Safeguarding & Child Protection

Our Commitment

Mathos Tutors Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child who uses the platform. We believe every child deserves to learn in a safe, structured and professional environment — free from harm, abuse, or neglect.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Zoe Jefferies. The DSL is responsible for receiving, reviewing and acting on all safeguarding concerns, and for making referrals to external agencies where necessary.

Contact: zoe_jefferies@mathostutors.co.uk

If the DSL is unavailable, contact max_pratt@mathostutors.co.uk (Max Pratt, Director).

How We Vet Tutors

Before a tutor can accept bookings, they must:

• Hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate
• Maintain professional indemnity insurance (minimum £1,000,000 cover)
• Provide accurate qualifications and experience
• Disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, or ongoing investigations

The platform monitors expiry dates automatically. Any tutor whose DBS or insurance expires is immediately deactivated and cannot accept bookings until renewed.

Online Session Safety

All sessions take place via Microsoft Teams. Tutors must maintain a professional environment, use appropriate language, and keep their screen free from inappropriate content. Tutors must not contact students outside the platform, share personal contact details, or engage in private social media contact with students.

Parent Responsibilities

As a parent or guardian, you should be present or readily available during your child's sessions. This ensures your child can raise any concerns immediately. You are also responsible for making sure the physical environment is safe and appropriate for online learning.

If a tutor cannot confirm a parent or responsible adult is available, they may end the session early for safeguarding reasons.

Recognising Concerns

Tutors are expected to be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. In an online setting, this includes being alert to signs of distress, unusual behaviour, visible injuries, or concerning background activity.

How to Report a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, report it immediately via the platform or by contacting the DSL at zoe_jefferies@mathostutors.co.uk.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Do not wait to submit a platform report — contact emergency services first.

What Happens Next

When a safeguarding concern is reported, we will:

• Record it securely
• Notify the DSL
• Suspend the tutor's account where appropriate, pending investigation
• Refer to external authorities if required (LADO, Social Services, Police)

Safeguarding records are retained permanently and are not removed as part of data deletion requests.

Legal Framework

Our safeguarding approach is informed by:

• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)
• Online Safety Act 2023

Mathos supports safeguarding best practice but does not replace school or statutory safeguarding frameworks.