CHILD PROTECTION POLICY November 2012
KEY CONTACTS AT A GLANCE
DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER Christine Brennan (Deputy Headteacher) Contact Number 0191 4606004 extension 223
DEPUTY DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS Christine Byrne 0191 4606004 extension 240
Vanda Sergison 0191 4606004 – extension 228
NOMINATED GOVERNOR FOR CHILD PROTECTION Judith Brooks
KEY CONTACTS WITHIN THE LOCAL AUTHORITY Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Nicholas Leon Contact Number 0191 4333554 Local Authority Senior Officer Frances Ewart Contact Number 0191 4338595
Children’s Social Care Services – Referral and Assessment Team, Civic Centre Contact Number 0191 4332410 during office hours 0191 4770844 out of office hours
More guidance can be found at the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) at www.gateshead.gov.uk/lscb/home.aspx November 12
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CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction (1.1)
Page 4
Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility (1.2)
Page 4
(Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2010) Definitions of Abuse and Neglect (1.3)
Pages 4-5
Designated Child Protection Officer (1.4)
Page 5
Prevention (1.5)
Pages 5-6
Supporting the Student at Risk (1.6)
Page 6
Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children (1.7)
Page 6
Procedures (1.8)
Page 6-7
SECTION 2 (School Process/Procedures for Staff) Process (2.1)
Page 8
Supporting the Student At Risk (2.2)
Page 8
Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children (2.3)
Page 9
What to do if you have concerns about a child (2.4)
Page 9
What information will the D.C.P.O. need when making a referral (2.5)
Pages 9-10
Procedures (2.6)
Page 10
What to do if you have concerns that a child is being abused Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers Glossary of Term Other Relevant Polices: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Safeguarding Children Policy Restrictive Physical Intervention Policy Anti-bullying policy Behaviour for Learning Policy Attendance Policy Complaints Policy Safer Recruitment Policy
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Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3
1.1 INTRODUCTION Kingsmeadow fully recognised the responsibility it has to have clear procedures in place about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Our policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school.
1.2 SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY ·
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Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or are at risk of suffering significant harm. As adults and/or professionals or volunteers, everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children and promote their welfare. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children – and in particular protecting them from significant harm – depends upon effective joint working between agencies and professionals that have different roles and expertise. Individual children, especially some of the most vulnerable children and those at greatest risk of social exclusion, will need co ordinated help from health, education, children’s social care, and quite possibly the voluntary sector and other agencies, including youth justice services. For those children who are suffering, or at risk of suffering significant harm, joint working is essential, to safeguard and promote welfare of child(ren) and – where necessary – to help bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against children. All agencies and professionals should: o be alert to potential indicators of abuse or neglect; o be alert to the risks which individual abusers, or potential abusers, may pose to children; o share and help to analyse information so that an assessment can be made of the child’s needs and circumstances; o contribute to whatever actions are needed to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare; o take part in regularly reviewing the outcomes for the child against specific plans and; work cooperatively with parents unless this is inconsistent with ensuring the child’s safety.
1.3 (WORKING TOGETHER TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN, 2010) Definitions of abuse and neglect: ·
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Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused by family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. Physical Abuse: Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child.
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Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the illtreatment of another. It may involve serious bullying causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment or a child, though it may occur alone. · Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape, buggary or oral sex) or nonpenetrative acts. They may include noncontact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encourage children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. · Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food and clothing, shelter including exclusion from home or abandonment, failing to protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger, failure to ensure adequate supervision including the use of inadequate caretakers, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs. (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2010) ·
1.4 DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER ·
The Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) for Kingsmeadow is Christine Brennan, Deputy Headteacher (who attends training every two years.) Vanda Sergison and Christine Byrne are her Deputies and will act in her absence. All Kingsmeadow staff are trained every three years.
1.5 PREVENTION ·
We recognise that high selfesteem, confidence, supportive friends and good lines of communication with a trusted adult helps prevention. The school will therefore: o Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to. o Ensure children know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty. o Include in the curriculum activities and opportunities for Citizenship which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse and to know to whom to turn to for help. November 12
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o Include in the curriculum material which will help children develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life, particularly with regard to childcare and parenting skills. 1.6 SUPPORTING THE STUDENT AT RISK ·
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The school will endeavour to support the student through: o The content of the curriculum to encourage self esteem and self motivation (see Section 2.) o The school ethos with (i) promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment (ii) gives students a sense of being valued (see Section 2.) o The school’s behaviour policy is aimed at supporting vulnerable students in the school. All staff will agree on a consistent approach, which focuses on the behaviour of the offence committed by the child but does not damage the student’s sense of self worth. The school will endeavour to ensure that the student knows that some behaviour is unacceptable but she/he is valued and not to be blamed for any abuse which occurred. o Liaison with other agencies which support the student such as Social Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, the Educational Psychology Service, Behaviour Support Service and the Education Welfare Service. o A commitment to develop productive and supportive relationships with parents whenever it is in the student’s best interest to do so. o Recognition that children living in a home environment where there is domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse are vulnerable and in need of support and protection. o Vigilantly monitoring children’s welfare, keeping records and notifying Social Services as soon as there is a recurrence of a concern. When a student with a Child Protection Plan leaves, the information will be transferred to the new school immediately.
1.7 PREVENTING UNSUITABLE PEOPLE FROM WORKING WITH CHILDREN ·
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The school will operate Safer Recruitment practices including ensuring appropriate CRB and reference checks are undertaken according to Circular DfES/0278/2002 Child Protection: Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children and Young People in the Education Service. All schools are required to have a single central record of recruitment and vetting checks covering all staff and others identified by the school as having regular contact with children. Ofsted inspectors are checking this and if there are any gaps in the record, the consequences on the final judgement are likely to be severe. Schools cannot expect that they will given time to plug any gaps.
PROCEDURES This organisation is committed to having effective recruitment and human resources procedures, including checking all staff and volunteers to make sure they are safe to work with children and young people. Key staff involved in recruitment processes will undertake Safer Recruitment Training. · There may be occasions when there is an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer. Allegations against those who work with children, whether in a paid or unpaid capacity, cover a wide range of circumstances. · The allegations may relate to the person’s behaviour at work, at home or in another setting. ·
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Where such allegations are made, consideration must be given to the following three strands: 1. The police investigation of a possible criminal offence 2. Enquiries and assessment by Children’s Social Care Services as to whether the child is in need of protection or in need of services 3. Consideration by an employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual. In addition, such allegations may give rise to complaints of poor practice, which should be considered in line with the agencies'.
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SECTION 2 SCHOOL PROCESS/PROCEDURES FOR STAFF 2.1 PROCESS ·
The school will: o Recognise the importance of the role of the DCPO and arrange support and training. o That the DCPO will take advice from a child protection specialist when managing complex cases. o Ensure every member of staff and every governor knows: § the name of the DCPO and her/his role § that they have an individual responsibility for referring child protection concerns using the proper channels and within timescales § ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for child protection by setting out its obligations in the school brochure o Provide training for all staff from the point of their induction and updated every three years minimum, so that they know: § their personal responsibility § the need to be vigilant in identifying cases of abuse § how to support and to respond to a child who tells of abuse o Undertake appropriate discussion with parents prior to involvement of another agency unless the circumstances preclude this. o Notify the local Social Services team if: § it should have to exclude a student subject to a Child Protection Plan (whether fixed term or permanently) § there is an unexplained absence of a student on the Child Protection Plan. o Work to develop effective links with relevant agencies and Cooperate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters including attendance and written reports at initial case conferences, core groups and child protection review conferences. o Keep clear detailed written records of concerns about children (noting the date, event and action taken,) even where there is no need to refer the matter to Social Services immediately. o Ensure all records are kept secure and in locked locations. o Ensure that all staff and volunteers recognise their duty and feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in regard to children and that such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner in accordance with agreed whistle blowing policies.
2.2 SUPPORTING THE STUDENT AT RISK ·
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We recognise that children who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth and to view the world as benevolent and meaningful. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of selfblame. This school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. Nevertheless, when at school their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. We recognise that some children actually adopt abusive behaviours and that these children must be referred on for appropriate support and intervention. November 12
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2.3 PREVENTING UNSUITABLE PEOPLE FROM WORKING WITH CHILDREN The school will consult with the designated LA Senior Officer for Child Protection in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff and adhere to the relevant procedures. · The school will ensure that any disciplinary proceedings against staff relating to child protection matters are concluded in full even when the member of staff is no longer employed at the school and that notification of any concerns is made to the relevant authorities and professional bodies and included in references where applicable. · The school will ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of the need for maintaining appropriate and professional boundaries in their relationships with students and parents as advised by the Local Authority’s Code of Conduct. · The school will ensure that staff and volunteers are aware that sexual relationships with students aged under 18 are unlawful and could result in legal proceedings taken against them under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (abuse of position of trust.) ·
2.4 WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD ·
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You may have concerns about a child because of something you have seen or heard, or a child may choose to disclose something to you. If a child discloses information to you, you should: o Not promise confidentiality, you have a duty to share this information and refer to Children’s Social Care Services. o Listen to what is being said, without displaying shock or disbelief. o Accept what is said. o Reassure the child, but only as far as is honest, don’t make promises you may not be able to keep e.g. “Everything will be alright now, you will never have to see that person again.” o Reassure and alleviate guilt, if the child refers to it. For example, you could say, “You’re not to blame.” o Not interrogate the child, it is not your responsibility to investigate. o Not ask leading questions e.g. “Did he touch your private parts?” Ask open questions such as “Anything else to tell me.” o Not ask the child to repeat the information for another member of staff. o Explain what you have to do next and who you will have to talk to. o Take notes if possible or write up your conversation as soon as possible afterwards. o Record the date, time, place, any nonverbal behaviour and the words used by the child (do not paraphrase.) o Record statements and observable things rather than interpretations or assumptions. Whatever the nature of your concerns, discuss them with the DCPO. If you still have concerns they should be referred to Children’s Social Care Services for further advice, or Frances Ewart at the LA (0191 4338595.)
2.5 WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED WHEN MAKING A REFERRAL ·
It is practice for the DCPO or deputies to make referrals, however in an emergency any member of staff can make a referral to Social Services or the Police. You will be asked to provide as much information as possible. Such as the child’s full name, date of birth, address, school, G.P., languages spoken, any disabilities the child may have, details of the parents. Do not be concerned if you do not have all these details, you should still make the call. November 12
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· You should follow up the verbal referral in writing within 24 hours. This should be done on a Child Protection Referral Form obtained from Christine Brennan or the Senior Administrator, Carol Shepherd. Whatever the nature of your concerns, discuss them with the DCPO. If you still have concerns they should be referred to Children’s Social Care Services for further advice, or Frances Ewart at the LA (0191 4338595.) 2.6 PROCEDURES · All allegations of abuse of children by those who work with children or care for them must be taken seriously. Each agency is required to have a Named Child Protection Officer who will receive all reports of allegations. Our Named Officer is Christine Brennan. · The following procedures should be applied in all situations where it is alleged that a person who works with children has: o behaved in a way which has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child o possibly committed a criminal offence against a child o behaved towards a child or children in a way which indicates that he/she is unsuitable to work with children. · ·
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All allegations should be notified to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day (Nicholas Leon (LADO,) telephone 0191 4333554.) Christine Brennan should receive reports in relation to allegations against those within the organisation. A senior member of the Human Resources section for the agency must also be consulted. The LADO will discuss the matter with the Named Senior Officer/Manager to determine what steps should be taken and where necessary obtain further details of the allegation and the circumstances in which it was made. The discussion should also consider whether there is evidence/information that establishes that the allegation is false or unfounded, whether a referral to the Children’s Social Care Services is required and/or whether disciplinary action is appropriate. Some allegations will be so serious as to require immediate referral to the Children’s Social Care Services and the Police, but common sense and judgement must be applied in reaching a decision about what action to take. If the allegation is not patently false and there is cause to suspect that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer Significant Harm, the LADO will immediately refer the matter to the Children’s Social Care Services and ask for a Strategy Discussion/Meeting to be convened straight away. Some allegations may be less serious and at first sight may not seem to warrant consideration of a police investigation or enquiries by the Children’s Social Care Services. However, it is important to ensure that even apparently less serious allegations are followed up and examined objectively by someone independent of the organisation. Consequently the LADO should be informed of all allegations that come to the employer’s attention and appear to come within the scope of this procedure so that he or she can consult Police and social care colleagues as appropriate. Where a referral is made directly to Children’s Social Care Services, they will consult with the LADO, the police and Christine Brennan. Allegation against a member of staff (see Safeguarding Children Policy.)
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