Child Protection – Safeguarding Policy Statement 

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This policy has been reviewed and adopted by the management of Tutors Middle East (TutorsME) in line with our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, in accordance with the UK Department for Education guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2021) and relevant safeguarding expectations within the UAE.

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Safeguarding Contact
The designated safeguarding lead is Philip Moore, Founder of Tutors Middle East.     

Philip has completed Level 3 safeguarding training  - August 2024

Email: philip@tutorsme.net           Telephone: 0508748328

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Contents

1 - Purpose and Aims 

2 - Principles

3 - Roles and responsibilities  

4 - Training and Induction 

5 - Online safety 

6  -Procedures for managing concerns

7  -Partnerships with parents and carers 

 

1. Purpose and Aims 

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of Tutors Middle East’s safeguarding policy is to ensure that every child participating in our online lessons is kept safe and protected from harm.
We are committed to:

• Preventing any impairment of children’s and young people’s mental health or development.

• Supporting children and young people to achieve the best possible outcomes while using our services.

1.2 Guidance
This policy provides clear direction to all staff, tutors and parents on expected behaviour and our shared responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child in our care.

1.3 Commitment
We recognise the vital role we play in protecting children from harm and in supporting and promoting their wellbeing. Our approach is built on three key principles: prevention, protection, and support.

1.4 Scope
This policy applies to all students, staff, and parents involved in Tutors Middle East programmes.

 

2. Our ethos

2.1 The welfare of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where students feel safe, supported, and able to learn effectively in an online setting.

2.2 Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Everyone who interacts with children and their families has a role to play. Our tutors are in a unique position to notice concerns early and provide help, always acting in the best interests of the child.

2.3 At Tutors Middle East, safeguarding and child protection are central to everything we do. The wellbeing of the child underpins all of our practices and decisions.

2.4 When safeguarding concerns arise, we take into account the wishes and feelings of the child in deciding the most appropriate course of action.

2.5 We are committed to working in close partnership with parents, carers, and colleagues to ensure the best outcomes for children.

2.6 As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we listen carefully to parents’ insights regarding their child’s additional needs, such as special educational needs, mental health challenges, or persistent absence from education. Wherever possible, we will assign tutors with the relevant experience to meet these needs effectively.

 

3. Roles and Responsibilities  

3.1 Every member of staff and all tutors working with us share responsibility for following this policy and for acting at all times in ways that safeguard and promote the welfare of our students.

3.2 Philip Moore (Company Owner) holds overall accountability for the effectiveness of this policy and for ensuring compliance. He also serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

3.3 The Company Owner will ensure that this safeguarding policy is in place, publicly available via our website, and reviewed annually. The policy is developed in line with best practice for online tuition providers, drawing on guidance from organisations such as the NSPCC (UK) and advice from the UAE government. All new tutors are required to review this and related policy documents as part of their induction. They must also have completed safeguarding training in line with national standards, with updates completed annually, including additional online safety training as required. Safeguarding is a core part of our recruitment process, which includes online background checks as well as UK DBS checks and UAE police checks where applicable.

3.4 The DSL provides advice and support to tutors on matters relating to child welfare and protection. Any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing must be recorded in writing and referred to the DSL.

3.5 Drawing on appropriate training, knowledge, and experience, the DSL will liaise with relevant agencies as necessary.

3.6 The DSL is responsible for maintaining records of any feedback from parents, carers, or tutors that may impact student wellbeing; for example, reports of anxiety experienced before or during online sessions.

 

4. Recruitment and Training

4.1 All new staff are introduced to our safeguarding arrangements upon joining and are required to familiarise themselves with the Tutors Middle East Safeguarding Policy.

4.2 Tutors Middle East only works with fully qualified teachers and licensed tutors, as approved by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR). We support our tutors in completing relevant safeguarding training through the UK NSPCC, TES, or other recognised providers.

4.3 The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will complete formal DSL training every two years. In addition, the DSL will refresh and update their safeguarding knowledge at least annually to remain up to date with new developments.

4.4 We encourage all tutors to stay informed of the latest local and national safeguarding guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2021).

4.5 The DSL will complete accredited safer recruitment training. Tutors Middle East ensures that safer recruitment practices are consistently followed in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2021) and UAE legal requirements.

4.6 Our recruitment and selection procedures are designed to deter, identify and prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children, whether in paid roles or voluntary positions.

4.7 All UK tutors are required to provide evidence through certification that they have completed the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and have certification from the government of the UAE through the Ministry of Human Relations (MOHR) for their legal eligibility to be a tutor. These certifications, alongside other relevant safeguarding checks, ensure that only the most suitable individuals work with our students.

 

5. Online Safety  

5.1 At Tutors Middle East, we recognise that the risks associated with internet use evolve quickly. To ensure we remain proactive, we constantly review our online safety practices, reflecting the latest challenges children may face in digital learning environments.

5.2 All lessons are delivered within password-protected online areas. Each student is provided with a secure Google Classroom login, ensuring only invited participants can access the session. Teachers also control entry by admitting students individually, adding an extra layer of online security.

5.3 In line with our terms and conditions, a parent or carer must remain nearby while lessons are in progress to provide supervision and support if needed.

5.4 Teachers are expected to maintain a professional learning environment during online sessions. This includes using neutral or blurred backgrounds to minimise distractions and dressing appropriately at all times.

 

6. Procedures for Managing Concerns 

6.1 Tutors Middle East provides online tuition, with most students still attending school. Our staff operate under the principle that “safeguarding concerns can arise anywhere”. If there are any concerns about a child’s welfare, staff must always act in the best interests of the child and follow the procedures outlined in this policy.

6.2 When a concern is raised, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will record the details, apply their training and determine whether further professional advice or intervention is required. Additional information on this process is available upon request.

6.3 All records and correspondence relating to our students are kept strictly confidential and securely stored at all times.

 

7. Partnership with Parents and Carers 

7.1 At Tutors Middle East, we are committed to working closely with parents and carers to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in our care.

7.2 When a new student joins, parents and carers will be informed of our safeguarding policy, with a direct link to the relevant page provided via email.

7.3 We aim to build positive, open and honest relationships with parents. We respect the right to privacy and confidentiality and will never share sensitive information without consent, except where it is necessary to protect a child from harm.

7.4 To ensure effective communication and child safety, we require accurate and up-to-date contact information, including parents’ names, addresses, and phone numbers.