Keeping Safe in the Community
Clubs and Tutors:
Many parents assume that private tutors and independent clubs are subject to the same strict government regulations as schools. In reality, the sector is often unregulated. While most providers are dedicated professionals, the responsibility for “safer recruitment” often shifts from the school to the parent.
If you are hiring a tutor or signing your child up for a local club, it is perfectly reasonable—and highly recommended—to ask for evidence of their safety measures. A professional provider will welcome your diligence.
Your Safeguarding Checklist
Before your child’s first session, consider asking these five essential questions:
- Can I see your Safeguarding Policy? Any reputable club should have a written document outlining how they protect children and how they handle concerns or “disclosures.”
- Do you have an Enhanced DBS check?Ask to see the original certificate (not a photocopy). For tutors, ensure it has been issued or checked within the last three years.
- Who is your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)? Every organization should have a named person responsible for child protection who has undergone specific training.
- Are you First Aid trained? Ask who the designated first aider is during sessions and where the first aid kit is kept.
- What is your Code of Conduct? This should include clear rules on professional boundaries, such as not messaging children directly on social media or personal phones.
Top Tip: For home tuition, always choose a communal room like a kitchen or dining room—never a bedroom. Keep the door open and stay within earshot.
Your child’s safety is a partnership; if a provider is reluctant to answer these questions, it is a sign to look elsewhere.
Keeping safe in the dark
As the nights continue to draw in we are aware that a number of our students walk home from school, the park, clubs or their friends houses in the dark. This is a great way for our older students to develop more independence, but we remind you of these ideas to help your child develop safety in the dark habits, for now and when they are teenagers and young adults.
Walk with a friend: Encourage your child to walk with a friend, sibling, or reliable older student whenever possible. There is safety in numbers.
Be Visible: Ensure your child is easily seen by wearing or carrying light-coloured, fluorescent, or reflective items (e.g., a reflective strip on a backpack, or a small torch).
Stick to known routes: Advise your child to use well-lit, familiar roads and paths. They should avoid shortcuts through parks, alleyways, or dimly lit areas, even if they seem faster.
The ‘Stop, Check, Tell’ Rule:
Stop and think before acting.
Check their surroundings frequently.
Tell a trusted adult immediately if anything or anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Decline offers of lifts: Your child should never accept a lift from someone they don’t know, or from a stranger. If someone offers them a ride, they should firmly say “No,” and walk quickly towards a busy area or a house they know.
Minimize distractions: Encourage them to keep mobile phones, headphones, or other distractions secured in their bag so they can remain fully aware of their surroundings at all times.
Check the route and identify ‘safe havens’: Walk the route with your child in the evening to identify areas of concern and to identify trusted houses or businesses near their route (e.g., a neighbour’s home, a busy shop, or a pub) where they can go if they feel unsafe or need help.
Timeliness: Discuss and agree on an expected arrival time for home. If they are significantly late, please try to contact them immediately.
