Reporting a Concern About a Tutor or Private Coach
Private tutors, music teachers, driving instructors, and other adults who work with children in one-to-one settings outside mainstream institutions have a duty of care. Because they often operate independently rather than through an organisation, the safeguarding oversight can be weaker. If you have a concern about a private tutor or coach, there are still clear reporting routes — and the absence of an institutional welfare officer does not mean concerns should be overlooked.
Immediate danger — call 999
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
What to report
- •Inappropriate physical contact during tutoring or coaching sessions
- •A tutor or coach seeking private contact with a child outside agreed sessions
- •Requests for one-to-one sessions at the adult's home or in unsupervised locations
- •Gifts, money, or excessive personal attention from a tutor or coach to a child
- •A child who is reluctant to attend sessions, upset after sessions, or has disclosed something concerning
How to report
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
When to use
When the concern involves an allegation of abuse by someone who works with children, including private tutors and coaches
How to contact
Contact your local authority's LADO. Search '[council name] LADO contact'. The LADO is the statutory route for allegations against any adult who works with children in England, not just those employed by organisations.
What to expect
The LADO will assess the allegation, advise on whether a formal investigation is needed, and coordinate with police and children's services. They can also advise on DBS referrals if the person should be barred from working with children.
DBS Update Service / DBS referral
When to use
When you are concerned that a tutor or coach is working without a current DBS check, or when you believe the tutor's DBS should be reviewed following an allegation
How to contact
Ask the tutor for their DBS certificate number and use the DBS Update Service at gov.uk/dbs-update-service to verify their current status. If you believe someone should be barred from working with children, the LADO can make a referral to the DBS on your behalf.
What to expect
The DBS Update Service shows whether a certificate remains current. If someone is added to the barred list, they are legally prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Police — 101 (or 999 in emergency)
When to use
When a criminal offence may have been committed — including sexual assault, grooming, or inappropriate communications
How to contact
Call 101 and report the concern as a child protection matter. Ask to speak to the public protection unit.
What to expect
Police will assess the concern and, if a crime may have occurred, will conduct an investigation. They will involve children's services and will inform the LADO of any allegation against a person working with children.
Professional body (if applicable)
When to use
When the tutor or coach is registered with a professional body — e.g. a music teacher registered with the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) or a driving instructor registered with the DVSA
How to contact
Contact the relevant professional body and raise a formal complaint. Most have fitness to practise procedures and can suspend membership or take regulatory action.
What to expect
Professional bodies will investigate complaints and can bar a member from practising. This is separate from, and does not replace, police or LADO referrals.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- Written account of the concern — what you observed or were told, including date, time, and location
- The tutor or coach's full name, any business name, and contact details
- Whether you have seen their DBS certificate and the certificate number if available
- Names of other children who may have been in contact with this person
- Any messages, emails, or communications from the tutor that you are concerned about
- The child's account of what happened (recorded carefully and without leading questions)
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting a concern about a private tutor / coach who works with children, including my [child aged X]. The person's name is [name] and they [describe role]. My concern is [description of what happened or what the child disclosed]. This occurred on [date]. I would like to know whether this person has a valid DBS check and whether an investigation will be opened."
What happens next
The LADO will assess the allegation and determine whether a formal strategy meeting is needed. Police may be involved. The tutor or coach may be advised to suspend their work with children pending the outcome. If the allegation is substantiated, a DBS referral may result in them being added to the barred list, preventing future work with children or vulnerable adults.
What not to do
- ✗Do not confront the tutor or coach about the concern before reporting formally
- ✗Do not allow the tutor or coach to continue working with the child while the concern is unresolved
- ✗Do not delay reporting because you are not sure the concern meets a threshold — report and let trained professionals assess
- ✗Do not interrogate the child — listen to what they say naturally and write it down accurately
Frequently asked questions
Private tutors are not employed by anyone — is there really a reporting route?
Yes. The LADO process applies to any adult who works with children, not just those employed by institutions. The Disclosure and Barring Service can add individuals to the barred list regardless of their employment status. Police and children's services also investigate independently of employment context.
Can I check whether a private tutor is DBS-checked?
You can ask the tutor to show you their DBS certificate and give you permission to verify it on the DBS Update Service (gov.uk/dbs-update-service). This confirms whether the certificate is current and has not been superseded by new information. A responsible tutor working with children will have no objection to this.
Sources and further information
- DBS Update Service — Disclosure and Barring Service
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.