Hunter s Bar Infant School Child Protection Policy Organisational Development Children & Young People s Directorate Updated: January 2014
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Hunter s Bar Infant School This document was developed in line with the recommendations contained in the Sheffield City Council document, available from the local authority s Leaf website, entitled Developing a Whole-School Policy on Child Protection As strongly recommended in the DfE document Safeguarding Children: Safer Recruitment and Selection in Education Settings Hunter s Bar Infant School includes a copy of our child protection policy in the induction process for all new recruits and members of the staff team. Hunter s Bar Infant School also provides a copy of this document to those working in a voluntary capacity within our school community.
Be Healthy:: Stay Safe :: Enjoy and Achieve :: Make a Positive Contribution :: Achieve Economic Well Being Mrs Catherine Carr, Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Sandra Doyle, Designated Safeguarding Officer HUNTER S BAR INFANT SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING CHARTER We hope that you have an enjoyable and successful visit to our school. Please read this information in order to help us ensure that everyone has a happy and safe time in our school. SAFEGUARDING Safeguarding is everyone s responsibility we rely on all those working with children to take any suspicions, allegations or concerns about a child seriously. It is our collective responsibility to protect all children from physical, sexual and emotional harm and neglect. How can you contribute? Ensure that your behaviour is appropriate at all times. You can read our Behaviour Guidelines for Adults if you need further advice about this. Take immediate steps if abuse is alleged or suspected. This means telling the Head Teacher (or the Deputy Head in her absence) immediately. You will be asked to make a written record of your concerns. Remember to put the welfare of the child or young person first. Never investigate concerns yourself. What should you do if you suspect a child or young person is being abused? Tell the Head Teacher or the Deputy Head Teacher immediately. Record your concerns (forms in staff work room) and give a copy to the Head Teacher or the Deputy Head Teacher. If a child or young person tells you they are being abused: Allow them to speak without interruption and accept what they say.
Never agree to keep information confidential. Tell them you will help and explain that you must pass the information on to the Head Teacher. Record your concerns and give a copy to the Head Teacher. If you receive an allegation involving a member of staff, a carer or a volunteer, including yourself: Tell the Head Teacher or the Deputy Head Teacher immediately. Record what you have been told and give a copy to the Head Teacher. CHILD PROTECTION TEACHERS The Head Teacher is CATHERINE CARR and, in this school, she is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead.. The Designated Safeguarding Officer is SANDRA DOYLE who in this school is also the Deputy Headteacher. You may talk to either of them about any query or concern which you may have about any issue relating to children s welfare in school. STAY VIGILANT Look out for any signs that cause you to be concerned about a child or young person. Listen to what the child or young person has to say. Always keep a record. Act immediately.
Safeguarding Team Hunter s Bar Infant School 2014-15 Safeguarding Name Work position Direct email Role Headteacher Catherine Carr Headteacher DSL Catherine Headteacher Carr DSO Sandra Deputy Headteacher Doyle SENCo Sandra Deputy Headteacher Doyle Learning Mentor n/ a The school does not have a n/a Looked After Children (LAC) Designated Teacher Chair of Governors Safeguarding Governor E- Safety Coordinator Catherine Carr learning mentor, or equivalent Headteacher Paul Roberts Chair of Governors Anne Chair of the Cockburn Community, Learning & Achievement Committee of the Governing Body Claire King Higher Level Teaching Assistant enquiries@huntersbarinf.sheffield.sch.uk enquiries@huntersbarinf.sheffield.sch.uk enquiries@huntersbarinf.sheffield.sch.uk enquiries@huntersbarinf.sheffield.sch.uk enquiries@huntersbarinf.sheffield.sch.uk Date: January 2014
Child Protection Policy Statement Hunter s Bar Infant School The aim of this policy is to safeguard and promote our pupil s welfare, safety, health and guidance by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate within our school environment and community. The welfare of pupils is of paramount importance. Our school fully recognises the contribution it can make to the protection of children and the support pupils in schools. There are 3 main elements to our Child Protection Policy: Prevention Creating a positive and open school atmosphere Teaching and pastoral support to pupils Protection By following agreed procedures, which ensure staff are appropriately recruited, trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection Concerns Support To pupils and school staff and to children who may have been abused This policy applies to teaching staff, non-teaching, support and volunteer staff, and anyone else who is responsible for or is in contact with children in our school The School Commitment We recognise that high self esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with trusted adults will help all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse Our school will therefore a. Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to. b. Ensure that children know that there are adults in the school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty. c. Include in the curriculum activities and opportunities for PSHE and Citizenship which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse and which will help children develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life, particularly with regard to childcare and parenting skills. d. Ensure that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies. Framework Schools do not operate in isolation. The welfare of children is a corporate responsibility of the entire local authority, working in partnership with other public agencies, the voluntary sector, and service users and carers. All local authority services have an impact on the lives of children and families, and local authorities have a particular responsibility towards children and families most at risk of social exclusion. Child protection is the responsibility of all adults especially those working with children. The development of appropriate procedures and the monitoring of good practice are the responsibilities of the local authority Safeguarding Children Team.
Roles and Responsibilities All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. There are, however, key people within schools and the Local Authority who have specific responsibilities under Child Protection procedures. The names of those carrying these responsibilities for the current year are listed on Safeguarding Children Policy Front Sheet. Please read the school s Safeguarding Charter which can be found at the front of this Child Protection Policy. Roles and responsibilities are discussed with all school adults during initial one-to-one induction meetings for those new into school ie newly appointed staff, volunteers, parent helpers and governors. Regular updates are provided for existing staff during INSET training days and staff development meetings. Procedures Where it is believed that a child is suffering from, or is at risk of, significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out in the Child Protection Committees Procedures- see Appendix A Flowcharts Policy and procedures are discussed with all school adults during initial one-to-one induction meetings for those new into school ie newly appointed staff, volunteers, parent helpers and governors. Regular updates are provided for existing staff during INSET training days and staff development meetings. Causes for Concern Where there is a concern then a Cause for Concern Report form is completed. Please see Appendix B. This can include concerns for both children and adults. The Report Forms are discussed with all school adults during initial one-to-one induction meetings for those new into school ie newly appointed staff, volunteers, parent helpers and governors. Regular updates are provided for existing staff during INSET training days and staff development meetings. Training and Support Our school will ensure that the Head Teacher, the Safeguarding Team, the staff team and the governing body attend training relevant to their roles. All staff will receive and be able to access Child Protection training relevant and appropriate to their role. This will include training in the procedures to follow, the key signs to note and in appropriate record keeping. All members of the staff team whether paid or unpaid have access to appropriate training in order that they are able to react appropriately should an incident occur. All staff will be trained to recognise and respond to situations where a child may be considered to be at risk or where a school adults poses a risk. The Child Protection Liaison Teacher and Deputy Child Protection Liaison Teachers are responsible for implementing the policy and procedures. In Hunter s Bar Infant School the Headteacher is the Child Protection Liaison Teacher and the Deputy Head is the Deputy Child Protection Liaison Teacher. In our school the Headteacher, Safeguarding Team and the Governing Body will ensure that they have appropriate time and resources made available to them to enable them to fulfil their duties in this sensitive area.
Regular updates are provided for the staff team during INSET training days and staff development meetings. Professional Confidentiality Confidentiality will be discussed as part of the Child protection induction in order to ensure it fully understood by all those working with children, particularly in the context of child protection. The only purpose of confidentiality in this respect is to benefit the child. Records and Monitoring Well kept records are essential to good child protection practice. Our school is clear about the need to record any concerns held about a child or children within our school, the status of such records and when these records should be passed over to other agencies. Attendance at Child Protection Conferences / Training See the attached Safeguarding Training Audit Supporting Pupils at Risk Our school recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth and to view the world in a positive way. The school may provide the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. The child s behaviour may prove challenging and defiant and the school will provide as much support as possible in meeting the needs of the child. The school also recognises that some children who have experienced abuse may in turn abuse others. This will require a considered, sensitive approach in order that the child can receive appropriate help and support. This school will endeavour to support pupils through: (a) a rich and relevant curriculum which encourages self-esteem and selfmotivation. (b) the school ethos, which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment and which gives all pupils and adults a sense of being respected and valued. Happy children achieving their potential in a caring and supportive environment (c) the rigorous implementation of school behaviour management policies. (d) a consistent approach, which recognises and separates the cause of behaviour from that which the child displays. This is vital to ensure that all children are supported within the school setting. (e) effective liaison with other professionals and agencies who support the pupils and their families. (f) a commitment to develop productive, supportive relationships with parents, whenever it is in the child s interests to do so. (g) the development and support of a responsive and knowledgeable staff group trained to respond appropriately in child protection situations. This policy should be read in conjunction with other related policies in school. These include - Recruitment and Selection - Behaviour Management - Anti-Bullying - Restraint - Special Education Needs - Health and Safety - Sex and Relationships Education
We recognise that, statistically, children with behavioural difficulties and disabilities are most vulnerable to abuse. School staff who work, in any capacity, with children with profound and multiple disabilities, sensory impairment and/or emotional and behaviour problems will need to be particularly sensitive to signs of abuse. It must also be stressed that in a home environment where there is domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, mental health issues, children may also be vulnerable and in need of support or protection. Safe School, Safe Staff At Hunter s Bar Infant School, safeguarding and child protection are everyone s business The Multi-Agency Team (MAST) Referral Form and the Common Assessment Form (CAF) This MAST referral and CAForm will be used when we consider that a child has needs that cannot be met solely by the services or resources within the school and Sheffield s Children & Young People s Directorate, and where, following an assessment of the situation, we believe co-ordinated intervention is required to promote, safeguard or protect the welfare of the child. In these circumstances, we will have records detailing what work has been undertaken by our school to support the child and family and why we believe that a more corporate and co-ordinated approach is needed. This information then provides the basis for the completion of the Multi-Agency Referral and Common Assessment form. The request for co-ordinated support services for a family should always be discussed with parents unless to do so would place the child or others at risk of harm. Where, following an assessment of a situation, it is considered that immediate protective action is required; a child protection referral must be made by the school s Child Protection Liasion Officer. This referral will be by telephone to the relevant team of social services, followed up by fax or email for confirmation. Sheffield Safeguarding Children Advisory Service Tel 0114 205 3535, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm. MAST Tel 0114 250 6865 Social Care Services Tel 0114 273 4855 and 0114 273 4211
Appendix A Flowcharts ALLEGATION OF CHILD PROTECTION ISSUE (DSL also means DSO if DSLabsent) Inform DSL immediately DSL may discuss with DSO and/or MAST if desired DSL checks Child Protection Register Known to register No longer registered Unknown Unknown but other enquiry made or family known to department New information Old information Social Worker known Social Worker unknown or no longer involved DSL contacts enquirer and. DSL to contact named Social Worker and discuss Possible case conference DSL to contact duty team manager of Children and Families team of the social work division in which the child lives Strategy meeting Investigation Case conference Decision to register Decision not to register Possible inclusion on core group School continue to work with young person and liaise with Social Worker as appropriate
SUSPICION OF A CHILD PROTECTION ISSUE Discuss with DSL DSL may discuss with MAST. or Child Protection Liaison Co-ordinator, as appropriate DSL checks Child Protection Register Known No longer registered Unknown Unknown but other enquiry made New information Old information Contact enquirer Social Worker known Contact Social Worker Social Worker unknown or no longer involved Contact duty team manager of Children & Families team of Social Worker division in which child lives Strengthens concerns Discuss with Social Worker Possible case conference as ALLEGATIONS chart School to continue to work with young person under supervision of CPLT who will liaise with other professionals as appropriate MONITOR AND RECORD Possible Case Conference as ALLEGATIONS chart
FLOW CHART Disciplinary Procedure Allegation of abuse by a member of staff or volunteer etc. Headteacher informed (or Chair of Governors if it is the Headteacher being accused) Headteacher (or Chair of Governors) checks details of allegation HT (or Chair of Govs.) contacts child protection core group to discuss allegation Incident could have occurred Incident could not have occurred Allegation is one of sexual abuse Allegation is of physical or emotional abuse Child Protection Core Group decide whether to involve Social Services Member of staff, child and parents counselled Yes Child Protection Procedures instigated. Social Services and Police informed No Child Protection Core Group advise need for member of staff to be suspended Parents informed Member of staff suspended Inform Director of Education (and Chair of Governors, if applicable) Joint investigation Yes No Member of staff suspended Police instigate prosecution Insufficient evidence to mount prosecution Prosecution successful Prosecution unsuccessful Departmental investigation to ascertain need for disciplinary proceedings Need for disciplinary proceedings identified Disciplinary proceedings instigated No need for disciplinary proceedings identified Member of staff reinstated (if applicable)
Appendix C Allegations of abuse against a member of staff This document combines statutory guidance for allegations of abuse against adults who work with children & young people issued in 2006, Working Together to Safeguard Children, DCSF 2010 and Dealing with Allegations Against Teachers and other Staff 2011. Scope of procedures: The procedures will apply where an adult who works (paid or unpaid, supply, locum, temporary or permanent) with children in any school or FE College has: Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that s/he would pose a risk of harm if they work regularly or closely with children They will also apply where: Concerns arise about the adults behaviour with regard to her/his own children Concerns arise about the employee s response to the behaviour or actions in the private or community life of a partner, member of the family or other household member Investigations: There may be three strands to an investigation: Police investigation of a possible offence A child protection investigation by Specialist Children s Services, possibly including the children of the member of staff Disciplinary action by the employer Usually the police investigation and any subsequent prosecution will take precedence. Statements taken by the police and Children s Social Care can now be made available to the employer subject to consent. Key Features: Employer must designate a senior manager & deputy to deal with such matters Allegations against Head Teachers will be dealt with by the chair of governors (vice chair in their absence) The nature of any investigation and actions will be determined by the LADO in consultation with the employer and, where appropriate, the police Quick resolution is of benefit to everyone Cases will be dealt with expeditiously and fairly (for both the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator) Suspension only if no reasonable alternative There will be a definite outcome from all investigations, even if alleged perpetrators resign Detailed records will be kept on personnel files for 10 years or to normal retirement age, whichever is the longer (unless they are malicious), and mentioned in employment references (unless they are unsubstantiated, unfounded or malicious). The ISA and/or other regulatory bodies should be notified where appropriate The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be contacted immediately (certainly no later than within 1 working day) after receipt of an allegation, by ringing: Sheffield Safeguarding Children Advisory Service Tel 2053535, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm
Employers Checklist: Is action required to secure the immediate safety or well being of child/children? The child/children may need: o Medical attention o To be removed from the scene of an incident o A member of staff to look after them until parents arrive Report to Head Teacher/Chair of Governors or Head of Service Head Teacher/Chair of Governors or Head of Service should: o Record dates/times of alleged incidents o Details of those involved and any potential witnesses o Gather & secure already existing evidence Do not take statements - this is a specialist role of the police Listen to a child sympathetically, encourage them to speak but do not lead them Verify that the alleged event(s) could have happened o o Was the member of staff on duty and present when the alleged incident took place? Are there credible witnesses who are able to confirm what happened? Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) via the Sheffield Safeguarding Advisory Service tel: 2053535 o Provide all details of allegation and persons involved, where known o LADO will determine nature & scope of investigation & consultation with the police o Responsibility for employment matters rests with employer but will form part of advice o HR will provide ongoing support to maintained schools where appropriate Inform parents where appropriate, with guidance from the LADO and police Contact HR, especially if suspension or other action is being considered pending investigation Decide what, if anything, you can tell other staff members o The need for confidentiality is very important o Staff may be informed of a suspension because of an allegation/investigation this can be agreed at the suspension meeting with the member of staff and their representative o No details of case should be discussed o Staff will need to observe a great deal of discretion Useful web links/resources: o o o o Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education, DCSF 2006, at: www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/dfes-04217-2006 Working Together to Safeguard Children, DCSF 2010, at: https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/dcsf-00305-2010 Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board Safeguarding & Child Protection Procedures, 2011, at: http://sheffieldscb.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_all_against_pers_work_children.html Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Teachers and other Staff - Guidance for Local Authorities, Head Teachers, School Staff, Governing Bodies and Proprietors of Independent Schools, 2011 at: https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/dfe-00061-2011
APPENDIX B Hard copies of the Cause for Concern Report Form can be found in the Staff Workroom. Electronic copies can be found in W:\StaffShare\2013-14\Safeguarding\CauseForConcernReportForm.doc HUNTERS BAR INFANT SCHOOL CAUSE FOR CONCERN REPORT Name of child / adult concerned: Name of person making report: Role (in school): Date and time of incident: Outline your cause for concern: Please be Concise Accurate Factual Non judgmental Please continue overleaf, or on another form if necessary Signed.Date..