Calls to Tighten Law to Prevent Sexual Abuse by Tutors

More than 90 private tutors in the UK have been convicted of sexual offences involving children over the past 20 years, according to an investigation by the BBC.

Whilst the Tutors Association, which represents more than 50,000 tutors registered with them across the UK, does require all its members to have enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and follow a strict code of conduct, there is no legal obligation for people offering private lessons to be checked before working with young people.

Dame Rachel De Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England is now calling for reform of the system, saying that private tutors should undergo the same checks as teachers who are subject to, enhanced DBS (background checks before they can be employed. These reveal details of any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on the Police National Computer.

She said, “Anybody who is working one-on-one with a child as a tutor, should have a DBS criminal record check. It's an absolute basic minimum. This is about keeping children safe. It's about safeguarding, it's a number one priority.”

President of the TA, John Nichols, says the current legal situation can’t be allowed to continue: “Anyone could call themselves a tutor, in any subject, and advertise themselves as such, regardless of their suitability.”

The investigation by the Broadcaster follows the case of Thomas Rodgers, a music tutor from Billericay in Essex, who was found guilty of abusing two boys aged under 11.

Rodgers was convicted in December 2023 at Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London, but continued to offer private music lessons until he was given a four-year prison sentence in January 2024 (later reduced to two years).

Under the current law, Rodgers could offer tutoring on his release from prison, with no obligation to undergo checks.

Opinion

Whilst the sentence imposed upon Rodgers was welcome, it is disappointing to note that he and others like him are able to continue tutoring once released from prison and, of further concern, that they have no legal obligation to disclose their convictions. This is a loophole that clearly needs to be addressed as soon as possible and the fact that it has been identified by the Authorities is a positive step forward in the protection of children. 

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of child abuse claim compensation

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our experienced Specialist Abuse Lawyers, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

We are able to offer free, confidential and no obligation advice for compensation claims in both civil law and/or under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme.