Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Nicki Reg provides tuition for children, young people, and adults. All lessons are either conducted in our home studio, online, in schools, in students’ homes, or in other establishments (such as museums, galleries or community centres). We do not maintain educational premises. The majority of the students using our services are in full-time education, with some studying home education, and the majority of tuition arranged through our company takes place in person.

All tutors are self-employed and responsible for their own conduct during sessions.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
Name: Nicola Redgewell
Training: Level 3, February 2026

This policy outlines how we protect children, young people, and adults at risk, and provides guidance to staff, tutors, and volunteers.

2. Definitions

a. “Child’ is defined as a person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday (i.e. is under 18)

b. “Adult at risk” is defined by the Care Act 2014 as an adult aged 18 or over who (a) has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs), (b) is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and c) as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

c. The term “young person” is occasionally used as an additional term when describing children, in recognition that this is a widely-used term to describe those aged under 18 but over 16. 

3. Scope

This policy is intended to promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. It is also intended to act as a guide for the self-employed tutors, to help them follow our approach to safeguarding.

This policy applies to anyone working with or on behalf of our company. We expect everyone to comply with this policy, wherever possible and appropriate, and to take prompt and effective action in the event of a safeguarding concern arising.

4. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in United Kingdom. However, it is understood and intended that this policy will apply to Us. In this event, we expect the policy to be followed to the fullest extent permissible in any given jurisdiction, with the intention of safeguarding children and young people. Where we operate outside of the UK we undertake to:

  • Comply with local laws, regulations, instructions from law enforcement agencies, rulings by any legitimate judicial authority or similar;

  • Refer any matters of criminal conduct, especially in relation to safeguarding, (as applicable in the local jurisdiction) to the local authorities responsible for policing and law enforcement;

  • Wherever local legislation permits, or is ambiguous or indifferent (for example, but not limited to, activity in disputed territories, activities ongoing during a change of government or political structure and activities taking place when local legislation is amended, added to or repealed), we undertake to follow this guidance to the fullest extent possible in order to safeguard children and adults at risk (according to the broadest definition applied by either local or UK legislation).

A summary of the key UK legislation and guidance is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/

5. Supporting Documents

This policy statement should be read alongside our Terms of Service, Child Protection Policy and Privacy Policy, and the following policy documents, included as appendices:

Role description for the designated safeguarding lead

  • Responding to concerns about a child's welfare

  • Storing child protection records

  • Code of conduct

  • Managing concerns about or allegations made against a child or young person

  • Keeping children safe online

  • Complaints

The responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead are outlined within this policy.
Additional guidance on lone working, complains and health and safety is included where relevant to the delivery of tuition.

6. We recognise that:

  • Maintain a policy of ‘it could happen here.’

  • Not promise confidentiality to the children.

  • Respond quickly and appropriately where information requests relating to child protection are made, abuse is suspected or allegations are made.

  • Provide children and parents with the chance to raise concerns over their own care or the care of others.

  • Have a system for dealing with, escalating and reviewing concerns.

  • Remain aware of child protection procedures and maintain links with other bodies.

  • Make sure everyone has the right qualifications: Nicola Redgewell is a self-employed member of staff who is trained as a qualified teacher with QTS status.

  • Establish a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.

  • The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.

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

  • 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.

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

  • Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

  • Adults may also be at risk, for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) age and disability, and are deserving of the same care, attention and protection.

7. We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • It is the responsibility of Us to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting them.

  • Appointing a designated child protection lead for children and young people.

  • Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct.

  • Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures.

  • Providing effective management for Us training, following our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently.

  • We are responsible for our own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions.

  • We should work and be seen to work, in an open and transparent way.

  • The same professional standards should always be applied regardless of culture, disability, gender, age, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity.

  • We should continually monitor and review our practice and ensure We follow the guidance contained in this document and elsewhere.

  • We will ensure children and their families are able to share concerns and complaints and that there are mechanisms in place to ensure these are heard and acted upon.

  • Ensure We understand our responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the NSPCC / Local Authority Designated Officer / Safeguarding Worcestershire

  • Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.

  • Ensure all records are kept securely and in locked locations marked Strictly Confidential.

  • Ensure We keep up to date with safeguarding regulations, such as reading part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 and 'After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition.' This is not an exhaustive list.

  • Ensure that records of parent/carers contact details of at least two people are kept.

  • Due to lone working, if Your child in a group lesson and they go missing, then You will be contacted to help find Your child due to unable to leave the children present. Please make sure you are near if you leave Your child with Us.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises regarding a child or young person, it will always be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

  1.  Immediate Safety
    If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent protection, emergency services will be contacted by calling 999.

  2. Recording the Concern
    Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, or worrying behaviour will be recorded as soon as possible. Notes will include what was observed or said, the date and time, and any actions taken. Records will be kept securely and confidentially in line with the Privacy Policy.

  3. Speaking with Parents or Carers
    Where appropriate and safe to do so, concerns may be discussed with the child’s parent or carer to ensure the child receives appropriate support. This will not take place if the concern involves the parent or carer, or if doing so may place the child at further risk.

  4. Contacting the School’s Safeguarding Lead
    Where a child attends school and it is appropriate to do so, the concern may be shared with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) so that they are aware and can take any necessary action within the school safeguarding system.

  5. Contacting the Local Authority
    If a concern remains, or if the situation requires professional advice, the concern may be reported to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team - in the county where the child lives - for guidance or referral. Advice may also be sought from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate.

  6. Confidentiality
    Safeguarding concerns will be shared only with relevant professionals who need to know in order to protect the child. The welfare and safety of the child will always be the priority.

9. Contact details 

Designated safeguarding lead

Name: Nicola Redgewell

Role: Art Tutor

Phone: Provide to clients

Email: nickiregart@gmail.com

Available: Mondays 8:30am - 8pm, Tuesdays 8:30 - 6pm, Wednesdays 8:30 - 5:30pm, Thursdays 8:30 – 4pm, Fridays 8:30-5:30pm and Sundays 9am-11am in Worcestershire term times.

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000 - Open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday

help@nspcc.org.uk - email 24 hours a day

If a child, young person, or any person is in immediate danger, call 999 (for a person in the UK).

 

Worcestershire Safeguarding

01905 822666 (daytime)

01905 768020 (out of hours)

If the child is from a different county such a Gloucestershire or Warwickshire, We will contact their local safeguarding team.

We would additionally contact the child’s school.

If the child is in danger contact the police 0800 555 111 or 999

 

9. Helpful Organisations

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) - 020 7354 8321

Bullying Online - www.bullying.co.uk Children's Legal Centre - 0845 345 4345 KIDSCAPE Parents Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10-4) - 0845 1 205 204

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 - www.nspcc.org.uk

NSPCC Mental Health - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/

Parentline Plus - 0808 800 2222

Worcestershire Safeguarding - https://www.safeguardingworcestershire.org.uk/ Worcestershire Children First (Front Door) 01905 822666 (daytime) 01905 768020 (out of hours). Youth Access - 020 8772 9900

Gloucestershire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gscp/ 01452 426565 | Out of hours: 01452 614194  | childrenshelpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Warwickshire Safeguarding: 01926 414144 | https://www.safeguardingwarwickshire.co.uk/

Police - 0800 555 111 or in an emergency 999

Visit the Kidscape website - www.kidscape.org.uk, for further support, links and advice

10. Training

Nicola Redgewell is the Designated Safeguarding Officer (Level 3). We have undertaken training and update our training every 2 years. Training includes:

  • DSL (level 3) Training – February 2026

  • Safeguarding Essentials for Tutors – March 2026

  • Prevent Refresher Awareness Course - April 2024

  • FGM Training – May 2022

  • Online and E/Safety for Teachers and Staff - January 2025

  • An Introduction to Protecting our Children Online - September 2025

  • Keep Them Safe - Protecting Children from Child Sexual Exploitation – February 2019

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 - September 2025

  • Child on Child Abuse - September 2025

  • The Tutors' Association - DBS Update Service – From April 2024, The Tutors’ Association completes daily checks

  • Certificate Health and Safety at Work - February 2024

  • Fire Safety in Education - February 2025

  • Emergency First Aid at Work and Emergency Paediatric First Aid - January 2025

  • Annual Update Service DBS and The Tutors' Association - two references

We are required to have a certificate for DSL safeguarding training on file dated within the last 2 years.

Review
Issue Date: March 2026
Updated: March 2026
Review Date: March 2027
Supported by The Tutors' Association

A full copy of the Safeguarding Policy is available upon request. Please contact Nicki Reg if you would like to view the complete document.