Many parents in Sutton support their children by enrolling them in sports groups, clubs, or employing personal tutors. While these activities are valuable for a child's development, it is vital to ensure they are safe and happy.
The following guidelines and checklists will help you make informed decisions.
Questions to ask a club or group leader
Before enrolling your child in a group activity, you should be confident in how the group operates. Consider asking the group leader the following questions:
- Safeguarding Policy: Does the club or tutor have a specific policy on safeguarding children?
- Reporting Concerns: Who is the designated person to speak to if you are worried about anything?
- Staff Vetting: Are the staff trained, and do they have police checks (known as DBS checks)?
- Professional Links: Is the group linked to a recognised organisation or professional body?
- Safety & Medical: What is the staff ratio? Is there a trained first aider on site? Are you required to sign consent forms or provide emergency contacts and medical details?
- Conduct: Is there a written code of conduct for volunteers and coaches?
- Personal Care: What is the policy if a child requires personal care?
Choosing a personal tutor
Employing the right tutor is crucial. Take time to verify their background using these checks:
- Interview: Always interview the tutor and ensure they answer your questions fully.
- References: Ask to see personal references and verify them by contacting the referees directly yourself.
- Qualifications: Request to see original qualification certificates (not photocopies) to ensure they are authentic.
- Employment History: Review their CV. If there are gaps in their employment record, ask for reasons and evidence for the explanation.
- School Links: If the tutor is currently or was recently employed in a school, speak to the headteacher for a reference.
- Teacher Status: If they are a qualified teacher, ask for a copy of their Teaching Agency Registration and their DBS check.
- Trial Meeting: Arrange for your child to meet the tutor while you observe; watching the interaction can help you decide.
Safety guidelines for tuition and activities
Once you have chosen a tutor or club, follow these guidelines to maintain safety:
- Location: Home tuition should take place in a communal area, such as a living room or dining area. A bedroom is never appropriate.
- Supervision: You, or a trusted adult chosen by you, should remain on the premises. Reject any "chaperone" arrangement offered by the tutor themselves.
- Access: Ensure you have easy access to the room and can hear or observe the activity at any time.
- Travel: Your child should never travel alone with the tutor or coach.
- Communication: All contact outside of sessions (phone, email, social media) should be directly with the parents, not the child. Club websites/social media should be public and accessible to parents.
- Check-ins: Speak to your child regularly to ensure they are happy and that all agreements made with the tutor are being kept.
Any professional volunteer or tutor aware of safeguarding expectations should have no objection to these checks. Do not feel you are being unreasonable by insisting on them.
Download 'Choosing a club, coach or tutor' overview.pdf
What to do if you have concerns
If your child tells you something inappropriate has happened, or if you suspect "poor practice" (where a tutor has done the wrong thing but it may not be abusive), it is generally advised to cancel the activity immediately to seek advice.
If you believe a person working with children has behaved in a way that has harmed a child, may have harmed a child, or indicated they pose a risk to children, you must report it.
Useful Contacts
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Every local authority has a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Think of them as the go-to person who manages concerns about adults who work with kids (like teachers, volunteers, etc.) potentially harming a child.
The LADO can be contacted by telephone on 0208 770 4776 and by email at LADO@sutton.gov.uk
Address: Civic Offices, St. Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA
Use this contact if you are uncomfortable speaking to someone within the club or need to report a safeguarding concern regarding a professional.
Police
In an emergency call 999. For all non-emergencies, call 101 (Available 24/7). Note: This does not replace 999.