PRACTICE & PROCEDURES GUIDANCE
Breckenbrough considers the protection, safety and well being of children in its care a major priority and responsibility and are committed to following the Area Child Protection Committee’s and LEA’s Child Protection procedures and guidance; referring to Social Services Department when appropriate; working together with other agencies, attending and providing reports for Child Protection and contributing where appropriate to any Child Protection Plan.
The policy also includes a simplified guide of basic procedures on one page which is also displayed on the staff room, staff office, school office and domestic staff room notice boards.
1 Definitions
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. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, 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.
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 feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using terms such as factitious illness by proxy or Munchausen syndrome by proxy (also known as ‘whom illness is fabricated or induced’).
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment 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. It may involve 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 ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Note that these categories may overlap. The majority of our boys before arriving at Breckenbrough will have suffered some form of emotional and or physical abuse, usually at previous schools.
Staff must be particularly vigorous in identifying and referring:
- Physical abuse by staff on pupils.
- Sexual abuse and or inappropriate relationships between staff and pupils
- Inappropriate sexual behaviour between boys
- Evidence of sexual abuse on a boy having occurred outside school.
Responsibility of staff. Breckenbrough School recognises and accepts that teachers, along with other adults associated with the school, because of their unique position, are well placed to observe children and note any emotional, behavioural or physical signs which may be suggestive of child abuse or have concerns about their care. We recognise that the relationship between teachers, pupils and parents which foster respect, confidence and trust can lead to the disclosure of abuse.
Recognising the necessity and nature of good relationships with parents of children in its care and attempting to preserve these wherever possible, the school, however, acknowledges that the child’s protection is paramount.
School are supported in all matters relating to Child Protection by the Education Social Work Service who are available to give advise, support and guidance regarding Child Protection matters.
Staff training. In order to prepare all staff for their responsibility in relation to the protection of children, they have received basic child protection awareness training (or have planned it for) (by either Designated Person, Educational Social Worker or outside agency).
New staff are made aware of child protection issues on induction.
Signing up. Breckenbrough School will always follow the procedures and recommendations of the Area Child Protection Committee and the information on www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk.
All staff (teaching and non-teaching), have to read this policy and it is recommended that staff read the above web site focussing on the procedures.
Induction. All newly appointed staff will be made aware of this policy and be familiarised with the LEA and ACPC procedures on induction. New staff have to sign up to this policy, along with the behaviour and positive handling policies.
The Designated Member of Staff. The senior member of staff with designated responsibility for Child Protection is Stuart Edwards, the Head of Care. The nominated governor for Child Protection is Quentin Fowler (chair or vice chair).
School Procedure for Staff
Vigilance of staff; Any member of staff who:-
a) Has suspicion that a child is injured, marked, or bruised in a way which is not readily attributable to the normal knocks or scrapes received in play, or when the explanation given appears inconsistent with the injury.
b) Notes behaviours or actions, which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered abuse. (May include worrying drawings or play)
c) Is concerned that a child maybe suffering from lack of care, ill treatment, or emotional maltreatment.
d) Has concerns that a child is presenting any signs or symptoms consistent with suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
e) Notes significant changes in a child’s presentation otherwise unexplained.
f) Receives hints or a disclosure of abuse from the child, another pupil, parent or member of the public.
g) Becomes aware of a Schedule 1 offender has moved into a household with children present or otherwise in a situation where that person may be posing a risk to children.
MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPICIONS OR CONCERNS TO THE DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER.
Response of staff to suspicion and or concern;
Remember
It is not the responsibility of teachers/care/support staff to investigate abuse nor decide if abuse has taken place. We do, however, have a duty to act on concern and refer to the investigating agencies (Social Services & Police)
Always listen to and take seriously any disclosure of abuse. Keep questions to a minimum, only asking these to clarify information or to assist the child who is finding it difficult to talk. Any questions should be “open” i.e. not have the answer embedded in the question e.g. “Can you tell me what happened” rather than “Did x hit you?”. Do not interrogate the child. Do not make the child repeat it all to another person. The information needed from the child is only that which is sufficient to make a referral for further investigation, not for staff to decide the validity of the disclosure.
Try not to show signs of shock, horror or surprise.
Do not express your feelings or any judgements regarding the alleged abuser.
If a child confides in you and requests that the information is kept secret, it is important that you tell the child sensitively that you have a responsibility to refer the information to the designated officer in order to protect the child from further abuse. ON NO ACCOUNT WILL THE CHILD BE PROMISED ABSOLUTE CONFIDENTIALITY. Reassure and support the child as far as possible, that only those who “need to know”, in order to protect. Explain what will happen next and try to ensure that the child is involved as far as possible and appropriate.
Do not approach parents at this stage, the designated officer will decide based on the information if and when parents will be spoken to.
Child Protection information is CONFIDENTIAL and will be shared only on a “need to know” basis as determined by the designated officer.
Action by Designated Officer
Staff will immediately inform the designated officer of their concerns. In the absence of the Designated officer, staff will inform the Head or a senior member of staff.
The Designated Officer will decide what needs to happen next. The first consideration will be the need to address any urgent medical needs of the child.
The Designated Officer is entitled to make an enquiry as to whether the child is on, or has been on, the Child Protection Register (01609 780611)
The Designated Officer will consult James Lee of the Child and Families Team, or the next senior member of staff on 01609 779922 who will offer support and advice with regard to how to proceed. They may also consult with the local Social Services Service Manager.
School’s Education Social Worker’s telephone number
Hambleton & Richmondshire 01609 780860
Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale 01723 352628
Harrogate 01423 700100
Craven 01756 792427
Selby 01757 213366
Lead LEA Officers –
Principal ESW – Alan Critchlow – 01609 780860
Specialist Senior ESW (Child Protection) – Karen Lewis – 01609 780860
Rosemary Cannell – 01423 700170
Social Services telephone number – 01609 779999.
Openness and honesty; The Designated Officer will decide, based on ACPC and LEA guidance and after consultation as above, whether to talk to parents. Good child protection practice rests within a climate of openness and honesty. Parents will in general and where possible be spoken to unless to do so may, place the child at risk of significant harm, impede any police investigation or place the member of staff or others at risk. Consideration will also be given to not informing parents if the child expressly does not want this. An inability to contact parents will not cause undue delay to making a referral, when the parents disagree with this decision. The designated officer will make clear that they are following LEA and ACPC guidelines and acting on their statutory duty.
Referrals The Designated Officer will decide whether to make a formal referral to Social Services via their Customer Relations unit on 01609 779999 and follow this up in writing using the standard referral form.
Individual referral without Designated Officer In cases where: the child is at immediate risk; there is clear physical evidence or the child has made a clear disclosure, referral to SSD should be made immediately. If the above consultation process is not possible or cannot be completed within a very short time-scale because for e.g. the Designated Officer, or a member of the Child Protection Team is not available then it is the responsibility of the person who gleaned the information to ensure that a speedy referral is made to the SSD. Any member of school staff is entitled to liaise/consult and to make a referral. Absence of key personnel should never prevent referral when there is immediate risk, evidence or direct disclosure. Staff should inform the Designated Officer or a member of the Child Protection Team as soon as possible.
Documenting when Child Protection advices against a referral If it is decided not to make a referral at this stage, the action taken should be fully documented on the Referral Form in the Child Protection File, together with the reasons for the decisions not to proceed further. The Designated Officer may advise that further monitoring is necessary. Parents will be informed given regard to e) above.
Other referrals The Designated Officer may be advised to make a referral for services from e.g. Pupil & Parent Services, School Health Service, Social Services Child in Need. This should only ever be done with the agreement of parents. However, failure to agree may, in some circumstances of itself be a child protection concern.
Action Following Child Protection Referral
Maintaining contact with Social Services The Designated Officer will make regular contact to Social Services to provide any necessary information and ensure that we are, updated, clear of any action being taken by them and clear of any action for school to take.
Strategy meeting The Designated Officer or other appropriate member of staff including members of the Child Protection Team will wherever possible, contribute to the strategy discussion.
Child Protection Conference The Designated Officer or other appropriate member of staff will provide a report for, attend and contribute to any subsequent Child Protection Conference. This will include expressing a professional view, based on the information shared as to whether the child or children subject of the Conference should be placed on the Child Protection Register on the grounds that they appear to be at risk of continuing significant harm.
Child Protection Plan If the child or children are placed on the Child Protection Register, the school will contribute to the Child Protection Plan, attend Core Group Meetings and review Child Protection Conferences.
Reports All reports written will whenever possible, be shared with parents prior to meetings, if we are in doubt regarding sharing certain information we will discuss with a senior member of ESW staff.
Complaints Where the Designated Officer disagrees with a decision made by Social Services e.g. not to apply Child Protection Procedures or not to convene a Child Protection Conference he/she will discuss this with a senior member of ESW staff and they will together agree how to proceed.
Recording and Monitoring
Records should include Accurate records will be made as soon as practicable and will clearly distinguish between observation, fact, opinion and hypothesis. All records will be signed and dated, any information given be recorded verbatim where possible and note made of location and description of injuries seen.
Recording in the Child Protection File The Designated Officer, has agreed the following system of monitoring and review with staff;
The member of staff should record a suspicion in the Serious Incident Book in line with guidance above.
The member of staff referring a disclosure should complete the Child Protection Form. The member of staff should complete the form when a referral has been completed with a summary of the conclusion.
The Designated Officer will complete a referral form even where a referral has not been made and store it in the Child Protection Folder which is kept in a secure place.
Confidentiality of Child Protection File All CP documents will be retained in a “Child Protection” file, separate from the child’s main file. This will be locked away and only accessible to the Head and Designated Officer. The Data Protection Act 1998 provides for CP records to be exempt from disclosure where this would not be in the best interests of the child. These records will be transferred to any future school the child moves to – clearly marked Child Protection, Confidential for attention of the Designated Teacher Child Protection.
Reports The Care Standards Commission will be informed every half-term of contact if a referral has been made by letter.
Partnership with parents
Including parents Breckenbrough School recognises that the protection of children should always be of paramount importance and consideration and that the primary focus in child protection should always be the child’s safety and welfare. However, good child protection practice and outcome relies on a positive, open, honest working partnership with parents. We will ensure that all parents are treated with respect, dignity and courtesy. We will respect parents right to privacy and confidentiality unless they give permission for information to be shared or it is necessary to infringe this in order to protect the child or children.
Excluding parents When a referral has been made without informing parents we will clearly explain that we have acted:
following consultation and guidance from Social Services
in line with our statutory responsibilities, this policy and LEA and ACPC procedures
We will make parents aware of this policy and guidance in the school brochure and state that we may, on occasion need to make referrals without consultation with them, however, that we will make every effort to maintain a positive working relationship with them whilst fulfilling our duties to protect the child or children. Parents will be made aware that they can view this policy on request.
Supporting the Child
The school will continue to support the child and work together with other agencies involved with the family.
Children will be given a proper explanation (appropriate to age and understanding) of what action is being taken on their behalf and why. We will provide a secure, caring, supportive and protective relationship for the child.
The Designated Officer will decide which members of staff “need to know” and how much they “need to know” in order to support and protect the child. This will take into account the acute difficulty and embarrassment many children have knowing that staff are aware of their situation and central to the decision will be the need to protect the child whilst maintaining wherever possible their privacy and dignity and right to confidentiality.
Child Protection in the Curriculum
Breckenbrough School are committed to raising pupils awareness that they have a right to not be treated or touched in a way that makes them unhappy or hurt, that sometimes they may not feel able to stop an adult or a peer doing something that they do not like, however, that there are adults in and out of school who will listen to them and take steps to protect them from harm. Age appropriate materials are utilised in the 24 hour curriculum in order to help children to understand child protection issues.
Training
The Designated Officer has received Basic Child Protection Training provided by North Yorkshire LEA and will where possible attend specific appropriate LCPC or ACPC training days. He will ensure that all staff are aware of child protection issues and procedures by informing staff in staff meetings, through documentation and training. The school has an ongoing Child Protection training programme. Other independent schools LCPC catchment area and representatives from Social Services are invited and welcome to attend.
Safeguards for Pupils and Staff
Security Checks The School will follow LEA guidance regarding the safe recruitment selection and employment of staff in order to ensure that every effort is made to deter and prevent any person who may pose a risk to children working with them. This will include ensuring that all relevant personnel including volunteers are police checked and checked against list 99 through the CRB system before they can start work. Staff volunteers who have not been checked in this manner will not be allowed substantial unsupervised access to children
Professionalism School staff will always act professionally and conduct any relationships with children in a professional manner.
Protection of staff Staff will not be put in a position which renders them particularly vulnerable to false allegations of abuse. Any concerns that, for whatever reason, a member of staff may be vulnerable will be shared with the Designated Officer and Head who will make appropriate arrangements to reduce/eradicate this risk. The decisions made will be recorded and include the reasons for them. If the risk relates to a particular child a copy will be retained on that child’s file (CP file where appropriate). Parents, where appropriate will be informed.
Referring Colleagues Any member of staff who has concerns that the behaviour of another member of the school’s staff is or may be abusive to children will immediately inform the Designated Officer or Headteacher. If these concerns relate to the Designated Officer the Headteacher must be informed. If these concerns relate to the Head, Designated Officer and the Designated Governor must be informed. (include a reference to the school’s whistle blowing arrangements)
Referring oneself Any member of staff who feels that for whatever reason, they may have behaved in a manner which is abusive or neglectful to pupils has a responsibility to report this to the Designated Officer and/or the Headteacher who will make will arrangements to secure that safety and protection of pupils. Advice will be sought by the Designated Officer and/or the Head from Tracey Whitfield.
Applying restraint The school’s policy on physical intervention relates to this policy, where a “restraint” appears to have been conducted in a manner which could constitute abuse these procedures will be followed.
Taking advice Where abuse by children is either suspected or becomes known, the Designated Officer will consult with the Headteacher and Tracey Whitfield Senior ESW in order to secure appropriate arrangements for the safety and protection of all and make child protection referrals where appropriate.
The Internet School have made appropriate arrangements for ensuring the safe use of the internet by using ‘Smart Filter’ and staff vigilance while pupils are using the computers and checking the computer history.
Allegations of abuse made against a member of staff
All children will be listened to and taken seriously whenever making an allegation of a CP nature, irrespective of the person they are making the allegation about. We acknowledge that this is particularly difficult when the subject of the allegation is a colleague and/or friend. On no account, however, should the person listening to the allegation offer an alternative explanation or blame the child, the LEA procedures in the ACPC handbook will always be followed. It is acknowledged that such allegations may be malicious, misplaced or false. We also acknowledge that adults who are put in positions of trust and authority may on occasion be abusive to children. It is essential for both the child and the members of staff that allegations are investigated properly in order that children are protected and that any member of staff who has been falsely accused can be proven innocent. In the event that an allegation is made against the Head the matter should be reported to the Designated Officer or the nominated governor, whose role it is to ensure that the agreed procedure is followed.
Protection of the child The person who has received an allegation or witnessed an event will immediately inform the Designated Officer and Headteacher who will take steps to secure the immediate safety needs of the child or children and seek any urgent medical attention required. The member of staff will not be approached at this stage unless necessary to address the immediate safety of children.
Referring The Designated Teacher and Headteacher will consult the lead LEA officer for Child Protection or the Specialist Senior ESW for Child Protection in order to decide how to proceed. This decision will be made with regard to DFES guidance and LEA procedures designed to secure the rights and well being of children and staff.
Information Consideration will be given throughout to the support and information needs of pupils, parents and staff. The Head will inform the nominated governor for child protection of any allegation against a member of staff.
Children who go missing
When a child who is on the child protection register “goes missing” or is significantly absent the designated officer will immediately inform Social Services. When other children go missing or change school and information is not available regarding the receiving school, the school will immediately inform the Education Social Work Service, who will take appropriate action to trace the child.
Support for Staff
Child protection work can be difficult, distressing and extremely stressful. School staff who become involved in this area of work will therefore often need support and a listening ear. Staff will be supported by management, David Ladyman the staff mentor and other staff as appropriate. The designated officer will be supported by the management team, David Ladyman and the Designated Governor as appropriate. Please note that additional support is always available from the ESW Service.
The Role of Governors
There will be an annual item on the Governor’s meeting agenda to be informed of the number of children in school on the Child Protection Register (not to include names or details)’ consider any training needs; be provided with a list of referrals and outcomes, be informed of any training undertaken, review this policy, improve supervision.
Additionally governors will undertake their responsibilities in relation to allegations against staff and any disciplinary procedures
Personnel Changes
Any change to personnel undertaking the roles of Designated Child Protection Officer or nominated governor will be reported to the Specialist Senior Education Social Worker (Child Protection) in order that LEA records can be updated and training offered.
OFSTED Inspections
If an OFSTED Inspection comment suggests that school should address any matters regarding child protection, this will be communicated to the Specialist Senior ESW for Child Protection who will offer any necessary advice, guidance or training. School will also report any positive comments or practice in order that this can be shared to promote good practice in all schools.
The points outlined below are for all members of staff to use as step by step guidelines of what to do if they encounter or suspect the following;
PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE BY STAFF TOWARDS PUPILS.
INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STAFF AND PUPILS.
PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE BY PUPILS TOWARDS PUPILS.
PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT, OCCURRING TOWARDS PUPILS OUTSIDE SCHOOL.
REPORTING
Staff must report any of the above mentioned immediately to Stuart Edwards (Designated Officer) If he is not available then report to a senior member of staff.
If a Senior Member of Staff is not around staff can make a referral directly either to;
James Lee on 01609 779922 for advice. or
Social Services Customer Service on 01609 779999 for a direct referral.
RECORDING
The Designated Officer will inform you of where to record the information. If there is no formal referral then the incident and information should be recorded in the Serious Incident Book.
If a formal referral is made on a Child Protection Referral Form, which must be put in the Child Protection File. The report must distinguish between observation, fact, opinion and hypothesis and include date and time of disclosure. Details of the disclosure. The staff member must sign the report. And counter signed by the Designated Officer.
Staff must keep in contact with the Designated Officer and complete the Referral Form after the referral has been concluded.
More in depth details on the Child Protection Procedures can be found in the Child Protection Folder held in the Staff Office.
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
Staff, parents and children can contact Social Services 01609 779922 or the National Care Standards Commission on 01904 545000
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