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Safeguarding Policy

LinguaElite Ltd | Last updated: April 2026​

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Our Commitment

LinguaElite Ltd ("the Company") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, with particular attention to children and young people under the age of 18. We recognise that online tutoring involves one-to-one interaction between teachers and students, and we take our responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment seriously.

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This policy applies to all teachers, staff, and contractors engaged by LinguaElite. It is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or best practice.

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Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Company's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:

Maxine Noel Founder, LinguaElite Ltd Email: admin@linguaelite.com

All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSL in the first instance.

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Safer Recruitment

LinguaElite takes the following steps when recruiting teachers:

  • All teachers are required to hold a valid Enhanced DBS check (or the equivalent criminal background check in their country of residence) before commencing work with students under 18.

  • All teachers hold recognised teaching qualifications (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA, or TQUK Level 5) and university degrees.

  • All teachers provide professional references which are verified before they begin teaching.

  • All teachers are briefed on this safeguarding policy and the Company's expectations regarding professional conduct before their first class.

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Teachers based outside the United Kingdom are required to provide the equivalent criminal background check from their country of residence. The Company verifies these documents before the teacher is assigned any students.

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Teacher Code of Conduct

All LinguaElite teachers are expected to:

  • Maintain professional boundaries with all students at all times.

  • Never request or share personal contact information (personal phone numbers, personal email addresses, social media accounts) with students or their parents outside of the Company's official communication channels.

  • Conduct all classes from a quiet, professional setting free from inappropriate images, items, or distractions in the background.

  • Dress appropriately, as they would in a professional classroom setting.

  • Never engage in any communication with a student that could be considered inappropriate, including any communication of a sexual, violent, or discriminatory nature.

  • Never arrange to meet a student in person without the explicit written consent of the student's parent or guardian and the Company.

  • Report any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

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Online Safety

All LinguaElite classes are conducted via Zoom. The following measures are in place to ensure online safety:

  • All Zoom sessions are accessed via secure, password-protected links provided by the Company. Links are not publicly shared.

  • Classes are not recorded by the Company or by teachers unless explicit prior consent has been given by the student (or their parent/guardian for students under 18).

  • Students and parents are prohibited from recording, screenshotting, or streaming any part of a class without the prior written consent of the teacher and the Company.

  • Teachers do not use personal Zoom accounts for teaching. All classes are conducted through the Company's Zoom account.

  • For students under 18, parents or legal guardians are welcome to be present in the room during classes. While we ask that they avoid interrupting the lesson, their presence is always permitted.

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Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians

For students under 18, parents and legal guardians are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate information about the student at the time of enrolment.

  • Ensuring that the student has a safe and appropriate environment in which to participate in online classes.

  • Ensuring the student is appropriately supervised before and after the class, particularly for younger children.

  • Informing the Company of any relevant medical conditions, learning needs, or circumstances that may affect the student's participation or welfare.

  • Notifying the Company immediately if they have any concerns about the conduct of a teacher or the content of a class.

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Parents and guardians are welcome to sit in on any class at any time. This is an open policy with no restrictions.

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Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All LinguaElite teachers are briefed on recognising the signs of abuse, neglect, and harm in children. These include but are not limited to:

  • Unexplained changes in behaviour or mood.

  • Withdrawal, fearfulness, or reluctance to participate.

  • Signs of physical injury visible on camera.

  • Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour for the child's age.

  • Disclosures of abuse, whether direct or indirect.

  • Signs of neglect, including consistently unsuitable learning environments.

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If a teacher observes any of the above or has any concern about a student's welfare, they must:

  1. Not investigate the concern themselves. Teachers are not trained investigators and should not question the child or attempt to gather evidence.

  2. Record what they have observed or been told. Write down the facts as accurately as possible, including the date, time, what was said or seen, and the student's words (if a disclosure was made).

  3. Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Maxine Noel) immediately. This should be done via email (admin@linguaelite.com) or phone on the same day the concern arises.

  4. Keep the information confidential. Concerns should not be discussed with anyone other than the DSL.

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Actions Taken by the Designated Safeguarding Lead

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, the DSL will:

  • Assess the nature and severity of the concern.

  • Consult with the relevant local authority safeguarding team or police if the concern involves potential abuse, neglect, or criminal activity.

  • For students based in the United Kingdom, referrals will be made to the local authority's Children's Social Care team or the police, as appropriate.

  • For students based outside the United Kingdom, the DSL will take reasonable steps to identify and contact the appropriate child protection authority in the student's country of residence.

  • In cases of immediate danger, the DSL will contact the police without delay.

  • Maintain a confidential record of all safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes.

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The welfare of the child is always the priority. The Company will cooperate fully with any investigation by authorities.

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Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns are treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Information is shared only on a "need to know" basis and only with individuals directly involved in managing the concern. Safeguarding records are stored securely and separately from general student records.

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The Company will never promise absolute confidentiality to a child. If a child discloses something that suggests they are at risk of harm, the teacher and the DSL have a duty to act, and the child will be told this in an age-appropriate way.

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Whistleblowing

If a teacher or staff member has a safeguarding concern about the conduct of another teacher or staff member, they should report it to the DSL immediately. If the concern involves the DSL, they should contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline on 0800 028 0285 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

The Company will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith.

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Training

All LinguaElite teachers are required to:

  • Read and acknowledge this safeguarding policy before commencing work with students under 18.

  • Complete Level 1 safeguarding awareness training (freely available online through accredited providers) within their first month of employment.

  • Refresh their safeguarding knowledge annually.

The DSL maintains a record of all teacher training and policy acknowledgements.

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Useful Contacts

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 | help@nspcc.org.uk Childline: 0800 1111 | childline.org.uk CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): ceop.police.uk Local authority Children's Social Care: Contact details vary by area. Search "children's social care" followed by your local authority name.

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For concerns about students based outside the United Kingdom, the DSL will identify the appropriate local authority or child protection organisation in the student's country.

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Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The next review is due by April 2027.

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Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or wish to raise a safeguarding concern, please contact:

Maxine Noel, Designated Safeguarding Lead Email: admin@linguaelite.com Website: www.linguaelite.com

LinguaElite Ltd Registered in England and Wales Company No. 14735524

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