Safeguarding Children at Mathnasium: A Priority in Every Centre

Sep 9, 2024 | Clapham

At Mathnasium, the safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. In light of recent concerns highlighted in the news around individual tutors, here we outline the steps we take to prioritise safeguarding and to enable parents to feel confident that their children are protected in a safe, nurturing environment. At Mathnasium, we take safeguarding seriously and have stringent measures in place to ensure the safety of all children who attend our centres.

1. CCTV Monitoring for Transparency and Safety

To maintain a secure environment and ensure full transparency, we insist that every Mathnasium centre is equipped with CCTV monitoring. This system allows for constant supervision of the entire centre, providing peace of mind to both parents and staff. By having a comprehensive monitoring system, we create a visible deterrent to any inappropriate behaviour, whilst also being able to review footage if needed. This technology reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and secure learning space.

2. DBS-Checked Managers Present at Every Session

All Mathnasium centres are required to have two DBS-checked (Disclosure and Barring Service) team members present whenever children are in a centre, and all instructors working in the centre are DBS-checked. This ensures that there is always a qualified and trusted individual overseeing the children and instructors in our centres, reinforcing our dedication to child protection. Our managers are not only experts in education but are also thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet the high safeguarding standards we expect.

3. Safeguarding Training for All Team Members

Safeguarding training is a core component of the initial onboarding process for all Mathnasium team members. From day one, every team member is educated on how to identify, prevent, and respond to safeguarding concerns. We also conduct ongoing training to keep our staff updated on best practices and the latest safeguarding procedures. This ensures that everyone in our centres understands their role in keeping children safe.

4. Clear Reporting Process for Safeguarding Concerns

At Mathnasium, we have a well-defined reporting process in place to address safeguarding concerns swiftly and effectively. All staff members are empowered and trained to report any issues immediately through clear channels, ensuring that any potential risks are dealt with promptly and appropriately. We believe that transparency and quick action are vital when it comes to safeguarding children.

5. Supervised and Open Layouts for Safety

Our centres are purposefully designed to ensure that children are not alone with one staff member. The open layout of each centre enables constant supervision of both students and instructors, promoting a collaborative and secure environment. By ensuring all activities take place in a communal, visible space, we minimise risks and create a safe space for learning.

6. Safeguarding Is Our Primary Concern

At the heart of our mission is ensuring the well-being of every child who walks through our doors. Safeguarding is not just a policy—it’s a fundamental value that guides every aspect of our operations. We understand that parents entrust us with their children, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our procedures, training, and centre designs all reflect our commitment to keeping every child safe while they learn and grow with us.

A safe environment is critical to fostering a positive learning experience and provides peace of mind to parents while giving children the opportunity to master maths in a secure and nurturing space.