Safeguarding
Policy

Safeguarding is a personal and professional commitment at Gradus Academy. I am committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and I take this responsibility seriously in every aspect of my work as a tutor. Gradus Academy is operated as a sole trader by Rebecca Harrigan. All safeguarding responsibilities are held by Rebecca Harrigan directly.

1. Statement

This policy outlines my safeguarding approach and working methods, in line with statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and best practice. I will protect students from abuse and maltreatment and apply sound professional judgement to identify and respond to situations where a child or young person may be at risk of harm.

2. Objective

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance
• Follow safer working practices in all tutoring activity
• Remain vigilant and responsive to signs of abuse or neglect
• Know how and when to report concerns to the appropriate authorities
• Ensure students can raise concerns safely

3. Scope

This policy applies to all students, parents and guardians who engage with Gradus Academy, and covers all tutoring activity whether conducted online or in person.

4. Definitions of Abuse

Child abuse is any form of maltreatment of a child under the age of 18. Key categories include:

• Physical abuse — any form of physical harm inflicted on a child.
• Emotional abuse — persistent maltreatment causing severe effects on a child’s emotional development.
• Sexual abuse — forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, including online.
• Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs.
• Child exploitation — child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation are forms of abuse.
• Child-on-child abuse — zero tolerance for all such behaviour.

5. Safer Working Practices

All tutoring at Gradus Academy takes place through a secure online platform. All sessions are conducted via video call and are recorded. Personal contact details for students and parents are never shared or requested outside of the platform. No contact between myself and students takes place outside of the official tutoring environment.

I hold a current Enhanced DBS Certificate with Children’s Barred List information, renewed every three years. A copy is available on request.

6. Online Safety

All sessions take place through a secure, recorded video platform. I do not communicate with students or parents through personal social media accounts or private messaging services. I am aware of the four key categories of online risk set out in KCSIE 2025: content, contact, conduct and commerce.

7. Reporting a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern related to your child’s experience with Gradus Academy, please contact me directly and promptly.

Where a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on 999 immediately. The NSPCC helpline is also available on 0808 800 5000, 24 hours a day.

8. Allegations

Any allegation of inappropriate behaviour by me as the tutor should be reported immediately to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and to the NSPCC helpline if preferred. I am committed to full cooperation with any investigation.

9. Whistleblowing

Anyone with a concern about unsafe practice may contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).

10. Underpinning Legislation

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Care Act 2014
• Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 (KCSIE)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Online Safety Act 2025
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

Authored by Rebecca Harrigan · Gradus Academy · Reviewed March 2026 · Annual review