NEWQUAY JUNIOR ACADEMY
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989; The Education Act 2002 and the Children Act 2004 and in line with government publications:
‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, 2006
‘Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families’, 2000
‘What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused’, 2006[1]
‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’, DfES Guidance, September 2007
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures (The Yellow Book)[2]
South West Child Protection Procedures
1.2 The Governing Body takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard[3] and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.
1.3 We recognise that all staff [4] and governors have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.
1.4 All staff believe that our Academy should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
1.5 The aims of this policy are:
1.5.1 To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and resilience.
1.5.2 To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties.
1.5.3 To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.
1.5.4 To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm and ensure that we, the school, contribute to assessments of need and support plans for those children.
1.5.5 To acknowledge the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff in relation to safeguarding pupils.
1.5.6 To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse.
1.5.7 To develop effective working relationships with all other agencies involved in safeguarding children.
1.5.8 To ensure that all adults within our academy who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability. This includes other community users of our facilities.
2.0 Procedures
2.1 Our academy procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with Cornwall LSCB and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ‘Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures, (“The Yellow Book”). We will ensure that:
2.1.1 The governing body understands and fulfils its safeguarding responsibilities.
2.1.2 We have a Designated Person for child protection who has undertaken Basic Child Protection Training delivered through the Cornwall LSCB, and who undertakes other training as recommended by the LSCB every two years. (CAMAT)
2.1.3 We have a member of staff who will act in the Designated Person’s absence who has, ideally, also received basic multi-agency training, and who will have been briefed in the role.
2.1.4 All members of staff are provided with opportunities to receive training by (the Designated Person) in order to develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse every three years.
2.1.5 All members of staff, volunteers and governors know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse, and the procedure to be followed in appropriately sharing a concern of possible abuse or a disclosure of abuse.
2.1.6 All parents/carers are made aware of the academy’s responsibilities in regard to child protection procedures through publication of the academy’s Child Protection Policy, and reference to it in our prospectus/brochure and home academy agreement.
2.1.7 Our lettings policy will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working with children on academy sites at any time[5].
2.1.8 Community users organising activities for children are aware of and understand the need for compliance with the academy’s child protection guidelines and procedures.
2.1.9 Our selection and recruitment policy includes all appropriate checks on staff suitability including Criminal Records Bureau checks[6][7]and we hold a Single Central Record of Recruitment[8].
2.1.10 The name of any member of staff considered not suitable to work with children will be notified to the Department for Children, Schools and Families Misconduct Team, with the advice and support of Educational Personnel and in accordance with the Vetting and Barring Regulations[9]
2.1.11 Our procedures will be annually reviewed and updated.
2.1.12 The name of the Designated Person will be clearly shown in the school, with a statement explaining the academy’s role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected abuse.
2.1.13 All adults, (including supply teachers, non-teaching staff and volunteers), new to our academy will be given a written statement about the academy’s policy and procedures[10], and the name and contact details of the Designated Person and have these explained as part of their induction into the academy.
3.0 Responsibilities
- We understand that our responsibility to safeguard children requires that we all appropriately share any concerns that we may have about children. This may mean contacting the District Social Care Office and speaking to experienced staff in child protection. There maybe occasions when we may need to contact the Safeguarding Children Unit, (telephone: 01872 254549), a multi-agency group of professional staff experienced in child protection, who will provide consultation and advice for anyone working with children.
3.2 We have a Designated Person (a senior member of the leadership team) who is responsible for:
3.2.1 Referring by telephone a child’s details if there are concerns about his/her welfare, possible abuse or neglect to the District Social Care Office. A written record of the referral will be faxed/posted/e-mailed to Social Care, (using the multi-agency referral form), and a copy sent to the LA Designated Officer for Child Protection as soon as possible within the school day but within 48 hours.
3.2.2 Ensuring that written records of concerns about a child are kept even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
3.2.3 Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from pupil records, with a front sheet listing dates and brief entry to provide a chronology.
3.2.4 Ensuring that an indication for further record keeping is marked on the pupil records.
3.2.5 Acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns and liaising with other agencies and professionals.
3.2.6 Attending (or delegating this requirement to another appropriately informed member of staff) case conferences, family support meetings, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributing to the Framework for Assessments process, and providing a report which has been shared with parents.
3.2.7 Ensuring that any pupil currently on the child protection register who is absent without explanation is referred to their Social Care Team immediately.
3.2.8 Ensuring that all school staff are aware of this policy and know how to recognise and refer any concerns.
3.2.9 Providing with the Head teacher, an annual report for the governing body, detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by the Designated Person and by all staff and governors; relevant curricular issues, number and type of incidents/cases, and the number of children referred to Social Care and on the child protection register/subject to a Child Protection Plan (anonymised).
3.2.10 Keeping themselves up to date with knowledge to enable them to fulfil their role, including attending relevant training provided by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Area LSCB, or the Safeguarding Children Unit.
3.2.11 Implementing the recommendations to Education from Serious Case Reviews
4.0 Supporting Children
4.1 We recognise that a child who is abused, who witnesses violence or who lives in a violent environment may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame him/herself, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of worth.
4.2 We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
4.3 We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn.
4.4 Our academy will support all pupils by:
4.4.1 Encouraging the development of self-esteem and resilience in every aspect of school life including through the curriculum.
4.4.2 Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the academy.
4.4.3 Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
4.4.4 Notifying the District Social Care office as soon as there is a significant concern.
4.4.5 Ensuring that a named teacher is designated for Looked After Children (LAC) and that an up to date list of children is regularly reviewed and updated. The Education Welfare Officer for the academy must be made aware of all LAC in the academy.
- Providing continuing support to a pupil (about whom there have been concerns) who leaves the academy by ensuring that such concerns and school medical records are forwarded under confidential cover to the Principal at the pupil’s new school as a matter of urgency.
- Recognising that children come from multi cultural backgrounds and as a result have developed polices to ensure that we embrace:
- Diversity in religion and faith
- Diversity of Race
- Diversity of Ethnicity
- Diversity of Gender and Sexual Orientation
- The Disability Equality Duty5.0 Confidentiality5.1 We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.5.2 The Principal or Designated Person will disclose personal information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.5.3 All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.5.4 All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or well-being, or that of another.5.5 We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents/carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with the District Social Care Office on this point. Advice can also be sought from the Safeguarding Children Unit (Telephone: 01872 254549).
- 6.1 We recognise that staff working in the academy who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
- 6.0 Supporting Staff
6.2 We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Designated Person and to seek further support. This could be provided by, for example, the Principal, by Occupational Health (Telephone: 01872 322000), and/or a teacher/trade union representative as appropriate.
6.3 We understand that staff should have access to advice on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour. The document ‘Guidance for Safe Working Practices for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings’ provides advice on this and the circumstances, which should be avoided in order to limit complaints against staff of abuse of trust, and/or allegations of physical or sexual abuse. These matters form part of staff induction and are referred to in the staff handbook.
6.4 We recognise that designated staff should have access to support (as in 6.2 above) and appropriate workshops, courses or meetings as organised by the LSCB.
7.0 Allegations against staff
7.1 All academy staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults. (See also 6.3 above)
7.2 All staff should be aware of the Whole Academy Positive Behaviour Policy. This can be found in the Policies File in the Staffroom or via the Principal or secretary on the computer in Shared/private/policies/whole academy behaviour policy.
7.3 We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a member of staff.
7.3.1 If such an allegation is made, the member of staff receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Principal or the most senior teacher if the Principal is not present.
7.3.2 The Principal/senior teacher on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the LA Designated Officer for Child Protection, or, in their absence, Education Personnel at New County Hall, (Telephone: 01872 322000). The Safeguarding Children Unit (Telephone 01872 254549) is a further source of advice and support.
7.3.3 If the allegation made to the member of staff concerns the Principal, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of Governors who will consult as 7.3.2 above, without notifying the Principal first.
- The academy will follow the LA procedures for managing allegations against staff, a copy of which can be found
7.3.5 Suspension of a member of staff against whom an allegation has been made needs careful consideration, and we will consult (as in 7.3.2 above) in making this decision.
7.3.6 Our lettings agreement for other users requires that the organiser will manage the suspension of adults where necessary from academy premises.
8.0 Whistleblowing (see Whistle Blowing Policy)
8.1 We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.
8.2 All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude and actions of colleagues. If necessary, they should speak to the delegated ‘whistleblowing’ governor who is……………………………………………………….or the LA Designated Officer for Child Protection (Telephone: 01872 254549).
9.0 Physical Intervention/Positive Handling
9.1 Our policy on physical intervention/positive handling by staff is set out separately, as apt of our Whole Academy Positive Behaviour Policy. It complies with LA Guidance, ‘The Use of Restraint and Positive Handling in Schools’ (revised March 2004). This policy states that staff must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, e.g. when a child is endangering him/herself or others and that, at all times, it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person.
9.2 Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness.
9.3 Staff who are likely to need to use physical intervention should be appropriately trained.
9.4 We understand that physical intervention of a nature that causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.
13.0 Prevention
13.1 We recognise that the academy plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our pupils by providing them with effective lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.
13.2 The academy will therefore:
13.2.1 Establish and maintain an ethos, which is understood by all staff, which enables children to feel secure and encourages them to talk knowing that they will be listened to.
13.2.2 Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the academy whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
13.2.3 Provide across the curriculum, including PSHE, opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.
15.0 Policy Review
15.1 The Governing Body of our academy is responsible for ensuring the annual review of this policy and for additional policies that are relevant to the safeguarding agenda.
Policy reviewed in December 2011
The policy is to be reviewed in September 2012.
The name of the designated teacher is Monika McLoughlin
The name of the designated teacher for LAC is Monika McLoughlin
[1] DH Guidance (2006)
[2] This has been superceded in January 2008 by the South West Child Protection Procedures (available on-line only at www.swcpp.org.uk)
[3] Safeguarding (as defined in the Joint Inspector’s Safeguarding report) is taken to mean “All agencies working with children, young people and their families take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risk of harm to children’s welfare are minimised” and “where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies take all appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other agencies”.
[4] “Staff” covers ALL adult staff on site, including temporary, supply and ancillary staff, and volunteers working with children
[5] Where a third party is responsible for running the services there should be clear lines of accountability and written agreements setting out responsibility for carrying out the recruitment and vetting checks on staff and volunteers: DfES2007
[6] Safe recruitment practice means scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and qualifications, obtaining character and professional references, checking previous employment history and that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job, and a face to face interview as well as the mandatory check of List 99, and where appropriate, a Criminal Record Check.
[7] The NCSL provides online training for headteachers. Whilst there is no statutory requirement at present to complete this it is strongly recommended by the Bichard enquiry.The DfES recognises that other staff and/or governors need to access training. For further information on the LA’s response to safer recruitment and training, please contact Human Resources/Education at County Hall or the Education Safeguarding Manager on 01872 254547
[8] Pro-forma available form CYPF intranet
[9] The ‘Barring Regulations’ are the ‘Procedures for Barring or Restricting People Working with Children in Education’ DfES July 2003
[10] e.g. a copy of this policy and of the booklet ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused’.