Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing Policy 

This safeguarding policy outlines Ariston Education’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all students. As an online tutoring agency, we recognise our fundamental responsibility to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

1. Legal Obligations and Compliance

Ariston Education will adhere to all relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance in the United Kingdom, where our operations are based. This includes, but is not limited to, the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.

2. Recruitment and Background Checks

All tutors working with Ariston Education will undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including:

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks: For all tutors working with students in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check will be mandatory.
• Verification of qualifications and references: We will thoroughly check all academic and professional qualifications, and obtain professional references.
• Interview process: Interviews will assess a candidate’s suitability, professional conduct, and understanding of safeguarding principles.

3. Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Ariston Education will:

• Maintain a clear safeguarding policy: This policy will be reviewed and updated annually, and all staff and tutors will be required to read and adhere to it.
• Provide regular safeguarding training: All tutors will receive mandatory safeguarding training upon joining and refresher training at least annually. This training will cover:
  
  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Understanding professional boundaries.
  • Reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns.
  • Online safety and appropriate digital conduct.
• Establish clear reporting procedures: All staff and tutors will be aware of the internal reporting process for any safeguarding concerns, as well as the external agencies to contact if necessary.

4. Professional Boundaries and Conduct

Tutors are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times. This includes:

• Appropriate communication: All communication between tutors and students must be professional and related to tutoring. Personal contact details should not be exchanged.
• Supervised online sessions: While tutoring is online, Ariston Education will ensure that sessions are conducted in a professional and appropriate manner. We encourage parents/guardians to be aware of and periodically check in on online sessions.
• No one-to-one unsupervised physical contact: As an online agency, physical contact is not part of our service.

5. Secure Communication Channels

Ariston Education will ensure that all tutoring sessions and communications take place through secure and monitored platforms provided or approved by the agency. This helps to:

• Protect student privacy: All data and communications will be handled in accordance with data protection regulations.
• Provide a record of communication: This can be invaluable in case of any concerns or disputes.

6. Parental Involvement

Ariston Education believes in working in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure student wellbeing. We will:

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians: Keeping them informed about their child’s progress and any concerns.
• Encourage parental oversight: Advise parents/guardians on best practices for supervising online tutoring sessions.

7. Monitoring Tutoring Sessions

Ariston Education will implement appropriate measures for monitoring tutoring sessions to ensure a safe and secure environment. This may include:

• Reviewing session recordings (with consent): Where permitted and with prior consent, recordings of sessions may be reviewed for quality assurance and safeguarding purposes.
• Feedback mechanisms: Regular feedback will be solicited from students and parents/guardians regarding their tutoring experience.

8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

In the event of a safeguarding concern, Ariston Education will:

• Document the concern immediately: All details will be recorded accurately and objectively.
• Report to appropriate authorities: Depending on the nature and severity of the concern, we will report to the relevant local authorities in the UK (e.g., Children’s Social Care or the Police) in line with statutory guidance.
• Follow up: We will cooperate fully with any investigations and ensure appropriate actions are taken to safeguard the student.
• Maintain confidentiality: Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection regulations.

This policy is a living document and will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and changes in legislation.safeguarding