Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 17/03/2026
Last Updated: 17/03/2026

1. Purpose and Scope

Locked In Lessons Ltd is an online education provider delivering structured revision courses and optional 1:1 tuition to students aged 13–18.

For safeguarding purposes, all individuals under 18 are referred to as “children” in line with UK safeguarding guidance.

This policy applies to:

  • Live online lessons
  • Moderated chat functions
  • 1:1 tuition sessions
  • Platform-based communication
  • All staff, contractors, and teachers

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children using our services.

2. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Phil Shorland

Deputy DSL:
Alex Seal

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns
  • Making decisions on escalation
  • Liaising with parents or guardians
  • Referring concerns to external agencies where appropriate
  • Maintaining accurate safeguarding records
  • Ensuring this policy is followed

The Deputy DSL will act in the DSL’s absence.

3. Safeguarding Principles

We are committed to:

  • Putting the welfare of children first
  • Providing a safe and respectful learning environment
  • Maintaining clear professional boundaries
  • Acting promptly on concerns
  • Ensuring safe recruitment practices
  • Protecting children from harm, abuse, and exploitation

We recognise that safeguarding risks can arise in online environments and take appropriate steps to reduce these risks.

4. Online Delivery & Safety Measures

To minimise safeguarding risks:

  • Students cannot speak during live group lessons
  • Live chat is moderated during sessions
  • Teachers focus on lesson delivery
  • Student-to-student private messaging is not permitted
  • All communication must remain within the platform
  • Sessions may be recorded for safeguarding and quality purposes

Moderators may:

  • Remove inappropriate messages
  • Restrict users
  • Escalate concerns immediately to the DSL

5. 1:1 Tuition Safeguards

All 1:1 sessions

  • Must be pre-booked through Locked In Lessons Ltd
  • Must take place on approved platforms
  • Require parental consent
  • May be recorded for safeguarding purposes

Teachers must not:

  • Arrange private sessions outside the platform
  • Communicate via personal email, phone, or social media
  • Use personal accounts for teaching

6. Professional Boundaries

Teachers must:

  • Maintain professional conduct at all times
  • Avoid personal or inappropriate discussions
  • Not share personal contact details
  • Not connect with students on social media
  • Communicate only for educational purposes

Any breach may result in immediate removal from the platform.

7. Safer Recruitment

All teachers must:

  • Hold appropriate teaching qualifications (e.g. QTS or equivalent experience)
  • Hold a valid enhanced DBS check
  • Provide identity verification
  • Provide references where required
  • Hold appropriate insurance where applicable

No teacher may deliver lessons without full verification.
Privacy

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a concern arises

  • It must be reported immediately to the DSL
  • The concern must be recorded factually (not opinion)
  • The child must not be promised confidentiality

Because students cannot speak during live lessons, disclosures are most likely to occur via:

  • Chat
  • Platform messaging


Moderators may escalate concerns without interrupting the lesson.

9. Low-Level Concerns

We recognise that safeguarding may include patterns of behaviour or minor concerns.

All concerns, including low-level concerns:

  • Should be recorded
  • May be reviewed over time
  • May be escalated if patterns emerge

10. Escalation & Information Sharing

Where appropriate, the DSL may:

  • Contact parents or guardians
  • Seek advice from safeguarding professionals
  • Refer concerns to the Local Authority
  • Contact the police if there is immediate risk

We may share relevant personal data without consent where necessary to protect a child or comply with legal obligations.

11. Not an Emergency Service

Locked In Lessons Ltd is not an emergency service.

  • The platform is not monitored 24/7
  • Immediate risks should be reported to emergency services

12. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation regarding a teacher or staff member will:

  • Be reported immediately to the DSL
  • Be investigated appropriately
  • May result in immediate suspension
  • Be referred externally where required

Confidentiality will be maintained where possible.

13. Student Behaviour Expectations

Students must:

  • Behave respectfully
  • Not harass or bully others
  • Not share personal contact details
  • Not record or distribute content

Breaches may result in removal without refund.

14. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records:

  • Are stored securely
  • Are accessible only to the DSL and Deputy DSL
  • Are retained in accordance with our Privacy Policy

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually
  • Or earlier if required due to changes in guidance or operations
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