Lone Working Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how we protect the health, safety and wellbeing of tutors and staff who work alone, particularly during home-based or community-based sessions within our Alternative Provision.

2. Principles

• Lone working must be planned, risk assessed and monitored.

• Staff safety is paramount and takes precedence over continuation of a session.

• Staff must never place themselves in situations where they feel unsafe.

• Concerns must be reported immediately so risks can be reviewed and addressed.

3. Definition of Lone Working

Lone working includes situations where a tutor or staff member:

• Works alone with a pupil in a home or community setting.

• Works without direct supervision from colleagues.

• Travels independently to and from session locations.

• Delivers remote or online sessions without another adult present.

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Organisation

The organisation will:

• Provide clear lone-working procedures and training.

• Ensure risk assessments are completed for relevant pupils and environments.

• Provide support and escalation processes for staff.

• Monitor concerns and adjust provision where risks emerge.

4.2 Staff and Tutors

Staff must:

• Follow all lone-working risk assessments and guidance.

• Inform management of their schedule and location before sessions.

• Carry a charged mobile phone with emergency contacts saved.

• Assess the environment on arrival and leave immediately if unsafe.

• Report concerns, incidents or near-misses without delay.

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

4.3 Parents and Carers

Parents/carers must:

• Provide a safe space for sessions.

• Ensure any risks (e.g., aggressive pets, other adults present) are disclosed in advance.

• Be available for contact during home sessions where appropriate.

5. Pre-Session Safety Measures

Before a lone-working session:

• The tutor must check the risk assessment for the pupil and environment.

• Staff must confirm the address, access arrangements and emergency contact details.

• Any known behavioural or safeguarding risks must be reviewed.

• If new risks are identified, the session must not proceed until reassessed.

6. Arrival and Environment Check

On arrival, the tutor must:

• Ensure the environment is safe, clean and appropriate for learning.

• Identify exits and avoid working in confined or isolated spaces if possible.

• Assess whether any other adults are present, and if so, whether this poses risk.

• Decide whether it is safe to continue; if not, the tutor must leave and inform management immediately.

7. Conduct During Sessions

• Tutors must maintain professional distance and boundaries.

• Sessions must take place in an open, visible area of the home where possible.

• Tutors must not enter private areas of the home unnecessarily.

• Tutors must not be left alone with unknown adults.

• If a situation feels unsafe at any point, the tutor must end the session and leave.

8. Communication and Monitoring

• Tutors must log their location and expected session times with management.

• If plans change, tutors must update management promptly.

• Check-in procedures may be used for higher-risk cases.

• Failure to check in at agreed times triggers follow-up by management.

9. Dealing with Incidents or Concerns

If a tutor experiences or witnesses:

• Aggressive behaviour

• Threatening individuals

• Unsafe home conditions

• Inappropriate comments or conduct

• Animals posing risk

  They must:

1. End the session immediately.

2. Leave the premises safely.

3. Contact management or the DSL.

4. Record the incident for review.

Emergency services must be contacted if there is immediate danger.

10. Transport and Travel Safety

• Tutors should plan routes in advance and avoid unnecessary risks.

• Public transport or private vehicles must be used safely.

• Tutors should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

• Management must be notified of significant travel-related concerns.

11. Online Lone Working

During remote sessions:

• Approved platforms must be used.

• Tutors must be able to see and hear the pupil clearly.

• The environment must still feel professional and appropriate.

• Any concerning behaviour must be reported as usual.

12. Review of Risk Assessments

Risk assessments must be updated when:

• A concern or incident occurs

• A new address or location is used

• Pupil behaviour or needs change

• Staff report that control measures are insufficient

High-risk cases may require two adults or alternative arrangements.

13. Record Keeping

All lone-working incidents, hazards and concerns must be:

• Documented

• Reviewed by senior management

• Used to update risk assessments and procedures

14. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or operational needs change.