In an increasingly competitive world, more and more parents are seeking the support of private tutors to help their children reach their full academic potential. Whether it’s preparing for GCSEs, SATs, or A-levels, having the right tutor can make all the difference. However, beyond a tutor’s qualifications and experience, one of the most crucial aspects for parents to consider is whether the tutor has undergone a DBS check. In the UK, safeguarding children is of utmost importance, and ensuring that tutors are DBS checked is a vital part of that process. But why exactly is this so important?

In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of using DBS checked tutors, the role of safeguarding in education, and how these checks contribute to ensuring the safety and well-being of your child.

What Is a DBS Check?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is an organisation in the UK that helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by providing background checks. A DBS check provides information about an individual’s criminal record, including any convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands they may have. For those working with children, a DBS check may also include information about whether the person is barred from working with vulnerable groups, such as children.

There are three levels of DBS checks:

• Basic DBS Check: Provides a record of unspent convictions and cautions.

• Standard DBS Check: Includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.

• Enhanced DBS Check: Includes all the above, plus any information held by local police that is relevant to the role being applied for.

Tutors working with children should ideally have an enhanced DBS check, as this ensures they are not only qualified to teach but are also safe to work with young people.

Safeguarding in Education: Why It Matters

Safeguarding is a term used to describe the actions taken to protect vulnerable people, particularly children, from harm, abuse, and exploitation. In the education sector, safeguarding is paramount, and schools and educational institutions are required by law to implement safeguarding measures to ensure the safety of their students. However, safeguarding doesn’t just apply within schools. When you bring a private tutor into your home, you also need to ensure that your child is protected.

This is where the importance of using DBS checked tutors comes into play. While a tutor might have excellent credentials and glowing recommendations, without a DBS check, you can’t be sure that they are suitable to work with children. A DBS check helps to filter out individuals who may pose a risk to your child’s safety and well-being.

The Legal Framework for Safeguarding in the UK

The UK’s legal framework for safeguarding is comprehensive, particularly when it comes to working with children. The Children Act 1989 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 provide the legal foundations for protecting young people. The latter established the DBS as a means of barring unsuitable individuals from working with children and vulnerable adults.

In addition, the UK government’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education” (KCSIE) statutory guidance sets out the duties of educational institutions and agencies regarding child protection. Tutors, while often working outside the formal education system, are still required to adhere to safeguarding practices if they are working with children. DBS checks are a fundamental part of ensuring that these safeguarding practices are upheld.

Why DBS Checked Tutors Are Essential for Peace of Mind

Parents understandably want the best for their children, and hiring a private tutor can be a significant investment in their child’s future. But alongside academic success, the safety of the child must be the top priority. Here are some key reasons why using DBS checked tutors is essential:

1. Ensures Child Safety

The primary reason for using DBS checked tutors is that it helps ensure your child’s safety. Tutors who have undergone an enhanced DBS check are not only vetted for any criminal record, but the check also includes any relevant safeguarding information held by the police. This means that if there are concerns about a tutor’s suitability to work with children, these will be flagged before they are allowed to take on the role.

2. Peace of Mind for Parents

Leaving your child in the care of a tutor can be nerve-wracking, particularly if it involves one-on-one sessions in your home. A DBS check provides peace of mind that the person you are hiring is trustworthy and does not have a history that might put your child at risk. With so much at stake, this peace of mind is invaluable for parents.

3. Accountability and Professionalism

DBS checked tutors demonstrate professionalism by adhering to safeguarding best practices. When a tutor willingly undergoes a DBS check, it shows that they take their role seriously and understand the importance of creating a safe learning environment for children. It also indicates that they are aware of the legal and moral responsibilities that come with working with young people.

4. Fulfilling Legal Responsibilities

In some cases, if a tutor works for an agency, it may be a legal requirement for them to have a DBS check. For example, if the tutor is employed by a school, they will need to be DBS checked as part of the KCSIE guidelines. By hiring a DBS checked tutor, parents are ensuring that they are fulfilling their own legal responsibilities regarding safeguarding.

5. Building Trust

Trust is an essential part of any tutor-student relationship. A DBS check helps build that trust, as it confirms that the tutor has been deemed suitable to work with children by the relevant authorities. Trust is crucial for effective learning, as children need to feel safe and supported in order to thrive academically.

How to Ensure Your Tutor Is DBS Checked

When searching for a private tutor, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they have the necessary DBS clearance:

• Ask to see their DBS certificate: A tutor should be willing to show you their DBS certificate if requested. This will provide you with information about when the check was carried out and the level of check that was completed.
• Use a reputable tutoring agency: One of the easiest ways to ensure that your tutor is DBS checked is to use a reputable tutoring agency. Agencies should vet their tutors and ensure they have up-to-date DBS checks before recommending them to parents.
• Request an update: If you’re unsure about the status of a tutor’s DBS check, you can ask if the tutor is signed up to the DBS Update Service, which allows employers (or parents) to check the status of a DBS certificate online and in real time.

Conclusion: Safety First with DBS Checked Tutors

As parents, we want our children to succeed academically, but their safety and well-being must always come first. By choosing DBS checked tutors, you are not only investing in your child’s education but also in their protection. A DBS check ensures that the tutor has been properly vetted and is safe to work with children, giving you peace of mind and allowing your child to focus on their learning in a secure environment.

At Manning’s Tutors, we understand the importance of safeguarding and only work with tutors who have undergone thorough DBS checks. We believe that every child deserves to learn in a safe and supportive environment, and we are committed to helping parents find trustworthy, qualified tutors who can help their children reach their full potential.  ALL Manning’s Tutors have Enhanced DBS check, two references and full work history to ensure full peace of mind for parents and schools working with us.

So, if you’re looking for a tutor who prioritises both education and safety, make sure you choose a DBS checked tutor. It’s a decision you won’t regret!