How do I choose a safe tutor for my child?

Most tutors are kind, careful people who want to help children learn. But anyone can call themselves a tutor. The Department for Education's parent and carer's guide to out-of-school settings points out that there is "no single legal framework" for clubs and tutors, and many are "not typically inspected, overseen or assessed by any regulatory organisation."

So the checks are up to you. This guide shows you what to ask for and what to look out for.

Is a private tutor checked by anyone?

Often, no. Unless the tutor or centre has chosen to register with Ofsted, nobody inspects them.

That is why the DfE says a "well-run and trustworthy provider will welcome questions". You should never feel rude asking them.

Which DBS check should a tutor have?

Ask for an enhanced DBS check with barred lists. It is the most thorough check for people who work with children.

DBS checks are criminal record checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (they used to be called CRB checks). GOV.UK lists four levels:

A basic or standard check does not tell you whether someone is barred from working with children, so ask which level the tutor has.

How do I check a DBS certificate?

Ask to see the original certificate, check the name matches photo ID, and look at the date.

GOV.UK says DBS certificates have no official expiry date, so an old certificate may not be up to date. If the tutor has joined the DBS Update Service, an organisation can check online, free and instantly, whether the certificate is still current, with the tutor's permission.

If you are using a tutoring centre or agency, ask them how they check their tutors and how often they repeat the checks.

How do I check Ofsted registration?

Search for the provider on Ofsted's website and ask for their registration number.

Some tutoring providers choose to join the voluntary part of Ofsted's Childcare Register. You can look up registered providers using Ofsted's report finder, which also has a link to check whether childcare is registered.

Registration is not the only sign of a safe provider, but it does mean the provider has had to meet Ofsted's registration requirements. Note that, under Ofsted's registration rules, online-only tuition services cannot register as childcare.

What questions should I ask a tutor or centre?

Ask about their policies, their checks and who is responsible for your child's safety.

These questions are based on the DfE parent and carer's guide:

• Can I see your child protection policy and your complaints policy?
• Who is the designated safeguarding lead, and what training have they had? How recent was it?
• What checks do you do on staff and volunteers, including DBS checks?
• How do you recruit tutors?
• Will any other adults be present while my child is there?
• Who is in charge of first aid?
• Will my child have unsupervised internet access?
• How do you store information about my child, and who can see it?
• Do I need to fill in a consent and emergency contact form?
• How will you support my child's special educational needs, if they have any?

The DfE says even a lone tutor should have a written child protection policy and be able to explain what they would do if faced with a safeguarding issue.

What should I check before the first lesson?

Check the space, the paperwork and the insurance.

The DfE guide suggests checking that the provider has:

• a child protection policy and a named safeguarding lead
• DBS checks on staff and volunteers
• a safe, clean building with a clear emergency exit
• a first-aid kit and someone responsible for first aid
• a plan for fires and emergencies
• public liability insurance
• a code of conduct and an online safety policy
• a clear way to raise concerns and complaints

You may also want to meet the tutor before the first session. If the tutor will work one-to-one with your child, the DfE says you may wish to supervise sessions.

What are the red flags?

Walk away if a provider avoids your questions or ignores basic safety.

The DfE lists warning signs, including:

• no designated safeguarding lead, or no clear way to report concerns
• staff who have not had DBS checks or training
• unknown adults in the setting
• not enough staff to supervise the children
• adults having unsupervised one-to-one contact with children without parental consent
• no online safety policy
• parents not asked to sign a consent form
• unsafe premises, such as loose wires, damp or no clear exit

Trust your instincts too. A tutor who messages your child privately on social media, asks to keep things secret or discourages you from sitting in is a serious concern.

What should I do if I am worried?

Raise it with the provider first, then escalate if it is not resolved.

The DfE guide says you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, or contact the local authority designated officer at your council. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

How does LCB keep students safe?

We are Ofsted registered, all our tutors are DBS checked, and our centre in Barking has cameras and a staffed front desk.

Lessons are taught in small groups of 3–5 students rather than one-to-one. Female tutors are available on request. Students have the same tutor every week, so you always know who is teaching your child. You are welcome to ask us any of the questions above. Read more about us and our tutors.

If you would like to see the centre for yourself, book a free assessment. It takes 30 minutes, in person or online, and you can meet us before you decide anything.