My Primary and Secondary Tutor Safeguarding Policy Statement

All children have an absolute right to a childhood free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. My Primary and Secondary Tutor is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.

We recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions we take. All adults involved in My Primary and Secondary Tutor activities and those who come into contact with children, have a duty of care to safeguard and promote their wellbeing.

We understand that some children may be more vulnerable due to individual circumstances, and we are committed to ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect all children.

This policy exists not to discourage involvement in our work, but to ensure, as far as possible, that those who may pose a risk to children do not have the opportunity to do so.

We give equal priority to keeping all children safe, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Scottish Safeguarding Framework

My Primary and Secondary Tutor operates in line with Scotland’s national approach to safeguarding, Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC).

This framework promotes a joined-up, child-centred approach to ensuring children receive the right help, at the right time, from the right people.

Central to this approach are the wellbeing indicators known as SHANARRI indicators. We are committed to supporting children and young people to be:
Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included.

Where appropriate, we will work in partnership with the child’s Named Person, their school, and other relevant professionals to support their wellbeing and ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.

Duty of Care

We have a responsibility to ensure that all adults working with or on behalf of My Primary and Secondary Tutor are competent, confident and safe to do so.

All tutors are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and must avoid any conduct that could lead a reasonable person to question their motivation or intentions.

Purpose of This Policy

This policy aims to:

• Protect children and young people who receive My Primary and Secondary Tutor’s services from harm (including the children of adults who use our services)
• Provide tutors, families, and young people with clear principles that guide our safeguarding approach

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of My Primary and Secondary Tutor.

Safeguarding Lead

The Founder/Lead Tutor is responsible for safeguarding:

Karen Simpson
Email: karen@myprimaryandsecondarytutor.com

Responsibilities include:

• Providing safeguarding support and training
• Ensuring all tutors are appropriately vetted and qualified
• Acting as the main point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or disclosures

Definition of a Young Person

For the purposes of this policy, a young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

Recognition and Understanding of Abuse

We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• Safeguarding includes both protection from harm and promotion of wellbeing
• Partnership working with families and professionals is essential
• All children have an equal right to protection
• Some children may require additional support to remain safe

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse
Deliberate physical harm or failure to prevent injury.

Neglect
Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Emotional Abuse
Ongoing emotional harm that impacts a child’s development.

Sexual Abuse
Involvement of a child in sexual activity they cannot understand or consent to.

Extremism
Opposition to fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, and mutual respect.

Grooming
Building a relationship with a child to manipulate or exploit them.

Self-harm
When a child or young person deliberately harms themselves as a way of coping with difficult emotions.

Safeguarding Procedures

In all safeguarding situations, tutors must:

• Listen carefully and respectfully
• Take all concerns seriously
• Record and report concerns promptly
• Share information sensitively and appropriately, in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements

If a Concern is Reported to the Safeguarding Lead

The following steps will be taken:

1. Information will be shared with appropriate safeguarding bodies. This may include the child’s school, Named Person, Social Work Services or Police Scotland. Parents will be informed where it is appropriate and safe to do so.
2. Relevant authorities will take the lead in any investigation. My Primary and Secondary Tutor will fully cooperate and provide any necessary information.
3. Under no circumstances will tutors carry out their own investigations unless directed to do so by safeguarding authorities.

If a Child Makes a Disclosure

Tutors must:

1. Listen without interruption and remain calm and non-judgemental
2. Avoid asking leading or investigative questions
3. Make it clear they cannot promise confidentiality and must share concerns to keep the child safe
4. Ensure the child is not in immediate danger
5. Record and report the information immediately to the Safeguarding Lead using the child’s own words where possible

If Abuse is Suspected (but not disclosed)

Tutors must:

• Not question the child or investigate
• Record observations and concerns clearly
• Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead

Allegations Against a Tutor

Any concerns must:

• Be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead
• Be recorded accurately and factually
• Be handled in line with safeguarding procedures

Data Protection

All personal data must be:

• Handled with sensitivity and confidentiality
• Stored securely
• Shared only where necessary for safeguarding purposes

All records will be retained in line with UK GDPR requirements.

Recruitment and Training

My Primary and Secondary Tutor maintains high recruitment standards.

All tutors must:

• Hold an enhanced PVG/DBS check (within 3 years), or obtain one through the organisation
• Be appropriately qualified or experienced
• Complete safeguarding training as part of induction

Online Safeguarding

As an online tutoring provider, we recognise the additional safeguarding responsibilities this brings.

All tutors must:

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Use approved communication methods
• Follow guidelines for safe online practice

Code of Conduct

All tutors must:

• Treat all young people with respect
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
• Use secure and appropriate communication methods
• Conduct themselves professionally in all sessions

Tutors must not:

• Contact pupils via personal social media
• Share personal contact details
• Arrange meetings outside scheduled sessions
• Engage in inappropriate conversation or behaviour
• Show favouritism
• Be under the influence of alcohol or substances
• Take photographs without consent and clear purpose 

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner in response to changes in legislation, guidance or organisational practice.

Last updated: October 2025