CK Chemistry — Safeguarding Policy

For online tuition of students under 18 · Last updated: 07/09/2026 · Review date: 06/09/2027

1. Purpose and scope

This policy sets out how CK Chemistry keeps students under 18 safe while taking part in the online group masterclass programme and one-to-one tuition. It applies to every session I deliver and to all communication connected with tuition. CK Chemistry is currently a sole-tutor operation; if this changes, this policy will be extended to cover any additional staff.

2. Designated safeguarding contact

Claire Costello-Kelly is the designated safeguarding contact for CK Chemistry, reachable by email: Claire@CKChemistry.co.uk. I hold an enhanced DBS check which is registered on the update service and available to view on request.

I am a member of The Tutors’ Association and keep my safeguarding training current through their CPD programme (most recently updated November 2025).

3. How I keep sessions safe

  • Group sessions run with cameras and microphones off; students take part via text chat to me only.
  • I do not communicate with students one-to-one outside of official channels (session chat, the online learning platform, or business email/WhatsApp Business) — never via personal social media or a personal phone number.
  • Sessions are recorded for the benefit of enrolled students (see Privacy Policy for how recordings are stored and for how long); recordings and links must not be shared by students outside the platform.
  • One-to-one sessions take place via Zoom at a scheduled time known to the paying parent/guardian, who is welcome to be present or nearby. They can be recorded on request, in which case they will be recorded to the cloud and the link shared with the student or parent. Cloud recordings are accessible for up to one month from the lesson date.
  • I keep brief session notes (attendance, topics covered, any concerns) as part of normal record-keeping. Lesson notes for one to one sessions are stored on a Zoom whiteboard that is shared and accessible to the student at all times.

4. Code of conduct for students

Students taking part in group or one-to-one sessions are expected to: treat the tutor and other students with respect in chat and any other communication; not share session links, recordings, or another student’s messages outside the programme; and raise any concerns about another student’s behaviour, or their own wellbeing, with me directly. Persistent breaches are handled under Tuition Terms & Conditions.

5. Recognising a concern

I stay alert to signs that a student may be at risk or struggling — for example a marked change in mood, behaviour, or engagement; things a student says in chat or in feedback; or a parent raising a concern. I do not need to be certain something is wrong to act — a reasonable concern is enough to take the next step below.

6. What I do if a student discloses something, or I have a concern

  • I listen without interrupting, take what’s said seriously, and do not promise to keep it secret.
  • I make a written note of what was said (in the student’s own words as far as possible), when, and who else was present, as soon as possible afterwards.
  • Unless doing so would put the student at further risk, I let the parent/guardian know a concern has been raised.
  • Where I believe a student is at risk of harm, I contact the NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) for advice, and/or the student’s local authority children’s services, and the police on 999 if there is immediate danger.
  • I keep a confidential written record of any concern raised and how it was handled.

7. Online safety

Beyond the session structure in Section 3, I keep software (Zoom, our learning platform) up to date, use unique passwords and, where available, meeting passcodes/waiting rooms for live sessions, and remove or restrict access for anyone whose conduct in chat is inappropriate or unsafe for other students, reporting it to their parent/guardian.

8. Confidentiality

Information shared in connection with a safeguarding concern is shared only with those who need to know — for example a parent/guardian, or the appropriate authorities under Section 6 — and is not discussed with other students or families.

9. Training and professional development

I keep my safeguarding knowledge up to date through The Tutors’ Association’s CPD programme, alongside my enhanced DBS check, and I review this policy at least once a year, or sooner if anything happens that suggests it needs updating.