At Edify & Empower Tutoring, safeguarding is not a policy we file away — it is the foundation of everything we do.
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and emotionally secure. That’s why safeguarding and safer recruitment are embedded into every layer of our practice: from how we recruit tutors, to how sessions are delivered, monitored, and supported.
We deliberately exceed minimum expectations in an unregulated sector — because families deserve more than compliance.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people we work with, regardless of:
Age
Ability or neurotype
Cultural or family background
Whether tutoring takes place online or in person
Whether students are based in the UK or internationally
Our approach aligns with UK statutory guidance and international safeguarding standards, while remaining human, relational, and trauma-informed.
Safeguarding at Edify & Empower is guided by our Quality & Safeguarding Charter — a living framework that defines what excellent safeguarding looks like in tutoring.
Our Charter goes beyond compliance to focus on:
Emotional safety as a prerequisite for learning
Clear accountability and transparent processes
Robust reporting and follow-up
Trauma-informed, neurodiverse-inclusive practice
Ongoing review, learning, and improvement
Safeguarding is not something we “do alongside” education — it is what makes exceptional education possible.
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Rachel Ballantyne
rachel@edifyempowertutoring.co.uk
The DSL:
Oversees safeguarding policies and procedures
Acts as a point of contact for concerns
Manages referrals to external agencies when required
Ensures safeguarding training and supervision are in place
Promotes a culture where concerns are welcomed and acted upon
We operate robust safer recruitment procedures designed to protect both students and tutors.
All tutors working with Edify & Empower must complete a thorough onboarding process, including:
Enhanced DBS check (or international equivalent where applicable)
Identity verification and qualification checks
Right to work verification (where required)
Safeguarding training aligned with UK standards
Clear expectations around professional boundaries and conduct
Ongoing suitability monitoring and review
Safeguarding does not stop at recruitment — tutors receive continuous support, supervision, and professional development to ensure safe, reflective practice.
To protect students and tutors alike, we maintain clear expectations around:
Professional boundaries
Online safety and digital communication
Appropriate conduct during sessions
Reporting concerns or disclosures
Use of technology and learning platforms
Our tutors are trained to remain curious, vigilant, and compassionate, while always following safeguarding protocols.
We ask parents and carers to:
Share relevant information that helps keep their child safe
Communicate any concerns promptly
Support appropriate supervision and digital safety at home
We commit to transparent communication, respectful collaboration, and child-centred decision-making at all times.
We take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
Concerns may include:
Direct disclosures from a child
Changes in behaviour or emotional presentation
Online safety issues
Environmental concerns observed during sessions
All concerns are:
Recorded promptly and accurately
Escalated to the DSL without delay
Managed in line with safeguarding thresholds
Referred to external agencies where required
The welfare of the child is always our first priority.
We believe safeguarding should feel:
Clear, not intimidating
Supportive, not punitive
Human, not bureaucratic
Our goal is to create an environment where children, families, and tutors feel confident to speak up — knowing they will be listened to and supported.
Schedule a conversation to discuss your child’s goals and how we can help.
No pressure, just honest guidance about the best path forward.