ONLINE SAFETY POLICY
Last updated: [01/02/2026]
Company: Sivaard Limited
Website: www.elastute.com
This Online Safety Policy (“Policy”) sets out the standards, procedures, and expectations adopted by Sivaard Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children (“Students”) who participate in our online tutoring services. This Policy applies to all Students, parents/guardians (“Parents”), tutors, contractors, and any individual engaged in the delivery or administration of our services.
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1. Purpose and Scope
1.1
The purpose of this Policy is to establish a clear framework for the safe use of digital technologies, online communication tools, and virtual learning environments in connection with our tutoring services.
1.2
This Policy applies to all online interactions conducted through or in connection with our services, including but not limited to:
a) Live video lessons delivered via Zoom
b) Communications between tutors, Students, and Parents
c) Use of our website and learning materials
d) Any digital platforms or tools used to support tuition
1.3
This Policy operates alongside our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
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2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This Policy is informed by applicable UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:
a) The Children Act 1989 and 2004
b) The Education Act 2011
c) Working Together to Safeguard Children
d) Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
e) The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
f) The Data Protection Act 2018
g) The Prevent Duty Guidance
Although Sivaard Limited is a private tutoring provider and not a regulated school, we adopt best practice standards consistent with the education sector.
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3. Principles of Online Safety
3.1
We are committed to ensuring that all Students can participate in online learning in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from harm.
3.2
We recognise that online learning introduces specific risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, unauthorised contact, and privacy breaches. We take reasonable and proportionate measures to mitigate these risks.
3.3
All tutors and staff must adhere to the principles of:
a) Professional conduct
b) Child protection
c) Data minimisation
d) Secure communication
e) Respect for privacy and confidentiality
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4. Online Lesson Standards (Zoom)
4.1 Secure Access
All lessons must be conducted using secure, password protected Zoom sessions. Meeting links must not be shared publicly or with unauthorised individuals.
4.2 Tutor Conduct
Tutors must:
a) Maintain professional boundaries at all times
b) Keep their camera on throughout the lesson
c) Ensure their background is appropriate and free from personal or sensitive content
d) Use only approved communication channels
e) Not engage in private, unsupervised communication with Students
4.3 Student Conduct
Students are expected to:
a) Join lessons from a safe, appropriate environment
b) Use respectful language and behaviour
c) Follow tutor instructions
d) Keep their camera on where reasonably required for safeguarding or engagement
e) Not record lessons or capture screenshots without express permission
4.4 Parent Responsibilities
Parents must ensure:
a) The Student participates in lessons in a safe and supervised environment
b) Devices used for lessons are secure and appropriately configured
c) Any concerns are reported promptly
4.5 Recording of Lessons
Lessons may be recorded only where necessary for safeguarding, training, or quality assurance, and only with prior notice. Recordings are stored securely and deleted in accordance with our retention schedule.
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5. Communication Protocols
5.1
All communication between tutors and Students must occur through approved channels only. Tutors must not use personal email addresses, phone numbers, or social media accounts to contact Students.
5.2
Tutors must not initiate or engage in private messaging with Students outside the context of scheduled lessons unless a Parent is copied or informed.
5.3
Parents may communicate with tutors or the company through official email addresses or the website’s contact system.
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6. Use of Technology and Devices
6.1
Students must use devices that are appropriately secured with up to date antivirus software, operating system updates, and parental controls where applicable.
6.2
Students must not share personal information (such as addresses, phone numbers, or passwords) during lessons or through any communication channel associated with our services.
6.3
Tutors must use company approved devices or ensure that personal devices used for lessons are secure, password protected, and free from unauthorised access.
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7. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited for all participants:
a) Sharing or displaying inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content
b) Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour
c) Recording lessons without permission
d) Sharing lesson links with unauthorised individuals
e) Attempting to access or compromise another user’s device or data
f) Engaging in personal, romantic, or otherwise inappropriate communication
Any breach may result in suspension or termination of services and may be reported to relevant authorities.
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8. Reporting Online Safety Concerns
8.1
Any individual may report an online safety concern, including Students, Parents, tutors, or third parties.
8.2
Concerns may relate to:
a) Inappropriate behaviour during lessons
b) Suspected grooming or exploitation
c) Exposure to harmful content
d) Technical vulnerabilities
e) Cyberbullying
f) Privacy breaches
8.3 How to Report
Concerns should be reported to:
contact@elastute.com
8.4
Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted by calling 999.
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9. Responding to Online Safety Incidents
Upon receiving a concern, we will:
a) Acknowledge the report promptly
b) Conduct an internal review
c) Take appropriate action, which may include:
o Speaking with the Parent
o Reviewing lesson recordings
o Suspending a tutor or Student
o Implementing technical safeguards
o Reporting to safeguarding authorities or law enforcement
All actions will be documented and handled confidentially.
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10. Data Protection and Privacy
10.1
We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
10.2
We ensure that:
a) Only necessary data is collected
b) Data is stored securely
c) Access is restricted to authorised personnel
d) Online platforms used (Zoom, Wix, Stripe) meet appropriate security standards
For full details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
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11. Training and Awareness
11.1
All tutors receive guidance on online safety, safeguarding, and professional conduct prior to commencing tuition.
11.2
We encourage Parents to discuss online safety with their children and to supervise online activity where appropriate.
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12. Review of Policy
This Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, technology, or operational practices. The most recent version will always be available on our website.
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13. Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this Policy:
Sivaard Limited
Email: contact@elastute.com
Address: 60 Tottenham Court Road, Office 810, Fitzrovia, London, England, W1T 2EW