Safeguarding Policy

11 Plus Wirral is a private educational organisation managed by Wendy Chapman.

All tutors of 11 Plus Wirral are committed to ensure the highest of standards are followed in line with child safety practices, ensuring that any child protection concerns are handled with the appropriate professional care.

Wendy Chapman, the lead safeguarding teacher for 11 Plus Wirral, aims to provide clear direction to all staff involved with tuition of all children and expects every tutor to support and comply with the expected codes of practice and behaviour in dealing with child protection matters. Consequently this policy shall apply to all tutors, assistants and students.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy is intended to protect children and young people who receive any service from us.
As an organisation we believe that no child or young person should experience abuse or harm and are committed to the protection of children and young people. This policy is intended to provide guidance and overarching principles to those who represent us, to guide our approach to child protection and safeguarding.
This policy should be read and signed by all tutors, before engaging in any educational activity arranged by 11 Plus Wirral

The risks to children

Nearly every child grows up in a safe and happy environment and it is important not to exaggerate or overestimate the dangers. Nevertheless, there are situations where children need protection from: Sexual abuse, grooming, physical and emotional abuse and neglect, domestic violence, inappropriate supervision by staff or volunteers, bullying, cyber bullying, acts of violence and aggression within our exam and tuition locations, victimization, selfharm, unsafe environments and activities, crime and exploitation.

We recognise that:

the welfare of the child is paramount, and safeguarding practices are used throughout tuition, whilst the children are under the care of tutors.
all children regardless of race, gender, religious belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity have a right to equal protection from harm.
some children are more vulnerable to harm because of their circumstances, prior experiences, communication needs or level of dependency.
working with children, their parents and/or guardians, carers or other agencies is essential to protecting their wellbeing

We offer a range of tuition services:

Teaching small groups at Hoylake Community Centre and individual children within tutors’ homes. Tuition mainly covers preparation for entrance exams such as the 11 plus exam, Upton Hall entrance exam and St Anselm’s entrance exam.
Booster classes during the summer holidays to small groups of children at Hoylake Community Centre.
Mock exam practice during the months of May to September to larger groups of children at Heswall Hall and Hoylake Community Centre.
Publishing of entrance exam test papers which are sold online and at mock exam event days.

Safeguarding Practices:

Absolutely, clear lines of communication among parents, students, and tutors are crucial for the overall success and well-being of the child. When everyone is well-informed and involved, it creates a supportive environment where:

Progress Monitoring: Parents are regularly updated on their child’s academic progress, strengths, and areas needing improvement. This transparency helps parents understand how their child is performing and where they might need extra assistance.
Supportive Collaboration: Tutors can work closely with both parents and students to tailor educational strategies that best suit the child’s learning style and needs. This collaborative effort ensures that the child receives consistent support both at home and during tutoring sessions.
Holistic Development: By keeping parents informed, tutors and parents can address not only academic challenges but also social and emotional aspects of the child’s development. This holistic approach contributes to the child’s overall growth and success.
Motivation and Accountability: Regular communication ensures that everyone involved remains accountable for the child’s educational journey. It also helps in celebrating achievements and providing encouragement when faced with challenges.

In essence, maintaining open communication channels fosters a partnership where all parties work together towards the common goal of supporting the child’s academic and personal development.

Records are kept of names, contact telephone numbers, record of attendance of each child. Records are destroyed each year once children leave the tuition process.
Children must be brought to the tuition location and collected after tuition, by an adult over the age of 18.
11 Plus Wirral ensures that all teachers are fully vetted prior to being assigned a child to tutor. All tutors are required to hold an enhanced DBS certificate that is updated on an annual basis.
We take any form of disclosure seriously and will take the necessary action with the police/social services if a child under our care makes a serious disclosure.

Roles and Responsibilities of all tutors:

All tutors are responsible for the welfare of the student during the session and that the physical tutoring environment is safe, well-resourced and age appropriate.
Ensure that all teaching material is safe and age-appropriate, treating all students in a professional supportive and friendly manner, without prejudice or discrimination.
Ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory when in contact with the student.

Parents/Carers:

Can, on request, ask to see the tutor enhanced DBS certification.
Must be present or available to chat before or after a tutoring session so any concerns encountered by the tutor can be reported as soon as possible or if a parent has any issues they wish to discuss, this can be achieved at the end of the session.
Ensure that tutors are treated with respect and fairness by the student, parent/carer and will not be subjected to abusive behaviour or language.

Photographing children

Photographs/videos of children for the 11 Plus Wirral website and social media use will only be used once parental permission is given. A parental permission form must be signed and dated each year. Parents can opt out of this also and make this clear on the form.

In addition, children who attend mock exam days/ booster sessions in the holidays, and who do not attend tutorials, must also have parental/carer permission if images are used on social media and the official website.

Copies of safeguarding policy available upon request for parents/carers and other involved parties.

Policy Last Updated date: January 2025

Reviewed and updated by Wendy Chapman, Manager of 11 Plus Wirral.