Who To Contact Regarding These Policies
Role | Name |
---|---|
Director / Lead Tutor | Holly Billinghurst |
Quality Assurance | Holly Billinghurst |
Senior Managers | Holly Billinghurst Anne Feldberg Thomas Billinghurst |
Safeguarding Lead | Holly Billinghurst |
Safeguarding Deputy | Anne Feldberg |
First Aiders | Holly Billinghurst Anne Feldberg Jay Shurey Bean Billinghurst |
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually within the first academic term.
Last Update: July 2022
Next Review: July 2023
Safer Recruitment Policy
In developing the policy, full consideration has been given to the requirements set out in the Equality Act, 2010 in relation to protected characteristics.
- Policy Statement
- Scope of the Policy
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Employment Applications
- Interview Procedure
- Appointment of Staff & Contractors
1. Policy Statement
TeachAllAboutIt is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect and require all members of staff, employed or acting under our name to share this commitment.
We will ensure that our employment policies and practices support the development and maintenance of an environment where children and young people are safe and able to make the most of their opportunities to learn.
Our policies and practices will support the recruitment, retention, deployment and development of competent, well-motivated employees who are suited to and fulfilled in the roles they undertake.
The first step towards safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children engaged in tuition or online learning with us is to ensure that we recruit and select employees, workers and volunteers in accordance with best safer recruitment practice. However, we recognise that this is only one aspect of securing a safe environment for children and young people. This policy is designed to bring together in one document the link to all the different strands of our practice that promotes safer employment. The policy is grounded in the good practice set out in ‘Safeguarding Children – Safer Recruitment in Education’ 2007 and the West Sussex County Council’s Education Key Standards in Employment.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees, directors, volunteers, contracting tutors, admin staff and anyone else who undertakes work of any kind under the name of TeachAllAboutIt in person or online.
3.Roles & Responsibilities
The Company Directors will:
- ensure that TeachAllAboutIt has effective policies and procedures in place for the recruitment of all staff and volunteers, in accordance with DfE guidance and legal requirements
- be responsible for the appointment of new staff
- ensure that TeachAllAboutIt has effective policies and procedures in place for promoting safer employment and child safeguarding
- undertake appropriate training in relation to child safeguarding
- monitor TeachAllAboutIt’s compliance with safer employment and child safeguarding policies on an annual basis
- ensure that TeachAllAboutIt operates safer employment practices at all times and make sure that staff fully understand the important part they play in achieving a safe environment for children and young people
- monitor contractors’ and employment agencies’ compliance with this document
- be responsible for processing DBS checks for staff
- promote the welfare of children and young people at all times
All other staff, volunteers, agency workers, supply staff, visitors and others will:
- be expected and required to comply with the spirit and intention of this document
All contractors and agencies supplying staff to work in the school will:
- be expected and required to undertake safer recruitment pre-employment checks
4. Application
All applicants for employment or contracting will be required to complete an application form asking for the following:
- Full, identifying details of the applicant, including current and former names, current address and National Insurance Number.
- A full, chronological career history since leaving secondary education.
- The applicant will be asked to clarify any gaps.
- Any academic and/or vocational qualifications that are relevant to the position for which they are applying.
- A declaration of any existing relationships or contacts within TeachAllaboutIt or any of our franchises.
- Details of referees.
- Candidates will be asked to complete any incomplete forms. A Curriculum Vitae will be accepted in place of the completed application form where all information is identified.
5. Interview
Short‐listed applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview at which their relevant skills and experience will be discussed in more detail.
Where appropriate, further assessment may be required, such as skills tests, or an observed lesson.
All candidates are asked to bring the following with them to interview:
- Documentary evidence of their ID that will satisfy DBS and Safer Recruitment requirements
- Documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications that are necessary for the post.
Written records of all interviews, observations and skills tests will be kept on the successful applicant’s personnel file.
References will usually be obtained prior to interview, unless the candidate has indicated that they do not wish for these to be taken up prior to the offer stage. A formal offer will not be made without references from two sources (this may include parental reviews on third party platforms).
If it is decided to make an offer of employment following the formal interview, any such offer will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of the checks listed under the following section.
6. Appointment / Hire of Staff & Tutors
TeachAllAboutIt undertakes the following checks prior to assigning a tutor a class / student:
- Confirmation of career history (including experience of private tuition)
- ID Checks
- DBS Checks
- Right to work in the UK
- IR35 Checklist where the tutor wishes to remain self-employed
- If a candidate has lived overseas for more than three months at any point in the past ten years, the candidate will be asked to present an overseas Police Check/Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant country.
Where a tutor undertakes work as an independent contractor on our behalf, a copy of the contractor’s current DBS certificate will be checked against the DBS update service. Where the contractor is not registered with the update service, they will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate as part of the contracted work undertaken.
7. Induction
All new staff and tutors will take part in an induction programme designed to help familiarise them with TeachAllAboutIt’s policies and procedures, including confirming that they have read, understood and agree to the following:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Behaviour & Anti-bullying Policy
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1 and Annex A September 2019
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
- What to do if you are worried a child is being abused March 2015
Contractors are required to have similar policies in place where applicable as part of the procurement process.
Safeguarding Policy
This policy has been developed under the guidance of NSPCC Learning – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
- to protect children and young people who receive TeachAllAboutIt’s services from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
- to provide staff, tutors, and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of TeachAllAboutIt, including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/learning.
We believe that:
- Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
- We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.
We recognise that:
- the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
- some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
- working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare. We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
- valuing, listening to and respecting them
- appointing a nominated child protection lead for children and young people, a deputy and a director for safeguarding
- adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff, contractors, and volunteers
- developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures
- providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently
- recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
- recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office: (www.ico.org.uk/fororganisations)
- sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
- making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern
- using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately
- using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff, contractors, and volunteers appropriately
- creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise
- ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
- ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
- building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.
Additional Statement on Handling Incidents and Disclosures relating to Riots & Public Disorder
We understand that the young people that we work with may be directly or indirectly affected by the protests, riots, and public disorder within the UK. The following policy is in place where a student discloses involvement or impact.
- We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
- Creating an environment where young people and their parents feel safe to request help.
- Regularly reviewing safety and security of staff and learners on and offline.
- Clearly stating that disclosures of illegal activity or abuse cannot be kept private.
- Acting quickly where there is a potential threat of harm.
- Reporting concerns or disclosures to all relevant agencies and regulators when required.
- Follow formal guidance on misinformation online and promote critical assessment of sources.
- Ensure that all staff have completed formalised ACT Awareness training.
Tutors & Students Code of Conduct
Tutors & Students Code of Conduct
Tutors Code of Conduct
The TeachAllAboutIT tutors code of conduct aligns itself with the professional code of conduct published by the Tutors Association.
- TeachAllAboutIt believe that the role of a tutor is to encourage and enable pupils to achieve their unique potential as independent learners through acknowledgement, encouragement, understanding, and personalised attention.
- TeachAllAboutIt, our tutors, and staff will not enter into negative conversations about teachers. We request that any concerns are raised directly with the school.
- TeachAllAboutIt expect our tutors to be careful to avoid creating any unhealthy dependencies by suggesting a need for tutoring where no such need exists through reporting in a manner that explicitly or implicitly suggests a need for further on-going tutoring where there is no need or engaging in any practice that undermines the independent learning of pupils.
- Our tutors will not engage in any form of plagiarism, such as completing pupils’ homework assignments or NEA work for them.
- Our tutors will demonstrate faith in their pupils’ learning ability and provide honest, positive and constructive feedback.
- We understand the need to be flexible in our approaches to tutoring to assist pupils in discovering effective learning strategies.
- As individual tutors we will endeavour to keep up-to-date with advances in subject knowledge and pedagogy through engagement with TeachAllAboutIT & external CPD.
- All tutors must comply with the TeachAllAboutIT Child Protection Policy.
- TeachAllAboutIT expects all tutors to be committed to identifying any particular challenges or difficulties pupils might have with their learning and to assisting them in overcoming those barriers or referring to others where we cannot meet that need.
- TeachAllAboutIT expects all tutors to share any concerns I have about pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that are beyond my competency to address with parents or schools as appropriate.
- TeachAllAboutIT expects all tutors to identify to us or the client any special educational needs that are beyond their experience or ability to resolve, in order that they may secure for them the right kind of specialist help.
- Any referrals made to other agencies or organisations will come with full disclosure of any personal or material interest.
- TeachAllAboutIt expect our tutors and wider staff members to understand that our relationship to our learners is professional and not personal and that we all have a duty of care towards them.
- TeachAllAboutIt expects all staff to keep information about learners confidential, unless doing so would be to result in injury or harm being done to them. In these circumstances, all staff, contractors and volunteers are expected to follow our formal Safeguarding procedures.
- TeachAllAboutIt expects all staff, contractors, and volunteers to show respect for learners’ cultural background, personal dignity and values.
- As individuals, we will maintain accurate records of tutoring sessions as expected and required using appropriate systems provided by TeachAllAboutIt.
- TeachAllAboutIt expects all staff to respect the terms and conditions of their contract, and in particular, will not seek to provide educational services to pupils they have been introduced to in this way independently of the company.
Student Code of Conduct
We expect all students to:
- Arrive / log in in good time for your lesson. If you arrive late to your lesson, the time will not be extended past the scheduled end time as this impacts on the students that follow you.
- Ensure that you are dressed comfortably – we don’t expect you to be smart or wear uniforms, but do ask that all students appropriately dressed.
- Come to your lesson with the necessary equipment (as a minimum, students should have a pen, paper, and calculator).
- Be polite to your tutor and other staff.
- We reserve the right to withdraw a student from tuition or courses with immediate effect where the student or a parent/carer has been verbally and/or physically abusive to our staff.
When attending In Person Lessons, we expect students to:
- Let your tutor know of any changes to your exam board or syllabus..
- Keep distractions to a minimum by muting mobile phones.
- Place bags and coats in a safe place under the desk to avoid tripping.
- Follow evacuation instructions if required to do so in an emergency.
When attending Online Lessons, we expect students to:
- Test your equipment before the start of your lesson.
- Run an internet speed check using this as a minimum:
- Download >10Mbps
- Upload > 2Mbps
- Jitter <30ms
- Test that your headset earphones & microphone are working.
- Run an internet speed check using this as a minimum:
- Attend online tuition from an open room such as a living or dining room for the purposes of safeguarding
- Keep distractions to a minimum by muting mobile phones, switching off social media.
- We ask students not to bring food to lessons (including online), unless medically required
Conflict of Interest
The TeachAllAboutIt Conflict of Interest Policy refers to any case where an employee’s or contracted tutor’s personal interest might contradict the interest of TeachAllAboutIt or the integrity of examinations.
This policy will outline the rules regarding conflict of interest and the responsibilities of employees, contractors and TeachAllAboutIt in resolving any such discrepancies.
This company conflict of interest policy applies to all prospective or current employees of TeachAllAboutIt, as well as independent contractors and persons acting on behalf of the company.
What is an employee conflict of interest?
This situation may take many different forms that include, but are not limited to, conflict of interest examples:
- Employees’ ability to use their position with the company to their personal advantage
- Employees using access to assessment materials to unfairly advantage learners
- Employees accepting learners that they teach elsewhere for 1-2-1 tuition
- Employees assessing or invigilating exams for learners known to them personally
- Employees engaging in activities that will bring direct or indirect profit to a competitor
- Employees using connections obtained through the company for their own private purposes
- Employees using company equipment or means to support an external business
- Employees acting in ways that may compromise the company’s legality (e.g. taking bribes or bribing representatives of legal authorities)
The possibility that a conflict of interest may occur can be addressed and resolved before any actual damage is done. Therefore, when an employee understands or suspects that a conflict of interest exists, they should bring this matter to the attention of management so corrective actions may be taken.
Where there is any doubt, advice and guidance may be sought from Holly Billinghurst at holly@teachallaboutit.uk or requested directly from the awarding body. If an employee is unsure what to declare, they should declare it first and then seek guidance.
The responsibility of resolving a conflict of interest starts from the employee and must be reported to the managment team as part of the day to day administration of tuition and assessments. All conflicts of interest will be resolved as fairly as possible. Senior management has the responsibility of the final decision when a solution cannot be found.
Note: The same principles apply to the company in regards to its clients. When applicable, we are committed to not offer services or form partnerships with companies who are in direct competition with one of our existing clients.
Additional Requirements for Formal Assessments
Where a student is sitting a formal assessment, invigilators, examiners, and supervisors will be required to declare any conflict of interest at time of student registration. Where an invigilator has prior personal knowledge of a learner or has involvment with the teaching of the unit, they may participate in invigilation.
All invigilators will be required to confirm the above as part of the exam log.
Where a Conflict of Interest is Identified
It is assumed that the majority of conflicts may be easily resolved through the substitution of an alternative staff member. In this case, the conflict will be recorded as part of standard documentation. However, in the event that a conflict is concealed and discovered at a later date TeachAllAboutIt are fully committed to investigating any conflict of interest.
All decisions under which a conflict of interest has been declared will be recorded by TeachAllAboutIt as part of our internal HR procedures and reported to any relevent awarding bodies. The meeting will record:
• the nature and extent of the conflict
• an outline of the discussion; and
• the actions taken to manage the conflict
Any member of staff likely to have a conflict within the investigation or meeting should withdraw from the process.
Where a member of staff is found to have concealed a conflict of interest, disciplinary action will be taken.
If you are a contracted tutor and/or a Delivery Partner undertaking the services or contract on behalf of TeachAllAboutIt you must ensure that you, your staff, your own agents, sub-contractors, and suppliers comply with TeachAllAboutIt’s conflict of interest policy and declare any conflicts of interest on the contractor form.
Academic Honesty (Malpractice)
TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. is committed to upholding the integrity and standards of education and the qualifications that they deliver. Academic honestly policies ensure that all assessment, including the authentication of learners work is completed with integrity.
All staff members, including contracted tutors are responsible for ensuring that they follow the policy and strategies below. The Director is responsible for monitoring and maintaining this policy.
- Under no circumstances will tutors complete homework / NEA work for a learner. Evidence of misconduct in these circumstances will result in immediate suspension from duties.
- Where there is a genuine suspicion of academic dishonestly, work will not be authenticated and this will be reported to the relevant bodies. In these circumstances, TeachAllAboutIt will fully co-operate with the relevant awarding bodies or regulator by supplying timely, accurate, and full information.
- Where grades are assessed by tutors on behalf of an assessment/exam centre as part of the an exceptional examination series, under no circumstances will the awarded grade be disclosed to the student or parent
It is important that anyone involved in the management, assessment and quality assurance of courses, assessment, or qualifications, and their learners, are fully aware of the contents of this policy and that
arrangements are in place to prevent and investigate instances of malpractice and maladministration. As such, all students are required to sign a confirmation at time of enrolment that they have seen and agree to comply with this policy.
Definition of Malpractice
Malpractice is any activity or practice which deliberately contravenes regulations and compromises the integrity of the internal or external assessment process and/or the validity of certificates. It covers any deliberate actions, neglect, default or other practice that compromises, or could compromise:
- the assessment process
- the integrity of a regulated qualification
- the validity of a result or certificate
- the reputation and credibility of BCS
- the qualification or the wider qualifications community
Malpractice may include a range of issues from the failure to maintain appropriate records or systems to the deliberate falsification of records in order to claim certificates.
For the purpose of this policy this term also covers misconduct and forms of unnecessary discrimination or bias towards certain or groups of learners.
Definition of Maladministration
Maladministration is essentially any activity or practice which results in non-compliance with administrative regulations and requirements and includes the application of persistent mistakes or poor administration (e.g. within a training provider, inappropriate learner records).
In the Event of Malpractice or Maladministration
Anybody who identifies or is made aware of suspected or actual cases of malpractice or maladministration at any time must immediately notify Holly Billinghurst in writing at holly@teachallaboutit.uk
In the case of ICDL / Advanced ICDL, this must be immediately reported directly to BCS. This should be considered protected under Whistleblowing, and the informant will be protected by both BCS and TeachAllAboutIt under our duty of confidentiality. BCS have a responsibility to the regulatory
authorities to ensure that all investigations are carried out rigorously and effectively.
Where malpractice or maladministration is suspected, a formal investigation must be undertaken. Due to the size of TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. as a company, this will be undertaken by external individuals (eg. our accountant) to ensure that those involved have no personal interest in the outcome of the investigation.
The outcome of any investigation will not adversely affect the whistleblower.
Non Examined Assessments (NEAs)
Where a student is completing an NEA as part of a course studied at an external organisation, tutors will provide general advice to the student and direction to the exam board’s mark scheme. At no point will a tutor directly assist a student in the preparation of NEA or coursework or provide writing frames / templates.
Tutors will ensure that they are fully aware of the requirements for NEA completion using the JCQ Guidance for NEAs document.
Under no circumstances will a tutor provide guidance on marks or specific guidance for improvement of marks. Where an NEA is marked by a tutor, this must follow both JCQ and individual exam board regulations.
All advice given as part of tuition or a wider course will be clearly recorded as part of the student’s record.
Setting & Marking of NEAs
TeachAllAboutIt is not an exam centre for GCSE, A Level, or iMedia courses. As such, all exams and NEAs must be registered and sat with a formal exam centre. TeachAllAboutIt is affiliated with several private candidate exam centres where preferential rates may be applied. These exam centres are:
Tutors and Exams Private Exam Centres
TeachAllAboutIt will not require a particular exam centre to be used, unless for vocational distance learning where we are acredited for delivery and assessment with certain centres.
Where timeframes are required within a distance learning course, assessments will be released to learners using an automated system linked to the dates recorded on the Scheme of Assessment for each course. Tutors connected to the course will be expected to provide marking and feedback within the timeframe required by the exam board.
Where a learner requires adapted resources or exam concessions, this will be clearly highlighted within the learners’ enrolment file and embedded into their assessment process.
Supervision of NEAs and Assessments
Tutors must have regular direct contact with students through the production of NEA (coursework). Where learners do not directly attend the tuition centre, this contact must include regular online video calls where the learner has access to a webcam, and creation of documentation through our interactive Dropbox.
Tutors and moderators will make use of the dropbox facilities for both authentication and anti-plagiarism checks.
Where a tutor cannot be fully confident that the work is entirely the learner’s own, work will not be authenticated and reports will be made to the relevant authorities – this may include the exam centre and awarding body.
At the start of each NEA unit, students will be provided with a copy of the JCQ Information for Candidates document. This will be clearly linked in their distance learning course and highlighted to them by their tutor.
Quality Assurance Policy
TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. is committed to upholding the integrity and standards of education and the qualifications that they deliver. Quality assurance within the company is a procedure that ensures there is a structure for planning and monitoring of standards for the company as a whole and employees within.
Quality Assurance encompasses all learners that attend tuition, groups, or assessment.
All staff members, including contracted tutors are responsible for ensuring that they follow the policy and strategies below. The Quality Assurance Director is responsible for monitoring and maintaining this policy.
All aspects of Quality Assurance will be linked to our Equal Opportunities policy.
Quality Assurance – Tuition & Assessment
All staff involved tuition and the administration of learning will undertake regular training for their role and will be provided with access to continuing training opportunities.
Where contracted tutors undertake roles with students, they will provide details of their relevant qualifications to ensure that these are in line with TeachAllAboutIt policies prior to a contract of work being agreed.
Quality Assurance – Distance Learning
Where possible, all tasks set will be those set directly by the exam board. Where this is not possible, all set tasks will be moderated by a second subject specialist prior to release to students.
Internal assessments will be created alongside a formal markscheme to enable consistent marking and transition to another tutor where required.
Where lessons are created as part of a distance learning course, content will be hosted on a secure server and accessible only through a secure login. All lessons will be proofread and checked for quality prior to release.
Topic content recorded in the Scheme of Work and Scheme of Assessment will be checked annually against the exam board specification and any changes published will be included as soon as practical.
Quality Assurance – Moderation of Marking
Where NEA work has been marked by a tutor within TeachAllAboutIt, marks will be validated by a second subject specialist through a moderation process. Moderator comments will be submitted alongside formal marking justification from the original tutor. Where a moderator believes the original marks to be outside of tolerance, work will be passed to the Lead Tutor for investigation.
Internal Verification / moderation of work will be recorded on learner’s work or coursework marking forms. A copy of all comments will be held on the learner’s file alongside any adjustments to marking.
For QCF Non-Examined assessments, the lead internal verifier must register and complete relevant standardisation to gain any required accreditation. Where this is not possible, verification of work will be passed to the relevant exam centre.
Examplars of banded marking will be maintained within the TeachAllAboutIt shared drives to assist tutors to mark with a consistent approach.
Quality Assurance – Assessment & Exams
All new invigilators will be observed during their first test session and annually thereafter to ensure assessment regulations are followed. All invigilators will have access to the JCQ Invigilator Checklist as part of annual training for running in person and remotely invigilated exams.
Information from the awarding body will be disseminated to all members of staff involved in the delivery of qualifications through a combination of training, emails, and access to the tutor extranet pages.
Handling of Secure Materials for Exams & Assessments
As part of our ongoing involvement with private exam centres for the authentication of NEAs, coursework, and as an assessment centre, the following policy applies to all tutors and centre staff in contact with restricted materials for any form of assessment.
Where examinations or assessments are undertaken at the TeachAllAboutIt Centre, the JCQ Instructions for Conducting Examinations guidance will be followed.
All invigilators will be provided with access to the JCQ Invigilator Checklist as part of annual training for running in person and remotely invigilated exams.
Invigilator and markers for an exam will not be the subject tutor or known outside the center to the learner. Where a conflict of interest occurs, an independent invigilator/examiner may be sought for the purpose of that exam.
Candidate data will be recorded using the required software of each awarding body, and for the purposes of training and assessment by TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. will be recorded on our main Tuition CRM software, Tutorbird.
In order to undertake authentication of assessmets, the following information will be provided to awarding bodies:
- Candidate Information
- Personal data relevant to exam entry
Where Material Relates to Completion of NEA / Coursework
Where a student is undertaking NEA authentication with TeachAllAboutIt, we are committed to following the procedures laid out by the JCQ for conducting NEAs. A full policy on NEA authentication may be seen here.
Exam & Assessment Materials
The integrity and security of assessment documentation and question papers must be maintained at all times.
Where there is a concern that materials are no longer secure, this must be reported to Holly Billinghurst, or in her absence Anne Feldberg immediately. Once reported, a formal declaration will be made to the relevant awarding authority.
Where Exam Material is Received by Post
Any assessment materials sent to the TeachAllAboutIt Centre by post will be logged using a copy of the JCQ Exam Materials Receipt Log for Exams Officers. These will be stored in a locked area with secure key access available only to centre managers.
Materials must be moved to the locked area immediately on delivery. All ‘live’ exam material must be kept in its sealed packets. Once material is no longer ‘locked’ it should be moved to another area for use with mock exams and other assessments.
Keyholders for secure materials:
Holly Billinghurst – Director |
Anne Feldberg – Finance |
Any assessment material must be checked within 1 working day of delivery and any concerns or queries raised with the awarding body. Queries may include, but are not limited to:
- it appears that the parcel or one of the packets has been opened during transit and therefore there may have been a breach of security
- there are any differences between the material received and the despatch/ delivery note
- the material has been significantly damaged in transit or upon opening
- the material appears not to meet the centre’s requirements
- the material has been received in error
Where assessment documents are copied for purposes of assessment, a further entry will be made in the Exam Officer Materials Log.
Where Exam Material is Received Electronically
Encrypted exam papers that are downloaded either on the day of an examination or as currently “locked” papers, will be logged in the same manner as receipt by post.
At no point may a tutor share a locked past paper with a student unless for the express purpose of a recorded mock exam in cases where a student is studying the full course with TeachAllAboutIt. Where a student attends tuition to supplement school learning, locked papers will not be used under any circumstances.
Where a home educated student requests access to locked past papers, they will be directed to their exam centre to make a formal EHE request.
ICDL & Advanced ICDL Exams
**TeachAllAboutIt is currently undergoing the process of Acceditation with BCS and is not yet an approved ICDL centre. Once accreditation has been approved, this policy will be live **
Policies shown below are based on and led by the BCS IT User Operational Requirements Manual. All staff involved with ICDL and Advanced ICDL are required to read the full manual prior to commencing any duties.
All staff involved with ICDL and Advanced ICDL must ensure that they have registered for a Approved Centre Forum (ACF) account at www.bcs.org/acf
Where BCS learning materials are provided for independent study, these will be provided via a secure portal and are intended for the sole purpose of the registered user.
Where a learner is identified as having shared materials or used them for a purpose other than their own study, access to the TeachAllAboutIt courses will be revoked and learner registration will be terminated. BCS and / or TeachAllAboutIt will take action against individuals or organisations that are found to have broken copyright rules.
Learners are expected to spend the required number of guided learning hours completing their course of study. This will be recorded through a combination of attendance at formal lessons (this may be through in-person or online tuition, or group lessons), time spent actively engaging with online recorded LMS lessons, or a combination of both.
Where a learner has not completed the expected number of guided learning hours through standard methods, they may provide evidence of additional unrecorded activities to demonstrate coverage of the learning outcomes.
The TeachAllAboutIt Centre reserves the right to refuse exam entry, or require a mock exam where they believe a learner is not fully prepared for assessment.
All learners embarking on a course of study linked to ICDL or Advanced ICDL will be registered with BCS as part of their course fee. At first registration, learners will be given a unique BCS identification number which will be used to link assessments and qualifications.
Course fees exclude exam & resit fees. These may be booked separately through our assessment booking form.
Learners may book individual exams at a time suitable to them and may re-sit any failed units. Resits must be a minimum of two working days from the failed exam, however we strongly recommend allowing sufficient time to reflect on areas for improvement before resitting.
Where a learner has failed a unit four times and wishes to resit, the centre must seek permission from BCS.
Credit Transfer
If a learner has previously completed one or more units of a qualification with an alternative provider. These units may be transferred to study with TeachAllAboutIt.
Unit tests booked with TeachAllAboutIt for ICDL / Advanced ICDL will be undertaken at set times in controlled conditions.
You should expect your invigilator to complete a test register. This is to ensure that everything in place is correct and the learner has been given any required reasonable adjustments.
Unit tests will take place at a time when no other lessons / activities are taking place in the centre, including mock exams. This ensures that there are no distractions and staff are on hand to assist.
Where learners are completing a unit test through remote invigilation, invigilation will be on a 1:1 basis and an additional hardware / software list will be provided.
Where more than one learner is undertaking a unit test, computers will have no less than 1.25m space between them. Where additional support such as a reader, prompt, or rest breaks are required the learner will be provided with a dedicated room in which to sit the test.
A maximum of 6 learners may sit an assessment in the centre at once. This enables us to provide adequate spacing and support.
A wall clock will be visible to all learners and invigilators (if this is a source of concern to students, please contact us under the reasonable adjustments guidance).
Tests are sat using the BCS automated testing system which will provide an instant result at the end of each test. As the automated testing system is screen based, all unit tests will be completed using a bank of laptops which have been pre-loaded with required software and the Automated Test Software.
In exceptions where a learner is unable to use the automated testing system, manual testing is available. In these cases, tests will be marked by an authorised marker within 10 working days of the unit test. Where a test is manually marked, this will be internally verified by a second tutor. Markers may not be the subject tutor of that student.
Following a unit test, learners will be provided with a printed copy of their overall result.
This may also include generalised feedback on areas for improvement where a learner has failed a test, and referral to an area of the specification to assist with a retake.
The centre cannot provide under any circumstances:
- A question by question breakdown
- A manually marked test paper
- A mark sheet
- A full printout of an automated test
Once a learner has passed the required units for a full qualification, these results will be submitted to BCS for approval. From here, qualification certificates will be issued.
TeachAllAboutIt is committed to providing accessible education irregardless of physical disabilities or learning needs. To this end, we have provided a detailed Accessibility Statement for our tuition centre which includes photographs, floor plans, and video with sound to assist with your understanding of access in the Tuition Centre.
Our online Learning Management System (LMS) has been developed with a number of accessibility features and where additional access features would be of use, we ask that you contact us.
Whilst every effort has been made to make our centre accessible, we are aware that the nature of the building may make physical access difficult where fully wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are required. In these circumstances, we are happy to work directly with learners to identify alternative provision of lesson and exam access.
This may include provision of an invigilator to the learner’s home following authorisation from BCS.
Prior to undertaking any role linked to ICDL or Advanced ICDL assessmennt, all TeachAllAboutIt Staff will complete formal BCS training. This takes the format of online training covering the operations manual.
Additional internal training & CPD will be included as part of whole staff training days.
As part of our data collection duties for learners registered for ICDL / Advanced ICDL, the following data will be collected and maintained in our Learning Management System (LMS):
Learner Details | Assessment Details | Certification Details |
---|---|---|
Title | Date | Qualification completion Date |
Forename | Start Time | Certificate Received Date |
Surname | Finish Time | Certificate Dispatch / Collection Date |
House name / number | Duration | |
Postcode | Test Version Number | |
Proof of ID | Outcome | |
Date of Birth | Invigilator Names | |
Gender | Proof of ID at Assessment | |
Ethnicity | Marker / Assessor Name | |
Qualification registered for | Second Marker (if applicable) | |
Registration Date | Result of second mark | |
Registration Number | ||
Guided Learning Hours | ||
Reasonable Adjustments |
All LMS data is backed up incrementally and offsite regularly. Data held may be requested and seen by the learner and BCS as the awarding body.
Following completion, a copy of the records above and copies of learner work will be archived and retained for the duration of registration of the centre.
Reasonable Adjustments & Special Considerations Policy
TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. is committed to seeking & upholding equality of opprtunity for all, with regards to disability, this includes providing reasonable adjustments to ensure equity in the access to education and employment.
A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the learner at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. It is made to an assessment for a qualification to enable a disadvantaged learner to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills and understanding of the levels of attainment required by the specification for that qualification.
All staff members, including contracted tutors are responsible for ensuring that they follow the policy and strategies below. The Directors are responsible for monitoring and maintaining this policy.
Process for Requesting Reasonable Adjustments
Where reasonable adjustments are for a course of study, tuition, exam, or assessment undertaken directly with TeachAllAboutIt, learners or parents may make a direct request to hello@teachallaboutit.uk no less than 30 days prior to an assessment providing:
- learner’s name
- exam number (where applicable)
- nature of the request
- supporting evidence (this may include medical evidence, a statement from a tutor, EHCP etc.)
Where a student or parent believes that this committment has not been fulfilled, they should contact Holly Billinghurst in writing within 5 working days.
Definition of Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments must not affect the integrity of what needs to be assessed, but may involve:
- changing usual assessment arrangements, for example allowing a learner extra time to complete the assessment activity
- adapting assessment materials, such as providing materials in Braille
- providing assistance during assessment, such as a sign language interpreter or a reader
- re-organising the assessment room, such as removing visual stimuli for an autistic learner
- changing the assessment method, for example from a written assessment to a spoken assessment
- using assistive technology, such as screen reading or voice activated software
- providing the mechanism to have different colour backgrounds to screens for onscreen assessments or asking for permission for copying to different coloured paper for paper-based assessments
- providing and allowing different coloured transparencies with which to view assessment papers
Reasonable adjustments are approved or set in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the learner access to the programme. The use of a reasonable adjustment will not be taken into consideration during the assessment of a learner’s work.
What is reasonable will depend on the individual circumstances, cost implications and the practicality and effectiveness of the adjustment. Other factors, such as the need to maintain competence standards and health and safety, will also be taken into consideration.
Learners will not be charged extra for the provision of reasonable adjustments for assessment. You may be required to sit a mock exam as part of our assessment for reasonable adjustment procedures.
Provision of Reasonable Adjustments
Provision of reasonable adjustments may take place when a learner:
- has a permenant disability or specific learning needs
- has a temporary disability, medical condition, or learning needs
Reasonable adjustments are implemented in order to provide equity in access to education and assessments. Where provided, we must ensure that the provision:
- should not invalidate the assessment requirements of the qualification
- should not give the learners an unfair advantage
- should reflect the learner’s normal way of working
- should be based on the individual need of the learner
Definition of Special Consideration
Special consideration can be applied after an assessment if there was a reason the learner may have been
disadvantaged during the assessment. This may include:
- an illness or injury
- another event outside the learner’s control (e.g. software / hardware failure)
The special curcumstances must be considered to have had or is likely to have had, a material effect on that learner’s ability to take an assessment or demonstrate their level of attainment in an assessment.
Special consideration should not give the learner an unfair advantage; neither should its use cause the user of the certificate to be misled regarding a learner’s achievements. The learner’s result must reflect their achievement in the assessment and not necessarily their potential ability.
Special consideration may not be appropriate or possible in all circumstances, and for assessments where practical competence is demonstrated (as is the case for ICDL exams), it may be more appropriate to offer
the learner an opportunity to take the assessment at a later date.
Appeals Procedure for Students
Where students sit examinations at the TeachAllAboutIt Centre, through remote invigilation, or complete coursework through our NEA authentication process, the procedures below apply.
If you are unhappy with any aspect of the examination or authentication process you should first discuss the problem with a member of our management team listed at the top of this page within 5 working days of receiving your exam result. You must make your reasons for complaint clear at the time of complaint and may be requested to submit your concerns in writing.
If you remain unhappy with the decision taken by the TeachAllAboutIt representative, you must write to Holly Billinghurst, TeachAllAboutIt Director within 5 working days of the initial response. At this time, she will review all available information and attempt to work with you to find a solution.
Where a complaint relates to the authentication of NEAs, in the event that you remain unsatisfied, you may raise a complaint directly with your exam centre.
A written record of all complaints will be kept alongside any outcomes. Copies of any records kept in relation to your study with TeachAllAboutIt may be requested at any time.
ICDL / Advanced ICDL (formerly ECDL) Exams
ICDL exams are undertaken using automated testing software, which has been approved by the BCS. In the event of a candidate raising an appeal, an exam report will be created on the BCS system, and will be fully discussed with the candidate and parents where appropriate.
Where it is identified that an issue arose that is the fault of the TeachAllAboutIt Centre or software / hardware error, a resit without charge will be offered.
In the event that you are still not satisfied with the response by the Approved Centre then you can raise the appeal with BCS within 20 working days of your exam by email to qualityassuranceteam@bcs.uk providing the following information:
- Your name and BCS registration number date(s) you received notification of a BCS result
- Title and number of the BCS qualification affected or nature of service affected (if appropriate)
- Full nature of the appeal
- Contents and outcome of any communications relating to the investigation carried out the Centre.
In order to instigate an appeal with BCS, you will be required to make an appeal payment of £10 + VAT.
BCS will not start the investigation into the appeal until payment has been made. A full refund will be made if the appeal is upheld (unless the appeal is for marks to be upgraded due to an illness and then the fee will not be returned). You can make payment by debit or credit card by calling the BCS Customer Service team on + 44 (0) 1793 417 424. Alternatively, you can send a cheque made payable to ‘BCS’.
BCS aim to acknowledge receipt of the appeal within two working days and provide a decision within 20 working days. This may take longer, for example, if a centre visit is required. In such instances, BCS will let you know of the likely timescale. If you do not agree with the BCS decision and wish to escalate the appeal so that it is assessed by an independent reviewer then you must advise BCS of this within 15 working days of their decision. There will be an additional £100.00 + VAT payment required. In the unlikely event that you are still unhappy with the outcome you are entitled to raise this directly with the relevant Regulator such as Ofqual or Qualification Wales.
Complaints Procedure
We hope you never have cause, however we recognise that sometimes things do go wrong. Should you feel that we have not met the high standards that we hold ourselves to the policy below details how to make a complaint.
If you have any concerns about a young or vulnerable person attending learning at the TeachAllAboutIt Tuition Centre or our online sessions, please forward your concerns in writing to our Safeguarding Officers listed at the top of this page immediately.
We will always take any safeguarding report seriously and have formal procedures in place to ensure the safety of those in our care.
Unlike other types of complaint, we may not be able to provide details of the outcome of your report to us. However, please rest assured that these will never be ignored.
In the first instance, please refer to our Tutor Code of Conduct. In some instances, a tutor may be following a process required of them to ensure academic honesty is upheld.
As tutors, we are in a unique position of influence and as such must adhere to behaviour that models high levels of professionalism and anti-discrimination. Each employee has an individual responsibility to uphold the professionalism of tuition.
Any complaints regarding the conduct of staff or contracted tutors working for TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. should be made in writing to Holly Billinghurst at holly@teachallaboutit.uk as soon as possible after an incident has occured.
We will always take any complaint about a member of staff seriously and any report will be investigated fully.
Where the relationship between student and tutor has broken down, we will work with you to identify alternative arrangements. This may include identifying an alternative tutor, method of tuition, or referral to a recommended alternative provider.
When directly supervised, members of staff are responsible for implementing our behaviour and safety policies consistently and recording all incidents in a timely manner.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children know how to behave appropriately. Abusive or discriminatory behaviour towards tutors and / or other students will not be accepted.
We reserve the right to cancel any bookings for students whose behaviour is unacceptable, or where abusive language is used by either parent or student. Whilst this is highly unlikely, you will, of course, receive a refund for outstanding sessions if we need to enforce this.
Where your complaint is in relation to a formal grade for an NEA, coursework, or an exam, please refer to our Academic Appeals Policy.
If your complain relates to an issue within tuition, a course, or marking given as part of homework feedback this may be resolved using the following process:
Step 1: Local Resolution
In the first instance, you should discuss the feedback / grade given with your tutor. You may wish to do this by email so that you are able to lay out your reason for disagreeing with their decision.
Your tutor will then respond within 7 working days to your complaint with explanations of your grade or if they are in agreement with your complaint, they may agree to adjust the marks given.
Step 2: Second Verification
If you disagree with the reponse from your tutor, you may request a second tutor to mark your work.
This must be requested in writing within 7 working days of the response from Step 1 and you will be required to pay a marking fee of £30 per script (for smaller assignments this will be reduced to a pro-rata fee). If the moderating tutor upholds your complaint, this fee will be refunded.
Step 3: External Verification
If after review, you remain dissatisfied with your grade you may request that a tutor external to TeachAllAboutIt remarks your work. This tutor will not be connected to you, nor employed by TeachAllAboutIt and act as a moderator of work only.
You will be required to pay a marking fee quoted by the external tutor to cover the marking & feedback they undertake. If the moderating tutor upholds your complaint, this fee will be refunded by TeachAllAboutIt.
Equal Opportunities Policy
TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. is committed to seeking & upholding equality of opprtunity for all, irrespective of race, gender, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, class, or disability.
The purpose of this policy is to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, training, and education, whether temporary, part-time or full-time.
All staff members, including contracted tutors are responsible for ensuring that they follow the policy and strategies below. The Directors are responsible for monitoring and maintaining this policy.
We will ask all staff and students to reflect on their and our committment to equality and anti-discrimination practices as part of our annual student / staff voice survey.
Our Committments
TeachAllAboutIt will encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and learning environment.
We will create a working and learning environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
This commitment includes training all employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public.
TeachAllAboutIt will take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
TeachAllAboutIt will take opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
TeachAllAboutIt will make decisions concerning staff based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
TeachAllAboutIt will review employment practices and procedures annually, or earlier if needed to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
Directors will assess how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.
Maintaining this document is the responsibility of: Holly Billinghurst
The following premises are covered in this document:
303 Tarring Road, Worthing, BN11 5JG
Online virtual premises (remote working)
Health & Safety Policy
This is the statement of general policy and arrangements for: | TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. | |
Holly Billinghurst | has overall and final responsibility for health and safety | |
Holly Billinghurst | has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice | |
Statement of general policy | Responsibility of: Name/Title | Action/Arrangements (What are you going to do?) |
Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by managing the health and safety risks in the workplace | Holly Billinghurst | Provide clear guidance on Health & Safety for remote working to allow all staff to ensure their own safety within a home environment |
Provide clear instructions and information, and adequate training, to ensure employees are competent to do their work | Holly Billinghurst | Guidance via online training and access to health & safety training through online providers. |
Engage and consult with employees on day-to-day health and safety conditions | Holly Billinghurst | Guidance via online training and access to health & safety training through online providers. |
Implement emergency procedures – evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident. You can find help with your fire risk assessment at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities | Holly Billinghurst & All Staff | Emergency procedures covered in Business Continuity Plan All staff responsible for implementing an emergency evacuation plan for their home when remote working. |
Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and maintain plant, equipment and machinery, and ensure safe storage/use of substances | All Staff | Staff are responsible for ensuring that their home working environments comply with the health & safety guidance provided. |
Health and safety law poster is displayed at (location) | Digitally (remote working) – Google Drive Policy Documents Premises: Tuition Centre Kitchen |
First-aid box is located: | All remote staff are required to ensure that they have access to a first aid box within their home. Premises: Tuition Centre Kitchen (full kit & burns kit) |
Accident book is located: | Front office in Safety files |
Accidents and ill health at work reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor
Risk Assessment – Staff, Tutors, & Students
All employers must conduct a risk assessment. If you have fewer than five employees you don’t have to write anything down.
Maintaining this document is the responsibility of: Holly Billinghurst
This document will next be be reviewed on: 12/12/2022 (annually or as required)
* latest update – following WSCC UKHSA Scarlet Fever Webinar Update *
The following premises are covered in this document:
303 Tarring Road, Worthing, BN11 5JG
Online virtual premises
Copies of this document can be found:
TeachAllAboutIt – Website & Dropbox
Company name: TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. Date of latest risk assessment: 12/12/2022
Risk is assessed using a standard Risk Rating.
All concerns regarding a risk within the centre or whilst working remotely must be reported online immediately to hello@teachallaboutit.uk
Impact | Likelihood of Occurrence | ||
High | Medium | Low | |
Major Major Physical Injury, harm, or ill-health (includes risk of death) | ALERT | ALERT | AWARE |
Severe Physical injury or illness that requires first aid | ALERT | AWARE | CARE |
Minor Potential for minor injury, discomfort, or upset | AWARE | CARE | CARE |
This is the statement of general policy and arrangements for: | TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. | ||
Holly Billinghurst | has overall and final responsibility for health and safety | ||
Holly Billinghurst | has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice | ||
Statement of general policy | Responsibility of: Name/Title | Action/Arrangements (What are you going to do?) | |
Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by managing the health and safety risks in the workplace | Holly Billinghurst | Provide clear guidance on Health & Safety for remote working to allow all staff to ensure their own safety within a home environment | |
Provide clear instructions and information, and adequate training, to ensure employees are competent to do their work | Holly Billinghurst | Guidance via online training and access to health & safety training through online providers. | |
Engage and consult with employees on day-to-day health and safety conditions | Holly Billinghurst | Guidance via online training and access to health & safety training through online providers. | |
Implement emergency procedures – evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident. You can find help with your fire risk assessment at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities | Holly Billinghurst & All Staff | Emergency procedures covered in Business Continuity Plan All staff responsible for implementing an emergency evacuation plan for their home when remote working. | |
Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and maintain plant, equipment and machinery, and ensure safe storage/use of substances | All Staff | Staff are responsible for ensuring that their home working environments comply with the health & safety guidance provided. | |
Health and safety law poster is displayed at (location) | Digitally (remote working) – Google Drive Policy Documents Premises: Tuition Centre Kitchen |
First-aid box is located: | All remote staff are required to ensure that they have access to a first aid box within their home. Premises: Tuition Centre Kitchen (full kit & burns kit) All first aider certificates are displayed by the corridor in the front office. |
Accident book is located: | Digitally (remote working) & Premises – Google Drive Policy Documents |
Accidents and ill health at work reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor
What are the hazards? | Who might be harmed and how? | What are you already doing? | Do you need to do anything else to control this risk? | Action by who? | Action by when? | Risk Rating (After action) |
Child becomes lost / unsupervised | Potential for child to come into contact with unknown adults & may become distressed. | The TeachAllAboutIt Tuition Centre is not open to the public and is a self-contained property. Main entrance is accessed by video doorbell or tutors meet learners at the door. Parents collect from the centre or from outside the door. | Ensure that doorbell battery is monitored & access to CCTV is kept secure. CCTV recordings to be automatically deleted after 30 days unless downloaded for security / safeguarding purposes. | |||
Unknown individuals accessing the Tuition Centre. | Potential for distress for both children and adults (including staff). | The TeachAllAboutIt Tuition Centre is not open to the public and is a self-contained property. Should an intruder or dangerous individual enter the centre, children and staff should follow the same paths given for fire exits. Both may leave via the front or rear entrances to the building and make their way to safety. All staff carry a mobile phone to call emergency services. CCTV is implemented in both the front & rear offices – captured images are stored on a secure off site server for 30 days. | Staff should not attempt to engage with a dangerous individual. Safe refuge may be sought locally at the Church Hall or Train Station where landline phones are available. Regular checks of CCTV cameras to ensure good working order & visual access. CCTV sign to be clearly shown on front door. | |||
Accident / Injury to learners or staff | Potential for accidental injury through slips, bumps, or minor cuts. | At least one member of staff on site holds pediatric first aid training and can administer First Aid if required. Learners to be supervised at all times with any unsafe behaviour addressed appropriately by the tutor or staff member working with them. Any accidents or injuries to be recorded in appropriate accident book. For learners, a copy of the form must be given to parents. | Basic First Aid training made available to everyone through protrainings website with annual full 12 hour course available as part of staff training options. First Aid Kit situated in the Kitchen. Checks of all learning rooms should use the HSE Classroom Checklist as a basis. | |||
Inappropriate contact with staff, volunteers, or other adults | Potential for physical, mental, and emotional harm. | All members of staff who have direct contact with under 18s will hold a enhanced DBS check and are encouraged to subscribe to the update service. DBS status will be checked at least every two years with confirmation of status declared to the Tutors Association. Staff will have access to annual L2 Safeguarding for Young People training through the Protrainings portal or in-house training. Safeguarding policies & practices are reviewed annually against WSCC schools guidance. | CCTV is installed in both front and rear offices where tuition takes place. Images from cameras are stored offsite on a secure server and accessible to only the Safeguarding Lead and Deputy. Images are deleted after 30 days, unless requested by Police at which point a download will be made available. Parents / guardians / learners do not have access to CCTV images. | |||
Awareness of Policies & Procedures | Staff being unaware of policies may cause unintentional harm to others. | All staff have direct links to policy documents through their online portal: Health & Safety PolicySafeguarding & Safer Recruitment PolicyBusiness Continuity PlanCOVID-19 Opening Plan All staff, tutors, students, and visitors to the centre must be timetabled in Tutorbird to identify the time & location of their lessons / sessions. Staff must be provided with updated copies of policies and risk assessment – this is managed through the TeachAllAboutIt Website. | All staff are provided with links to government guidance in control of disease including, but not limited to: HSE guidance on reporting of infectious diseasesPublic Health England – PHE Health Protection Team ContactDfE (2020) Guidance for Schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)WSCC Guidance on Scarlet Fever (2022) Staff receive additional training on social distancing and additional hygiene in study areas Parents & students are made aware of additional social distancing and cleaning measures through online statement. | Directors | 01-9-2020 | AWARE |
Contamination (Additional Cleaning) | Heightened risk of infectious disease in particular COVID-19 & Strep A infections. Several staff members are in a higher risk category where infection is present. Students/parents may not disclose where a family member is at risk. | A daily & weekly cleaning schedule is in place with a heightened emphasis on the reduction of potential infection: More frequent cleaning of roomsDaily when not in useTables wiped with alcohol-based solution after useProvision for toilets to be cleaned after every use Where a student is unwell, provisions are made for online lessons where possible to minimize risk. | Where drinks are provided, each item is purchased as individually wrapped. Shared cups/cutlery in kitchen to be steam cleaned after use. No sharing of cups between steam cleaning. | Cleaning Team / Reception | Ongoing. | ALERT |
Contact with others who are infectious | Heightened risk of infectious disease in particular COVID-19 & Strep A infections. Several staff members are in a higher risk category where infection is present. Students/parents may not disclose where a family member is at risk | Any student or tutor who has shown symptoms of infection or tested positive for infection may not attend the centre in person (online lessons will be offered as an alternative) until 24 hours after starting antibiotics for Step A or after 2 negative COVID tests. This includes: High temperature (38° or higher)Sore throatPink rashNausea / vomiting Where a student displays symptoms whilst in attendance, parents will be contacted and required to collect the student immediately. Where possible, masks should be worn during group sessions. PPE is provided within the centre. Following collection, all areas will be deep cleaned. Where two or more Step A / Scarlet Fever infections occur in a 10 day period, the South East Health Protection Team must be notified. This will be undertaken by Holly Billinghurst to se.acuteresponse@ukhsa.gov.uk | All booking confirmation to clearly ask parents not to attend if a member of the household displays symptoms. | All staff | AWARE | |
Slips and trips | Staff and visitors may be injured if they trip over objects or slip on spillages. | General good housekeeping is carried out. All areas well lit, including stairs. No trailing leads or cables. Staff keep work areas clear, eg no boxes left in walkways, deliveries stored immediately. | Step in bathroom to include a small rubber ramp. | All staff, H Billinghurst to monitor | On order – arriving Jan 2023 | CARE |
Electric Points in Group Room & offices | Staff & visitors may be harmed should electrical appliances be faulty. | Electrical Appliances PAT tested by approved electrician. Last PAT test review: September 2022 Annual electrical safety review | All staff & tutors | Next PAT review – September 2024 | CARE | |
Use of Laptops | Laptop chargers from outside of the organisation may be faulty, causing electrical harm | Where students / staff wish to bring in additional charging equipment when using laptops / phones, these must be included in the annual PAT test or show a current (within 2 years) PAT test sticker. | Tutors to be aware of equipment brought in by students. | All staff & tutors | CARE | |
Communal Kitchen safety | Potential for harm where water / electrical appliances are used (kettle / coffee machine). Potential for scalding where boiling water is used. | Safety guidance provided to all staff on safe use of equipment. No students permitted to use kitchen other than a walkway to bathroom. Approved First Aid & Burns kit located in kitchen. | Additional support for Holly when accessing hot drinks. Members on site to assist with making & carrying hot water. | All staff | CARE | |
Permanent work station safety | Postural injury from working at desks. Screen safety where computers are used for extended time. | All staff provided with HSE desk set up advice & diagram. Adjustable chairs provided to all permanent staff. All staff working with VDU should take care to ensure that there is no window glare on their monitor. Window film fitted to rear offices where glare is detected. | H Billinghurst | CARE | ||
Trip Hazards from permanent work stations | Potential trip hazard from PC wires at permanent workstations where desk does not face a wall. | Velcro cable ties used to reduce trip hazards and reduce the issues around trailing wires. Velcro used to allow for adjustment and moving of equipment with minimal damage. | Provided by centre – review after any move of equipment. | After each change | ||
Trips from ramps | Potential for trips caused by an expected step where ramps have been installed. | High grip surface on all ramps to reduce potential for slips on ramped surfaces. Where temporary ramp is installed outside, only staff members trained in safe lifting may move this. | CARE | |||
Fire Evacuation | Should fire occur, safe evacuation from building required. | Fire evacuation signs throughout & extinguishers in place in line with fire safety. | Annual check of all equipment, including fire extinguishers in August. Refer to Fire Risk Assessment Below. | CARE |
Fire Risk Assessment
The fire risk assessment applies to the TeachAllAboutIt Tuition Centre – 303 Tarring Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 5JG.
Company name: TeachAllAboutIt Ltd. Date of latest risk assessment: 12/12/2022
Responsible Person: Holly Billinghurst, Director In Accordance With HSE Educational Guidance
Fire Extinguisher Locations:
Middle Office (By Cupboard)
Powder – including electrical – checked November 2022 (green)
Foam – non-electrical – checked November 2022 (green)
Front Office (Under safety certificates, by corridor doorway)
Powder – including electrical – checked November 2022 (green)
Foam – non-electrical – checked November 2022 (green)
Impact | Likelihood of Occurrence | ||
High | Medium | Low | |
MajorMajor Physical Injury, harm, or ill-health (includes risk of death) | ALERT | ALERT | AWARE |
SeverePhysical injury or illness that requires first aid | ALERT | AWARE | CARE |
MinorPotential for minor injury, discomfort, or upset | AWARE | CARE | CARE |
Evacuation Strategy : All out – Simultaneous Evacuation
Occupancy: Majority are general needs only (learners and staff can speak & read English)
Disability access:
Wheelchair user (Holly): to evacuate through front entrance where possible. Emergency crutches in toilet & assistance from another staff member required for evacuation via rear entrance.
Occupancy maximums: No more than 4 members of staff and 8 learners will be on site at any one time.
What are the hazards? (Ignition, Fuel, Oxygen) | Source of Ignition | Source of Fuel | Do you need to do anything else to control this risk? | Action by who? | Action by when? | Risk Rating (After action) |
Awareness of Policies & Procedures | Staff being unaware of policies may cause unintentional harm to others. | N/a | All Staff | Directors | AWARE | |
Electrical fixtures & fittings | According to UK government statistics, the majority of accidental fires in buildings are started due to faulty electrical leads, sockets and circuits | Electrical computer equipment, general fixtures & fittings, heating | An electrical inspection was undertaken in 2020 when gas boiler was disconnected & electrical heater & water was installed. Annual PAT testing of all electrical equipment. Staff should not wait for annual inspections but should: Look for breakages, wear/deterioration, signs of overheating, missing parts (covers, screws) loose fixings. | Next PAT testing inspection due September 2024 | AWARE | |
Smoking | Cigarettes and other smoking materials | Smoking is not allowed in or outside the tuition centre. By law, smoking is not allowed in covered areas or workplaces. Despite this, there remains a requirement to be vigilant of individuals attempting to conceal smoking within the building. | All staff are aware of the no smoking policy and should report any learner smoking on premises to Holly Billinghurst. This will be reported to parents as a behavioral concern. | All staff | CARE | |
Combustible Materials | Soft furnishings, computer equipment etc. | Combustible materials present a clear risk when placed near a source of ignition. The storage of books & paper in the office presents a risk of spreading should a fire occur. | Regular “on sight” inspection of soft furnishings for damage. Placement of electrical fires should be such that direct heat does not reach flammable materials. All office chairs should retain the “Furniture and Furnishings Regulations 1988” label where possible. | CARE | ||
Arson | Opportunistic or planned attack | various | Refuse is stored appropriately in dedicated refuse bins at the front of the building. There is not a current alternative for this and the option for a lockable bin is not agreed with the council collection service. CCTV is installed at the front of the building through a motion detecting video doorbell. Images are stored off site on a secure server. | AWARE |
PEEPS – People at Special Risk
Basic Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans are implemented where a learner or member of staff has a physical disability or SEN which would impact on their ability to evacuate in the standard way.
Fire Protection Measures
Fire alarms are installed in front & central offices, as well as the kitchen. In addition to this, a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in the kitchen.
Fire Fighting
General Purpose and electrical fire extinguishers are installed in both front and middle offices. These were replaced in 2020 and are checked on a regular basis.
Means of Escape
Emergency exits are made clear by Fire Action signs at the doorway of each room. These indicate the nearest fire escape and external assembly point in the event of a fire.
Emergency Exit sign is placed clearly on the back door to ensure appropriate use in the event of a fire or similar situation where evacuation was required.
No travel distance greater than 10m exists from any point in the centre to an emergency exit and there is no ability to lock any internal door within the centre apart from the toilet door. Where an emergency evacuation from the toilet is needed, the ability to open the window to such a degree as to allow an adult to escape is possible.
The centre is on one floor with no internal or external stairways.
Access for Emergency Vehicles
Access from the main road is available to emergency vehicles. Where necessary, there is additional off-road access via Cedar Garage premises & through the private garden to the rear of the property.
Standard road water supplies are within reach of the property for emergency vehicles.
Floor Plans
The floor plan below is a full architect drawn plan of the property. This is made available as part of our disability access statement.
Policy Monitoring
Monitoring of these Policies & Procedures will be undertaken by TeachAllAboutIT’s board of directors.
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.