Our safeguarding commitment
The Learning Net aims to provide a safe, respectful online learning environment. Everyone working with children is expected to act in the child’s best interests, recognise concerns and report them promptly.
Safer recruitment and DBS
- Identity, qualifications and employment history are checked before tutoring work begins
- Tutors working with children are expected to hold the appropriate enhanced DBS or equivalent background check for their role and location
- References, suitability and safeguarding expectations are reviewed
- Safeguarding responsibilities continue through supervision, review and professional conduct requirements
Safe online lessons
- Lessons use approved accounts and agreed platforms
- A parent or guardian should know when and where younger learners are attending
- Students should learn in an appropriate shared or family-aware environment where possible
- Tutors must maintain professional boundaries and use approved communication channels
- Sessions, resources and messages must be suitable for the learner’s age
- Private contact, gifts, secret-keeping and inappropriate personal relationships are prohibited
Recognising and reporting concerns
A safeguarding concern may involve abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, inappropriate communication, unsafe behaviour or any change that suggests a child may be at risk. Staff and tutors must record facts accurately, avoid investigating themselves and report the concern promptly to the designated safeguarding contact.
Information is shared only with people who need it to protect the child. Where required, The Learning Net will refer concerns to the relevant local authority, police or safeguarding agency.
Responding to a disclosure
- Listen: Take the child seriously and stay calm.
- Do not promise secrecy: Explain that the information may need to be shared to keep them safe.
- Record: Write down the child’s own words and relevant facts as soon as possible.
- Report: Contact the designated safeguarding lead without delay.
- Escalate: If immediate danger exists, contact emergency services or the local safeguarding authority.
Raise a safeguarding concern
Privacy and review
Safeguarding records are stored securely and retained only as required by law and child-protection practice. This policy is reviewed when guidance changes or after a safeguarding incident.