeping the door open, that handover, that accountability check
Jon
precisely. It means the parent isn't just vaguely around. They're actively involved in book ending the session safely.
Interviewer
And what about the tutors then? If they're working from home?
Jon
Same principle. Maintain professionalism, quiet space, neutral, plain background, avoid inadvertently sharing anything distracting or, you know, inappropriate from your personal space. Keep the focus on learning
Interviewer
Makes sense. And monitoring online sessions can be recorded,
Jon
Yes, and parents need to know this. It's often done for safeguarding and quality assurance agencies like tutor trust explicitly state they monitor messages postings on their platforms and can review live sessions anytime.
Interviewer
So constant potential oversight
Jon
And underpinning all of this, especially with recordings and student data, is GDPR, strict adherence to data protection guidelines is essential,
Interviewer
Okay, so whether in person or online, it's about transparency, clear rules and some form of oversight a parent listening a recorded platform. Now let's talk about the tutor's role in spotting problems vigilance? What signs should a tutor who often sees a child regularly be looking out for? What signals potential risk?
Jon
Tutors are in a unique spot because of that regular contact, they might notice things others miss. Signs could include sudden changes in behaviour, maybe in their school work too that you can't explain, like what kind of changes? Maybe signs of anxiety, becoming withdrawn, fearful. Perhaps unexplained injuries are a red flag, or if they seem really reluctant to talk about home, okay, the key, according to the NSPCC, is looking for patterns over time, not just one off day
Interviewer
Right, context matters, and it's crucial, as the sources say that tutors observe and report but do not investigate themselves. That must be hard.
Jon
It is. It takes real discipline when your instinct is probably to jump in and fix things, but investigating is not the tutor's role. That distinction observe versus investigate is maybe the most critical boundary.
Interviewer
So they've observed something concerning. They've noted a pattern. What's the exact process? The steps for reporting?
Jon
It's a clear procedure. Step one, document, write down the specifics, dates, times, exactly what you saw or heard be factual. No opinion, just the facts. Okay. Step two, report internally. If you're with an agency or school, speak to their designated safeguarding lead or officer. They'll know the next steps
Interviewer
And if you're an independent tutor.
Jon
Step three, seek external guidance. The NSPCC helpline, 0808 805,000 is a key resource or contact your local authority safeguarding team. And step four, if you believe a child is in immediate danger, then it's step four. Call the police on 999, no delay.
Interviewer
Clear steps, document, report internally or seek external advice. Escalate to police if needed. Now, the really difficult moment a child actually tells the tutor something, a disclosure of abuse. How must that be handled?
Jon
This requires immense care centred on the child, but following procedure first, show you believe them, show compassion, you know, say something like, Thank you for telling me you've shown such courage today. Okay, affirm their bravery. Then listen, really. Listen without interrupting. Let the child go at their own pace. Don't probe, just listen.
Interviewer
And the crucial part the promise,
Jon
Here it is, and it's non negotiable. Never promise to keep it a secret. You must explain gently that this is serious information, and you have to share it with someone who can help them. That clarity is vital. Then afterwards, make detailed, accurate notes of what was said, verbatim, if possible.
Interviewer
Okay, so be supportive. Listen, don't promise secrecy. Explain, you need to tell someone to get help and document carefully. And finally, what happens if a tutor doesn't follow these rules? If they breach safeguarding protocols?
Jon
The consequences are, frankly, severe and immediate. It can mean instant suspension being permanently barred from working with children, especially via agencies, right? And if there's any suggestion of illegal activity, it'll be reported to the police or relevant authorities. The system has these strong measures to enforce safety for the child.
Interviewer
So wrapping this up, what does this deep dive really mean for a tutor?
Jon
Well, to sum it up, safeguarding isn't a one off task. It's an ongoing practice. It rests on sort of three main pillars, which are, first, really clear professional boundaries in every single interaction. Second, being meticulously aware of the environment, physical visibility in person. Third party oversight online. And third, knowing and using those rigorous reporting mechanisms, always putting the child's safety first.
Interviewer
So by knowing all these details, these procedures, you're not just meeting requirements, you're actually ensuring you can deliver the best quality education because the student feels safe enough to actually focus and learn exactly that we talked a lot about secure online platforms and reporting communication that happens outside approved channels, it makes me think more broadly about digital safety. If you're using secure platforms, what specific role do strong logins and passwords play in protecting not just the child's data but the integrity of the whole tutoring session and maybe, how often should parents or teachers be prompted to review those security details just to make sure that online learning space stays, you know, completely secure that feels like a key question for keeping things safe long term online.