Child Protection & Safeguarding Statement

1. Our Commitment

Unity Growth Hub is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who access our tutoring programmes. We believe that every child has the right to learn in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

This statement applies to all tutors, staff, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of Unity Growth Hub who comes into contact with children.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Unity Growth Hub activities involving children and young people under the age of 18, including:

• One-to-one and group tutoring sessions (in-person and online)
• KS2, GCSE, and A-Level programmes
• Creative Writing and all subject-specific courses
• Any trial, introductory, or assessment sessions

3. Our Safer Recruitment Standards

• All tutors hold recognised teaching or subject qualifications
• All tutors and staff are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing work with any child
• References are obtained and verified for all tutors prior to appointment
• All tutors are required to declare any criminal convictions, cautions, or pending investigations
• DBS certificates are renewed in accordance with current guidance

4. Recognising Abuse

All Unity Growth Hub tutors and staff are trained to recognise the indicators of abuse and neglect, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as signs of exploitation or online harm. We are alert to changes in a child's behaviour, attendance, or demeanour that may indicate a concern.

5. Reporting Concerns

Any concern about the welfare of a child must be reported immediately. Unity Growth Hub will:

• Take all concerns seriously and act without delay
• Record concerns clearly and confidentially
• Report safeguarding concerns to the relevant local authority or Cambridgeshire Children's Services, and to the police where there is immediate risk of harm
• Cooperate fully with any statutory investigation
• Never promise confidentiality to a child where safeguarding concerns have been raised

6. Safer Working Practices

• Online sessions are conducted via agreed, recorded or parent-visible platforms
• Tutors do not communicate with students via personal social media accounts or messaging apps
• Physical contact between tutors and students is not permitted
• Where in-person tuition takes place, a parent or guardian should be present or nearby on the premises
• Any one-to-one sessions take place in open, visible environments

7. Online Safety

Unity Growth Hub is committed to keeping children safe online. We ensure that any digital tools or platforms used during sessions are age-appropriate, secure, and compliant with GDPR and COPPA where applicable. Tutors do not share personal contact details with students or parents outside of Unity Growth Hub's official communication channels.

8. Training & Awareness

• Read and understand this Child Protection & Safeguarding Statement
• Complete basic safeguarding awareness training relevant to their role
• Report any safeguarding concerns using the procedures set out in Section 5
• Update their knowledge in line with any revisions to this policy

9. Policy Review

This statement will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or organisational structure.

10. Contact

Email: info@unitygrowthhub.com

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, please call the police on 999. Cambridgeshire Children's Services: 0345 045 5203.