CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY

By John Alexander Morrice

Safe Platform via Zoom

I conduct my online classes via secure video conferencing using Zoom. All Zoom meetings are password-protected, ensuring that only I and my students can access them. I maintain full control over the virtual classroom, including who enters, and I manage key functions such as screen sharing, audio, and video, allowing me to act swiftly if any issues arise during a lesson.

Video Recordings

For quality assurance and to support learners, I may record classes. These recordings assist with customer service and compliance and can be a valuable tool for students to revisit tricky concepts. However, I prioritise the privacy of both students and myself. Families agree not to share any recordings before accessing them. If a parent prefers that their child is not recorded, I offer an “opt-out” option for verified students. Recordings are hosted securely on my platform and are never available for download. They are retained for 90 days, after which they are permanently deleted. I do not share class recordings or any personal information for marketing or any other purposes without explicit consent.

Purpose and Scope of the Safeguarding Policy

I am committed to protecting the children and young people who receive my tutoring services from harm. This policy outlines how I respond to safeguarding concerns and the steps I take to ensure the safety of all students.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children and young people who receive my tutoring services from any form of harm, including abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Respond effectively to any allegations or concerns related to the welfare of a child or young adult.
  • Ensure that I am appropriately trained in safeguarding and up to date with current safeguarding protocols.

This policy applies to all tutoring carried out by me, John Alexander Morrice. It will be reviewed and updated annually, or earlier if there are changes to safeguarding protocols.

Responsibilities

I recognise my responsibility for the safety and well-being of all students. This includes:

  • Ensuring I hold an Enhanced DBS Check, renewed annually.
  • Undertaking appropriate safeguarding training at least once every two years.
  • Keeping up to date with new information and updating this safeguarding policy accordingly.
  • Reporting safeguarding concerns correctly by following West Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.

Recruitment

Anyone working with me (in any future capacity) will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check before starting work and annually thereafter, unless their DBS is registered on the update service. A copy will be held securely on file.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a student discloses to me that they or another child is being abused, I will:

  • Listen carefully, showing that I take their allegations seriously.
  • Encourage the child to talk without interrupting or asking leading questions.
  • Reassure the child that they can tell me anything, but explain that I cannot promise to keep it a secret if it relates to their safety.
  • Explain what actions I must take, in a way the child can understand.
  • Record the conversation as soon as possible, using the child’s exact words wherever possible.
  • Make a note of the date, time, place, and individuals present during the disclosure.

If I have suspicions of a safeguarding concern in relation to one of my students, I will:

  • Contact the Safeguarding Lead for the relevant Local Authority.
  • If the child is in immediate danger, call the police.

As an online tutor, if a safeguarding concern arises involving a student living outside West Sussex, I will notify the Local Authority Safeguarding Lead in the student’s home area.

Training

I:

  • Hold a valid Safeguarding Certificate, updating my safeguarding training at least every two years.
  • Stay informed of any updates or changes to safeguarding and child protection protocols.
  • Ensure that I, as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), receive appropriate safeguarding training.

Useful Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: John Alexander Morrice
Email: john@trailalexander.com
Phone: +44 7803 550 923

West Sussex LSCB:
West Sussex County Council Children’s Services:
Phone: 01403 229900
Out of hours: 0330 222 6664

Independent Advice or to Report a Concern:
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Policy Review

I will review this policy annually to ensure it complies with the latest safeguarding legislation.

Last Reviewed: 18th October 2024
John Alexander Morrice
Date: 21st October 2024