SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Last updated: [01/02/2026]
Company: Sivaard Limited
Website: www.elastute.com
This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (“Policy”) sets out the principles, responsibilities, and procedures adopted by Sivaard Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) to ensure the safety and welfare of children (“Students”) who participate in our online tutoring services. We recognise our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice in accordance with applicable UK legislation and statutory guidance.
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1. Purpose and Scope
1.1
The purpose of this Policy is to establish a clear and robust framework for safeguarding and child protection within the context of online tutoring delivered through our platform.
1.2
This Policy applies to:
a) All tutors engaged by Sivaard Limited
b) All Students receiving tuition
c) All parents/guardians (“Parents”)
d) All staff, contractors, and representatives acting on our behalf
1.3
This Policy operates alongside our Online Safety Policy, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
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2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This Policy is informed by the following legislation and statutory guidance:
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Education Act 2011
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• The Prevent Duty Guidance
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
Although Sivaard Limited is a private tutoring provider and not a regulated educational institution, we adopt best practice safeguarding standards consistent with the education sector.
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3. Safeguarding Principles
3.1
We believe that:
a) The welfare of the child is paramount.
b) All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or background, have the right to protection from harm.
c) Safeguarding is a shared responsibility requiring effective communication and cooperation.
3.2
We are committed to:
a) Providing a safe online learning environment
b) Preventing abuse, exploitation, and neglect
c) Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns
d) Ensuring tutors understand their safeguarding obligations
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4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Sivaard Limited
We are responsible for:
a) Implementing and reviewing this Policy
b) Ensuring tutors are appropriately vetted
c) Providing safeguarding guidance to tutors
d) Responding to safeguarding concerns
e) Maintaining secure systems for online learning
4.2 Tutors
Tutors must:
a) Maintain professional boundaries at all times
b) Adhere to this Policy and all related policies
c) Report safeguarding concerns immediately
d) Avoid private communication with Students outside approved channels
e) Ensure lessons are conducted in a safe and appropriate manner
4.3 Parents/Guardians
Parents are responsible for:
a) Ensuring Students attend lessons in a safe environment
b) Supervising Students where appropriate
c) Reporting concerns promptly
d) Ensuring Students comply with behaviour and safety expectations
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5. Tutor Recruitment and Vetting
5.1
All tutors engaged by Sivaard Limited must undergo appropriate vetting, including:
a) Enhanced DBS check (or equivalent for overseas tutors)
b) Identity verification
c) Reference checks
d) Assessment of suitability to work with children
5.2
Tutors may not commence teaching until all required checks have been completed.
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6. Online Lesson Safety (Zoom)
6.1 Secure Access
All lessons must be conducted using secure, password protected Zoom sessions. Meeting links must not be shared with unauthorised individuals.
6.2 Tutor Conduct
Tutors must:
a) Keep their camera on throughout lessons
b) Ensure their background is appropriate
c) Use only approved communication channels
d) Not engage in private or unsupervised communication with Students
6.3 Student Conduct
Students must:
a) Use respectful language and behaviour
b) Join lessons from a safe and appropriate environment
c) Follow tutor instructions
d) Not record lessons without permission
6.4 Recording of Lessons
Lessons may be recorded for safeguarding, training, or quality assurance purposes, with prior notice. Recordings are stored securely and deleted in accordance with our retention schedule.
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7. Preventing Abuse, Harm, and Inappropriate Conduct
7.1
We take all reasonable steps to prevent:
a) Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
b) Neglect
c) Bullying or harassment
d) Grooming or exploitation
e) Exposure to inappropriate content
f) Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)
7.2
Tutors must remain vigilant for signs of harm or distress and report concerns immediately.
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8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
8.1
Any individual may raise a safeguarding concern, including tutors, Parents, Students, or third parties.
8.2
Concerns may relate to:
a) Inappropriate behaviour during lessons
b) Suspected abuse or neglect
c) Unsafe online conduct
d) Concerning communications
e) Behavioural indicators of harm
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 Safeguarding Concerns
Upon receiving a concern, we will:
a) Acknowledge the report promptly
b) Gather relevant information
c) Review lesson recordings or communications where applicable
d) Take appropriate action, which may include:
o Speaking with the Parent
o Suspending a tutor or Student
o Implementing additional safety measures
o Reporting to local safeguarding authorities or law enforcement
All actions will be documented and handled confidentially.
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10. Data Protection and Confidentiality
10.1
We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
10.2
We ensure that:
a) Safeguarding information is stored securely
b) Access is restricted to authorised personnel
c) Data is shared only where necessary for safeguarding purposes
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11. Parental Guidance and Support
We encourage Parents to:
a) Supervise Students during lessons where appropriate
b) Ensure devices are secure and configured with parental controls
c) Discuss online safety with their child
d) Report concerns promptly
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12. Policy Review
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 safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this Policy:
Sivaard Limited
Email: contact@elastute.com
Address: 60 Tottenham Court Road, Office 810, Fitzrovia, London, England, W1T 2EW