Safeguarding

The welfare and safety of every student is the highest priority. Tutoring for the Deaf is committed to creating a safe, professional and respectful environment for all learners. This commitment applies to every interaction — online sessions, communications with students and families, and all aspects of the tutoring relationship.

• Every student's safety and wellbeing comes first
• A professional, respectful environment is maintained at all times
• Concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

All tutoring sessions are conducted online via video call. Sessions take place in a professional, appropriate environment. The following expectations apply to all online lessons:

• Sessions are conducted in a suitable, professional setting
• Appropriate dress and behaviour is maintained throughout
• Sessions are kept focused on learning and the student's needs
• No recordings are made of sessions without prior consent
• Online platforms used are appropriate and age-suitable

Open, clear communication with parents and carers is an important part of this service. Parents and carers are kept informed about their child's progress and are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns at any time.

• Regular updates on your child's progress are provided
• Parents and carers are welcome to contact the tutor at any time
• Any changes to session arrangements are communicated clearly
• Parent/carer consent is sought before any changes to approach

Appropriate professional boundaries are maintained at all times. The tutoring relationship is strictly professional, and all communication between the tutor and student is kept focused on learning.

• All communication takes place through professional channels
• Contact is kept within agreed session times and professional email
• Social media contact with students is not appropriate
• Any concerns about boundaries should be raised with the tutor directly

Students are asked to join online sessions from a suitable home environment. Parents and carers are welcome to be present during sessions, particularly for younger students.

• A quiet, distraction-free space is recommended for best learning
• Parents and carers are welcome to sit in on any session
• Any concerns about the learning environment can be discussed

Information shared by students and families is treated with respect and confidentiality. Personal information is not shared with third parties except where required by safeguarding obligations.

• Personal information is kept private and secure
• Session content is treated confidentially
• Information will only be shared if there is a safeguarding concern that requires it