Compliance
DfE accreditation: A mark of
quality and trust
At Tute, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality online education that meets the needs of every student. Our recognition as a Department for Education (DfE)-approved Tuition Partner under the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and effective service.
Our role in the
National Tutoring Programme (NTP)
The National Tutoring Programme (NTP) was introduced by the UK government in 2020 to help close the attainment gap exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Tute was proud to be one of the 32 tuition partners approved by the DfE, chosen from approximately 400 applicants in November 2020.
As an NTP-approved partner, Tute underwent rigorous quality assurance processes conducted by Tribal, the DfE’s appointed delivery partner. For four years, we consistently met the stringent standards set by the DfE, ensuring that our online education services were of the highest calibre.
Compliance
The quality assurance framework
Being part of the NTP required us to adhere to a robust quality assurance framework developed by Tribal on behalf of the DfE.
The framework focused on three main areas:
- Element 1: Organisation
- Element 2: Safeguarding​
- Element 3: Quality of provision
Element 1: Organisation
- Governance and risk management: Structured governance, risk identification, and compliance.
- Financial sustainability: Robust financial control and economic stability.
- People management: Comprehensive HR practices, staff training, and performance management.
- Data and reputation management: Effective data protection, privacy adherence, and positive public engagement.
Element 2: Safeguarding​
- Policy and strategy: Robust policies and strategic alignment for creating safe environments.
- Safer recruitment and compliance: Vigorous recruitment practices and safeguarding compliance.
- Awareness and culture: Embedded safeguarding values and proactive awareness across the organisation.
- Monitoring and partnerships: Continuous monitoring, reporting, and cooperative safeguarding practices.
Element 3: Quality of provision
- Ongoing performance reviews and improvement planning.
- Quality of tutoring: High-standard tutoring, aligned with school curricula and supported by effective technology.
- Support and development: Strategic tutor support and targeted development initiatives.
- Partnerships and communication: Collaborative efforts with schools to enhance pupil outcomes through shared goals and knowledge.
Tribal conducted thorough quality assurance reviews three times a year to assess compliance with these standards, ensuring Tute consistently met the DfE’s expectations across all areas of provision.
Continuing our commitment to quality
Although the NTP has now concluded, our experience as a DfE-approved Tuition Partner continues to guide our approach. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards in online education, using the lessons learned from the NTP to continually enhance our services and ensure the best outcomes for all students.
To learn more about our commitment to quality and the processes we have in place to maintain excellence, visit our quality assurance page.
Applying for the OEAS Accreditation
We are currently preparing to apply for the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS), the new standard set by the DfE for online education providers. This accreditation aims to guarantee that online education providers meet criteria comparable to those of independent schools, providing confidence in the quality of education delivered.
Our goal is to achieve OEAS accreditation to further demonstrate our dedication to quality and transparency in online education. We are in the process of gathering the necessary evidence to meet all required standards and ensure a successful application.
