At HZ Tutoring, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Child safety is of paramount importance, and this policy outlines our approach to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of children under our care. All tutors, staff, and volunteers must adhere to this policy to maintain the highest standards of safety.

Scope This policy applies to all tutors, employees, volunteers, and contractors at HZ Tutoring who work directly or indirectly with children.

Child Safety Principles

1. Respect and Inclusion: We respect all children, regardless of their gender, race, disability, or background.
2. Empowerment: Children should be encouraged to express their concerns and feel empowered to speak up if they feel unsafe.
3. Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect.

Code of Conduct All tutors must:

• Act professionally and maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
• Avoid any form of physical contact unless absolutely necessary and appropriate (e.g., first aid).
• Ensure that communication with students is respectful and appropriate at all times.
• Report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the designated Child Safety Officer.

Prohibited Actions for Tutors To ensure child safety, tutors must not:

1. Engage in any form of physical punishment or discipline.
2. Use inappropriate or offensive language in the presence of children.
3. Develop personal relationships with students outside of tutoring sessions.
4. Share personal contact information (e.g., phone numbers, social media) with students, except for the purpose of tutoring.
5. Take photos or videos of students without explicit parental consent.
6. Transport students in their personal vehicles.
7. Meet with students alone in private or unapproved locations.

Online Tutoring Safety Guidelines

1. Parental Presence: Tutors should encourage parents or guardians to be present during online tutoring sessions, especially for younger children.
2. Safe Communication: All communication should occur through approved platforms and avoid personal contact details.
3. Recording Sessions: Sessions may be recorded (with prior consent) for training and safety purposes.

Recognizing Signs of Abuse Tutors should be aware of and report any signs of abuse, including:

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behavior.
• Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or malnutrition.
• Behavioral indicators such as withdrawal, fear, or inappropriate sexual knowledge.

Reporting and Responding to Incidents

1. Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, tutors should contact emergency services.
2. Internal Reporting: Tutors must report all concerns to the designated Child Safety Officer.
3. Confidentiality: Reports should be handled sensitively and confidentially. Only those directly involved in managing the incident should be informed.

Recruitment

• Screening: All potential tutors and staff must undergo a background check, including a Working with Children Check or equivalent.

Review and Continuous Improvement This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements. Feedback from tutors, parents, and students will be incorporated where appropriate.

Contact Information For any concerns or to report an incident, please contact:

• Child Safety Officer: Haobo Zhang
  Phone: 0444544560
  Email: haobo@hztutoring.com

Acknowledgment All tutors are required to read, understand, and sign an acknowledgment of this policy before commencing work with HZ Tutoring.

At HZ Tutoring, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and positive learning environment. By adhering to this Child Safety Policy, we can ensure the well-being of all students and maintain the trust of parents and the community.