Breckenbrough considers the protection, safety and well being of children in its care a major priority and responsibility and are committed to following the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Childrens Board (NYSCB) and the North Yorkshire LEA Child Protection procedures and guidance; referring to Hambleton and Richmondshire Social Care Assessment and Safeguarding Department when appropriate; promoting inter agency working by attending and providing reports for Strategy Meetings 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.
All staff sign up to the Child Protection Policy, a copy of which is held in their personnel file.
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’s syndrome by proxy (also known as ‘whom illness is fabricated or induced’. The school has resources on “Safeguarding Children in Whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced” held in the staff office
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.
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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.
2. 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 facilitate 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 and welfare is paramount. [Children Act 1989]
School are supported in all matters relating to Child Protection by the Education Social Work Service who are available to give advice, support and guidance regarding Child Protection matters. The school has a duty to inform Ofsted in compliance with National Minimum Standard 7 of the CSCI regulations. The contact details are Ofsted Compliance Investigation Team 0845-6014772 .
The regulation clearly states that the school must inform Ofsted when an allegation is made against members of the staff team, the procedure does not have to be at referral stage before Ofsted are informed. All the requirements for notification are included in NMS 7 found on page 13 of the Residential Special Schools inspection Regulations held in the staff office.
3. 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 provided by Hambleton and Richmondshire Locality Safeguarding Children Forum.
New staff discuss in depth Child Protection issues as a major part of the induction procedures. Staff are made aware of their responsibilities, and duties.
4. Signing up.
Breckenbrough School will always follow the procedures and recommendations of the NYSCB and the information on www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk. The website is acknowledged as the best resource for information as it is updated to enhance procedures.
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.
5. Induction.
All newly appointed staff will be made aware of this policy and be familiarised with the LEA and NYSCB procedures on induction. New staff have to sign up to this policy, along with the behaviour and positive handling policies. The polices are then held in their personnel file in school and for quick access are held on the DFS in the polices folder
6. 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 David Pointon. Governor training for the child protection governor will be available at regular intervals.
7. 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. Suspicious evidence may include inappropriate drawings, writing, use of internet and phones.
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.
8. Response of staff to suspicion and or concern
MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPICIONS OR CONCERNS TO THE DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER.
Remember
It is not the responsibility of teachers/care/support staff to either investigate abuse nor decide if abuse has taken place. We do, however, have a duty of care to act on concern and refer to the partner agencies (Social Services & Police)
Always listen to and take seriously any disclosure of abuse. Think what the child is going through in entrusting you with this information. 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. Never 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. It is vital that you write down the child’s account using their language, this gives a true picture of the emotion behind the information.
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 duty 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.
The designated office will take their lead from the CYPST as to contact if any with the child’s parents/carers. A determining factor in this could be if the family /carers are potentially implicated in the child’s disclosure of alleged abuse.
Child Protection information is CONFIDENTIAL and will be shared only on a “need to know” basis as determined by the designated officer. The designated officer keeps a log of all contact with the CYPST in a locked file within the staff office.
9. Action by Designated Officer
a) 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. Contact details for all the senior staff are held in the front of the school diary in the staffroom, the designated officer will always take out of hours calls on any concern with a child protection issue.
b) 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.
c) The designated officer will ensure that the guidance provided in Appendix 1 of the NMS is acted on.
d) The Designated Officer is entitled to make an enquiry to CYPST as to whether the child is in receipt of or has had a Child Protection Plan
e) The Designated Officer will consult with the CYPST assessment duty team Social Worker on 01609 533093 who will offer support and advice with regard to how to proceed. Guidance will always be sought in conversation with other professionals as to which other agencies the school has a responsibility to inform to ensure good partnership practice.
Other contacts potentially required are;
Customer Relations Team 01609-556993, Fax 01609-532009
Cru.customer.services@northyorks.gov.uk
Principal E.S.W Alan Critchlow 01609-532320 and 0771-5540712
Safeguarding and CP Manager Karen Lewis 01609-534200 and 07715540711
Central Database 01609-774298
North Yorkshire Police 0845 6060247
Emergency Duty Team 0845-0349417
CYPST fax number 01609-772890
Child Protection referral specialist team FAX 01609-532009
Ofsted Compliance Investigation Team 0845-6014772 , they will guide you to the form mentioned below via the DCSF
DCSF 0870-0002288
DCSF, the form to fill in if the child is resident at Breckenbrough School can be found at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Notification-form-for-providers-of-children-s-homes/(language)/eng-GB and along with the referral form on the DFS in the Care folder the School DCSF number is 815/7002
Childs placing LEA education officer
Childs Social Worker, if one is attached, the Child or Family may have an open case with their local Social Care team.
There will be a need to back up initial referrals in writing within 24 hours; the designated person retains an electronic copy of the referral documentation and will also be accepted on the schools headed paper. Breckenbrough Ofsted registration numbers is SC007922 which will be required on some correspondence.
f) Openness and honesty; The Designated Officer will be informed , based on NYSCB 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 and working in partnership. 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. The designated officer will make clear that they are following LEA and NYSCB guidelines and acting on their statutory duty.
g) Referrals The Designated Officer will seek advice from the CYPST and if a referral is required this will initially be made via a phone call to the Customer Relations unit on 0845-0349410 and followed up in writing with a letter enclosing the need for the referral or using the standard referral form or schools headed paper.
h) 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 the safe guarding and assessment duty team on 01609-533093 should be made immediately. . Any member of school staff is entitled to liase/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 senior member of staff as soon as possible.
i) Documenting when Child Protection advices against a referral; If it is decided not to make a referral at this stage in liaison with the CYPST, the action taken should be fully documented in the child protection log 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 above.
j) 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.
10. Action Following Child Protection Referral
Maintaining contact with Social Care; The Designated Officer will make regular contact to Social Care 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 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 or any of the other Child Protection Criteria.
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 CYPST 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 CYPST staff and they will together agree how to proceed.
11. 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 on an ERF and hand this to the designated person.
The member of staff referring a disclosure should complete the Child Protection Form or use school headed paper… 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 brief report of all child protection inter agency activity to be kept in the Child Protection Folder.
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; Ofsted will be informed every term of contact if a referral has been made by letter.
12. 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 parent’s 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 (see 8e) we will clearly explain that we have acted:
a) following consultation and guidance from CYPST
b) in line with our statutory responsibilities, this policy and LEA and NYSCB 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.
13. Supporting the Child
The school will continue to support the child and work together with other agencies involved with the family. This is vital to the general well being of the child, they are at the centre of a highly emotional process with no definitive end.
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.
14. 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.
15. Training
The Designated Officer has received Designated Person Child Protection Training provided by North Yorkshire LEA and will where possible attends specific appropriate NYSCB 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 representatives Locality Safeguarding Children Forum for Hambleton and Richmondshire (LSCFHR) catchment area and representatives from CYPST are invited and welcome to attend.
16. Safeguards for Pupils and Staff
Security Checks; The School will follow LEA/Ofsted 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 enhanced CRB system before they can start work. Staff volunteers who have not been checked in this manner will not be allowed 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. Guidance can be sought from the school whistle blowing policy on the DFS
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 from the CYPST
Applying restraint; The school’s policy on physical intervention, the Positive Handling Course must be adhered to. 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 CYSP team 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.
Use of Laptops and Mobile phones. The school is aware of the continuing challenge that these types of devices can present to ensure the safeguarding of the pupils in its care. To this end the school has sought advice from the local police and a recommendation that all media storage devices are checked at random for the potential to import into the school any inappropriate material.
17. 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 on the www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk guidelines will always be followed.
It is acknowledged that such allegations may be malicious, misplaced or false. We also acknowledge, as well documented research has shown, that some adults who are put in positions of trust and authority within a care and education setting 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.
18. 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 Officer 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. The member of staff will be given the management of allegations against staff information; this can be found on the DFS
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.
19. 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 Care. 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.
20. 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, and other staff as appropriate. The designated officer will be supported by the management team and the Designated Governor David Pointon as appropriate. Please note that additional support is always available from the ESW Service.
21. 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
22. 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.
23. 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.
Last updated: 24th March 2010
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