Waste of time, unhelpful, disappointing
I found this experience very drawn out and time consuming. Claire was kind and receptive with all the correct qualifications and experience we were seeking which is why we didn’t pursue other tutors that contacted us which we now regret. We wasted two weeks sending messages back and forth trying to arrange suitable times/days etc.
Then we had a start date given by Claire so I requested copies of her DBS check, a form of proof of right to work and address. At which point Claire withdrew her offer of tuition stating not comfortable providing an address, which put us back to the beginning of the process.
I find it odd that a qualified teacher wouldn’t understand the need for these documents as part of safeguarding for children. If anything went wrong in my home with her present the first thing the authorities would want would be her employment details to contact her? What should I say in that situation sorry she wouldn’t give me those but I employed her anyway! I also found it odd that she was very happy to have our personal information like our address, phone number, name of our child, the school she attends and her current year group! !
What did she expect, to just turn up at our home with no documentation checks and start teaching to then be paid cash?
Almost all the tutors that contacted us wanted to tutor our daughter at their home so we would have known their address, so I’m not sure what the difference is.
Anyway I chalk it up to experience and a lesson learned.
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Overall
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Communication
Response from Claire
Responded
Hi Dale, I’m sorry we weren’t able to agree on an arrangement. However, I feel it is unfair to suggest that I was unwilling to undergo safeguarding or identity checks when I explicitly offered to show my original documents.
You had already viewed my DBS certificate through Childcare.co.uk, and I offered to show my original photo ID, DBS certificate and teaching qualifications in person. My concern was sharing my residential address and allowing physical copies of my personal documents to be retained—not having those documents checked.
I have my own personal safety, privacy and identity security to consider, particularly when making arrangements with someone I have not yet met. As tuition would take place at your home, I was not comfortable disclosing where I live. Inspecting my original documents would allow verification without retaining copies containing my personal information. DBS guidance for private individuals hiring tutors also advises viewing the original certificate and not keeping a photocopy or image.
I understand your wish to safeguard your daughter. Children’s safety is important to me, and I ask that a parent remains at home and within earshot throughout lessons. Parents are also welcome to sit in on the first session.
No tuition sessions took place. As we could not agree on your requirements, I politely declined before lessons began. I wish you and your daughter well in finding a suitable tutor.