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The purpose and scope of this policy statement

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RefuNet works with children and families as part of its activities by providing free online tuition.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• to protect children and young people who receive RefuNet’s services.

• to provide parents and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection. This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of RefuNet.

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Legal framework

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This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in the UK. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

 

We believe that:

• children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.

• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

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We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child is paramount.

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

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We will seek to keep children and young people safe through:

 

The safe recruitment of tutors:

• All tutors who would like to teach children must have up-to-date DBS checks (issued no more than a year before starting teaching).

• Tutors must provide a character reference.

 

Before starting lessons:​

• Teachers will be explained the ‘Safeguarding Procedures for Tutors'.

• Students will be shown how to record a lesson through Skype and Zoom and told to tell their parents or contact RefuNet if any tutor acts in an inappropriate way towards them.

 

Responding to allegations of abuse:

• Any allegation of abuse will be taken seriously and will be reviewed as soon as possible. All lessons by the tutor will be suspended pending investigations, which include viewing recordings of the lessons, where available.

• If a report concerns a minor breach of the safeguarding policy, RefuNet will make a decision as to appropriate action, which may include barring the reported tutor from all further teaching.

• If a report concerns the student’s safety or any illegal activity, RefuNet will contact UK police to report the incident.

• In all cases, all details of the incident will be recorded, in line with NSPCC guidelines.

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Parents/responsible adults’ responsibilities:

• If a parent/responsible adult becomes aware that a tutor has acted in an inappropriate way, they should inform RefuNet and/or the police as soon as possible and suspend contact with the tutor, pending investigations.

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The Safeguarding Policy and procedures will be reviewed by RefuNet on a regular basis to ensure they are adequate and relevant to safeguarding standards.

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Contact details

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Designated safeguarding officer: Bethany Holden

Email: contact@refunet.co.uk

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Please click here to read a copy of our 'Child protection record retention and storage policy'.