Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person who accesses our services. We believe that every child has the right to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All tutors, staff and volunteers working on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring are expected to share this commitment, remain vigilant to potential safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action whenever they have reason to believe that a child may be at risk of harm.

We provide both online and face-to-face tuition, including one-to-one lessons, small group tuition, mock examinations and educational support within schools. Safeguarding principles apply equally across all settings, regardless of where tuition takes place.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to:

• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment for every student.
• Ensuring that all tutors understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Recruiting staff safely through appropriate vetting procedures.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Working collaboratively with parents, schools and external safeguarding agencies where appropriate.
• Complying with current safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

The welfare of the child is always our paramount consideration.

The purpose of this policy is to explain how Sarah Bridge Tutoring safeguards children and young people and to provide clear procedures for preventing, identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.

This policy aims to:

• Protect children and young people who receive tuition through Sarah Bridge Tutoring.
• Provide tutors with clear guidance on their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Establish consistent procedures for recognising, recording and reporting concerns.
• Promote safe professional practice across all tuition settings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Support a culture in which safeguarding is embedded throughout the organisation.

This policy should be read and followed by all tutors, staff and anyone working on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

This policy applies to all individuals working for or representing Sarah Bridge Tutoring, including but not limited to:

• The business owner.
• Employed staff.
• Self-employed tutors contracted by Sarah Bridge Tutoring.
• Volunteers.
• Temporary staff.
• Individuals delivering tuition within schools or other educational settings on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

The policy applies whenever tuition or educational activities are delivered, including:

• Online tuition.
• Face-to-face tuition.
• Group classes.
• Any activity organised or managed by Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

All staff are expected to read, understand and comply with this policy as a condition of working with Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring recognises that safeguarding is fundamental to providing high-quality education. Every child has the right to feel safe, valued and respected while learning, and we are committed to maintaining an environment where their welfare is always the highest priority.

We are committed to promoting a culture in which safeguarding is embedded throughout every aspect of our organisation. This includes ensuring that all tutors understand their responsibilities, maintain appropriate professional boundaries and act promptly if they have any concerns about the welfare of a child.

To support this commitment, Sarah Bridge Tutoring will:

• Place the welfare of children at the centre of all decisions and practices.
• Maintain robust safeguarding procedures that are reviewed regularly.
• Recruit tutors through safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate identity, qualification and Enhanced DBS checks.
• Ensure that all tutors receive safeguarding guidance before delivering tuition.
• Provide regular safeguarding updates and training where appropriate.
• Promote safe working practices during both online and face-to-face tuition.
• Encourage an open culture where safeguarding concerns can be raised without hesitation.
• Respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns, disclosures or obligations.
• Work cooperatively with parents, schools, local authorities and other safeguarding agencies where required.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records in accordance with data protection legislation.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Every member of staff working on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring is expected to remain vigilant, exercise professional judgement and take appropriate action whenever they have concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing.

Failure to follow this policy or to act appropriately where safeguarding concerns exist may result in disciplinary action and where appropriate, referral to relevant safeguarding authorities or professional bodies.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every individual working for Sarah Bridge Tutoring has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

Sarah Bridge (Business Owner and Designated Safeguarding Lead)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has overall responsibility for safeguarding within Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

The DSL is responsible for:

• Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed annually.
• Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining accurate safeguarding records.
• Making referrals to Children's Social Care, the Police or other agencies where appropriate.
• Liaising with schools, parents and safeguarding professionals when required.
• Ensuring tutors understand safeguarding procedures.
• Promoting a culture where safeguarding remains a priority across the organisation.
• Monitoring compliance with safeguarding procedures.

Tutors

All tutors working for Sarah Bridge Tutoring are responsible for:

• Reading and following this policy.
• Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.
• Remaining alert to signs that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
• Recording factual safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Reporting concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Cooperating fully with safeguarding investigations where required.
• Treating all children with dignity, fairness and respect.
• Promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Completing regular safeguarding training.

Tutors should never assume that someone else has reported a concern. If they are worried about a child's welfare, they must report it immediately.

Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in safeguarding their children during tuition.

Parents are expected to:

• Provide accurate emergency contact information.
• Inform Sarah Bridge Tutoring of any relevant information that may affect their child's safety or wellbeing.
• Support younger children during online lessons where appropriate.
• Communicate any safeguarding concerns relating to tuition promptly.

Students

Students are encouraged to:

• Behave respectfully towards tutors and other students.
• Report anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Follow online safety expectations during lessons.
• Treat others with kindness and respect.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to safer recruitment practices and recognises that robust recruitment procedures play an essential role in safeguarding children.

As part of our recruitment process we will:

• Verify the tutor's identity.
• Verify relevant teaching qualifications and professional experience.
• Obtain satisfactory professional references.
• Review employment history where appropriate.
• Verify the tutor's right to work in the UK where applicable.
• Obtain evidence of an Enhanced DBS Certificate or DBS Update Service status.
• Where a tutor is not subscribed to the DBS Update Service, require an Enhanced DBS Certificate dated within the previous twelve months.
• Require tutors to complete regular safeguarding training.
• Require tutors to read and agree to Sarah Bridge Tutoring's Safeguarding Policy, Tutor Code of Conduct and Professional Standards.
• Ensure tutors understand their safeguarding responsibilities before working with children.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring reserves the right to refuse or withdraw registration where safeguarding concerns arise or where recruitment checks are unsatisfactory.

Changes in Circumstances

Tutors are expected to inform Sarah Bridge Tutoring immediately if there are any changes in their circumstances that may affect their suitability to work with children. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Receiving a police caution or conviction.
• Being subject to a criminal investigation.
• Becoming subject to safeguarding investigations or professional restrictions.
• Any other matter that could reasonably affect their suitability to work with children.

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in the termination of the tutor's engagement and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring expects all tutors to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and to establish appropriate boundaries with every student. Professional boundaries help to create a safe, respectful and positive learning environment while protecting both children and tutors.

Tutors must always act in the best interests of the child and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation and values of Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

Professional Relationships

Tutors must maintain professional relationships with students and their families at all times.

Tutors must:

• Treat every student with dignity, respect and fairness.
• Provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries throughout all interactions.
• Avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted or compromise their professional position.
• Act as positive role models at all times.

Tutors must not develop relationships with students that extend beyond the professional tutor-student relationship.

Appropriate Communication

All communication relating to tuition should take place through approved communication channels.

Tutors must:

• Communicate in a professional, respectful and age-appropriate manner.
• Ensure communications relate only to tuition or safeguarding matters.
• Report any communication that causes concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Social Media

To protect both students and tutors, staff must maintain clear boundaries when using social media.

Tutors must not:

• Accept or send friend or follow requests to current students.
• Communicate with students through personal social media accounts.
• Share personal or business social media accounts with students.
• Post content that could bring Sarah Bridge Tutoring into disrepute or undermine professional relationships.

Gifts and Favouritism

Tutors must treat all students fairly and avoid behaviour that could be perceived as favouritism.

Tutors should not:

• Give personal gifts to students.
• Accept gifts that could reasonably be viewed as inappropriate.
• Show preferential treatment towards particular students.

Small tokens of appreciation from families may be accepted where they are of modest value and do not create a conflict of interest.

Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Tutors must remain aware that children and young people may view them as trusted adults.

They must never:

• Engage in behaviour that could be considered grooming.
• Use inappropriate or offensive language.
• Make discriminatory, intimidating or humiliating comments.
• Engage in flirtuous or sexually suggestive behaviour.
• Exchange personal or inappropriate messages with students.
• Meet students outside agreed tuition arrangements without prior authorisation from Sarah Bridge Tutoring and the student's parent or carer.

Any concerns about professional boundaries, whether relating to themselves or another tutor, must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns About Professional Conduct

If a tutor becomes aware of behaviour by another member of staff that may place a child at risk or breach professional boundaries, they have a responsibility to report their concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring will ensure that all concerns are taken seriously, investigated appropriately and managed in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring recognises that online tuition presents unique safeguarding opportunities and challenges. This section sets out safeguarding procedures and clear expectations for tutors.

Approved Platforms

Online lessons will be delivered using platforms approved by Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

Tutors must not arrange lessons using unauthorised platforms or applications without prior approval.

Safe Learning Environment

Tutors should ensure that they deliver lessons from a suitable environment that:

• Is quiet and free from unnecessary distractions.
• Is appropriate for professional teaching.
• Protects the privacy of both the tutor and the student.
• Reflects the professional standards expected by Sarah Bridge Tutoring.
• Backgrounds are suitable for working with children.
• Encourage younger children to learn in a shared family space wherever possible. Encourage parents and carers to remain nearby during lessons for younger children. Promote safe and responsible use of online technology.

Cameras and Audio

Tutors are expected to have their camera switched on throughout online lessons unless exceptional circumstances arise.

Students are encouraged to keep their cameras on to support effective teaching, communication and safeguarding. Where this is not possible, tutors should use their professional judgement and inform Sarah Bridge Tutoring if they have any safeguarding concerns.

Microphones should be used appropriately to minimise background noise while allowing effective communication during lessons.

Recording Lessons

Where lessons are recorded, this will be communicated to parents and students in advance.

Recordings may be used for purposes including:

• Safeguarding.
• Quality assurance.
• Tutor development.
• Resolving complaints or disputes.

Recordings will be stored securely and accessed only by authorised individuals. They will be retained and deleted in accordance with Sarah Bridge Tutoring's data protection procedures.

Online Behaviour

Students are expected to behave respectfully during online lessons.

This includes:

• Treating tutors and other students with respect.
• Using appropriate language.
• Following tutor instructions.
• Not sharing inappropriate content, messages or images.
• Respecting the privacy of others.

Behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of others may result in the lesson being paused or terminated.

Online Safeguarding Concerns

If a tutor observes anything during an online lesson that gives rise to a safeguarding concern, they must:

• Remain calm and respond appropriately.
• Make a factual written record of what they observed or were told.
• Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.
• Follow the safeguarding reporting procedures set out in this policy.

If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, the tutor must follow the emergency procedures outlined elsewhere in this policy.

Screen Sharing and Digital Resources

Tutors may use screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, digital documents and other educational technology to support learning.

When using screen sharing, tutors must:

• Ensure only lesson-related materials are visible.
• Close any personal files, emails or confidential documents before sharing their screen.
• Avoid displaying personal information or information relating to other students.
• Use only age-appropriate and educationally relevant resources.
• Ensure that any online resources used are suitable for children and free from inappropriate content where reasonably possible.

Students should not use screen sharing to display inappropriate, offensive or unrelated content. Any safeguarding concerns arising during screen sharing must be reported in accordance with this policy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Sarah Bridge Tutoring recognises that artificial intelligence (AI) can support teaching and learning when used responsibly.

Tutors may use AI tools to assist with lesson planning, resource creation, feedback or administrative tasks. However:

• Tutors remain fully responsible for the accuracy and suitability of all materials provided to students.
• AI-generated content should be reviewed before use to ensure it is accurate, age-appropriate and free from bias or inappropriate material.
• Confidential or personally identifiable student information must not be entered into publicly available AI platforms unless permitted under Sarah Bridge Tutoring's GDPR and Privacy Policy.
• AI should enhance professional judgement, not replace it.

Students may also use AI as part of their learning where appropriate. Tutors should encourage responsible and ethical use of AI and support students in developing independent thinking and academic integrity.

Use of Personal Devices

Tutors delivering tuition on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring may use their own laptops, tablets or other devices to prepare and deliver lessons. All personal devices used for work purposes must be managed securely to protect students' personal information and maintain a safe online learning environment.

Tutors are responsible for ensuring that any personal device used for tuition:

• Is protected by a secure password or other appropriate authentication method.
• Is kept up to date with operating system and security updates.
• Has appropriate antivirus or security software installed where applicable.
• Is connected to a secure and trusted internet connection during lessons.
• Is used only in a manner that protects the confidentiality and privacy of students.

Tutors must take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to student information and should ensure that devices are not left unattended while displaying confidential information.

Where personal data is stored electronically, tutors must comply with Sarah Bridge Tutoring's GDPR and Privacy Policy and ensure that information is stored securely and only retained where necessary.

If a personal device containing student information is lost, stolen or believed to have been compromised, the tutor must notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as reasonably practicable so that appropriate action can be taken.

Tutors should not use shared or public computers to access confidential student information unless appropriate security measures are in place.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring recognises that tutors are not expected to investigate safeguarding concerns or determine whether abuse has occurred. However, all tutors have a responsibility to remain alert to possible indicators of abuse or neglect and to report any concerns promptly.

Safeguarding concerns may arise from:

• Something a child says.
• Changes in a child's appearance, behaviour or emotional wellbeing.
• Observations made during tuition.
• Concerns shared by a parent, school or another professional.
• Information disclosed by another student or member of the public.

A single concern may not indicate abuse. However, tutors should remain vigilant, particularly where concerns begin to form a pattern over time.

Categories of Abuse

Abuse is generally recognised as falling into four main categories.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the deliberate causing of physical harm to a child.

Possible indicators may include:

• Unexplained injuries.
• Repeated bruising or burns.
• Injuries inconsistent with the explanation given.
• Flinching from physical contact.
• Reluctance to discuss how an injury occurred.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child that affects their emotional development or self-worth.

Possible indicators may include:

• Extreme anxiety or withdrawal.
• Low self-esteem.
• Excessive fear of making mistakes.
• Sudden changes in behaviour.
• Inappropriate emotional responses for the child's age.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or encouraging a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not they understand what is happening.

Possible indicators may include:

• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour.
• Unexplained changes in behaviour.
• Reluctance to be with particular individuals.
• Self-harm.
• Unexplained distress.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Possible indicators may include:

• Poor hygiene.
• Consistently inappropriate clothing.
• Persistent hunger or tiredness.
• Untreated medical needs.
• Poor attendance or engagement.

Additional Safeguarding Concerns

Tutors should also remain aware of wider safeguarding issues that may affect children and young people, including:

• Child-on-child abuse.
• Bullying, including cyberbullying.
• Child criminal exploitation.
• Child sexual exploitation.
• Domestic abuse.
• County lines.
• Online abuse.
• Grooming.
• Harmful sexual behaviour.
• Mental health concerns where they present a safeguarding risk.
• Radicalisation and extremism.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Forced marriage.

This list is not exhaustive. Tutors should report any concern about a child's welfare, regardless of whether it falls into a specific category.

If a Child Makes a Disclosure

If a child chooses to disclose information that suggest they may be at risk of harm, tutors should:

• Remain calm and listen carefully.
• Allow the child to speak freely without interruption.
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• Explain that the information cannot be kept confidential if the child may be at risk of harm.
• Avoid asking leading or investigative questions.
• Only ask open questions where clarification is necessary, such as: "Can you tell me what happened?" or "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"
• Avoid expressing shock, disbelief or judgement.
• Reassure the child that appropriate people will be told in order to help keep them safe.

Tutors should never promise to keep a safeguarding disclosure secret.

Following a Disclosure

As soon as possible after the conversation, the tutor must:

• Make a clear, factual written record of what was observed or disclosed.
• Record the child's own words wherever possible.
• Include the date, time and location of the incident or disclosure.
• Distinguish clearly between factual information and professional observations.
• Sign and date the record where appropriate.
• Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Safeguarding records should be completed as soon as reasonably practicable while the information remains fresh and accurate.

If There Are Concerns but No Disclosure

A child does not need to make a disclosure for a safeguarding concern to exist.

Tutors should report concerns if they observe:

• Significant changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing.
• Unexplained injuries.
• Repeated absences or concerning patterns of attendance.
• Worrying comments made by the child.
• Behaviour that causes concern during online or face-to-face tuition.
• Anything that gives rise to reasonable concern about the child's safety or welfare.

If unsure whether a concern should be reported, tutors should always seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead. It is better to report a concern that later proves unfounded than to fail to report a child who may need protection.

Immediate Risk of Harm

If a tutor believes that a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent protection they must not wait to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead before taking action.

The tutor should:

1. Contact the emergency services by calling 999 if immediate police or ambulance assistance is required.
2. Contact the relevant Children's Social Care team where appropriate.
3. Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.
4. Complete a written safeguarding record detailing the concern and actions taken.

The safety of the child must always take priority over organisational procedures.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information should only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child.

Tutors must not discuss safeguarding concerns with other tutors, students or individuals who are not directly involved in managing the concern.

All safeguarding records will be handled sensitively and stored securely in accordance with Sarah Bridge Tutoring's GDPR and Privacy Policy.

Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead

Once a concern has been reported, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

• Review the information provided.
• Assess the level of concern.
• Seek further advice where appropriate.
• Decide whether the concern should be monitored, discussed with parents or carers, or referred to external safeguarding agencies.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records.
• Ensure appropriate follow-up action is taken.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead may seek advice from Children's Social Care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Police or other safeguarding professionals where appropriate.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to safeguarding children and promoting a culture of openness, accountability and professionalism. Any allegation or concern regarding the behaviour of a tutor or other adult working on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring will be taken seriously and managed promptly, fairly and appropriately.

This procedure applies to all tutors, employees, volunteers and any individual working on behalf of Sarah Bridge Tutoring.

What is an Allegation?

An allegation may arise where it is claimed that a member of staff has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child.
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or involving a child.
• Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.
• Behaved in a manner that may call into question their suitability to work with children.

Not all concerns will meet the threshold for an allegation. However, all concerns about the conduct of staff must be reported and considered appropriately.

Reporting an Allegation

Any allegation or concern about the behaviour of a tutor or member of staff must be reported immediately.

Where the allegation concerns a tutor or other member of staff, it should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Where the allegation concerns the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the business owner, the concern should be reported directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or another appropriate safeguarding authority.

Tutors must never attempt to investigate an allegation themselves or discuss it with other colleagues unless instructed to do so.

Managing Allegations

Upon receiving an allegation, Sarah Bridge Tutoring will:

• Ensure that the immediate safety and welfare of the child is prioritised.
• Make an initial assessment of the information available.
• Seek advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate.
• Cooperate fully with any investigation undertaken by external agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
• Keep accurate records of decisions and actions taken.

Where necessary, the tutor concerned may be asked not to undertake further tuition while the matter is being considered.

Confidentiality, Allegations will be managed confidentially and information will only be shared with those who have a legitimate need to know. All individuals involved will be treated fairly throughout the process. Support will be offered to both the child and the member of staff, where appropriate, while investigations are ongoing. Malicious or Unfounded Allegations If an allegation is found to be malicious, deliberately false or unfounded, Sarah Bridge Tutoring will consider what support may be required for those affected and whether any further action is appropriate. The fact that an allegation is unsubstantiated does not necessarily mean that it was false. Each case will be considered on its individual circumstances and managed in accordance with safeguarding guidance.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring recognises that effective safeguarding depends upon appropriate information sharing. Information will be shared responsibly and only where it is necessary to protect a child or support their welfare.

All tutors have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality whilst recognising that safeguarding concerns must never be kept secret.

Sharing Information

Safeguarding information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know in order to protect a child.

This may include:

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Children's Social Care.
• The Police.
• The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
• The student's school, where appropriate.
• Other relevant safeguarding professionals.

Information will be shared in accordance with applicable safeguarding legislation and data protection requirements.

Confidentiality

Tutors must treat all safeguarding information as confidential.

They must not:

• Discuss safeguarding concerns with colleagues who are not directly involved.
• Share safeguarding information with other students or parents unless authorised to do so.
• Disclose safeguarding records to friends, family members or any unauthorised individual.
• Retain safeguarding records for personal use after they have been submitted to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Safeguarding concerns should only be discussed where doing so is necessary to protect a child or fulfil a legal safeguarding responsibility.

Sharing Information Without Consent

In most circumstances, personal information should be shared with the knowledge and, where appropriate, the consent of the child or their parent or carer.

However, consent is not required where seeking consent would:

• Place a child at increased risk of harm.
• Prejudice the prevention or detection of a crime.
• Delay urgent safeguarding action.
• Prevent appropriate protection being provided.

The safety and welfare of the child will always take precedence over issues of confidentiality.

Working with Other Agencies

Where appropriate, Sarah Bridge Tutoring will work collaboratively with schools, local authorities, Children's Social Care, the Police and other safeguarding professionals to support the safety and wellbeing of children.

Relevant safeguarding information will be shared promptly where this is necessary to protect a child or support an ongoing safeguarding investigation.

Data Protection

All safeguarding information will be handled in accordance with Sarah Bridge Tutoring's GDPR and Privacy Policy. Safeguarding records will be stored securely, only be accessible to authorised individuals, be retained for an appropriate period in accordance with legal and organisational requirements, and be disposed of securely when no longer required.

Compliance with data protection legislation must never prevent information being shared where there is a genuine safeguarding concern.

Accurate record keeping is an essential part of effective safeguarding.

All safeguarding records maintained by Sarah Bridge Tutoring will:

• Be factual, objective and accurate.
• Distinguish between observation, professional opinion and fact.
• Include dates, times and those present.
• Record actions taken.
• Record decisions made and the rationale for those decisions.
• Include details of referrals made or decisions not to refer.
• Be stored securely.
• Be accessible only to the DSL and those authorised by the DSL where necessary.
• Be retained in accordance with Sarah Bridge Tutoring's data retention procedures and legal obligations.

Safeguarding information will always be handled sensitively and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to ensuring that this Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy remains effective, up to date and reflects current legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy and ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed consistently across the organisation.

This policy will be formally reviewed at least annually and may also be reviewed sooner if:

• There are changes to relevant legislation or statutory guidance.
• Safeguarding procedures require amendment following an incident or concern.
• Organisational changes affect safeguarding arrangements.
• Best practice guidance is updated.

Where appropriate, tutors will be informed of any significant changes to this policy and will be expected to familiarise themselves with the updated version.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring is committed to promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Feedback from tutors, parents, schools and safeguarding professionals may be considered as part of the review process to help ensure that safeguarding arrangements remain effective and appropriate.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All tutors and staff are expected to read, understand and comply with this policy and to contribute to maintaining a safe, supportive and positive environment for every child.

The following contacts should be used when responding to safeguarding concerns or seeking safeguarding advice.

Sarah Bridge Tutoring

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Sarah Bridge

Email: info@sarahbridgetutoring.co.uk

Telephone: 07701063005

Emergency Services

If a child is at immediate risk of harm or a crime is taking place, contact:

Emergency Services

Telephone: 999

NSPCC

The NSPCC provides safeguarding advice and guidance for adults who are concerned about the welfare of a child.

NSPCC Helpline

Telephone: 0808 800 5000

Childline

Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential advice and support.

Childline

Telephone: 0800 1111

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Concerns about adults working with children should be reported to the DSL, who will liaise with the relevant LADO where appropriate.

Further Guidance

Useful safeguarding guidance includes:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (Department for Education)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)