Definitions
Online Safety (E-Safety): online safety is defined as “the process of protecting children and young people when using digital technologies, ensuring they are kept safe from harmful content, harmful contact, and harmful conduct.”
- Harmful Content: exposure to inappropriate or unsafe material.
- Harmful Contact: interactions with individuals who may pose a risk.
- Harmful Conduct: children’s own behaviour online that may put them at risk.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Safeguard children and young people during online tutoring.
- Provide clear expectations for tutors, students, and parents.
- Establish procedures for managing concerns or incidents.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All students receiving online tutoring via Teachwise Tutoring.
- All tutors delivering lessons on behalf of Teachwise Tutoring.
- All platforms, devices, and communication used for tutoring sessions.
Responsibilities
Tutors must:
- Use only approved online platforms for lessons.
- Maintain a professional background and environment during sessions.
- Dress and act professionally at all times.
- Never use personal accounts or private messaging apps for teaching.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.
Students & Parents must:
- Ensure lessons take place in a safe, appropriate environment at home.
- Provide supervision for younger students where necessary.
- Do not record, screenshot, or share lessons without prior consent.
- Report any inappropriate or unsafe online behaviour to Teachwise immediately.
Training & Monitoring
- All tutors receive training in safeguarding and online safety during their induction.
- Online safety is included in annual safeguarding updates.
- The DSL will review online safety practices annually and in response to emerging risks.
Incident Management
If an online safety concern arises:
- The tutor must stop the session if the student is at risk.
- The concern must be reported immediately to the DSL.
- The DSL will log the incident and conduct an investigation.
- Where appropriate, parents and external safeguarding agencies (e.g., Local Authority Designated Officer, LADO) will be informed.
- A record of the incident will be retained securely.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if new technology, risks, or statutory guidance arise.
Joshua Howarth, Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead, Teachwise Tutoring (EDU) LTD
Questions about this policy
Contact Joshua Howarth, Director: joshua.h@teachwisetutoring.co.uk