Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1.Purpose of this Policy

Tugo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This policy sets out how we protect children from harm and how concerns are identified, recorded, and acted upon.

This policy applies to:

• •All staff and contractors
• •All self-employed tutors working through Tugo
• •Anyone acting on behalf of Tugo

2.Scope and Legal Context

Tugo operates as a tutoring agency working with self-employed tutors. While Tugo is not a school or college, we recognise our responsibility to take reasonable steps to safeguard children in line with relevant UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

• •The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• •Working Together to Safeguard Children (statutory guidance)
• •Department for Education guidance for out-of-school settings, after-school clubs, and tuition providers

3.Key Safeguarding Principles

Tugo follows these core principles:

• •The welfare of the child is paramount
• •All children have the right to be protected from abuse and neglect
• •Safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon promptly
• •Safe recruitment and clear reporting processes reduce risk

4.Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Tugo has a Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding arrangements.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

The DSL is responsible for:

• •Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns
• •Making referrals to children's social care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), or the police when required
• •Maintaining safeguarding records
• •Seeking external advice where appropriate
• •Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed
• •Ensuring tutors understand safeguarding expectations

A deputy safeguarding lead may be appointed if appropriate.

5.Safeguarding Training

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will undertake appropriate safeguarding training and keep this up to date.

All tutors working through Tugo must complete basic safeguarding training before working with children or as soon as reasonably possible.

Tutors are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and follow it at all times.

6.Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Safeguarding concerns may relate to:

Tutors should remain vigilant and report any concerns, disclosures, or worrying behaviours immediately.

• •Physical abuse
• •Emotional abuse
• •Sexual abuse
• •Neglect
• •Exploitation or grooming

7.Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger:

If a tutor or staff member has a safeguarding concern:

• •Listen carefully and take the concern seriously
• •Do not promise confidentiality
• •Do not investigate or ask leading questions
• •Record the concern as soon as possible
• •Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately using the Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form linked here.

• •Referral to children's social care
• •Contacting the police
• •Consulting the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Call 999 immediately.

8.Allegations Against Tutors or Adults working with Tugo

Any allegation or concern about a tutor or adult working with Tugo must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using the Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form linked here.

The DSL will:

• •Refer allegations to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required
• •Follow appropriate procedures
• •Take immediate steps to ensure children are safe

9.Online-Only Tutoring Safeguarding

Tugo provides online-only tutoring. Safeguarding arrangements are designed specifically for remote delivery.

Tutors must:

Tutors must not:

• •Dress appropriately and use professional language at all times
• •Ensure sessions take place in a neutral, appropriate environment
• •Avoid one-to-one communication with students outside agreed platforms and times

• •Record sessions unless explicitly authorised
• •Communicate with students via personal social media accounts
• •Share personal contact details beyond what is authorised by Tugo

10.Safer Recruitment and DBS Checks

Tugo takes reasonable steps to ensure tutors are suitable to work with children, including asking for proof of an Enhanced DBS check for every tutor on the platform.

Tutors are responsible for maintaining the validity of their DBS certification.

11.Record Keeping and Confidentiality

• •Safeguarding records are kept securely and confidentially
• •Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only
• •Records are retained in line with data protection requirements

12.Whistleblowing

Anyone working with Tugo who has concerns about safeguarding practices is encouraged to raise them with the DSL. Concerns can also be raised with external safeguarding authorities if necessary.

13.Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if:

• •There are changes in legislation or guidance
• •A safeguarding incident occurs