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 third-party 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 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?
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 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.
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.
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-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.”
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.
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.
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.
