1. Our Commitment
At BrightUp Learning, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority.
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive online learning environment where students can develop confidence and achieve their academic potential.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- •All BrightUp Learning tutors.
- •Parents and guardians using our services.
- •All students attending BrightUp Learning lessons.
3. Designated Safeguarding Contact
Designated Safeguarding Contact: Robin Mathew (Parent)
Contact: +44 7514 052 513 / robinsmat@yahoo.com
This person is responsible for receiving, recording, and acting on any safeguarding concern raised about a student or a tutor, and for deciding whether a concern needs to be escalated to the relevant authorities (see Section 8).
4. Tutor Recruitment and Vetting
BrightUp Learning's tutors are young people themselves, currently studying at Lawrence Sheriff School, who have recently been through the 11+ process and tutor with close family involvement in the business.
An Enhanced DBS check cannot legally be obtained by anyone under the age of 16. BrightUp Learning's tutors will apply for DBS certification as soon as they are legally eligible to do so.
5. Online Safety
All tutoring sessions are conducted online using approved platforms.
Tutors will:
- •Treat every student with respect and kindness.
- •Maintain professional behaviour at all times.
- •Use appropriate language throughout lessons.
- •Focus communication on educational matters only.
Tutors will never:
- •Request passwords or financial information.
- •Ask students to keep secrets from their parents or guardians.
- •Share inappropriate content.
- •Communicate in a manner that places a child at risk.
- •Contact a student outside of the BrightUp Learning platform (e.g. personal social media, personal phone number) without the parent/guardian's explicit knowledge and agreement.
6. Parent & Guardian Responsibilities
Parents or guardians are encouraged to:
- •Ensure students attend lessons in a suitable learning environment.
- •Supervise younger children where appropriate.
- •Keep contact information up to date.
- •Inform BrightUp Learning of any relevant learning needs.
Parents are welcome to remain nearby or observe lessons if they wish.
7. Tutor Responsibilities
Tutors are expected to:
- •Behave professionally at all times.
- •Provide a positive learning experience.
- •Respect student privacy.
- •Report any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Contact immediately.
- •Follow this policy during every lesson.
8. Safeguarding Concerns
If a tutor becomes aware of information suggesting that a child may be at risk of harm, they must report it to the Designated Safeguarding Contact (Section 3) immediately. BrightUp Learning will then take appropriate action, which may include:
- •Recording the concern.
- •Informing the parent or guardian where appropriate.
- •Seeking advice from relevant safeguarding professionals.
- •Contacting the appropriate authorities where there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to do so (for example, children's social care or the police).
9. Confidentiality
Information shared during tutoring sessions will be treated confidentially where appropriate.
However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if there are concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child, or where disclosure is required by law.
10. Data Protection
BrightUp Learning handles personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection laws.
11. Reporting Concerns
Parents, guardians and tutors who have safeguarding concerns should contact the Designated Safeguarding Contact (Section 3) as soon as possible.
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed and updated as BrightUp Learning's tutors become eligible for DBS certification, and periodically thereafter to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements.
The latest version will always be available on the BrightUp Learning website.