Safeguarding basics every private tutor should have in writing

Safeguarding might not be the most comfortable subject to think about when you're a private tutor, but it's one of the most important. Whether you teach in person at a family's home, at a library, or online, the moment you work with children or young people, you have responsibilities that go beyond the subject you're teaching.

Getting the basics right isn't complicated. It does require some deliberate thought — and a few things in writing.

Why written policies matter for independent tutors

Schools and tutoring agencies have safeguarding policies because they're required to. Independent tutors aren't under the same regulatory obligation, but the underlying reason for those policies applies just as much: clarity protects everyone, including you.

If a safeguarding concern arises — whether it's something a child discloses, something you observe, or an allegation made against you — your documented procedures are what demonstrate that you acted professionally and in good faith. Without them, you're relying on memory and word of mouth.

The DBS check: a starting point, not the whole picture

Many tutors know about the Disclosure and Barring Service check. If you tutor children regularly, an enhanced DBS check is considered essential by most professional bodies, and many parents will ask about it directly.

What's less commonly understood is that the DBS check is just one component of a safe tutoring practice. It tells you about someone's past criminal record. It doesn't address what happens during sessions, how concerns get reported, or how you handle the specific situation of being alone with a young person.

What to put in writing

A basic safeguarding framework for an independent tutor doesn't need to run to dozens of pages. It does need to cover a few key areas:

Your working environment. Where do sessions take place? If you tutor in a client's home, are sessions in a visible, open space? If online, are sessions conducted via a platform both parties understand and trust? Document your approach.

Session conduct. What are your expectations around communication between sessions? Contact with pupils should go via parents or guardians where possible, not directly with children. This is worth stating explicitly in your tutoring agreement.

What to do if a child discloses something concerning. You are not a mandatory reporter in the same way a teacher is, but you do have a duty of care. Know who you would contact — the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) is available to adults with safeguarding concerns. Document what was said and when, and don't promise a child confidentiality you can't guarantee.

Allegations against you. Consider what your procedure would be if an allegation were made. This is an uncomfortable thing to plan for, but having a clear record of session dates, duration, and format can be important if a dispute arises.

Your tutoring agreement

The written agreement between you and a client (usually the parent or guardian) is the place to set out session logistics, payment terms, cancellation policy, and expectations around conduct. It's also the place to note your safeguarding approach — that sessions follow professional boundaries, that you hold an enhanced DBS certificate, and how safeguarding concerns would be handled.

This doesn't need to be alarming language. It's professional language, and most parents will find it reassuring rather than off-putting.

Online tutoring and the added considerations

Online sessions bring their own safeguarding dimensions. Recording policies (are sessions recorded, by whom, stored where), screen-sharing practices, and the use of third-party platforms all deserve a line or two in your approach document. Ensure parents know what platform you use and have given their consent to it.

Templates designed for private tutors give you a professionally structured starting point for agreements and policies. They're templates, not legal advice — adapt them to your specific circumstances, and review them if your practice changes.

Professional tutoring contracts and documents — from £29/yr.