4mytutors Safeguarding Policy

Version: 1.1
Date: August 2026

1.      Policy Statement

4mytutors, a division of 4myschools Ltd, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We expect all tutors, parents, carers, schools, learners and anyone using the platform to share this commitment.

Whilst 4mytutors operates as a marketplace connecting clients with independent tutors, we take reasonable steps to help create a safe environment through robust vetting, safeguarding standards, reporting procedures and appropriate action where concerns arise.

2.      Scope

This policy applies to:

  • 4mytutors employees and representatives.
  • Independent tutors using the platform.
  • Parents, carers and learners.
  • Schools and organisations engaging tutors through the platform.

This policy applies to both online and in-person tutoring arranged through 4mytutors.

3.      Role of 4mytutors

4mytutors is a marketplace operated by 4myschools Ltd that connects learners, parents, schools and organisations with independent tutors. Tutors provide tutoring services in their own capacity and are responsible for complying with all applicable safeguarding, child protection and legal requirements. However, 4mytutors is committed to maintaining appropriate safeguarding standards through tutor vetting, reporting procedures and the investigation of safeguarding concerns.

4mytutors reserves the right to suspend or remove tutors, users or accounts and to refer concerns to relevant safeguarding authorities where necessary.

4.      Safeguarding Principles

4mytutors is committed to:

  • Putting the safety and welfare of children first.
  • Promoting safe, respectful and professional relationships.
  • Maintaining appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment standards.
  • Encouraging the prompt reporting of concerns.
  • Taking safeguarding concerns seriously and acting appropriately.
  • Working with relevant authorities where necessary.
  • Supporting a culture of vigilance and accountability.

5.      Tutor Safeguarding Requirements

Before joining the platform, tutors may be required to provide evidence of:

  • Identity.
  • Qualifications and experience.
  • Enhanced DBS certification where applicable.
  • Right to work in the UK.
  • References and other suitability checks where appropriate.

Tutors must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
  • Treat learners with dignity and respect.
  • Comply with safeguarding and child protection legislation.
  • Immediately report any safeguarding concern to 4mytutors.
  • Inform 4mytutors of any change that may affect their suitability to work with children or vulnerable people.

Failure to meet safeguarding standards may result in suspension or removal from the platform.

6.      Online Safety

Where tuition takes place online, tutors must:

  • Use appropriate and secure communication methods.
  • Maintain professional conduct throughout lessons.
  • Avoid inappropriate or personal communications with learners.
  • Report any concerns relating to online behaviour, exploitation, grooming, bullying or inappropriate content.

Parents and carers remain responsible for the supervision and welfare of children outside tutoring sessions.

Online Sessions and Communications

Where available, users and tutors should use 4mytutors-approved systems for bookings, communications and online tuition. All communications must remain professional, respectful and relevant to the tutoring relationship.

4mytutors may review platform records, messages, booking information and account activity where necessary to investigate safeguarding concerns, complaints, misuse of the platform or legal issues. 4mytutors does not routinely record tutoring sessions. Should this change, users will be informed in advance.

7.      Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse.
  • Emotional abuse.
  • Sexual abuse or grooming.
  • Neglect.
  • Child exploitation.
  • Bullying or cyberbullying.
  • Domestic abuse.
  • Radicalisation.
  • Concerns relating to vulnerable adults.

A concern does not need to be proven before it is reported. If in doubt, concerns should always be raised.

8.      Reporting Concerns

Anyone with a safeguarding concern should report it to 4mytutors immediately.

Where a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted by calling 999.

4mytutors may:

  • Seek further information.
  • Suspend accounts or bookings while enquiries are undertaken.
  • Refer concerns to Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Police or other relevant agencies.
  • Remove tutors or users from the platform where safeguarding concerns are substantiated or risks are identified.

9.      Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with UK data protection legislation. Where safeguarding concerns arise, information may be shared without consent where necessary to protect a child, vulnerable adult or others from harm.

10.  Responsibilities

4mytutors

  • Maintain safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Carry out appropriate vetting and compliance checks.
  • Act upon safeguarding concerns reported to the platform.
  • Maintain safeguarding records.
  • Review safeguarding arrangements regularly.

Tutors

  • Follow this policy and all safeguarding requirements.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.
  • Report concerns promptly.

Parents, Carers and Schools

  • Raise safeguarding concerns without delay.
  • Supervise learners as appropriate.
  • Work collaboratively to support learner welfare.

11. Breach of this Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • A warning, suspension of bookings or accounts.
  • Removal of content or tutor profiles.
  • Temporary or permanent removal from the platform.
  • Referral to a professional body, regulator, safeguarding authority or the police where appropriate.

4mytutors reserves the right to take immediate action where it reasonably believes there is a safeguarding, safety, legal or platform integrity risk.

12.  Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or operational requirements change.