Safeguarding Policy

1. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All students receiving tutoring services from Mr K Psychology, particularly those under 18 years of age
• All online tutoring sessions conducted via LessonSpace
• All communication between tutor and students/parents
• Any additional support services provided (email support, assignment marking, etc.)

2. Key Safeguarding Principles

3. Safe Online Tutoring Practices

Video Sessions via LessonSpace

• Cameras must be on: Both tutor and student cameras must remain on throughout all sessions for transparency and safeguarding purposes
• Parent/guardian at home: For all students under 18, a parent or guardian must be present in the home during online sessions
• Secure platform: All sessions are conducted via LessonSpace, a professional online tutoring platform with security features
• No private recordings: Sessions are not recorded by default. Any recording requires explicit written consent from both student and parent/guardian
• Appropriate setting: Sessions are conducted in appropriate, well-lit locations with no inappropriate content visible

Communication Guidelines

• Email only: Primary communication with students is via email to maintain a professional record
• Parent inclusion: For students under 18, parents/guardians are copied on all email communications or have access to the communication channel
• No private messaging: Direct one-to-one messaging with students under 18 via WhatsApp or other platforms is not permitted unless in a group with a parent present
• Response times: Communication is conducted during reasonable hours (typically 9am-9pm) and professional boundaries are maintained
• Appropriate content: All communication is professional, educational, and appropriate for a tutor-student relationship

Session Conduct

• Sessions focus solely on AQA A-Level Psychology content and exam preparation
• Conversations remain professional and educational at all times
• Personal questions beyond what is necessary for educational support are avoided
• Appropriate language is used at all times
• Sessions are conducted in a respectful and inclusive manner

4. Recognising Abuse and Harm

We are vigilant for signs that a student may be experiencing abuse or harm. This includes, but is not limited to:

Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries, fearful behaviour, reluctance to discuss home life
• Emotional abuse: Changes in behaviour, low self-esteem, withdrawal, anxiety
• Sexual abuse: Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour, unexplained changes in behaviour
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, appearing hungry or tired, lack of supervision
• Online abuse: Cyberbullying, inappropriate online contact, sharing of explicit images

Other Concerns

• Significant changes in academic performance or engagement
• Unexplained absences or frequent cancellations
• Signs of mental health difficulties or distress
• Disclosure of harmful behaviour (self-harm, substance abuse, etc.)
• Concerning statements about home life or relationships

5. Reporting Concerns

If You Are a Student

If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or have concerns about your tutoring sessions or any communication:

• Speak to your parent or guardian immediately
• Contact us directly at mrk@mrkpsychology.co.uk
• You have the right to feel safe and respected at all times
• No concern is too small to raise

If You Are a Parent/Guardian

If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing during tutoring:

• Contact us immediately at mrk@mrkpsychology.co.uk
• We will respond within 24 hours
• All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated promptly
• We will work with you to address and resolve any issues

If We Have Concerns About a Student

If Mr K Psychology has safeguarding concerns about a student, we will:

• Contact the student’s parent/guardian immediately (unless doing so would place the child at greater risk)
• Make a record of the concern with date, time, and specific details
• Where appropriate, report concerns to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or social services
• Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations
• Follow statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Student information is kept confidential and stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Policy
• Information is only shared where necessary for safeguarding purposes
• Parents/guardians are kept informed of student progress and any concerns (except where doing so would increase risk to the child)
• We may be required to share information with statutory agencies (police, social services) where there are safeguarding concerns
• Students will be informed when information needs to be shared, where appropriate and safe to do so

7. Allegations Against the Tutor

We take any allegations of inappropriate conduct extremely seriously. If an allegation is made:

• The allegation will be treated seriously and investigated thoroughly
• Parents/guardians should report concerns immediately to mrk@mrkpsychology.co.uk or directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• We will cooperate fully with any investigation by relevant authorities
• Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of any investigation

How to Contact LADO

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) manages allegations against adults who work with children:

• Contact your local council’s LADO service (search “LADO” + your local authority name)
• Alternatively, contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0808 028 0285

8. Prevention and Safe Working Practices

We maintain safe working practices to prevent safeguarding issues:

Professional Conduct

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Never requesting or accepting personal contact with students outside professional channels
• Avoiding any behaviour that could be misinterpreted
• Treating all students with respect and dignity
• Modelling appropriate behaviour and language

Digital Safety

• Only using approved platforms for tutoring (LessonSpace)
• Ensuring all communication is traceable and appropriate
• Not requesting or accepting friend/follow requests on personal social media
• Reporting any inappropriate online contact from students

Ongoing Safeguarding Awareness

• Staying informed about current safeguarding guidance and best practices
• Regularly reviewing and updating safeguarding procedures
• Maintaining awareness of online safety issues affecting young people

9. Promoting Student Wellbeing

Beyond preventing harm, we actively promote student wellbeing by:

• Creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment
• Encouraging open communication and listening to student concerns
• Recognising and responding to signs of stress, anxiety, or mental health difficulties
• Signposting students to appropriate support services where needed
• Celebrating achievements and building student confidence
• Respecting diversity and promoting equality

Support Resources for Students

If you need additional support:

• Childline: 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk (confidential support for young people)
• Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk (mental health support)
• The Mix: 0808 808 4994 or www.themix.org.uk (support for under-25s)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 emotional support)

10. Parental Involvement

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in safeguarding. We encourage you to:

• Be aware of your child’s online tutoring sessions and who they are in contact with
• Be present in the home during all sessions with students under 18
• Maintain open communication with your child about their tutoring experience
• Review session content and progress regularly
• Raise any concerns immediately, no matter how small
• Ensure your child understands online safety and appropriate communication

11. Policy Review

• This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident
• Updates will be made to reflect changes in legislation or best practice guidance
• Any significant changes will be communicated to all current students and parents
• The updated policy will be posted on our website with a new “Last Updated” date

12. Related Policies

This Safeguarding Policy should be read alongside:

• Privacy Policy (how we handle personal data)
• Terms & Conditions – Tutoring Services (expectations and procedures)
• Complaints Procedure (how to raise formal concerns)