1) Our commitment
Reko Study® (operated by Reko Apps Ltd) is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive online environment for all learners, particularly children and young people. Safeguarding runs through our recruitment, training, lesson delivery, and incident response.
2) Scope
- Students using our platform and tutoring services.
- Parents/guardians responsible for under-18 learners.
- Tutors, staff, and anyone engaged by Reko Study.
3) Key principles
- Welfare first: The best interests of the child take priority.
- Zero tolerance: No abuse, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, or harassment.
- Proportionality & confidentiality: Concerns handled promptly, fairly, and shared on a need-to-know basis only.
- Accountability: Clear roles, records, and escalation routes.
4) Roles & responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Safeguarding Lead
Email:
dev@rekoapps.com
The DSL oversees policy, training, and case management; keeps secure records; and liaises with external agencies when required.
Tutors & staff: Maintain professional boundaries, follow the Code of Conduct, complete safeguarding training, and report concerns immediately to the DSL.
Parents/Guardians: Provide supervision for under-18s, ensure a safe environment, and use approved channels for communication.
5) Safer recruitment
- Enhanced DBS (UK) or equivalent clearance for tutors delivering live sessions.
- Identity and reference checks.
- Agreement to the Tutor Code of Conduct and safeguarding procedures.
- Ongoing suitability reviews where appropriate.
6) Online lesson safety
- Lessons take place via approved, secure platforms (e.g., Zoom/Google Meet) with waiting rooms and controlled invites.
- For under-18s, a parent/guardian must consent to one-to-one sessions and be reachable during the lesson.
- No exchange of personal contact details between tutors and students outside approved channels.
- Screen names and profile images should be appropriate; avoid sharing home addresses or sensitive info.
- Recordings: We do not record sessions by default. Any recording requires legitimate purpose, prior consent, secure storage, and defined retention (see Privacy Policy).
7) Code of conduct
- Professional boundaries at all times; use respectful, age-appropriate language and materials.
- No private messaging with under-18s outside approved systems; avoid one-to-one social media contact.
- Keep video backgrounds appropriate; dress professionally.
- Stop a session if a safeguarding concern arises and follow reporting steps.
8) Reporting concerns
If a learner is at immediate risk, call 999 (UK emergency services).
- Report non-urgent concerns promptly to the DSL at dev@rekoapps.com or via our contact form.
- Give clear details: what happened, when/where, who was present, any direct quotes.
- We log concerns securely and decide next steps (monitoring, contacting parents/guardians, referral to appropriate services).
9) Escalation & external support (UK)
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 — advice or to report a concern.
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): Report online harm: ceop.police.uk.
- Local Authority Children’s Services: Contact details vary by council (use your local council website).
10) Records, confidentiality & data protection
- Safeguarding records are stored securely with restricted access.
- We follow UK GDPR/EEA GDPR as applicable. See our Privacy Policy for data handling and retention.
- Information is shared only where necessary to safeguard children or meet legal duties.
11) Training & monitoring
- Tutors/staff receive safeguarding guidance and periodic refreshers.
- We audit incident handling and update guidance as needed.
12) Review
This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.
13) Contact
Safeguarding queries or reports: dev@rekoapps.com · Contact form