Advice to parents and carers making private arrangements for their children’s education

Many parents will at some stage think about employing a private tutor to support their child’s learning, or provide for their child’s education other than at school.

Under provisions within The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, the Department for Children Schools and Families is to introduce the Vetting and Barring Scheme from the autumn of 2008. This scheme will introduce a requirement that private tutors and the like register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme and will enable parents/carers to check with whether or not a person is barred from working with children and young people.

Before engaging a private tutor, parents are advised:

• to always interview their chosen candidates
• to ask for and check professional references, qualification certificates
• to ask to see a copy of the tutor’s Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
• If there are career gaps on the tutor’s CV, ask for and check their reasons why
• If the tutor is employed at a school you can also ask for a reference from the school’s Headteacher

Remember – you are the employer and have the right to ask for this information.

• It is a good idea to interview your candidates at home and introduce them to your child so you can see how they get on
• Once the tuition starts it should take place in an area that you have easy access to and can see what is happening. Make sure that the area is well organised and suitable for studying. Do not use a bedroom
• If you are unhappy with the way a tutor is treating your child you can tell them to leave immediately and dismiss them from the position
• If you are concerned for the safety and welfare of your child you should discuss the matter with Children’s Service’s Referral and Assessment Team (01225 396313)

Further information on the vetting and barring process for adults who work with children and young people is available from the Criminal Records Bureau at www.crb.gov.uk.