The Educator Magazine U.K. September - December 2025 issue. - Magazine - Page 40
Bringing in backup:
outsourcing with confidence
your school. Whatever you choose, make sure
it aligns with your internal policies, the local
authority’s standards and, above all, your
safeguarding expectations.
Green flags: what to look for in a quality
provider
So, you’ve chosen to go ahead with looking
for a third-party supplier – how do you know
if they’ll be a successful partner?
Sometimes schools need a little extra
support – and there’s absolutely no shame
in that. Whether it’s covering staff absences,
providing targeted interventions or
enriching your curriculum, bringing in
third-party educators can make a big
difference.
But outsourcing isn’t just about convenience
– it’s about trust. You’re placing external
professionals in front of your students, so
choosing the right partner is critical.
Here, Frank Milner, president of global
tutoring business Tutor Doctor, shares
his top tips for sourcing thirdparty educational support – plus
expert safeguarding insight from
key leaders within the brand’s
school delivery team. Because in
education, safety and quality are
everything.
Why outsourcing can be a
smart move
First off, bringing in an external
educator isn’t admitting defeat,
nor is it replacing teachers – it’s
centred on enhancing what you’ve
already got going for you – what’s
already in place. Third-party
suppliers can often bring a fresh
perspective and specialised
expertise that can fill curriculum
gaps, provide targeted one-to-one
support for those who need it or simply just
ease the load when your internal capacity is
stretched.
When done right, outsourcing can raise
attainment, reduce teacher workload and
create some much-needed breathing space
for your team. Don’t look at it as a quick
fix either – it can be a real strategic win for
students and staff alike.
Be clear on what you need
But before you do look for external support,
it’s important to take the time and map out
what you actually want to achieve.
Are you looking for improved outcomes in a
specific subject? Behavioural improvements?
Or a boost in attendance or engagement?
It’s also worth deciding whether you need a
short-term solution – perhaps to cover illness
or some extra help over the exam season – or
a longer-term partner that can grow with
Well, first off the bat, not all tutoring or
education providers are the same – and the
best ones will always make safeguarding,
collaboration and a tailored approach their
top priorities. Look for providers with clear,
transparent safeguarding policies and robust
recruitment processes.
At a minimum, suppliers should be fully
vetted – that means enhanced DBS checks,
verified references and up-to-date training
in child protection and safeguarding. They
should also be willing to work with your
teachers, follow your school’s lead and be
willing to fit into your ethos seamlessly.
Another key green flag? A provider that
fits-all approach rarely works well in the
classroom.
Be cautious of anyone who seems reluctant
to share outcomes, impact data or
testimonials from other schools. Good
providers, on the other hand, will be proud
of their track record – and more than happy
to share it.
And if something doesn’t feel right? Trust
your gut. There’s no such thing as a silly
question when it comes to finding the
perfect third-party supplier. The right
provider will welcome your scrutiny.
Safeguarding isn’t optional – it’s essential
For us at Tutor Doctor, safeguarding is baked
into every part of our operations – covering
all bases from recruitment and training to
lesson delivery and feedback, across our
schools partnership but also our private
tutoring too. Our team developed our
safeguarding policies with the NSPCC
(National Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Children) and worked alongside
the Department of Education to help shape
best practice across the sector.
Mark Szpak, our Vice President of
Field Operations, played a crucial
role in the development of our
safeguarding policies. “We’ve built
our safeguarding framework to
reflect the highest industry
standard – and to give schools
complete peace of mind.
“Every tutor receives compliance
training and is taught to recognise
early signs of abuse, neglect and
mental health concerns. Just as
importantly, they’re given clear
reporting procedures so concerns
never fall through the cracks.”
doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
The strongest partnerships come from
providers who take the time to understand
your school’s unique needs and co-create a
plan that aligns with your goals. That means
being flexible, open to feedback and ready
to adapt as things evolve. True collaboration
isn’t static – it’s responsive and built on
mutual respect and trust. And that’s exactly
how we like to do things at Tutor Doctor.
Safer recruitment, every step of
the way
Ensuring your third-party supplier’s
recruitment processes are watertight is also
critical. Just as an example, Tutor Doctor’s
recruitment policies align fully with
Department for Education guidance – and in
many cases, go even further. Annual reviews,
regular safeguarding updates and a focus
on professional development all help ensure
tutors stay informed, accountable and ready
to deliver the highest standards.
In education, it’s far more than just buying
a service – you are investing in your pupils
and staff. I’ve always been a firm believer
that great partnerships can build trust, create
value and get you to where you want to be.
Third-party support can really transform
the way your school functions – especially
when it’s tailored, trusted and delivered by
professionals who understand education. But
safety, safeguarding and transparency must
always come first.
Red flags to avoid
That’s the green flags out the way, but what
should you be cautious about? Initially, if a
provider can’t clearly explain how they vet
their staff or protect children, that’s a major
warning sign. Likewise, a rigid, one-size-
With the right provider, external support
shouldn’t just fill gaps – it must strengthen
schools from the inside out. Working with
organisations like Tutor Doctor helps ensure
pupils receive consistent, well-managed
support.
