The tutors at UPGRADE TUTORING are all registered with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring) Service. Tutors at UPGRADE TUTORING all have Enhanced DBS checks and associated certificates. Checks are completed regularly on an update service so that the information for parents is up-to-date. Parents can ask to see the tutor's DBS certificate and be provided with the unique DBS certificate number for that round of checks. 

Tutors at UPGRADE TUTORING also undertake regular 'Advanced Safeguarding, Child Protection, Prevent (Terrorist / Extremist Radicalisation) and Keeping Children Safe in Education' training, to keep their professional knowledge up-to-date.

Online tutoring sessions are carried out on the popular and easy-to-use 'Google Meet' application. Both tutor and student can be seen and heard in the online lessons and lesson materials can be shown on the screen. UPGRADE TUTORING strongly recommends that the following safeguarding good practice is adhered to.

-During the online lesson the student should be sitting in a room that's open and a thoroughfare. Doors and curtains being open is also a good idea. Headphones can help the student concentrate and make the online session a 'contained' learning space, while still being public enough for parents to feel secure about safeguarding. 

-An adult will always be in the house when the online tutoring sessions are happening. 
     
-The tutor and parent keep in contact through email.

-Texts and materials for use in online tutoring sessions will often be sent to parents / students by email. They accessible for inspection by both students and parents. The materials are appropriate and are the same type of resources as might be found in a school.

-Upgrade Tutoring uses Google Meet to conduct sessions. Students will be visible on cameras and can be heard on microphones / speaker in the sessions. Their work will also often be presented. Both the tutor and the student should be mindful of what is being visually captured by their cameras during an online session. Student and tutor should be dressed appropriately and not wear items of clothing displaying offensive pictures or writing. The same expectation is applied to the background in the session (e.g. posters). UPGRADE TUTORING tutors, for example, filter their backgrounds to keep the focus on what is most appropriate: the learning.    

-Students and parents agree not to record, take screen captures or take photos of sessions in order to prevent the misuse of such material. It creates consent issues with other students present in the session, as well as the tutor. It also breaches the regulations governing  intellectual property. It is generally unlawful to record people without their consent.

-If a student discloses to a tutor that they are being (or in danger of being) abused, neglected or harmed in any way, we are legally-bound to inform the appropriate services and individuals immediately. If the tutor suspects at anytime that a student is being (or in danger of being) abused, neglected or harmed in anyway, they are legally-bound to inform the appropriate services and individuals immediately.

Policy reviewed: September 2025