1 Overview
Most providers work hard to create safe and supportive environments. However, activities and services are not all regulated in the same way.
Before choosing a provider, make sure you understand what checks, qualifications and safeguarding arrangements they have in place.
It is important to know that:
- not all out-of-school activities are regulated or registered
- people can offer counselling, tutoring and mentoring services without qualifications or registration with a professional body
- agencies and online platforms may have different standards, so you should carry out the same checks before choosing support
The pages in this section explain:
- what checks to make before choosing a provider
- how different services are regulated
- what to do if you have concerns
If you are looking for registered childcare, including childminders and early years settings, visit our Types of childcare page.
2 Before choosing a provider
Before choosing a club, tutor, therapist, counsellor, coach or activity provider, ask how they keep children safe.
Government guidance explains:
- questions to ask providers
- safeguarding arrangements
- DBS checks
- policies and procedures
- online safety
- how providers support children with SEND
- what to do if you have concerns
Read the guidance on using after-school clubs, tuition and community activities.
3 Information about different activities
Clubs and activities
This includes:
- sports clubs and coaching
- social clubs
- after-school activities
- holiday clubs
You should feel comfortable asking clubs and organisations about:
- their safeguarding policies
- staff training
- how they keep children safe during activities
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) provides information for parents, including a checklist of questions to help you choose a safe activity for your child.
Read:
Tutors and mentors
Private tutors and mentors do not need specific qualifications or training.
Before choosing a tutor, consider:
- their qualifications and experience
- whether they can provide references
- whether they belong to a professional association
- what safeguarding arrangements they have in place
- whether they have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
If you use a tutoring agency or online platform, check what recruitment and safeguarding checks they carry out. These checks can vary between providers.
Read: Finding a tutor for your child
Counsellors
Counselling is not a regulated profession. This means someone can offer counselling services without being registered with an official regulator.
Before choosing a counsellor:
- check their qualifications and experience
- ask whether they belong to a professional register
- ask how they manage safeguarding concerns
Many counsellors choose to join professional registers that set standards for training, conduct and practice.
When looking for a counsellor, consider choosing someone listed on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Read:
- NHS and private counselling
- Professional Standards Authority: Check a Practitioner
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Therapists and psychologists
Some therapy professions are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), including:
- speech and language therapists
- occupational therapists
- art therapists
- music therapists
The HCPC:
- sets professional standards
- maintains a register of practitioners
- investigates concerns about registered practitioners
You can check whether a practitioner is registered with the HCPC.
Educational psychologist is a legally protected title. Anyone using this title must register with the HCPC.
Not all psychology titles have the same legal protection or regulation. Before choosing a psychologist, check their qualifications and whether they need HCPC registration for the role they provide.
Read:
Play therapists and equine-assisted practitioners
Play therapists and equine-assisted practitioners are not regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). However, they can choose to join professional registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Equine-assisted practitioners work with horses to support learning, development, wellbeing and therapeutic outcomes. Some practitioners may also hold counselling qualifications or be registered with the HCPC in another profession.
Before choosing a practitioner:
- check their qualifications and experience
- ask about safeguarding arrangements
- check any professional registrations they hold
Read:
4 What to do if you have concerns
If someone is in immediate danger phone 999 and ask for the police.
If you are worried about a child and are:
- a parent or carer
- a member of the public
- a child or young person
- a professional working with children
request support or raise a concern about a child.
If you are worried about an adult aged 18 or over, raise a concern about an adult.
If you are concerned about a person who works or volunteers with children or young people in West Sussex, Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) manage allegations against adults who work or volunteer with children.
If you have concerns about a person working or volunteering with children in West Sussex, report it using the LADO referral form.
If you have concerns about a person in another local authority, visit that local authority website for advice.
Find out more about the LADO role.
Child exploitation
West Sussex County Council is a Safe to Play partner, with Sussex Police, some sporting national governing bodies and voluntary sector organisations. The campaign helps raise awareness of child exploitation in sports and in the community.
Learn about the signs of child exploitation and how to report concerns at What is Child Exploitation?