Reviewed: January 2025

At WordWise Tutoring, safeguarding is our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child and young person in our care. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and follow best practices in line with current legislation, policies, and guidance.

Emma Blackburn provides one-to-one specialist tutoring and dyslexia assessments in Kent. Sessions take place at the client’s home, a designated tutoring venue, or online where applicable.

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Our safeguarding policy aims to:

✔️ Protect children and young people receiving tutoring and assessment services from Emma Blackburn or any self-employed tutor/therapist working under WordWise Tutoring.
✔️ Ensure that safeguarding concerns are identified and addressed appropriately, following statutory procedures.
✔️ Regularly update and review safeguarding protocols through ongoing training and policy reviews.
✔️ Promote an inclusive and safe learning environment that values all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of WordWise Tutoring and will be reviewed annually to reflect any changes in safeguarding legislation or guidance.

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities & Procedures

As education providers, we acknowledge our duty of care in safeguarding students. This includes:

2.1 DBS Checks & Training

• Emma Blackburn holds an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate (available on the Update Service) and a paper copy available upon request.

• Emma Blackburn is a qualified teacher and dyslexia specialist with ongoing safeguarding training. Training is updated at least every two years to ensure best practice.

• Any self-employed tutors or professionals working under WordWise Tutoring are expected to meet the same safeguarding standards.

2.2 Safeguarding Concerns & Reporting

• Any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or suspected abuse will be handled sensitively and appropriately.

• Concerns will be recorded and, if necessary, reported to the relevant safeguarding authorities, including Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP) and KCC - Social Services (Kent.gov.uk).

• If required, appropriate agencies, including social services, schools, or the police, will be contacted in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

3. Working in Partnership with Families

At WordWise Tutoring, we believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We work collaboratively with:
✔️ Parents and carers – Keeping open communication and ensuring children feel safe and supported.
✔️ Schools and professionals – When necessary, with parental consent, we may liaise with schools or specialists to ensure the child’s educational and emotional needs are met.

✔️For all children and young people under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must remain on site for the duration of the assessment or tuition session. While parents cannot be present in the assessment room (to ensure the standardisation of testing), a suitable waiting area will always be provided. Parents may join their child during scheduled breaks if appropriate. This safeguards both the child and the assessor and ensures best practice is followed.

4. Photography, Video, and Privacy Protection

• To protect privacy, we maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information.

• Photographs or videos will only be taken with explicit parental consent.

• Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from recording sessions and from sharing images of sessions on social media.

5. Safeguarding Contacts & Further Support

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety, you can contact:

🔹 Emma Blackburn – WordWise Tutoring
📧 Email: info@wordwisetutor.com

🔹 Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP)
📞 Phone: 03000 41 11 11
🌐 www.kscmp.org.uk

🔹 NSPCC Helpline
📞 Phone: 0808 800 5000
🌐 www.nspcc.org.uk

6. Policy Review & Updates

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect any changes in safeguarding guidance or best practices.

📅 Last reviewed: August  2025