Introduction

YOU2ME TUITION (hereafter referred to as "the Company") provides specialised, private one-to-one tuition for children with Special Educational Needs and is designed to protect children accessing our services. The Company operates from: 12 Ballyhill Road, Crumlin, BT29 4TN.

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Purpose of the policy

This policy is rooted in the principle that every child has the right to protection from harm, abuse, and neglect. It provides a clear framework for safeguarding children under the Company's care and ensures compliance with relevant legislation and best practices, including:
 

• The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

•  The Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

• The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

• The Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

The Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967
The Cooperating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2020) guidance.

For the purposes of this policy, a "child" is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

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Scope of the policy

This policy applies to:
 

• Directors, employees,

• Self-employed tutors, volunteers, contractors, trustees and anyone working on behalf of the Company (herein referred to as "personnel");

• All students receiving tuition services;

• The families of students who access our services.

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Safeguarding Principles

The Company is committed to ensuring that children engaging with its services are safeguarded from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Safeguarding principles include:

 

• Child-Centred Practice: Ensuring that the welfare and rights of the child are paramount;

• Zero Tolerance of Abuse: Taking a proactive approach to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect;

• Early Intervention: Recognising and responding promptly to safeguarding concerns;

• Accountability: Ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities for safeguarding across the Company.
   

Safeguarding Officer

The Company's Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is:
Lauren O'Donnell
Email: you2metuition@gmail.com
Phone: 07845646329

The DSO is responsible for:

• Overseeing safeguarding practices within the Company;

• Ensuring all personnel are appropriately trained in safeguarding;

• Liaising with external safeguarding agencies as required;•

• Handling all safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and reports in line with procedures.

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Recognising Risks

Children may be vulnerable to a range of risks, including but not limited to:

 

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Emotional abuse

• Bullying, including cyberbullying

• Child sexual exploitation

• Trafficking or modern slavery

• Radicalisation

• Domestic violence

• Peer-on-peer abuse
   

Personnel must remain vigilant to signs of abuse, such as changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, or disclosures.

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Responsibilities of Personnel

All individuals covered by this policy must:

 

• Be familiar with and adhere to all policies and procedures designed to ensure child safety

• Attend safeguarding training

• Remain alert to potential safeguarding risks

• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly to the DSO

• Avoid actions that may be construed as inappropriate or harmful to a child

• Uphold confidentiality, sharing information only with appropriate authorities as required

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First Aids & Accidents

The Company is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all children engaging with its services including when tuition is delivered in students' homes.

First Aid Provisions:

• First aid kits are available at all premises where Summer Schemes or events are held.

• A qualified first aider will be available during Summer Schemes and events.

• Personnel working in students' homes must be trained in basic first aid and will carry and maintain a portable first aid kit.

Responding to Accidents and Injuries:

• Personnel must assess the situation calmly and provide basic first aid if required;

• In case of serious injury or medical emergency, personnel must contact emergency services by dialling 999 immediately and inform the child's parent/guardian;

• All accidents or injuries, regardless of severity, must be reported to the DSO as soon as practicable;

• Parents or guardians will be informed of any accidents, injuries, or first aid treatments involving their child as soon as practicable.

• Any first aid treatment administered to a child will be recorded in the Accident and Incident Log, including the time, date, nature of the injury, treatment provided, and names of those present. The completed Accident and Incident Log should be submitted to the DSO within 24 hours of the incident for review and follow-up if necessary.

Parental Responsibility:

• During sessions in the home, parents/guardians are encouraged to remain nearby to ensure the child's overall welfare. However, tutors must still adhere to safeguarding and first aid protocols to maintain the child's safety.

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Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

​Immediate Danger

• If a child is at immediate risk of harm, personnel must.

• Dial 999 to contact emergency services.

• Inform the DSO as soon as possible.
   

Non-Emergency Concerns

• Where a concern does not pose an immediate danger.

• Inform the DSO by no later than the end of the working day.

• Provide a detailed written record of the concern, including dates, times, and key details.

Handling Disclosures
If a child discloses harm or abuse:

• Listen calmly and avoid interrupting.

• Reassure the child but do not promise confidentiality.

• Record the details accurately, avoiding leading questions.

• Report the disclosure to the DSO promptly.
   

Reporting Concerns about Adults

Concerns about the behaviour of an adult connected to the Company must be reported to the DSO immediately.

 

Examples of concerning behaviours include:

• Harmful or inappropriate actions toward children.

• Criminal activities involving children.

• Breaching safeguarding policies or codes of conduct.

The Company will:

• Investigate the concern.

• Refer to statutory authorities if required (e.g., the police, Local Authority).

• Suspend individuals under investigation where necessary.

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Safe Recruitment Practices

The Company ensures robust recruitment procedures, including:

• Enhanced Access NI checks for all personnel working with children.

• Verifying professional references and qualifications.

• Induction training for safeguarding responsibilities.
   

Training & Awareness

All personnel must complete safeguarding training as part of their induction and attend refresher courses annually. Training will cover:

• Recognising signs of abuse.

• Reporting mechanisms.

• Managing disclosures.

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Managing Behaviour & Bullying

• Personnel must address challenging behaviour or conflict using a calm, respectful approach.

• Physical intervention is only permissible when a child is at risk of harm and must be proportionate.

• Bullying incidents will be addressed promptly and escalated to the DSO if necessary.

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Photography & Media

• Written consent must be obtained from parents/guardians before photographing or recording children.

• Images will be securely stored and used only for agreed purposes.

• Members of the public are prohibited from taking photographs during Company activities.

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Record Keeping & Confidentiality

All safeguarding-related information will be handled in line with the Company's Data Protection Policy and the UK GDPR. Information will only be shared with relevant authorities when required by law or safeguarding protocols.

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Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative changes or significant incidents.