Safe Platform via Zoom

At Trail Alexander, our online classes are conducted via secure video conferencing using Zoom. All Zoom meetings are password-protected, ensuring that only teachers and students can access them. Teachers have full control over the virtual classroom, including who enters, and the ability to manage key functions like screen sharing, audio, and video, allowing for swift action if any issues arise during the lesson.

Video Recordings

For quality assurance and to support learners, we may record classes. These recordings help with customer service and compliance, and can be a valuable tool for students to revisit tricky concepts. However, we prioritise the privacy of both students and teachers. Families agree not to share recordings with others before accessing them. If a parent prefers that their child is not recorded, we offer an “opt-out” option for verified students. Recordings are hosted securely on our platform and are never available for download. They are retained for 90 days, after which they are permanently deleted. We do not share class recordings or any personal information outside of Trail Alexander for marketing or any other purposes without explicit consent.

Purpose and Scope of the Safeguarding Policy

At Trail Alexander, we are committed to protecting the children and young people who receive our tutoring services from harm. This policy outlines how we respond to safeguarding concerns and the steps we take to ensure the safety of all students.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children and young people who receive our tutoring services from any form of harm, including abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Respond effectively to any allegations or concerns related to the welfare of a child or young adult.
• Ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding and are up to date with current safeguarding protocols.

This policy applies to all staff working on behalf of Trail Alexander. It will be reviewed and updated annually, or earlier if there are changes to safeguarding protocols.

Responsibilities

We recognize our responsibility for the safety and well-being of all students. This includes:

• Ensuring all staff and tutors have an Enhanced DBS Check completed annually.
• Ensuring all staff undertake appropriate safeguarding training at least once every two years.
• Keeping up to date with new information and updating the safeguarding policy to reflect any changes in child protection procedures.
• Reporting safeguarding concerns correctly by following West Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.

Recruitment

All individuals working with Trail Alexander undergo an Enhanced DBS Check before starting work and annually thereafter, unless the DBS is registered on the update service. A copy will be held on file.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a student discloses to me (or any of our tutors) that they or another child is being abused, I will:

• Listen carefully, showing that I take their allegations seriously.
• Encourage the child to talk without interrupting or asking leading questions.
• Reassure the child that they can tell me anything, but I cannot promise to keep it a secret if it’s related to their safety.
• Explain what actions I must take in a way the child can understand.
• Record the conversation as soon as possible, using the child’s exact words where possible.
• Make a note of the date, time, place, and individuals present during the disclosure.

If I have suspicions of a safeguarding concern in relation to one of my students, I will:

• Contact the Safeguarding Lead for the relevant Local Authority.
• If the child is in immediate danger, I will call the police.

As an online tutor, if a safeguarding concern arises for a student living outside West Sussex, I will notify the Local Authority Safeguarding Lead in the student’s home area.

Training

At Trail Alexander, all staff:

• Hold a valid Safeguarding Certificate, and safeguarding training is updated at least every two years.
• Are required to stay informed of any updates or changes to safeguarding and child protection protocols.
• Ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), John Alexander Morrice, receives appropriate safeguarding training.

Useful Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

• Name: John A Morrice
• Email: john@Trailalexander.com
• Phone: +447803 550 923

West Sussex LSCB:

• West Sussex County Council Children’s Services:
• Phone: 01403 229900
• Out of hours: 0330 222 6664

For independent advice or to report a concern:

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it complies with the latest safeguarding legislation.

Last Reviewed: 18th October 2024       

Signature:

Date: 21st October 2024