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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Parents must not rely solely on vetting, warns The Tutor Pages interim statement on child protection

The Tutor Pages (www.thetutorpages.com) today released an interim statement on child protection, warning parents not to rely solely on bureaucratic measures such as the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) when safely employing a tutor for their child.

The statement explains that, although parents will be able to check whether a tutor has registered with the VBS voluntarily on a dedicated website, there are serious limitations to relying solely on such methods for their child's safety.

The vast majority of child sexual abusers are not on any government database, and the scheme is therefore likely to create a false sense of security, the statement reads.

Henry Fagg, Director of The Tutor Pages, instead emphasized the value of a public health and public education approach to child protection.

“Whilst a vetting check may be a useful initial indication, there is far more value in parents knowing how to take responsibility for their child's safety.” he said. “Simple, pro-active choices such as following up references and sitting in on lessons make the world of difference.”

Parents and all those involved in private tuition are urged to read the interim statement which explains the current child protection issues clearly, provides advice and references relevant research.

For example, contrary to tabloid reports, evidence shows that the risk of child abuse in the private tuition context is comparatively low.

The interim statement is available at www.thetutorpages.com/media-room/june-2010-child-protection-interim-statement.pdf.

The Tutor Pages is the early stages of the first collaborative research project with a British university to develop child protection policy specific to the private tuition sector.

Anyone with an interest in contributing to this project is invited to email web@thetutorpages.com.

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• Parents must not rely solely on vetting, warns The Tutor Pages interim statement on child protection
• Private tutors say no to government vetting scheme
• The Tutor Pages features in The Good Schools Guide 2010
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