Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 1 September 2022

Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the measures taken by A-Level Maths Mastery to safeguard the children and young adults (ages 15-18) who participate in our live online sessions and mentorship service (“User”).

We treat safeguarding students who use the A-Level Maths Mastery Platform with the utmost importance. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.

Legal Framework

This policy has been created in accordance with the latest legislation and guidelines from the UK Government and related bodies regarding the safeguarding of children in the UK. A summary of the key legislation is available https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-and-remote-education.

Commitment

We are committed to:

- Establishing a secure and confidential reporting system for children to raise any issues or problems, with continuous monitoring.

- Ensuring awareness among children, young people, and their families of the proper channels to seek help and support when they have any concerns.

- Prioritizing welfare and dignity by valuing, respecting, and actively listening to children.

- Adhering to best practices for child protection and safeguarding through our policies, procedures, and code of conduct for staff and volunteers.

- Developing and implementing a comprehensive online safety policy and related procedures.

- Providing effective management, supervision, support, training, and quality assurance measures for staff and volunteers.

- Ensuring safe recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers by conducting all necessary checks.

- Professionally and securely recording, storing, and using information in line with data protection legislation and guidance.

- Involving children, young people, parents, families, and caregivers as necessary.

- Handling allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately through our established procedures.

- Fostering a respectful environment with zero tolerance for bullying and effective measures to address any instances that occur.

- Implementing effective complaints and whistleblowing measures.

- Establishing a safeguarding culture that values mutual respect, trust, and open communication among staff, volunteers, children, young people, and their families.

Ensuring Student Safety

Student Code of Conduct

- All participants in the online sessions and mentorship service must adhere to our strict Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits behavior that could put children or other participants at risk, such as harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

- The Student Code of Conduct also outlines the consequences of violating the policy, including potential disciplinary action or expulsion from the program.

Communication Guidelines

- All communication between educators and children, as well as within the mentorship service, is conducted through official channels provided by A-Level Maths Mastery.

- Private messaging or exchanging contact information with children is strictly prohibited to prevent any potential risks of inappropriate communication.

- Educators do not engage in any personal discussions with children outside the scope of the educational sessions or mentorship service.

Reporting Procedure

- All instances of inappropriate communication, Student Code of Conduct violations, and any other safety concerns should be immediately reported to safegaurding@alevelmathsmastery.com. Reports should include the names of all people involved, the medium of the incident (e.g., A-Level Maths Mastery platform, Discord, livestream), and the reporter's preferred contact information (email, mobile phone number, home address).

Background Checks

- A-Level Maths Mastery conducts thorough background checks on all staff members, including educators, to ensure they do not have a history of abuse or misconduct, including an updated DBS check.

- The background checks include criminal record checks, reference checks, and verification of academic qualifications.

Parental Consent

- If the User is under the age of 18, they must obtain full consent from their parent or legal guardian. Both the Student and Parent must warrant they are fully aware of the terms upon which the A-Level Maths Mastery Course is made available, as set out in the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Student Code of Conduct.

Data Protection

- A-Level Maths Mastery is committed to protecting the personal information of the children and other participants involved in the online sessions and mentorship service.

- We comply with all relevant data protection laws and regulations and have strict measures in place to ensure the security and confidentiality of personal information.

Review and Update

- This safeguarding policy is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date with current safeguarding guidelines and best practices.