Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

StudyGuru is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults who use our platform. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

This policy applies to all users of the StudyGuru platform, including:

• All Tutors registered on the platform
• All Parents and Students
• StudyGuru staff and administrators

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse or exploitation.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead

3. Tutor Vetting and Verification

Before any tutor can tutor on StudyGuru, they must complete our comprehensive verification process:

Enhanced DBS Check

• All tutors must hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate
• Certificates must have been issued within the last year
• Tutors must declare they are not barred from working with children
• Any concerning convictions or cautions will result in rejection

Identity Verification

• Valid passport or national ID document
• Proof of current address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Photo verification against uploaded documents

Demo Assessment

• 20-minute demonstration session with a platform assessor
• Assessment of tutoring ability and professional conduct
• Verification that tutor can use platform tools appropriately

4. Tutor Code of Conduct

All tutors must adhere to the following code of conduct:

Professional Boundaries

• Maintain appropriate professional relationships at all times
• Never use language or behaviour that could be considered inappropriate
• Never request personal information beyond what's needed for tutoring
• Never share personal contact details with students under 18

Communication

• Use platform messaging for all communications with students and parents
• Keep all communications professional and lesson-focused
• Never communicate via personal social media, email, phone, or messaging apps
• Parents can view all platform communications

Session Conduct

• Keep your camera and microphone on throughout all sessions - you must be visible and audible at all times
• Ensure sessions are conducted in appropriate, professional environments
• Dress appropriately for professional tutoring
• Never meet students in person - all tutoring must take place online through the Platform
• Report any concerns about a student's welfare immediately

Prohibited Conduct

5. Recognising Signs of Abuse

All users should be aware of potential signs that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect. These may include:

Note: In an online environment, some signs may be harder to observe. Pay attention to what you can see and hear during sessions.

Remember: These signs don't necessarily mean abuse is occurring, but they should prompt you to be alert and consider whether further action is needed. When in doubt, report your concerns.

6. How to Report Concerns

If you have any safeguarding concerns, no matter how small, please report them immediately. It's better to report something that turns out to be nothing than to miss something serious.

For Tutors

For Parents

External Reporting

In some cases, you may need to report directly to external authorities:

7. Online Session Safety

We have implemented multiple safeguards to protect users during online sessions:

Platform Safety Features

• Session Recording: All sessions are recorded including audio, video, whiteboard content, and chat messages for safeguarding purposes
• Session Notes: Parents and students can access lesson notes written by the Tutor after each session
• Safeguarding Review: Session recordings may be reviewed by StudyGuru staff if there is a complaint or safeguarding concern
• Platform Messaging: All communications must go through our monitored messaging system
• Verified Tutors Only: Only tutors who have passed all verification checks can access students

Parental Supervision

We strongly recommend that parents:

• Be nearby during online lessons, especially for younger children
• Occasionally check in on sessions
• Review session notes and lesson reports regularly
• Maintain open communication with their child about online safety
• Ensure sessions take place in a communal area of the home, not a bedroom

8. Safeguarding Awareness

All tutors are expected to:

• Read and understand this Safeguarding Policy
• Familiarise themselves with signs of abuse and neglect
• Know how to report safeguarding concerns
• Maintain up-to-date DBS certification
• Follow the Tutor Code of Conduct at all times

We recommend tutors complete a recognised safeguarding training course, such as those offered by the NSPCC or local safeguarding boards.

9. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or more frequently if:

• There are changes to legislation or statutory guidance
• Following a safeguarding incident
• As part of our continuous improvement process

Any updates to this policy will be communicated to all users.