Portsmouth City Council has a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, whether they attend school or are educated at home.
Safeguarding means making sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive.
Education and safeguarding
Our safeguarding duty:
- does not give us general powers to enter homes or routinely see children just because they are home educated
- does allow us to act if there are specific concerns about a child’s safety or welfare
If there are concerns, we may make enquiries or take action using the same child protection processes that apply to all children.
Our safeguarding role is separate from our role in understanding whether a child is receiving a suitable education. We do not use safeguarding powers to monitor home education. Any action taken is based on concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, not on the decision to home educate.
Working with other services
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We work with other services to improve children’s wellbeing and make sure the right support is available when it is needed.
This helps families get support early and ensures concerns are addressed in a proportionate and appropriate way.
Safe learning arrangements
You may choose to involve other people, such as tutors, in your child’s education. You remain responsible for making sure they are suitable.
You may want to:
- ask for references
- check they have an up-to-date DBS certificate
- check their experience and suitability
If a tutor is arranged through the local authority or an agency, appropriate safeguarding checks will already have been completed.
Health and wellbeing support
Support is available to help with your child’s health and wellbeing, including anxiety, bullying, family difficulties and other emotional wellbeing.
Health advice
Healthier Together offers trusted health advice for parents, carers, young people and pregnant women.
Immunisations
The School Age Immunisation Service provides vaccinations for children aged 4 to 16, including those educated at home.
Mental health support
Find mental health support for children and young people who are struggling or feeling overwhelmed
Sexual health
Find sexual health information and services to help young people make informed choices, build healthy relationships and protect their health
Online safety
Being online is a big part of children and young people’s lives. Find guidance on helping children stay safe online and what to do if something goes wrong.
Child exploitation
If you are concerned about child exploitation, support and information are available from the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Family support
Portsmouth Family Hubs provide information, advice and support for families with children and young people aged up to 25.