Policies | Tor S Tutoring

Safeguarding Policy

Tor’s Tutoring makes safeguarding a top priority.

The purpose of this policy is to confirm:

I am committed to protecting the children and young people who receive my services from harm
I will respond to any allegations or any concerns relating to the welfare of the child or young person for whom I provide tutoring services
I hold a current, enhanced DBS check that is renewed annually on the update service, copy/ validation available upon request
I will never directly contact the child or young person outside of the tutoring session, and I expect all communication to be via the parent/carer, including exclusively via the parent/carer’s email address and phone number
I undertake certified safeguarding training with a reputable provider at least every two years to keep up to date with safeguarding protocols and best practice

If a student tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:

show that I have heard what they are saying and that I take their allegations seriously
encourage the child to talk, without prompting them or asking them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
reassure the child that they can tell me anything that is worrying them, but that I cannot promise not to tell anybody because some things have to be passed on in order to keep them safe
explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
record what I have been told, as soon as I can, using exact words where possible
make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present during the disclosure.

I will contact the relevant local safeguarding authorities.

If I am concerned that the child is in immediate danger, I will call the police.

It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Policy

Tor’s Tutoring takes data protection very seriously and makes it a top priority with reference to:

The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which went into effect on May 25, 2018 and
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) which went into effect on January 1, 2021.

For data protection purposes, I classify myself, Victoria Swerdlow, as a Data Processor.

The information I hold will be some, but not necessarily all, of the following:

the name and address of parents/carers
the name and date of birth of the child
email address of parents/carers
phone number of parents/carers
SMS messages, direct messages, emails messages or messages on other apps or platforms we choose to use
assessment information from the introductory session
payment and billing information
documentation, for example, school reports, assessments, tests, other school communication or communication from relevant professionals connected to the child that parents/carers choose to give me

For safeguarding reasons, I do not hold the contact details (phone number, email address, etc) of the child or young person I tutor, as all communication must be via the legally responsible adult (parent/carer).

I can confirm that the data you provide me with is held securely. Your data will not be used for anything other than the functioning of the services I provide. I will never give or sell your data to any third parties for any reason whatsoever. The only times I will share your information are:
(1) to disclose information in the case of a safeguarding issue, or
(2) because you ask me and give me permission to share information with someone else, such as your child’s school.
I hold your data until the tutoring contract finishes- when I will delete all electronic records and return any paper documentation to you. There are exceptions to this:

Any data related to safeguarding, accidents or incidents must be held until the child turns 21 years and 3 months of age.
Contracts, consent forms, information sheets, invoices and payments must be held for 7 years.

I may ask you if you would like to opt-in to receive communication from me once the tutoring contract is finished so we can keep in touch.

Tor’s Tutoring, UK is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, ico.org.uk, the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest and to promote data privacy for individuals.

I, Victoria Swerdlow, am the registered Data Protection Officer.

For all data protection matters, please contact Victoria Swerdlow, Tor’s Tutoring at tors_tutoring@outlook.com.

Behaviour Policy

Tor's Tutoring wants everyone to be able to enjoy their lessons in a happy and relaxed setting which is different from a school environment.

In order that everyone can make the most of their learning there is a minimum expectation for behaviour .

All students will be expected to sign the behaviour agreement in advance of the first session.

By booking and attending tutor sessions, the responsible adult undertakes to ensure that appropriate behaviour is demonstrated by the student at all times during the session. It is expected that all students will conduct themselves in a way that does not disrupt or upset the learning of themselves or others.

Tor’s Tutoring does not tolerate any bullying, racial or discriminatory language or behaviour.

If a student’s behaviour is deemed to fail to adhere to these conditions the individual session may be terminated immediately or the student may be asked to leave the group session. If the behaviour continues in any subsequent session the student may no longer be allowed to continue sessions and the contract immediately terminated. No refunds or credits will be offered in these circumstances.

* DBS and Insurance certificates available by request.