Ember Learning Ltd (trading as Ember Tutors) recognises that domestic abuse is a serious issue with a direct impact on the children and young people we work with. Many students referred through alternative provision have complex backgrounds, and domestic abuse — whether as a direct victim or as a child witness — may be a feature of their experience.
1. Policy Statement
This Policy addresses three areas: recognising indicators of domestic abuse in students and responding appropriately; supporting any member of our workforce who is experiencing domestic abuse; and ensuring our operational culture does not allow domestic abuse to go unaddressed. It is informed by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025).
2. Definition
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse. It is not limited to physical violence. Children who live with domestic abuse — even where they are not directly harmed — are recognised as experiencing a form of harm.
3. Recognising Domestic Abuse in Students
Tutors should be alert to indicators such as references to violence or fear at home, visible anxiety or distress related to home circumstances, visible unexplained injuries, significant changes in engagement or behaviour, or disclosures that a family member is being hurt or controlled. Tutors are not expected to investigate — their role is to notice, record, and report any concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (ET-CPSP-001).
4. Responding to Concerns
Where a tutor identifies a concern, they must log it via the safeguarding reporting tool within one hour of the session ending and notify the DSL directly by telephone as soon as practicable. Tutors must not investigate, question the student, or contact the student's family without authorisation from the DSL. The DSL will assess the concern and determine whether a referral to children's social care or police is required, and will notify the referring commissioner's Designated Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours.
5. Supporting Tutors and Staff
Any tutor or associate experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about a colleague, may speak in confidence with the Company Director. Information will only be shared where necessary to ensure safety. Ember Tutors will provide scheduling flexibility where practicable and direct individuals to relevant support services including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247), Men's Advice Line (0808 801 0327), and Galop LGBTQ+ line (0800 999 5428).
6. Pathways and Referrals
Where a child is at risk of harm due to domestic abuse, the DSL will refer to children's social care without delay. Where an adult is at immediate risk, the DSL will contact the police. Ember Tutors will not attempt to mediate between parties — mediation and conciliation are not appropriate responses to domestic abuse.
7. Training and Information Sharing
All tutors receive awareness-level domestic abuse training as part of mandatory safeguarding training before commencing sessions. The DSL and Deputy DSL maintain current knowledge and update their training at least every two years. Information about domestic abuse is shared in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Data Processing Agreement, with child welfare taking precedence over data protection considerations where sharing is necessary to prevent harm.
8. Review
This Policy is reviewed annually by the DSL and following any significant incident or change in legislation or statutory guidance.
The full policy document is available on request. Contact hello@embertutors.co.uk.