Safeguarding At Spires

At Spires, safeguarding is our foremost priority. It underpins every stage of the tutoring journey, from how Online Tutors are recruited and vetted to how lessons are delivered and monitored on our platform. Clear policies, secure technology, and rigorous standards work together to create a safe and professional learning environment for every student.

This guide outlines how safeguarding operates in practice at Spires and the specific measures we take to protect students, support families, and maintain the highest standards across our network.

Our Recruitment and Vetting Process

Safeguarding begins with selecting the right tutors. Before anyone can teach on the Spires platform, they must complete a structured recruitment and vetting process to confirm their qualifications and suitability to work with children and young people.

We do not rely on self-declared experience. Every tutor is reviewed through a series of checks to ensure they meet professional and safeguarding standards.

Our recruitment and vetting process includes:

• A rigorous interview (including a live tutoring simulation) to assess teaching ability and professionalism.
• Identity verification (KYC checks) to confirm the tutor’s identity
• Enhanced DBS checks or international equivalents where required
• 2x professional reference checks.

These steps help ensure that tutors joining Spires are not only knowledgeable in their subject, but also capable of supporting students in a safe, respectful learning environment.

Safeguarding Built Into the Spires Platform

At Spires, safety features are integrated directly into our platform rather than added as separate processes.

Every lesson delivered through Spires takes place within a secure, monitored environment. Communication happens inside the platform, creating a clear record of interactions and reducing the risks associated with unregulated messaging or video tools.

Key platform safeguards include:

• Automatic recording of all lessons for transparency and review.
• Secure messaging and video systems within the platform.
• Encrypted data storage and secure login systems.
• Controlled communication channels between tutors and students.
• Real-time detection software that alerts our team to inappropriate or explicit content.

Spires operates to the highest standards of data protection and cybersecurity. We are registered with the ICO, have an appointed Data Controller, and comply fully with the DPA and the GDPR. 

Clear Safeguarding Policies and Standards

At the heart of our safeguarding approach is our Safeguarding Policy and comprehensive Code of Conduct, which set out how tutors and staff are expected to behave, communicate, and respond to any concerns about student safety or wellbeing.

These policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect recognised safeguarding guidance in education and online learning. They provide a structured framework that supports professional conduct and ensures that everyone working on the platform understands their responsibilities.

Our safeguarding framework includes:

• Clear expectations for professional conduct and appropriate behaviour.
• Defined communication boundaries between tutors and students.
• Step-by-step procedures for reporting and escalating safeguarding concerns.
• Confidential handling of personal information and data protection requirements.
• Defined roles and responsibilities for tutors, staff, and platform users.

Every tutor must read and agree to follow these policies and standards before delivering lessons.

Training and Ongoing Standards for Tutors

Safeguarding is not a one-time requirement; it requires continuous awareness and professional responsibility.

Tutors working on the Spires platform are expected to maintain professional standards throughout their time with us. This includes following safeguarding policies, maintaining appropriate communication, and responding responsibly to any concerns about student welfare.

We reinforce these expectations through:

• Clear onboarding guidance.
• Ongoing communication about safeguarding responsibilities.
• Defined professional conduct standards.
• Regular review of platform activity.