NearMeTutor is an advertising directory connecting parents with independent tutors across the UK. We are not an employer or agency and do not supply tutors directly. However, because our directory is used by parents searching for tutors for their children, we take safeguarding seriously and verify every tutor before they can be listed.

1. Who can list on NearMeTutor

To appear on NearMeTutor, every tutor must:

Hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate for the Child Workforce that is either subscribed to the DBS Update Service (enabling live re-verification) or was issued within the last twelve months.
Provide verified qualifications — QTS, a degree from a UK-recognised institution, or Tutors' Association membership.
Pass a basic identity check matching their profile photo to their verified identity.
Agree to our Terms of Service, this Safeguarding Policy, and our Privacy Policy.

Tutors who cannot meet these standards are not approved for listing. There are no exceptions.

2. How we verify DBS status

We check each tutor's DBS status through one of two paths:

Path A — DBS Update Service (preferred): With the tutor's consent, we query the Government's DBS Update Service portal at gov.uk/dbs-update-service using their DBS certificate number, surname and date of birth. This gives a live, real-time status. We re-check every listed tutor's status at least monthly.

Path B — Certificate upload (accepted if recent): Where a tutor is not yet on the Update Service, we accept a scanned copy of an Enhanced DBS certificate dated within the last twelve months. We strongly recommend tutors join the Update Service for ongoing re-verification. Uploaded certificates are deleted from our servers seven days after verification; only the DBS number, issue date, and a cryptographic hash of the file are retained, which are enough to prove that verification took place.

3. Ongoing checks

A DBS check is a point-in-time snapshot. Tutors on the Update Service are re-checked at least monthly. Tutors who rely on certificate verification must renew annually, either by joining the Update Service or by providing a fresh Enhanced DBS certificate. Any tutor whose status lapses is suspended from the directory immediately pending re-verification.

4. Who we do not accept

Tutors without a valid Enhanced DBS.
Tutors whose DBS is for a different workforce (e.g. Adult Workforce only).
Tutors who have been barred from working with children by the DBS Barred List.
Tutors whose identity or qualifications we cannot independently verify.

5. Raising a safeguarding concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about a tutor listed on NearMeTutor — for example, you suspect a tutor has misrepresented themselves or behaved inappropriately — please contact us immediately:

Email: safeguarding@nearmetutor.co.uk
Phone: 020 XXXX XXXX (office hours)

We take every concern seriously. Within 24 hours of receiving a concern, we will:

Acknowledge receipt and assign a named case owner.
Suspend the tutor's listing pending investigation if the concern appears credible.
Work with you to understand the concern and gather relevant information.
Where appropriate, report the concern to the police, the DBS, or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you suspect a child is being harmed, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or contact your local children's services.

6. Disputes between parents and tutors

NearMeTutor is an advertising directory — parents and tutors contract directly. We do not take payment for lessons, arrange bookings, or act as an agency. Disputes about lesson quality, billing or availability are a matter for the parent and tutor to resolve between them. However, where a dispute raises a safeguarding concern, we will act as described above.

7. Data protection

We hold the minimum personal data required to verify tutors and publish their profiles. DBS certificates are deleted after verification; only proof-of-check metadata is retained. See our Privacy Policy for full details. NearMeTutor is registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

8. Policy review

This policy is reviewed at least annually, and whenever regulations or guidance from the DBS, ICO, or statutory authorities change.

9. Contact

Designated safeguarding lead: Tom Rowland.
Email: safeguarding@nearmetutor.co.uk
Postal address: (registered office, to be confirmed)

Safeguarding policy