Safeguarding Policy

Quest Compassionate Education – Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

Quest Compassionate Education (QCE) is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in our online English lessons.

This policy outlines how we safeguard students during online sessions, how we vet and support teachers, and how we work with local partners to maintain safe, supervised learning environments.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All UK-based teachers and volunteers delivering online lessons

  • All QCE staff, founders, and representatives

  • Any individual acting on behalf of QCE

On-site safeguarding in Cambodia is the responsibility of the local partner.

3. Safeguarding Responsibilities

QCE Responsibilities (Online Environment)

QCE is responsible for:

  • Ensuring all UK teachers have an Enhanced DBS check (or equivalent).

  • Providing teachers with a clear Code of Conduct.

  • Monitoring teacher professionalism and behaviour.

  • Ensuring lessons take place through approved online platforms.

  • Ensuring teachers do not privately contact students.

  • Keeping safeguarding records securely.

  • Providing a clear internal reporting pathway for concerns.

  • Maintaining appropriate data protection practices for lesson recordings and information.

Local Partner Responsibilities (On-Site Classroom Environment)

Local partners (e.g., Samban) are responsible for:

  • Supervising all children and young people on-site during lessons.

  • Ensuring a responsible adult is present throughout every lesson.

  • Maintaining a safe learning environment in line with local expectations and cultural norms.

  • Managing attendance, behaviour, and day-to-day safety.

  • Handling any safeguarding or welfare concerns that arise locally.

  • Escalating serious issues through community or official channels when appropriate.

4. Code of Conduct for Teachers

All QCE teachers must agree to the following:

  • Communicate with students only through QCE-approved platforms.

  • Do not contact students privately or add them on social media.

  • Keep all lesson content professional, respectful, and appropriate.

  • Do not comment on appearance or ask personal questions.

  • Do not discuss politics, religion, sexual matters, or any sensitive topics.

  • Do not give gifts, money, or personal support to students.

  • Do not provide counselling or therapy.

  • Use appropriate language and model positive behaviour.

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

5. Lesson Environment Requirements

To ensure safe and effective lessons:

  • A responsible adult (local partner) must be physically present with students for the entire lesson.

  • Students must not attend lessons alone from home unless supervised by a parent/guardian.

  • Teachers must join lessons from an appropriate private location.

  • Teachers should use QCE-managed accounts (Zoom/Meet) whenever possible.

  • Cameras remain on for teachers; student cameras follow school preference but supervision is required.

6. Data Protection & Recording

  • QCE may record lessons for safeguarding, quality assurance, or training.

  • All recordings are stored securely for up to 90 days, then deleted.

  • Recordings are never shared publicly.

  • Personal data is collected only when necessary for lesson delivery.

  • If recordings are not used, a responsible adult must be present at all times.

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a teacher sees or hears anything concerning, including:

  • inappropriate behaviour

  • a student showing distress

  • disclosure of harm

  • unsafe conduct

  • visible indicators of abuse or neglect

They must:

  1. Report the concern immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

  2. Stop the lesson if necessary to ensure safety.

  3. Complete a safeguarding concern record if requested.

The Safeguarding Lead will:

  • assess the concern,

  • discuss it with the local partner, and

  • ensure the matter is escalated appropriately by the on-site partner.

QCE does not conduct investigations within Cambodia.
This remains the responsibility of the local partner and, if required, local authorities.

8. Safeguarding Lead

QCE appoints a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

  • receiving all concerns

  • maintaining confidential safeguarding records

  • communicating with local partners

  • ensuring adherence to this policy

  • updating safeguarding training and documentation

Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Lee Fox-Smith 
Email: lee@questce.org 

9. Training

All teachers receive:

  • A safeguarding briefing

  • The QCE Code of Conduct

  • Guidance on appropriate boundaries

  • Cultural sensitivity guidance

  • Clear communication expectations

Local partners receive:

  • A summary of QCE expectations

  • Clear information on their role during lessons

  • Contact details for the Safeguarding Lead

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required based on feedback or changes in safeguarding practice.

11. Summary

Quest Compassionate Education safeguards students through:

  • Strong vetting of UK teachers

  • Clear boundaries and conduct rules

  • Structured online lesson delivery

  • Mandatory on-site supervision by local partners

  • A clear reporting process for concerns

QCE is responsible for the safety of the online environment.
Local partners are responsible for the physical classroom environment.
Together, we ensure children and young people can learn safely and confidently.