Safeguarding

Your child's safety comes first, in person and online.

This page sets out exactly what I do to keep students safe, so you don't have to take it on trust. If anything here isn't clear, ask me — I'd rather explain than have you wonder.

This policy is informed by the Department for Education's Out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers, which covers private tuition directly.

Background check

Enhanced DBS check

I hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Before your first session I'll show you the certificate, including the certificate number, so you can see it for yourself rather than just take my word for it — no need to wait or ask twice.

Training

Ongoing safeguarding training

I keep my safeguarding knowledge current rather than treating the DBS check as a one-off box to tick. I've completed the Church of England's online safeguarding courses, and I'm currently completing their Safeguarding Leadership course to go further still.

Online lessons

How video sessions are run

Sessions run on a mainstream video platform (Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams) under a lesson booking made with you as the parent or guardian — never over a personal messaging or social media app.
You're encouraged to join or drop into any online session, at any point, not just the first one — you never need to ask permission. For younger or newer students, I'd recommend a parent or guardian stays nearby for the whole session.
Sessions can be recorded on request. Recordings are kept securely, never shared with anyone else, and deleted whenever you ask.
Scheduling and any admin messages go through your email or phone. I don't message students directly outside of lessons.

In-person lessons

How face-to-face sessions are run

A parent or guardian is encouraged to sit in on any lesson, in person, not only the first one.
Where a lesson takes place is always agreed with you directly and in advance — I'm happy to talk through what you'd be most comfortable with, whether that's your home, a public or neutral venue, or mine.

Your data

How I handle your information

The contact form on this site opens your own email app and sends your message straight to my inbox — it isn't stored on a server or passed to any third party. I only use what you send me (your details and anything about your child's level or needs) to arrange and run lessons, and I don't share it with anyone else.

If something's not right

Raising a concern

If a student ever tells me something that worries me, I'll listen without asking leading questions, note down what was said as soon as I reasonably can, and share it with your parent/guardian, school or the relevant authority as appropriate — and call 999 immediately if it's an emergency.

For parents and guardians

If you ever have a concern about a lesson or about me, please tell me directly — I want to know. If you'd rather speak to someone independent, the NSPCC helpline is free and confidential on 0808 800 5000.

For students

If anything about a lesson makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, tell a parent or guardian. You can also talk to Childline any time, in confidence, on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk — you don't have to give your name.