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Safeguarding Policy

The Study Room: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

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Person Responsible for this Policy: Michelle Pankhurst, Founder and DSL

Policy last updated: July 2025Next update: July 2026

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1. Introduction, Government Guidance and Aims

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The Study Room is committed to the wellbeing and safeguarding of all children, young people, and staff who attend tuition with us. This policy provides a secure and clear commitment to safeguarding and a framework to ensure all children attending The Study Room are protected from harm.

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Under no circumstances must any tutor or staff member use physical force as a punishment.

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This policy has been written in accordance with the following statutory guidance:

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  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

  • Prevent Duty Guidance (2023)

  • Information Sharing: Advice for Practitioners (2024)

 

It also follows the DfE's non-statutory guidance:

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  • After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers (2023)

  • What to do if you're worried a child is being abused (2015)

 

We operate in partnership with the local authority:

 

In emergency situations, report immediately to the police using 999. Otherwise, call 101 for serious concerns.

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This policy must be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and is made available to all parents and carers.

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'Children' refers to any student under 18. 'Adults' refers to parents or other responsible individuals involved in the child's care.

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The aims of this policy are:

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  • To ensure everyone understands that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

  • To support any child who discloses abuse

  • To ensure clear procedures exist for raising concerns

  • To recognise specific safeguarding concerns, including contextual and peer-on-peer abuse

  • To keep the welfare of the child as paramount (Children Act 1989)

 

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

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Michelle Pankhurst

Founder and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Email: hello@studyroomtuition.co.uk

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Role of the DSL:

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  • Serve as a point of advice on safeguarding and wellbeing

  • Hold overall responsibility for safeguarding

  • Manage referrals to the local authority

  • Maintain up-to-date training (including Level 3 Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, and Online Safety)

  • Maintain accurate safeguarding records

 

All tutors under The Study Room must:

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  • Hold an Enhanced DBS check

  • Complete safeguarding training

  • Comply with this policy at all times

 

3. Safeguarding Issues

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a. Types of Abuse

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  • We remain vigilant to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Child-on-child abuse

  • Extremism and radicalisation

  • Online abuse

  • Substance abuse

  • Domestic abuse

 

b. Contextual Safeguarding

We are also aware that safeguarding incidents may occur outside of the home. Risks include:

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  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

  • Child criminal exploitation (CCE)

  • Female genital mutilation (FGM)

  • Honour-based abuse

  • Knife crime

  • Absence from education

 

c. Child-on-Child Abuse

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We maintain a "it could happen here" mindset and remain alert to:

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  • Bullying (including cyberbullying)

  • Sexual violence or harassment

  • Abuse in relationships

  • Physical harm by peers (e.g. hitting, kicking)

 

In such cases, a referral will be made to the local authority where required.

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d. Vulnerable Children

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We pay special attention to children with:

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  • SEND or disabilities

  • Communication difficulties

  • LGBTQ+ identities or perceived identities

 

4. Reporting Concerns

 

Children may be unable or reluctant to report abuse. Therefore, we:

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  • Encourage open communication

  • Treat all concerns seriously

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If a child discloses abuse:

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  • Listen carefully and do not promise confidentiality

  • Avoid asking leading questions

  • Use TED (Tell, Explain, Describe) techniques

  • Record the disclosure immediately

  • Report to the DSL without delay

 

Referrals:

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  • Must be made within 2 hours of concern (immediate if child is at risk)

  • Can be made in person or via phone/email to the local authority

  • Should document: who raised the concern, who it involved, the action taken, and reasons for decision-making

 

We consult with parents where appropriate, but if a child is at risk of significant harm, we may refer without prior discussion.

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5. Useful Contacts

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Designated Safeguarding Lead

Michelle Pankhurst

📞 07353072389

📧 hello@studyroomtuition.co.uk

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Local AuthorityLADO (Essex): 03330 139 797 / lado@essex.gov.uk

ESCB: https://www.escb.co.uk/

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Emergency Contacts

Police: 999 (emergency) / 101 (non-emergency)

Prevent Duty Helpline: 0800 011 3764

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Ofsted: 0300 123 4666

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This policy is reviewed annually or in response to updated guidance. Tutors will be made aware of any changes or updates through team communications.

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