Parents must not rely on the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), tuition website warns

June 8, 2010 - PRLog -- The Tutor Pages (www.thetutorpages.com) today released an interim statement on child protection, warning parents not to rely solely on bureaucratic measures such as the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) when safely employing a tutor for their child.

The statement explains that, although parents will be able to check whether a tutor has registered with the VBS voluntarily on a dedicated website, there are serious limitations to relying solely on such methods for their child’s safety.

The vast majority of child sexual abusers are not on any government database, and the scheme is therefore likely to create a false sense of security, the statement reads.

Henry Fagg, Director of http://www.thetutorpages.com, instead emphasized the value of a public health and public education approach to child protection.

“Whilst a vetting check may be a useful initial indication, there is far more value in parents knowing how to take responsibility for their child’s safety.” he said. “Simple, pro-active choices such as following up references and sitting in on lessons make the world of difference.”

Parents and all those involved in private tuition are urged to read The Tutor Pages interim statement which explains the current child protection issues clearly, provides advice and references relevant research.

For example, contrary to tabloid reports, evidence shows that the risk of child abuse in the private tuition context is comparatively low.

The interim statement is available at http://www.thetutorpages.com/media-room/june-2010-child-p...

The Tutor Pages is the early stages of the first collaborative research project with a British university to develop child protection policy specific to the private tuition sector. Anyone with an interest in contributing to this project is invited to email web@thetutorpages.com.

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About The Tutor Pages:

The Tutor Pages is a directory of private tutors across the UK, where every tutor has written an article on their expertise. This helps parents and students decide who to hire. It is the UK’s only tutor directory to be recommended by The Good Schools Guide.

Its founder, Henry Fagg, has had over 10 years’ experience in the private tuition industry. His blog is http://www.thetutorblog.com