Safeguarding

Review Date: 26/08/2025
Review Due: 26/08/2026
Reviewed by: Kyra Hannibal

1. Introduction

At MATHSZX, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. We define ‘children’ as anyone under the age of 18. Every individual who comes into contact with children and their families through MATHSZX has a role to play. To fulfil this responsibility effectively, our approach is child-centred, meaning we prioritize what is in the best interests of the child at all times. MATHSZX is committed to upholding a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Our safeguarding practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and best practice requirements.

 

2. Key Principles

• The welfare of children is paramount in all the decisions we take and the work we do.
• All children, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from harm or abuse.
• We acknowledge that some children are more vulnerable due to previous experiences, level of dependency, communication needs, or other individual factors.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies is essential to promoting their welfare.

 

3. Purpose

MATHSZX aims to:

• Protect children and young people who receive our tutoring services from harm.
• Support the children of adults who use our services.
• Provide staff, contractors, and volunteers with clear principles that guide our approach to child protection and safeguarding.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of MATHSZX, including senior managers, contractors, tutors, volunteers, and sessional workers. Failure to comply with this policy may result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

 

4.Definitions

A "child" is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday, as defined by the Children Act 1989, regardless of whether they live independently or are in special circumstances (e.g., hospital or armed forces).

Types of Abuse:
Physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect are the main categories, but also include:

• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Child criminal exploitation (CCE)
• Child trafficking
• Domestic abuse
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Grooming
• Online abuse

 

5. Keeping Children Safe in Education 

Safeguarding children involves:

• Providing help and support to meet children's needs as soon as problems emerge.
• Protecting children from maltreatment, including online.
• Preventing the impairment of children's mental and physical health or development.
• Ensuring that children grow up in safe, supportive environments.
• Taking action to enable all children to achieve the best possible outcomes.

 

6. Legal Framework

This policy has been drafted in line with relevant UK legislation, policy, and guidance, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Children Act 1989, and statutory safeguarding guidance.

 

7. Prevent Duty

As part of safeguarding responsibilities, MATHSZX also recognises its duty under the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 to identify and protect vulnerable children from being drawn into terrorism, extremism, or radicalization.
Radicalisation is the process of being drawn into extremist ideologies, and it poses a risk of harm. Prevent Duty is applicable to various organisations such as schools, registered childcare providers, and others involved in children's welfare. MATHSZX will monitor and report any concerns related to radicalisation or extremism.

 

8. Training and Awareness

MATHSZX will ensure all tutors, volunteers, and relevant persons receive appropriate safeguarding training, which includes:

• Understanding their role in safeguarding children.
• Recognising children at risk of harm and taking appropriate action.
• Reporting safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Maintaining dignity and respect while working with children.

 

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality is a key part of safeguarding, but there are exceptions where the safety of the child is at risk. Information will be shared according to GDPR regulations. If a child is deemed at risk, it will be shared with the Local Authority or police immediately.

 

10. Safe Recruitment & Selection

MATHSZX is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices that reduce the risk of harm to children. We conduct thorough background checks and ensure that all employees, contractors, and volunteers are suitable for working with children.

 

11. Dealing with Disclosures and Record Keeping

If a tutor or staff member has a safeguarding concern or receives a disclosure from a child, they must:

• Respond appropriately by listening and providing reassurance.
• Keep a factual record of the incident, including dates, times, and any explanations provided by the child.
• Report the incident to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) via email or phone.
• Refer the case to appropriate authorities if urgent action is required.

Safeguarding records are securely stored separately from academic records and are transferred when a child moves to another service.

 

12. Social Media and Technology

All employees, contractors, and volunteers must adhere to MATHSZX’s policies regarding social media and the use of digital technologies. It is strictly prohibited to photograph or record students without explicit parental consent.

 

13. Whistleblowing

MATHSZX encourages staff, volunteers, and contractors to report any concerns regarding misconduct or illegal activity. Whistleblowers will be protected in accordance with MATHSZX’s whistleblowing policy.

 

14. Important Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Kyra Hannibal

• Email: kyrahannibal@mathszxtutoringservices.co.uk
• Phone: 07392722322

Police Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency Police: 101
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

 

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Safeguarding Policy, please contact us at:

• Email: kyrahannibal@mathszxtutoringservices.co.uk
• Phone: 07392722322