Child Protection Policy

Transcription

1 Child Protection Policy We have reviewed this policy following guidance from Birmingham Safeguarding Children s Board, Ofsted Welfare Requirements and Birmingham City Councils Early Years and Childcare Safeguarding Information Pack All staff have a duty to safeguard children and are responsible for monitoring all children and for bringing concerns, no matter how seemingly trivial, to the attention of the designated member of staff for child protection. This policy outlines how staff can meet this duty and their need to be: Trained and aware of potential indicators of abuse Open to hearing concerns from children and others, without seeking to investigate these concerns. Informed on how to report any concerns to their Designated Senior Person(s) for Child Protection. Informed on how to report any concerns relating to staff to their Head Teacher/ Head of Centre. Informed on how to report any concerns relating to their Head Teacher/Head of Centre. Children need to grow in a happy, warm, safe and secure environment. We take seriously our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children entrusted to our care. As part of the nursery centre ethos we are committed to: Encouraging, supporting and working in partnership with parents and carers. Listening to and valuing each child. Ensuring that all members of staff are properly informed and supported. The Aim: Whilst the prime focus of Bloomsbury Nursery School and Children s Centre is to secure the best Early Years provision for each child, the setting recognises that the safety, welfare and care of children are paramount. We are therefore committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care at all times. We will ensure that arrangements are in place for:

2 Rigorous and safe recruitment and selection procedures including CRB checks; (Refer to Recruitment and Selection Policy). All persons working at this School/Centre will be subject to the Birmingham City Council (BCC) Safeguarding vetting procedures and an enhanced Police check- Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) as required by Law and defined by section 31 of the Children Act1989/2004 and the DFE Circular 9/93, Protection of Children: Disclosed of Criminal Background of those with Access to Children; ALL persons working at this School/Centre, including those employed through other agencies and on a voluntary basis, will also be subject to an enhanced Police check- Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). Agency staff, other staff employed by a different agency but based in the Nursery School or Centre, and contractors, are expected to show their current CRB on arrival. As evidence, this should be recorded on the Single Central File. If they do not have a CRB they will be asked to leave or for short tasks will be accompanied by a member of staff. Visitors (including parents/carers) who have not been vetted by the LA, will be overseen by a member of staff at all times whilst children are on the premises; All visitors to the school/centre must sign in and out, indicating name, organisation (if applicable), vehicle registration, purpose of visit and wear a visitor identification badge, at all times. Ongoing risk assessments of work environments and practices. We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Staff of the Nursery School and Children s Centre will often, by virtue of their day to day contact and knowledge of the children, be well placed to identify such abuse and offer support to children in need. In order to protect all children, we aim to: Create an atmosphere where all children can feel secure, valued and listened to Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse Respond quickly and effectively to cases of suspected abuse; notifying Social Care and Health (Children s Services) via the approved mechanisms as soon as there is a significant concern. Monitor and support children at risk Monitor children s absences and make contact with the family after 3 days absence; and follow up any concerns Use the curriculum to raise children s awareness, build confidence and skills Work closely with parent/carers and support external agencies Ensure that all adults within our school/centre who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability (refer to Personnel Policy).

3 Bloomsbury Nursery School and Children s Centre will support all children by: Encouraging self-esteem and appropriate self-assertiveness whilst not condoning aggression or bullying Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the School/Centre Raising children s awareness and build confidence so that they have a range of strategies to support their own protection and understanding of protecting others, through teaching and learning. Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children Providing continuing support to a child about whom there have been concerns who leaves the School/Centre, including by ensuring that current child protection records are passed on to the receiving school. Staff Roles and Responsibilities All staff have a duty to safeguard children and are responsible for monitoring all children and for bringing concerns, no matter how seemingly trivial, to the attention of the designated member of staff for child protection. Designated personnel (Carmel Faulkner and Billie Taggart) Designated Senior Person (DSP) for Child Protection: Carmel Faulkner, in her absence, Deputy Designated Senior Person for Child Protection: Billie Taggart or Deputy Head Teacher/ of Centre: Sally Davies Designated personnel during School Holiday Periods: (Billie Taggart and Cavelle Burris) During school holiday periods, a further member of staff has attended the appropriate training and will act as Deputy Children s Centre DSP. Therefore in the absence of Billie Taggart, Cavelle Burris will be the Deputy Children s Centre DSP. Chair of Governing Body and Nominated Governor: Noran Flynn The role of the DSP The Designated Senior Person is responsible for: Adhering to the Birmingham BSCB, Education and school/service procedures with regard to referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse Keeping written records of all concerns about a child even if there appears to be no need to make an immediate referral Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from child records Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the child records

4 Liaison and joint working with Social Care and Health- Children s Services, and other relevant agencies The role of all staff and other persons within the Schools/Centre settings Listening to children is a priority and a key principle of our provision and practice. Staff create the opportunity and environment for children to be able to talk about their concerns; Staff organise cover for the member of staff listening to a child s concerns. All staff and adults at Bloomsbury should: Always: Report on as soon as you have a concern. Record information verbatim using the actual words of the child and noting any questions the child raises. Note dates, times, who was present, positions in the room, anything factual about the child s appearance. Pass these notes to the DSP. If possible use a silent witness. Never Ask leading questions. Ask the child to write down their account. Investigate with, or without, others. Take photographs of marks. Attempt any medical judgement Arrange a medical examination Tape/video record an interview Ask a child to remove any clothing. Staff should always be aware of their own vulnerability at this point and should take steps to minimise risk to themselves whilst supporting the child. Staff recognise that matters relating to Child Protection are confidential. The Head or DS will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only. Supporting Staff We recognise that staff working in the Nursery School/Centre who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting. We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Designated Senior Person and to seek further support as appropriate. All staff are able to access confidential support and counselling through, for example, BCC Staff Careline, Teacher Support network and Trade Unions (if appropriate). Reporting Procedures

5 All concerns must be passed to the DSP who will seek advice/make a judgement as to whether a referral to Social Care Services or the need for any other action to be taken. If a disclosure is made or a member of staff has reason to believe abuse has occurred an incident report form (available from the Headteacher s office) should be completed as soon as possible and passed to the DSP. Any original notes should be signed, dated and securely attached to the incident report form. All staff must be aware of the high level of confidentiality of notes and individual staff members should pass all notes and records onto the DSP. Upon submitting an incident form the member of staff and the DSP should catalogue the form, sign and date the incident book in order to prove the procedure has been followed. If the DSP decides not to take action but the reporting member of staff or adult disagrees, their concerns can be passed directly to Children s Social Services (Aston Area Office : ). Staff allegations Children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so. All staff should : be aware of their duty to raise any concerns, about the attitude or actions of colleagues, contractors and other visitors, know that all child protection allegations relating to staff must be reported directly to the Head Teacher/Head of Centre (and not the DSP) without informing the subject of the concern/allegation. If the Head Teacher is not available then the Deputy Headteacher should be informed. be aware that any complaint or concern of a Child Protection nature relating to Head Teacher must be passed, in confidence, to the Education Services Child Protection Lead Officer who will give advice and support (Tel: ). (For further information see Concerns about Persons in Positions of Trust Policy and Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board: Child Protection Procedures SECTION 22 ). Understand that in some cases it may be necessary for the staff member to be suspended whilst an investigation is carried out. It must be recognised that any decision to suspend a member of staff is without prejudice and on full pay, and is not an indication of any proof or of any guilt. Advice should always be taken from the Employee Relations team in this respect. The full evidence will be made available to the member of staff subject of the allegation as soon as is agreed appropriate within the ongoing needs of any investigation by the Police, Social Care and Health - Children s Services, or by any disciplinary process. All staff need to be aware of their vulnerability to allegations and must address their practice accordingly. All staff must adhere to the School/Centre policies

6 and guidance in respect to safe conduct. Particularly in regards to the following policies and procedures: Risk Assessment, Appropriate Touch policy, Care and Control policy, use of letters, mobile phones, texts and s, Internet Code of Conduct, Behaviour policy, and their visibility in any individual contact with children. Roles and Responsibilities of the Head Teacher and Governors The Head Teacher will identify a Designated Senior Person (DSP) for Child Protection co-ordination in the school. The Head will identify clearly who will deputise in the absence of the DSP and ensure that any such deputy is appropriately trained. The Head Teacher will ensure that the DSP fulfils their duty and that the following reporting and recording procedures are maintained: o Incident report forms (See examples in Appendix B) which should be catalogued and cross referenced to the incident book and Child s school record o Incident book (hard bound, containing consecutive numbers of report forms, name of child, name, signature and date of person submitting the report, name, signature and date `of DSP receiving the report.) The Governing Body will receive annually a report on developments in Child Protection Policy and Procedures, training undertaken by the DSP, other staff and the Governing Body, the number of cases referred (without details) and the place of child protection in the curriculum. The Governing Body will review the Child Protection Policy and procedures annually, during which the implementation and effectiveness of the policy to safeguard children, staff and others will be assessed. Parents and Carers Parents and carers will be made aware of the School/Centre policy through published information and in initial meetings with parent and carers of new children. Parents and carers will be informed that in certain circumstances there may be a need to contact other agencies without first notifying them. This decision will be made in partnership between Education Services and Social Care and Health Children s Services. It will be made clear that this is a legal obligation and not a personal decision. A copy of this policy is available to all parents, carers and children upon request. Visitors, Temporary Staff, Students and Volunteers A summary of the schools/centre s procedures and the name of the DSP should be displayed for the information of visitors to the school. A summary of the schools/centre s procedures will be given to supply staff, students and regular volunteers, (Appendix A).

7 Training All members of staff will receive training on child protection procedures and will receive updates and refreshers annually. It is also strongly recommended that the Governing Body also receives this training. The DSP will receive accredited training every two years. The Head teacher will be provided with Education Services core training in order to carry out their role and will attend refresher training updates every 2 years. Child Protection training will be clearly cross referenced and supplemented by other areas of staff training including appropriate touch, care & control (including safe restraint), behaviour management and risk assessment. A record of training will be maintained by the DSP Learning Beyond the Classroom/Centre Educational Visits Educational visits involve considerable responsibility on the part of the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) and participatory staff. Residential stays/trips require an extended duty of care for children, from 8 to 24 hours per day. The use of suitable parents/carers or other adult helpers present Child Protection risks and therefore will need be seriously considered in the risk assessment and management of any Educational Visit, to safeguard as much as reasonable practicable the children in the school/centre s care; Where individual volunteers frequently help with Educational activities an they will be subject to the normal safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures as outlined in 1.0 The Aim. Other related policies, procedures and practice guidance: - Whistle Blowing Policy, Care and Control Policy, Appropriate Touch Policy, Anti- Bullying Policy, Personal Care Policy, Safer Recruitment Policy, Record keeping Policy; Child Protection Procedures and Practice guidance for schools and Education Services March 2006, Educational Visits Policy and Guidance Review This policy was adopted by The Governing Body of Bloomsbury Nursery School and Children s Centre in 2008 and reviewed in February 2010 The policy was reviewed in February The policy was reviewed in June Appendix A Summary of Child Protection Information for Visitors and Volunteers Bloomsbury Nursery School and Children s Centre is committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care. Our school/centre will support all children by:

8 Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness Effectively tackling bullying and harassment We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Staff working with children are well placed to identify such abuse. At Bloomsbury Nursery School and Children s Centre in order to protect our children, we aim to: Create an atmosphere where all our children can feel secure, valued and listened to Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse Respond quickly, appropriately and effectively to cases of suspected abuse Everyone working with our children their parents and carers should be aware that: Their role is to listen and note carefully any observations which could indicate abuse. They should not attempt to investigate once the initial concern is raised They should involve the Designated Senior Person (DSP) immediately If the DSP is not available the Head or the Deputy DSP should be contacted. Disclosures of abuse or harm from children may be made at any time. If anything worries you or concerns you, report it straight away. If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact the following staff member as quickly as possible: Designated Senior Person (DSP) : Carmel Faulkner If this person is not available please contact Deputy DSP: Billie Taggart Deputy Head Teacher/ Head of Centre: Sally Davies Deputy CC DSP during school holidays: Cavelle Burris

9 Contact Information Contact Additional Information Telephone Integrated Access (Team IATs provide a Tel: West and Central) single point of contact for 9515 professionals seeking support or raising concern about a child. EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM (Out of Hours) : School & Education Services CP Team Allegations relating to staff / persons in position of trust (Fax) West Midlands Police Tel: Ofsted Tel: Address Education Welfare Office Perry Common Road Erdington B23 7AT LA Learning and Culture Child Protection team School & Governor Support CP Lead Officer for LEA Tel: (C) (N) (S)

10 APPENDIX C Sample SCHOOL REPORT FOR CHILD PROTECTION CONFERENCE: CONFIDENTIAL SCHOOL: Tel: Designated Senior Person: Fax: Conference due to take place on (date): 1. CHILD'S DETAILS Name: DOB: Year Group: Class: Address: Ethnicity: Doctor: Date registered at school: Previous school(s): 2. FAMILY DETAILS Parents: Address (if different to above): Is there need for interpreting? If so, which language? Others with parental responsibility Other carers/significant adults SIBLINGS NAME DOB/AGE SCHOOL 3. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT (note any significant changes) 4. ANY LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND PROGRESS IN MEETING THESE (e.g. Individual Education Plan, Stage in SEN Code of Practice etc) 5. ATTENDANCE PATTERN (include a register printout where possible) Who (if anyone) normally brings child to school: 6. GENERAL BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADULTS AND PEERS (note any significant changes) 7. ANY INCIDENTS OF RELEVANCE 8. PARENTAL CONTACT WITH SCHOOL 9. ANY OTHER SUPPORT PROVIDED BY SCHOOL 10. OTHER AGENCIES/ SUPPORT SERVICES KNOWN TO BE INVOLVED 11. PROGRESS ON CHILD PROTECTION PLAN (REVIEW CONFERENCES ONLY: 12. OTHER COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS 13. VIEW ON REGISTRATION OR DE-REGISTRATION (If appropriate) Signed: Date: Contact person in school if not DSP: Signed: Date:

11 Head Teacher: 14. NOTES OF DECISIONS MADE AT CONFERENCE.

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