A Tutor's Guide to Safeguarding: Online and In-Person

Being a self-employed tutor can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to safeguarding yourself and your students. Whether you are delivering lessons online, or meeting students in-person, ensuring safety and professionalism is vital.

Online Tutoring: Safety First

Online tutoring provides unparalleled convenience, but it also opens up a host of potential risks. To safeguard yourself effectively in the virtual realm, consider the following steps:

Set Professional Boundaries

- Use a dedicated professional email address and avoid sharing personal contact details such as your home address or private phone number. If you need to share a phone number, consider using a business-only mobile number or virtual phone service.

- Maintain clear boundaries regarding communication times. For example, inform parents and students that queries will only be answered during working hours, except in emergencies.

- Keep all communications formal by using professional language and avoid engaging in casual or overly personal conversations outside lesson-related topics.

Choose Secure Platforms

- Conduct lessons via secure and reputable platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Familiarise yourself thoroughly with the platform’s privacy and safety features, including screen sharing controls, participant muting options and meeting recording tools.

- Use meeting passwords and waiting room features to ensure only authorised participants can join the session.

Maintain a Professional Environment

- Choose a quiet area for your online lessons, away from distractions or interruptions. If background noise is unavoidable, use noise-cancelling headphones to maintain focus during the session.

- Consider investing in a good quality microphone and webcam to ensure clarity during your lessons, enhancing the student’s experience and overall professionalism.

- Avoid showing personal or sensitive items in your video background. Opt for a clean and uncluttered space, or use virtual backgrounds provided by the platform.

Record Permissions and Policies

- If parents or students request to record sessions, clearly outline your policy in advance. Specify that recordings are only for personal use and must not be shared or distributed.

- Always seek written consent before recording any session yourself, explaining its purpose, such as revisiting key concepts or maintaining a record of the lesson.

Establish Clear Lesson Protocols

- Begin each session by confirming the student’s identity and ensuring that the settings (e.g. audio and video) are appropriate before starting the lesson.

- Set expectations early regarding behaviour and participation during the session. For example, you could outline rules about mute/unmute during discussions or asking questions.

In-Person Tutoring: Stay Safe and Secure

Tutoring face-to-face brings a different dimension of interaction but also necessitates increased vigilance.

Public Locations and Home Visits

- Whenever possible, conduct lessons in a neutral, public space such as a library, community centre, or rented co-working space. These locations minimise privacy risks and provide a safe environment.

- If you visit the student’s home, always inform a friend or family member of your location, the expected duration of the session and check in with them once the lesson concludes.

- Carry a personal alarm or discreetly accessible contact device for emergencies, especially if tutoring in unfamiliar locations.

Background Checks

- Secure a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to reassure parents and students of your credibility and commitment to safety. Keep your certificate updated and readily accessible for onboarding discussions.

- In addition to the DBS check, you could request references from previous clients to further bolster trustworthiness.

Minimise Physical Interaction

- Avoid close physical contact during lessons. If a demonstration is necessary, use tools such as whiteboards, visual aids, or digital resources to convey the concept.

- Arrange seating to preserve personal space. Sitting opposite the student is often more effective for communication and reduces any sense of intrusion.

Onboarding Parents and Students

Creating a secure and trusting environment starts with a robust onboarding process.

Here’s how to approach it:

Initial Meeting

- Arrange an introductory meeting with both the parent or student before starting regular lessons. This allows you to set expectations, discuss goals and establish rapport.

- Share your qualifications, teaching style and any relevant policies during this session. Reassure parents with examples of successful outcomes from previous students or testimonials.

Set Clear Policies

- Provide a written agreement or terms of service outlining your policies on cancellations, payments, conduct and safeguarding measures. Include contact details for follow-up queries or concerns.

- Ensure parents understand your expectations regarding student preparation, punctuality, and engagement during lessons.

Parental Involvement

- Encourage parents to supervise online sessions, either by being present in the room or monitoring discreetly. This ensures transparency and adds a layer of security for both you and the student.

- For in-person tutoring, suggest that parents remain nearby during the session, at least during the initial lessons. They could help make the student feel comfortable while observing your teaching style.

General Safeguarding Tips

No matter the format of your lessons, the following principles apply universally:

·         Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a situation, prioritise your safety and reassess the arrangement.

·         Document your sessions, including dates, times, and brief notes on what was covered. This creates a professional record in case of disputes.

·         Keep your personal and professional lives separate. Maintain distinct boundaries to protect your privacy.

·         Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student information, whether academic, personal, or health related.

Conclusion

Tutoring, whether online or in-person, carries a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone involved. By adopting the strategies outlined above, you can safeguard yourself while creating a secure and enriching learning environment for your students. Establishing trust through a transparent onboarding process further reinforces your professionalism and builds strong, lasting relationships with parents and learners alike. In the ever-evolving landscape of education, vigilance and preparation remain your best allies.