Child Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
of the school's position on this issue and who they can contact for support.
Take particular care that pupils with SEN in mainstream and special schools, who may
be especially vulnerable to abuse, are supported effectively with particular attention
paid to ensuring that those with communication difficulties are enabled to express
themselves to a member of staff with appropriate communication skills.
Have a clear policy about handling allegations of abuse by members of staff, ensuring
that all staff are fully aware of the procedures.
Have a written whole school policy, produced, owned and regularly reviewed by
school's staff and which clearly outlines the schools position and positive action in
respect of the aforementioned standards.
School will also incorporate the schools bullying policy and the peer abuse policy to
tackle peer on peer abuse
Fagley Primary School is concerned that all its pupils remain safe and free from harm
and is committed to playing a full and active part in the multi-agency response to
Child Protection concerns.
All children have an absolute right to a childhood free from abuse, neglect or
exploitation. All members of staff (teaching and non-teaching) have a responsibility to
be mindful of these issues related to childrens safety and welfare and a duty to report
and refer concerns, however minor they may appear to be. NB: it is not the role of
school staff to investigate those concerns.
We recognise that parents have a right to be informed of any concerns about a childs
welfare or any action taken to safeguard and promote a childs welfare, providing this
doesnt compromise the childs safety. Children are best protected when professionals
work effectively together and share responsibility for protective action.
If we receive information about a child which suggests he/she has been abused,
neglected or that it is likely, we have a duty to refer these concerns to Social
Care/Family Services or the Police. The school has no discretion in this matter. In these
circumstances the Bradford Safeguarding Children Board Multi-Agency Child Protection
Procedures apply.
The Child Protection Procedures for this school are in accordance with the Bradford
Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the safeguarding document Keeping
Children Safe in Education September 2016 and Working Together to Safeguarding
Children March 2015 and in Children Act 1989 and 2004.
However, things may not always be clear cut, in which case staff will consult with
colleagues from an appropriate agency which will usually, but not always, be Social
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Care/Family Services. Advice and guidance will be sought in this case, meaning that
those working with children have ready access to consistent information and advice from
suitably qualified and experienced staff, in order to explore a situation and to decide
together on an appropriate course of action. This should not be seen as a way of
transferring ownership of a problem, unless this is the agreed outcome of the
discussion, when a referral will be made.
It is important to remember that a referral or consultation with Social Care/Family
Services is an expression of concern about a childs welfare. It is not an accusation or a
presumption of responsibility about a parent or carer.
In the course of an investigation, social workers or the police may wish to speak with a
child, without parental knowledge or consent. The Head Teacher, acting in loco
parentis, has the discretion to agree to allow this to enable the authorities to explore
concerns and determine whether there are grounds for further action. In these cases
the Head Teacher will ensure that the childs welfare is secured and he/she has access
to a trusted adult.
The Head Teacher will not allow a child to be removed from the school premises without
either:
Parental consent
An Order of the Court or a police Protection Order
We have a statutory duty to work to the guidelines stated in the Safeguarding Children
in education and Safer Recruitment in Education (DCSF, 2007) including the recruitment
of anyone who will work in school.
In addition, the school has a duty to safeguard and protect the well-being of children
and is committed to act in accordance with the locally agreed Child Protection
procedures in cases where there is concern of significant harm.
Significant harm can be defined as the ill-treatment or impairment of health and
development of a child or young person. Development includes physical, intellectual,
emotional, social or behavioral development. Health includes physical and mental health.
This is viewed from the perspective of normal behaviour for a child of a similar age and
understanding.
Fagley Primary School is constantly vigilant to deter possible abusers and will manage
effectively any allegations or concerns about abuse when they arise (including peer on
peer abuse).
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When a child makes an allegation about abuse or neglect they will be listened to, have
their comments taken seriously and, where appropriate, the allegations will be
investigated thoroughly. It is not the role of school staff to undertake any such
investigation.
The aim of this policy is to safeguard and promote our pupils' welfare, safety, health
and guidance by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate. Our pupils'
welfare is of paramount importance. We believe in open and honest communication with
parents and carers and will always share with them any information or concern about
their children at the earliest opportunity. The only exception to this would be where it is
felt that such a communication might compromise a pupils safety.
If a pupil is felt to be in need of protection and becomes the subject of a Child
Protection plan, parents/carers should regard the school as a source of help and support.
Fagley Primary School fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children
and support the pupils in our school. The following categories of abuse are recognised
for the purposes of a Child Protection Register:
1. Neglect: persistent or severe neglect, or the failure to protect a child from exposure
to any kind of danger including cold, starvation or extreme failure to carry out
important aspects of child care. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness
to, a childs basic emotional needs.
2. Physical injury: actual or likely physical injury to a child, or failure to prevent physical
injury (or suffering) to a child including deliberate poisoning, suffocation, hitting,
shaking, burning or scalding.
3. Sexual abuse: actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child and/or their involvement
in inappropriate sexual activities.
4. Emotional abuse: actual severe adverse effect on emotional behaviour of a child
caused by persistent or severe emotional ill-treatment or rejection. It may involve
conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only
insofar as they meet the needs of another person.
5. Female genital mutilation (FGM). This is a violation of the human rights of girls and
women. It is illegal in most countries including the UK. If a teacher, in the course of
their work in the profession, discovers that an act of FGM appears to have been
carried out on a girl under the age of 18, the teacher must report this to the police.
This is a mandatory reporting duty.
6. Abuse. A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child
by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a
family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more
rarely, by others (e.g. via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults or
by another child or children.
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Through the creation of an open culture which respects all individuals rights and
discourages discrimination and bullying of any kind.
Through our pastoral team leader offering all pupils an opportunity to talk and
discuss any worries or concerns.
By working to support any pupil or member of staff who may have been abused and
by working to support parents or carers.
This policy applies to teaching and non-teaching staff, and to all others working within
school.
School Commitment
We recognise that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of
communication with a trusted adult helps all children, and especially those at risk of,
or suffering, abuse.
We will therefore:
Work hard to establish and maintain an ethos where our pupils feel safe, secure and
are encouraged to talk and be listened to.
Ensure that pupils know that there are adults in the school who they can approach if
they are worried or are in difficulty (keyworkers in the classrooms).
Include in the core and enhanced curriculum activities and opportunities for PSHE
and Social Emotional Attitudes to Learning which will equip pupils with the skills they
need to stay safe and develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life.
Ensure that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective
working relationships with parents/carers and colleagues from other agencies.
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Framework
We do not operate in isolation. The welfare of pupils is a corporate responsibility of the
entire local authority, working in partnership with other public agencies and the
voluntary sector. 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
everyone.
Roles and Responsibilities
All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to safeguard
children, however there are key people within schools and the local authority that have
specific responsibilities under Child Protection procedures. During school time the
designated person responsible for Child Protection is the Head Teacher, Chris Parfitt.
There are two additional named person/s, Carol Blythe and Keira Burnsall. The named
governor for Safeguarding and Child Protection is Carly Smith. Her role is to liaise with
the named persons on school staff on all matters relating to Safeguarding and Child
Protection, participate in the annual review of policy and procedures and make an annual
report to the full governing body. All named staff and governors have had access to
training in Safeguarding, Child Protection and safer recruitment procedures.
In the event of any concern by any member of staff, or if any member of staff is
approached by a pupil regarding any matter concerning abuse, they must tell the pupil
that they are bound to share the information. All staff should be alert to signs of abuse
and know to whom they should report any concerns or suspicions. In the first instance
this should be the Head Teacher or, in their absence, one of the other named persons
above.
Because of the day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to
observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop.
Parents/carers will be made aware that, where it appears to a member of staff a pupil
may have been abused, the school is required to report their concern to Social
Care/Family Services (school to be aware that early help support may be needed with
most vulnerable children and families).
Procedures
Where it is believed a child is suffering from, or is at risk from, significant harm we will
follow the procedures below which are guided by the Bradford Safeguarding Children
Board, which are displayed on every wall in every room in the School, Preschool and
Childrens Centre.
Teachers responsibilities:
To be vigilant in order to identify potential incidences of abuse.
To report immediately to the designated named person/s.
To complete documentation for external agencies as appropriate.
It is not the teachers role to investigate suspected abuse but rather to recognise it
and refer it as appropriate to the designated person/s.
Designated named person/s:
To co-ordinate actions in the school and liaise with agencies over suspected or
actual cases of child abuse.
Identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and when to make a referral to ensure
that staff observe and implement school's agreed procedures.
To facilitate training for all staff and governors.
To authorise referral in consultation with the Child Protection officer to the
relevant and appropriate authority.
To keep full records of reports/referrals made.
Professional Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an issue which needs to be discussed and fully understood by all those
working with the pupils in school, particularly in the context of Child Protection. The only
purpose of confidentiality in this respect is the benefit of the child.
All personal information should be treated as confidential and particular care taken with
sensitive information. Information must be treated on a need to know basis. Relevant
factors include:
The child must not be asked leading questions. The teacher/school must not undertake
an investigation but seek clarification from the pupil.
No pupil should be promised that anything they say will be kept confidential if the
matter is related to Child Protection or abuse. It is essential for the member of staff
to tell the pupil that they will record anything the pupil says to ensure an exact record
as possible is kept for future reference, staff must not promise to keep secrets.
If an incident happens outside the normal school hours or on an out of school activity
and the named person/s are unavailable, the teacher/staff member must contact the
relevant agency as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the pupil. The designated
named person/s should be informed as soon as possible afterwards. Relevant information
should be recorded at the time with full details of the concern.
Safe School, Safe Staff
There are issues to be considered that all staff need to be aware of, to ensure the
safety of both staff and children.
Staff must always avoid inappropriate physical contact with pupils.
Staff should avoid being left alone in a room with a closed door with just one pupil.
When a pupil needs assistance to wash/change clothing or to be changed due to them
wetting, soiling or becoming wet through messy play, staff will ensure that another
member of staff knows they are about to undertake the task and wherever possible
an additional member of staff will be present. Such tasks should be carried out with
consideration of schools Intimate Care Policy and, where a pupil has complex health
needs, in line with the pupils care plan. The door to the toilet will not be locked but
kept slightly ajar whilst preserving the pupils right to privacy.
Parents/carers will be informed when a child has had to be changed.
School staff should avoid discussing, counselling and/or giving advice to pupils about
sexual matters except in the agreed context of planned SRE lessons where parental
permission will have been obtained. All staff should be aware of schools SRE policy
which details the DCSF (now DfE) statutory requirements of such education and the
content ratified by the Governing Body.
Staff will follow the Code of Conduct when dealing with children.
Allegations made against staff
Regrettably, sometimes allegations of abuse may involve a member of the school staff.
In these circumstances the allegations must be reported to the Head Teacher
immediately. On receipt of such an allegation the Head Teacher will contact the Local
Authority Designated Person. If the allegation concerns the Head Teacher, the member
of staff receiving the allegation must contact the additional named school person, the
chair of governors and LADP as a matter of urgency. (Contact details are held in the
office.)
Training and Support
We will ensure that the Head Teacher, designated named staff and governor attend
Child Protection training relevant to their role. School staff will also receive basic Child
Protection awareness training and be kept informed through updated policies and
guidelines from the Department of Education.
Recruitment
Fagley Primary School operates safe recruitment procedures in line with the document
Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2016, Safer Recruitment in Education
(January 2007) Working Together to Safeguard Children July 2015 and Local Authority
guidelines to ensure that, where appropriate, checks are carried out on all new staff and
volunteers who work with children. This includes Criminal Record Bureau checks and
registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Anyone who is not
prepared to cooperate with these procedures will not be considered for employment
within the school. The Business Manager, Headteacher and Deputy Head have all
attended Safer Recruitment training.
All childcare organisations, which includes schools, have a statutory duty under the
Protection of Children Act 1999 for the following:
To refer names to the Secretary of State in certain specified circumstances for
possible inclusion on the PoCA List.
When recruiting, checks must be made through the Criminal Bureau to check whether
an individual is included on the PoCA List or List 99. (These lists contain records of
individuals who are deemed to be unsuitable to work with children.)
Not to employ a person if they are registered on either of the above lists.
To cease to employ a person if it is later discovered that the individual is included in
either of the above lists.
From January 2010 it became mandatory that at least one person on any appointments
committee should have completed the Safer Recruitment training. Details of all staff
and governors who have completed this training is held in the office.
The Data Protection Act
The Data Protection Act 1998 regulates the handling of personal data. Essentially, this
is information kept about an individual on a computer or in a manual filing system. The
Act lays down requirements for the processing of this information which includes
obtaining, recording, storing and disclosing it.
If making a decision to disclose personal data the Data Protection Act 1998 must be
complied with. This includes eight data protection principles. There should not be an
obstacle if:
There are particular concerns about the welfare of the pupil.
If information is disclosed to social services or to another professional organisation
e.g. Police
The disclosure is justified under the common law duty of confidence.
instance to the Head Teacher or, if not available, one of the other named persons with
designated responsibility for Child Protection in school.
All staff that are required to attend such meetings, prepare reports and maintain
relationships with parents during and after a referral has been made will be fully
supported by staff with specialist Child Protection training.
This policy should be read in conjunction with our other related school policies such as:
Positive Behaviour policy
Inclusion policy
Anti-bullying policy
Health & Safety policy
Safeguarding policy
Care & Control policy: a physical Intervention
use of force to control or restrain.
SRE Policy
PSHE Policy
SEN Policy
Intimate Care policy
Peer Abuse Policy
document (Team Teach) which includes the
Code of Conduct.
Missing Persons
Fagley Primary follow guidance from West Yorkshire Police if the whereabouts of a child is
unknown and thought to be at risk. Document WYP/MJ/Jan 16 is to be located on the
safeguarding board in the staffroom for DFE Guidance.
Bladed/Sharp Weapons in School
Fagley Primary School follow DFE guidance on weapons in school. The document WYP/MJ/Jan 16
is located on the safeguarding board in the staffroom. Other links for further advice are:
http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/searching-screening-and-confiscation
http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-and-discipline-in-schools
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The school safeguarding boards are in the main entrance and in the school staff room.
Safeguarding Statement of Intent
At Fagley Primary School we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so
they can learn in a calm and secure atmosphere. We believe every pupil should be able to participate in all school
activities in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm. This is the responsibility of every adult
employed by, or invited to deliver services at Fagley Primary School. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and
promote the welfare of all our pupils by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.
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Signs of Neglect
Constant hunger.
Poor personal hygiene.
Constant tiredness.
Poor state of clothing.
Emaciation.
Frequent lateness or non-attendance at school.
Untreated medical problems.
Destructive tendencies.
Low self-esteem.
Neurotic behaviour (e.g. rocking, hair twisting,
thumb sucking).
No social relationships.
Running away.
Compulsive stealing or scavenging.
Definition of Abuse
. . A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or failing to
act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known
to them or, more rarely, by a stranger (e.g. via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults, of another
child or children (peer abuse).
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If in doubt, act! The named persons job is to pass information on to Social Services
and/or police. Staff to pass information to named person.
Not acceptable to leave something if there is a concern and the named person is
absent must inform a named person.
Record incidents and concerns as soon as possible on whatever is at hand and inform
named person immediately.
Keep the original note! Dont type up a version you need evidence it was written at
the time. Court questions: Was this note written contemperously?
Notes must be signed, dated and time put on. If anyone else is present, ensure they
sign as well.
We keep Child Protection records separate from the childs original file Child
Protection records are exempt from data protection rules. Records are kept in a
secure locked cupboard.
We have a colour for child with additional CP records so staff are aware (Inclusion
List)
Parents can demand to see curriculum file (3 weeks) but not right to see Child
Protection information. Therefore we keep our notes separate. Notes around Child
Protection are our own. Only official records from social worker can be seen by
parents.
When staff come with a concern, we make a professional judgement. If we feel
there is in sufficient evidence, we will ask you to monitor but we will be CLEAR what
you are doing/how long you will be doing it for/where you will record the findings etc.
(child log book).
We will ensure you know enough to keep yourself and the child safe. If in doubt you
have a responsibility to ask!
If a named person is not available it is the responsibility to make that referral and
inform the named person as soon as possible.
Any child on a child protection plan who does not attend school without a reason or no
contact can be made with the family, the school will inform Social Care immediately.
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults Frederick Douglas
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Drafted
October 2016
Head Teacher
Print name
Chris Parfitt
Signature
On behalf of
Governing Body
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Date