Overview
This Code sets out the standards expected of Clever Club Tutors tutors, staff, freelancers, and directors. It applies to all tutoring formats (in- person, online, group, one-to-one) and aims to ensure professional, ethical, and safe conduct, with safeguarding as the highest priority.
1. Professional Conduct
All Clever Club Tutors members must:
- Act with honesty, professionalism, and integrity in all communications.
- Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with students and families.
- Promote a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Respect student dignity and avoid creating dependency.
- Never assist with or tolerate plagiarism.
- Adapt tutoring to students' individual needs and learning styles.
- Maintain confidentiality unless safeguarding concerns arise.
- Deliver sessions punctually, in suitable environments, using secure tools for online learning.
2. Child Protection & Safeguarding
All tutors must:
- Hold an Enhanced DBS certificate (with DBS Update Service recommended).
- Prioritise child welfare, including for siblings or others in the home.
- Respect and support each student regardless of background or identity.
- Report any signs of harm, abuse, or concerning behaviour promptly to Clever Club Tutors or directly to the LADO (if freelance).
- Never initiate or accept social media contact from under-18s, unless pre-approved by parents and copied into communication.
- Avoid personal/romantic relationships with students under 18 (this includes grooming concerns post-18).
- Only record online sessions with parental consent, for agreed purposes, and store them securely.
3. Communication
Tutors must:
- Confirm roles, expectations, and goals with Clever Club Tutors and families before starting.
- Set clear feedback procedures and maintain regular, professional communication.
- Disclose concerns that exceed their competence unless this could place the student at further risk.
- Maintain accurate records of sessions and student progress.
- Not privately solicit Clever Club Tutors students for tutoring outside of Clever Club Tutors agreements.
4. Suitability & Compliance
Tutors must:
- Be qualified and experienced for their assigned students.
- Disclose any limitations when working with students with special educational needs.
- Stay up to date with curriculum changes and best practices.
- Complete relevant CPD and safeguarding training (e.g., via NSPCC).
5. Behaviour & Reputation
Clever Club Tutors members must:
- Conduct themselves in a way that upholds the reputation and the wider tutoring profession.
- Avoid behaviour that could bring Clever Club Tutors into disrepute (e.g., bullying, false information, unprofessional social media use).
- Comply with all relevant laws and Clever Club policies.
Clever Club Tutors members must also:
- Cooperate with management in the event of any complaints or investigations.
- Inform management of any criminal charges or relevant legal matters.
6. Allegations & Incident Reporting
Any safeguarding concerns must be:
- Reported immediately to Clever Club Tutors management and/or the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
- Documented accurately, noting only facts (not opinions), with time/date, who was present, and actions taken.
- Handled confidentially and in line with Clever Club Tutors reporting process.
Allegations may result in one of three outcomes:
- Unsubstantiated
- Substantiated but resolved internally
- Substantiated and referred to the LADO or DCPO
7. SLA's Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Clever Club Tutors is not a DCPO or LADO but provides guidance and escalates concerns to relevant authorities.
- Clever Club Tutors staff and freelancers are required to complete safeguarding training and undergo DBS checks.
- Tutors must confirm they have read and agree to this Code before beginning work.
- Clever Club Tutors maintains a Single Central Record with verified documentation for all tutors.
8. Safer Recruitment
- All tutors must show Photo ID and proof of address.
- Overseas checks are required for those who have lived abroad in the past 5 years.
- Gaps in employment must be explained during the application process.
9. Parent/Guardian Involvement
- Parents or guardians should be present or nearby during all sessions (especially when not recorded).
- Clever Club Tutors encourages open collaboration between tutors and families to ensure child safety.
