Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy – Elias Education Limited

At Elias Education Limited (“we”, “our”, “us”), the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. We are committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability in safeguarding. All staff, tutors, and associates engaged by Elias Education are expected to uphold these standards at all times.

This policy applies to all in-person and online tutoring, consultations, or other services involving pupils under 18 (“children”).

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:

  • All children in our care are protected from abuse, neglect, or harm;

  • Tutors are empowered to work safely and professionally;

  • Clear procedures exist for reporting safeguarding concerns;

  • Legal and regulatory obligations are met.

2. Responsibilities of Tutors

All tutors engaged by Elias Education must:

  1. Treat all pupils with respect, dignity, and without prejudice, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religion;

  2. Maintain professional boundaries at all times and avoid any inappropriate communication;

  3. Use appropriate language and behaviour, both in-person and online;

  4. Ensure lessons, materials, and environments are safe, free from inappropriate content, and suitable for the pupil;

  5. Require parental or guardian presence during lessons for pupils under 18 where appropriate;

  6. Respect the effort and individuality of each pupil, offering constructive guidance;

  7. Protect the confidentiality of pupil information in accordance with GDPR and Elias Education policies;

  8. Never solicit or request personal, social media, or unrelated personal information from pupils;

  9. Never take or request photos or videos of pupils, unless expressly authorised by Elias Education for educational purposes.

3. Safeguarding in Online Lessons

Tutors delivering online lessons must:

  • Ensure the learning environment is professional and free from inappropriate images, video, or other content;

  • Arrive punctually and deliver lessons as scheduled;

  • Confirm the pupil is comfortable and safe if a parent or guardian is not present;

  • Be aware that lessons may be recorded for safeguarding review and quality assurance;

  • Avoid any unsolicited communications outside the scope of tutoring.

4. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL)

Elias Education has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, handling disclosures, and liaising with authorities:

James Powell – DSO
Email: james@eliaseducation.co.uk

The DSL will:

  • Record safeguarding concerns accurately and confidentially;

  • Advise tutors and staff on next steps;

  • Contact local authority children’s services or the Police Child Protection Unit where appropriate;

  • Ensure GDPR-compliant handling of all records.

5. Definition of Bullying and Abuse

  • Bullying may include physical, verbal, emotional, or social actions intended to cause distress over time.

  • Cyberbullying occurs through electronic means such as social media, messaging, or emails.

  • Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful.

Tutors must be vigilant to signs of abuse or bullying, including changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, withdrawal, or fearfulness.

6. Procedures for Suspected Abuse or Bullying

If a tutor suspects a child is being abused or bullied, or receives a disclosure, they must:

  1. Take the matter seriously and act promptly;

  2. Contact the DSO immediately, providing all relevant information and observations;

  3. Record the incident accurately, using the child’s own words where possible;

  4. Not attempt to investigate independently or interrogate the child;

  5. Ensure the immediate safety of the child;

  6. Follow the DSO’s guidance on notifying local authorities or the Police.

Tutors must never promise confidentiality to a child regarding disclosures.

7. Confidentiality

Tutors will have access to sensitive personal information about pupils. All information, including contact details, work, and academic records, must be kept confidential and only shared with:

  • Elias Education staff on a need-to-know basis;

  • Relevant safeguarding authorities where legally required.

8. Code of Conduct for Tutors

All tutors must:

  • Adhere to this safeguarding policy at all times;

  • Maintain professional relationships and boundaries;

  • Avoid social media connections with pupils and inappropriate communications;

  • Discuss sensitive topics carefully, respecting the age and vulnerability of the pupil;

  • Obtain parental or guardian consent for tutoring of pupils under 18.

Tutors must not:

  • Engage in inappropriate or suggestive behaviour;

  • Coerce or influence pupils to act illegally or unethically;

  • Request or access pupils’ social media accounts;

  • Take or request images or recordings of pupils without express written consent.

9. Training and Compliance

All tutors and staff are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and complete any safeguarding training required by Elias Education. Regular updates will be provided to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

10. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in law, guidance, or operational practices.

Last Reviewed 30/08/2025