SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Connexcel Ltd has a safeguarding policy to ensure that students are protected and not put at any risk. The policy also covers, employees, tutors and any other party involved in the care of students and ensures that they are protected appropriately while carrying out their duties. All persons involved with Connexcel have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with this policy.
This policy is implemented by on-going and regular contact with all parties:
Students and their parents are contacted on a regular basis and asked for feedback regarding their tuition, including the quality and behaviour of their tutor.
Tutors are contacted on a regular basis and encouraged to report any concerns to ensure that we are made aware of any problems that occurred during lessons or issues that the tutor may have regarding the students’ wellbeing.
Concerns should be reported to the DSL of Connexcel, Annie Leung and he can be contacted by e-mail at: annie.leung@connexcel.co.uk
Child Protection Statement
Connexcel Ltd acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of students and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of students are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of tuition with Connexcel Ltd in a safe and child centred learning environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in tuition or outside of the activity.
As part of our safeguarding policy Connexcel Ltd will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students.
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to students
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Connexcel Ltd. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the company.
Role of DSL at Connexcel
- To deal with reports of possible safeguarding issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff and students involved with Connexcel in accordance the procedures set out in this document
- To liaise, when necessary, with external agencies, providing accurate reports and documentation related to a specific incident
- To undertake appropriate training for staff on how to recognise signs of abuse and how to respond to disclosures from students
- To monitor and review the policy on a regular basis to ensure that it remains a valid and accurate document
Recruitment of Tutors
Connexcel conducts a video interview session with prospective candidates. Full references are called and examined, and candidates are required to produce a copy of a current DBS certificate.
Codes of Conduct
Tutors
- Are required to sign Tutor Guidelines which includes an appropriate code of conduct
- Should ensure that the lesson environment is appropriate and does not display unsuitable images or documentation which can be seen by the student or responsible adult when conducting a teaching session
- Should aim to treat all students equally and without discrimination
- Use appropriate language which is not offensive or discriminatory
- Refrain from sending unsolicited communications to a student
- Treat students with respect and value their contributions
- Report any dispute with a student/parent/responsible adult to Connexcel immediately in accordance with the procedures set out below
- Report any inappropriate behaviour identified in a lesson in accordance with the reporting procedures set out below
Any tutor reported for a breach of the above will be suspended from teaching until the incident has been investigated.
Students
- Should treat the tutor with respect
- Should not attempt to make contact with the tutor outside the allocated lesson times
- Report any dispute with a tutor following the procedures set out below
- Report any concerns about possible inappropriate behaviour identified in a lesson in accordance with the reporting procedures set out below
Procedures
Connexcel is committed to ensuring the highest standard of safeguarding. Personal safety of all those involved is of the utmost importance. We aim to ensure a rapid response to any issues and all those involved bear the responsibility to take action to protect a student or a member of staff. No concern is too small and should be passed on at any time.
For up-to-date information on spotting any signs of abuse, please refer to the following website:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/spotting-signs-child-abuse/
Tutors
If a tutor encounters:
- Inappropriate language
The tutor should politely explain that the language used is not appropriate, (this could be a misunderstanding on the student’s part, due to language issues), and that the student should refrain from using this language during an online lesson. If the language continues, the session should be terminated and the incident should be reported to the DSL who will decide on the outcome.
- Inappropriate behaviour
The tutor should politely explain that the behaviour witnessed is not appropriate, (this could be a misunderstanding on the student’s part, due to cultural issues), and that the student should refrain from using this behaviour during an online lesson. If the behaviour continues, the session should be terminated and the incident should be reported to the DSL who will decide on the outcome.
- Inappropriate images on display
The tutor should request that any display of inappropriate images be removed and request that these should not be displayed during an online session. The session should then be terminated and the incident reported to the DSL immediately.
- Disclosure
The disclosure of sensitive information during a session should be reported immediately to the DSL. The DSL will then take appropriate action, which, depending on the severity of the alleged information, and the implications regarding the safety of the child, may involve a report to the appropriate authorities.
Students
- Inappropriate language
The student should inform a parent/responsible adult if they feel that the tutor has used inappropriate language. The adult should then report concerns to the DSL. The matter will then be investigated by the DSL and lessons suspended until the investigation is completed.
- Inappropriate behaviour
The student should inform a parent/responsible adult if they feel that the tutor has behaved inappropriately. The adult should then report concerns to the DSL. The matter will then be investigated by the DSL and lessons suspended until the investigation is completed. Any matters of a serious nature will be reported to the UK police by the DSL.
- Inappropriate or abusive images
Any student who witnesses what they feel to be inappropriate images during a teaching session should immediately terminate the session and report this to the DSL who will, if necessary, inform the UK police. The student should have no further contact with the tutor until the matter has been fully investigated and the tutor should not engage in any teaching for Connexcel with any students until a suitable conclusion has been reached.
Students and parents are made aware of how to make a complaint when they register with the company and have access to the complaints policy if necessary.
Any staff who have issues relating to the conduct of those involved in any aspect of Connexcel’s activity should raise their concerns immediately. Please refer to the Whistleblowing policy for information.
Recording
Any incidents or concerns reported to Connexcel will be forwarded to the DSL and recorded in the appropriate manner.
Communication
All communication between tutor and student should go through Connexcel, including the setting and returning of homework. Tutors will not be aware of students’ e-mail addresses and students will not have access to tutors’ e-mail addresses. All personal details and contact information will remain private and confidential.
Responsibility
All persons using Connexcel have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding Policy. Any tutor or staff member reported for a breach of this policy will be suspended until the incident has been fully investigated by the DSL and if necessary, the appropriate authority. For minor breaches, the final decision on outcomes will be decided by the DSL.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then annually, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
Date: 30th December 2024 Review Due: December 2025
Safeguarding Policy for Online Tuition
- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students, tutors, and staff participating in Connexcel’s online tuition services are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Connexcel is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.
- Scope
This policy applies to all participants in Connexcel’s online tuition services, including students, tutors, administrative staff, and any other individuals involved in the delivery of our services. It covers:
- Child safeguarding (for students under 18 years old)
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults
- Online safety measures
- Key Principles
- The welfare of students is paramount.
- All students, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to be protected from harm.
- Staff and tutors are responsible for recognizing and responding to safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- All concerns about potential harm must be reported and acted upon promptly.
- Definitions
- Safeguarding: The protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.
- Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, and online abuse, as well as neglect.
- Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to mental health conditions, disabilities, or other factors.
- Responsibilities
Tutors:
- Adhere to this safeguarding policy.
- Maintain professional boundaries during all interactions with students.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
- Oversee the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance and training to staff and tutors.
- Act as the primary contact for reporting and investigating safeguarding concerns.
Administrative Staff:
- Ensure all tutors undergo background checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK).
- Monitor compliance with safeguarding protocols.
- Online Safety Measures
- All online sessions must be conducted through secure, monitored platforms approved by Connexcel.
- Tutors and students must not exchange personal contact details outside the designated platform.
- Sessions must be recorded where appropriate to ensure transparency and to safeguard both students and tutors.
- Tutors should use professional backgrounds and maintain appropriate attire during online sessions.
6a. Cyberbullying
Connexcel has zero tolerance for any form of cyberbullying, which includes the use of digital communication tools to intimidate, harass, or harm others. Examples of cyberbullying include:
- Sending or sharing threatening, hurtful, or abusive messages
- Spreading false or malicious information about a student or tutor
- Excluding individuals from group chats or online discussions in a targeted way
- Sharing private or sensitive information without consent
Reporting Cyberbullying:
- Any suspected incident of cyberbullying should be reported immediately to the DSL.
- Tutors should monitor online interactions and report inappropriate behaviour or language.
- Students and parents are encouraged to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or targeted.
Response:
- All allegations will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
- Action may include warning the offender, temporary suspension from online sessions, or referral to external agencies if necessary.
- Repeated incidents may result in removal from the tuition programme.
- Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
- Recognize: Identify any signs of abuse, neglect, or harm.
- Respond: Reassure the individual and avoid making promises you cannot keep (e.g., promising confidentiality).
- Report:
- Notify the DSL immediately.
- Complete a safeguarding report form, including relevant details such as dates, times, and descriptions of the concern.
- Record: Keep accurate and confidential records of the concern and actions taken.
- Handling Allegations Against Staff or Tutors
- Any allegations made against a staff member or tutor must be reported to the DSL immediately.
- The accused individual may be suspended from duties while an investigation takes place.
- Investigations will be conducted following local safeguarding guidelines and regulations.
- Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be handled with confidentiality. Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to protect the individual at risk.
- Training and Awareness
- All staff and tutors must complete safeguarding training as part of their onboarding process and attend refresher sessions annually.
- The safeguarding policy will be reviewed and updated regularly, with changes communicated to all relevant parties.
- Contact Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Annie Leung
- Email: annie.leung@connexcel.co.uk
- Phone: 01633386800
Emergency Services: Dial 999 (or relevant emergency number) in immediate danger situations.
- Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and complies with relevant laws and guidelines.
Effective Date: December 2024
Next Review Date: December 2025