Scope
This policy applies to all tutors, employees, volunteers, and contractors at EdAscend who work directly or indirectly with children.
Child Safety Principles
Our approach to child safety is built around three core principles:
- Respect and Inclusion: We respect all children, regardless of their gender, race, disability, or background.
- Empowerment: Children are encouraged to express their concerns and feel empowered to speak up if they feel unsafe.
- Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
Code of Conduct for Tutors
All tutors must uphold professional standards and maintain appropriate boundaries with students at all times.
- Act professionally and maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
- Avoid any form of physical contact unless absolutely necessary and appropriate (for example, first aid).
- Ensure that communication with students is respectful and appropriate at all times.
- Report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the designated Child Safety Officer.
Prohibited Actions
Tutors must not engage in any behaviour that compromises a child's safety or well-being, including:
- Engaging in any form of physical punishment or discipline.
- Using inappropriate or offensive language in the presence of children.
- Developing personal relationships with students outside of tutoring sessions.
- Sharing personal contact information (for example, phone numbers, social media) with students, except where strictly necessary for tutoring.
- Taking photos or videos of students without explicit parental consent.
- Transporting students in personal vehicles.
- Meeting with students alone in private or unapproved locations.
Online Tutoring Safety
- Parental Presence: Parents or guardians are encouraged to be present during online sessions, especially for younger children.
- Safe Communication: All communication should occur through approved platforms and avoid sharing personal contact details.
- Recording Sessions: Sessions may be recorded (with prior consent) for training and safety purposes.
Recognising Signs of Abuse
Tutors should be aware of and report any signs of abuse, including:
- Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour.
- Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or malnutrition.
- Behavioural indicators such as withdrawal, fear, or inappropriate sexual knowledge.
Reporting and Response
- Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, tutors should contact emergency services.
- Internal Reporting: Tutors must report all concerns to the designated Child Safety Officer.
- Confidentiality: Reports are handled sensitively and confidentially. Only those directly involved in managing the incident are informed.
Recruitment and Review
All potential tutors and staff must undergo background screening, including a Working With Children Check or equivalent. This policy is reviewed annually or after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective and compliant with legal requirements.