Safeguarding Policy

Walyo Academy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our responsibilities and procedures to ensure the safety of all students who engage with our tutoring services.

This Policy applies to all tutors, staff, contractors, parents, and students.

  1. Purpose of This Policy

1.1 To protect children and young people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 1.2 To ensure tutors understand their safeguarding responsibilities. 1.3 To provide clear procedures for reporting concerns. 1.4 To comply with UK safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

  1. Legal Framework

This Policy is based on the following UK legislation and guidance:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018
  1. Definitions
  • Child/Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
  • Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, harm, and impairment.
  • Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect.
  • DSL: Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Walyo Academy’s DSL is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:📧safeguarding@walyo.co.uk

The DSL:

  • Receives and assesses safeguarding concerns
  • Liaises with external agencies when required
  • Maintains safeguarding records
  • Ensures tutors receive safeguarding guidance
  1. Tutor Responsibilities

All tutors must:

  • Hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate
  • Complete safeguarding awareness training
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Never share personal contact details with students
  • Never meet students in person
  • Report concerns immediately to the DSL
  • Ensure lessons take place in a safe, appropriate environment

Tutors are independent contractors but must comply with this Policy as a condition of engagement.

  1. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians must:

  • Ensure students under 18 are supervised during online lessons
  • Provide a safe and appropriate learning environment
  • Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL
  • Ensure students behave respectfully and appropriately
  1. Online Safety Requirements

7.1 Lessons must be delivered only through approved online platforms. 7.2 Recording of lessons is not permitted unless explicitly authorised by Walyo Academy. 7.3 Tutors must ensure their background is appropriate and professional. 7.4 Students must not share personal information beyond what is necessary for lessons. 7.5 Tutors must not communicate with students outside official channels.

  1. Types of Abuse

Tutors and staff must be aware of the following categories:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Online abuse
  • Bullying or harassment

Any suspicion of abuse must be reported immediately.

  1. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Possible indicators include:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour
  • Withdrawal or anxiety
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Inappropriate online behaviour
  • Disclosure of harm

Tutors must not investigate — they must report.

  1. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

10.1 Concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL: 📧safeguarding@walyo.co.uk

10.2 Reports should include:

  • Student name
  • Date and time
  • Description of concern
  • Any evidence or observations

10.3 Tutors must not promise confidentiality to a student. 10.4 The DSL will assess the concern and take appropriate action.

  1. Responding to Disclosures

If a student discloses harm:

  • Stay calm and listen
  • Do not ask leading questions
  • Do not promise confidentiality
  • Reassure the student they did the right thing
  • Report to the DSL immediately
  1. Record Keeping

12.1 All safeguarding concerns are recorded securely. 12.2 Records are retained in accordance with legal requirements. 12.3 Access is restricted to the DSL and authorised personnel.

  1. Allegations Against Tutors

13.1 Any allegation against a tutor is taken seriously. 13.2 The tutor may be suspended pending investigation. 13.3 Where required, we will refer the matter to external authorities. 13.4 Tutors found in breach may be permanently removed.

  1. Whistleblowing

Tutors and staff may report concerns about safeguarding practices without fear of retaliation.

Reports should be sent to: 📧safeguarding@walyo.co.uk

  1. Policy Review

This Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

  1. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead📧safeguarding@walyo.co.uk

General Support📧support@walyo.co.uk