Reviewed January 2010

Reviewed February 2011

Amendments September 2011

 

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY FOR THE PLUME SCHOOL

 

“Because of their day to day contact with individual children during the school terms, teachers and other school staff are particularly well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop.”

(Working Together under the Children Act 1989)

 

1.    PURPOSE

 

            An effective whole-school child protection policy is one which provides clear direction to staff and others about expected behaviour when dealing with child protection issues.  An effective policy also makes explicit the school’s commitment to the development of good practice and sound procedures.  This ensures that child protection concerns and referrals may be handled sensitively, professionally and in ways which support the needs of the child.

 

2.    INTRODUCTION

 

The Plume School takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in its care.  “The welfare of the child is paramount” (Children Act 1989).

 

Section 175 of the Education Act 2003 places a statutory responsibility on the governing body to have policies and procedures in place that safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are students of the school.

 

The school is committed to supporting the objectives outlined in the guidance ‘Safeguarding Children in Education 2005 and ‘Safer Recruitment in Education’ 2006 to help keep children and young people feel safe by contributing to:

• Providing a safe environment for children and young people to learn in education settings, and
• Identifying children who are suffering or who are likely to suffer significant harm and taking appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and in the education setting.

 

There are 5 main elements to our child protection policy;

 

a)    Prevention through the creation of a positive school atmosphere and the teaching, and pastoral support offered to students.

b)    Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with the skills need to keep them safe.

c)    Protection by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection concerns.

d)    Support to students who may have been abused.

e)    Ensure compliance with the ESCB Child Protection procedures when reporting cases of alleged abuse

 

This policy applies to all students, staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to The Plume School.

 

This school recognises it is an agent of referral and not of investigation.

 

1. 3.    SCHOOL COMMITMENT

 

        We recognise that for our students, high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps to prevent abuse. 

 

Our school will therefore:

 

a)    Establish and maintain an environment where students feel safe and secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.

b)    Ensure that students know that there are adults within the school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.

c)    Include in the curriculum activities and opportunities for PHSE, which equip students with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse.  Further information can be obtained from the school’s PHSE coordinator(s).

d)    Include in the curriculum material, which will help students develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life, particularly with regard to childcare and parenting skills.  Further information can be obtained from the school’s PSHE coordinator(s).

e)    Ensure that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.

 

1. 4.    FRAMEWORK

 

        Schools do not operate in isolation. Child protection is the responsibility of all adults and especially those working with children. The development of appropriate procedures and the monitoring of good practice are the responsibilities of the Essex Child Protection Committee (ECPC).

 

1. 5.    ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• All adults working with or on behalf of the children have a responsibility to protect children.  There are, however, key people within schools and the LEA who have specific responsibilities under child protection procedures.  The names of those carrying out these responsibilities for the current year are listed on the cover sheet of this document.
• It is the role of the Designated Child Protection Coordinator to ensure the child protection procedures are followed within the school, and to make appropriate referrals to Essex Social Care Services in accordance with school procedures.  In this school the Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator is Mike Buitekant.  If for any reason Mike Buitekant is unavailable, a Deputy Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator has been identified who will act in their absence – Morag Broadhurst. Additionally, it is their role to ensure all staff employed within the school are aware of the school’s internal procedures, to advise staff and to offer support to those requiring this. 
• The Governing Body and senior school staff are responsible for ensuring that the school use safe recruitment processes are always followed. As part of the schools recruitment and vetting process, enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), DfES List 99 and other statutory lists and local intelligence checks will be sought on all staff that have substantial and unsupervised access to children.
• The role of the nominated governor for child protection is to ensure that the school has an effective policy, that the ECPC Guidelines are complied with, and to support the school in this aspect.  It is important to stress that governors are not given details relating to individual child protection cases or situations to ensure confidentiality is not breached.
• The Designated Child Protection Coordinator, with the Headteacher provide an annual report for the governing body detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by all staff and governors and other relevant issues.
• Representatives from the Education Safeguarding Service are available to offer advice, support and training to the school’s Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator.

 

   6.    RECRUITMENT

The School is committed to the process of being a Safe Organisation. Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited to the School will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks. References will be verified and enhanced Criminal Records Checks (CRB) and consultation with DfE Protection of Children Act List (PoCAL) will be completed before staff are appointed and commence their duties. The School will only use employment agencies which can demonstrate that they positively vet their supply staff and will report the misconduct of temporary or agency staff to the Local Authority. At least one member of any recruitment panel will have received the appropriate Safe Recruitment Training. Staff joining the School on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy.

 

      

 Volunteers

Any parent or other person/organisation engaged by the School to work on a regular basis in a voluntary capacity with students will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of the School.  Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of students. Voluntary sector groups that operate within this School, provide off-site services for our students or use School facilities will be expected to adhere to this policy or operate a policy, which is compliant with the procedures (Local Safeguarding Children Board). Premises lettings are subject to acceptance of this requirement.

 

 Governors

 

Enhanced Criminal Records checks will be obtained for all members of the Governing Body.

 

 CRB Checks that Show Convictions

 

Where an applicant or volunteer, including members of the Governing body is found to be on List 99 or the PoCA List, or the CRB Disclosure shows that s/he has been disqualified from working with children by a Court, or an applicant has provided false information, or there are serious concerns about their suitability to work with children the facts must be reported to the Police, the DfE Children’s Safeguarding Operations Unit and the Local Authority.

 

Where a CRB Disclosure indicates cause for concern for agency or directly employed staff, volunteers or members of the Governing body they must immediately be withdrawn from the School pending further enquiries.

 

Where a CRB disclosure shows that the person being checked has a criminal record this does not automatically make him or her unsuitable for work with children.  The Headteacher and the Governing body, in conjunction with the registered body or person authorised to receive disclosure information, must make a judgement about suitability, taking into account only those offences which may be relevant to the particular job or situation in question.  In deciding the relevance of convictions a number of points should be considered, for example:

 

n  The nature of the offence – in general convictions for sexual, violent or drug offences will be particularly strong contra-indications for working with children;

n  The nature of the appointment – the nature of the appointment will help to assess the relevance of the conviction.  For example serious sexual, violent, drug or drink offences, will give rise to particular concerns where a position is one of providing care. Drink or driving offences would be relevant in situations involving transport of children;

n  The age of the offence – offences which took place many years in the past may often have less relevance than recent offences.  Convictions for serious violent or sexual offences or serious offences involving substance abuse are more likely to give cause for continuing concern than, for instance an isolated case of dishonesty committed when the person was young.  The potential for rehabilitation must be weighed up against the need to protect children; 

n  The frequency of the offence – a series of offences over a period of time is more likely to give cause for concern than an isolated incident.

n  Any decision will be reached in joint discussion with Senior Management within Children’s Services and advice from HR.

Staff Code of Conduct

 

n All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with students and their families.  Children will be treated with respect and dignity and no punishment, detention, restraint, sanctions or rewards are allowed outside of those detailed in the School’s Behaviour and Rewards Policy. Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and children, staff are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation.  Where incidents occur which might otherwise be mis-construed, or in the exceptional circumstances where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own protection or others’ safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the Headteacher and parents. Any physical restraint used will comply with DfE and LA guidance.

 

n Except in cases of emergency, First Aid will only be administered by qualified First Aiders. If it is necessary for the child to remove clothing for First Aid treatment, there will, wherever possible, be another adult of the same gender present.  If a child needs help with toileting, nappy changing or washing after soiling themselves, another adult should be present or within earshot. If a male member of staff is providing any form of intimate care, a female colleague will be present.  All First Aid treatment and non-routine changing or personal care will be recorded and shared with parents/carers at the earliest opportunity.

 

n For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with students. Other than in formal teaching situations; musical instrument tuition, for example, the door to the room in which the teaching, counselling or meeting is taking place should  be left open. Where this is not practicable because of the need for confidentiality, another member of staff will be asked to maintain a presence nearby and a record will be kept of the circumstances of the meeting. All rooms that are used for the teaching or counselling of students will have clear and unobstructed glass panels in the doors.

 

n School staff should also be alert to the possible risks that might arise from social contact with students outside of the school.  Home visits to students should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Head or other senior member of staff. Visits/telephone calls by students to the homes of staff members should only occur in exceptional circumstances and with the prior knowledge and approval of the Head, or other senior member of staff. Any unplanned contact of this nature or suspected infatuations or “crushes” will be reported to the Designated Coordinator.  Staff will not disclose their personal telephone numbers and email addresses to students or parents.

n  

 

1. 7.    PROCEDURES

1. All action is taken in line with the following guidance;

a)    SET procedures 2011 for Essex LEA

b)    MBU CP folder various guidelines/ advice*(appendix 1)

c)     “Safeguarding Children in Education” (DfES / 0027 / 2004) Available on school H drive

d)    “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused” (published by Department of Health, DfES, Department of Culture Media and Sports, Home Office, Office of Deputy Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellors Department)Available on school H drive

e)    Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010, HM Government). Available on school H drive

 

• Any member of staff, volunteer or visitor to the school who receives a disclosure of abuse, an allegation or suspects that abuse may have occurred must report it immediately to the Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator Mike Buitekant or in his absence, the Deputy Designated Child protection Coordinator Morag Broadhurst.In the absence of either of the above, the matter should be brought to the attention of the most senior member of staff.
• The Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator or their Deputy will immediately refer cases of suspected abuse or allegations to the relevant investigating agency (i.e. Essex Social Care Direct) by telephone and in accordance with the procedures outlined within the SET procedures.
• The telephone referral to Essex Social Care Direct will be confirmed in writing within 24 hours.  Essential information will include the student’s name, address, date of birth, family composition, the reason for the referral, whether the child’s parents are aware of the referral, the name of person who initially received the disclosure plus any advice given.  This written confirmation must be signed and dated by the referrer.  Where possible the Inter-agency Referral Form (ESS999) should be used.
• We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care Services with the parents or carers unless to do so could place the child at greater risk of harm or impede a criminal investigation. On these occasions advice will be taken from Essex Social Care Services or Essex Police.
• A statement on the school website will inform parents and carers about our school’s duties and responsibilities under child protection procedures. Parents can obtain a copy of the school child protection policy on request.

 

1. 8.    TRAINING AND SUPPORT

 

The Head Teacher and all other staff who work with children will undertake appropriate child protection awareness training to equip them to carry out their responsibilities for child protection effectively, that is kept up to date by refresher training at three yearly intervals.

1. The school will ensure that the Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator, also undertakes training in inter-agency working that is provided by the LEA, and refresher training at two yearly intervals to keep knowledge and skills up to date.  
2. Temporary staff and volunteers who work with children in the school will be made aware of the school’s arrangements for child protection and their responsibilities.
3. Support will be available for staff from the Head Teacher in the first instance, and from members of the school’s leadership team where there are concerns or queries about child protection.
4. All staff should have access to advice and guidance on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour and conduct. These matters form part of staff induction and are referred to in the staff handbook.

 

1. 9.    PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Confidentiality is an issue which needs to be discussed and fully understood by all those working with children, particularly in the context of child protection.  The only purpose of confidentiality in this respect is to benefit the child.  A member of staff must never guarantee confidentiality to a student nor should they agree with a student to keep a secret, as where there is a child protection concern this must be reported to the Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator and may require further investigation by appropriate authorities. 

Staff will be informed of relevant information in respect of individual cases regarding child protection on a”need to know basis” only.  Any information shared with a member of staff in this way must be held confidentially to themselves.

 

1. 10.   RECORDS AND MONITORING

 

Well-kept records are essential to good child protection practice.  Our school is clear about the need to record any concern held about a child or children within our school, the status of such records and when these records should be passed over to other agencies.

Any member of staff receiving a disclosure of abuse or noticing signs or indicators of abuse, must make an accurate record as soon as possible noting what was said or seen, putting the event in context, and giving the date, time and location.  All records will be dated and signed and will include the action taken.

These file notes are kept in a confidential file, which is separate to other files, and stored in a secure place – child protection coordinators office.  In the same way notes must be kept of any student who is being monitored for child protection reasons.

If a student transfers from the school, these files will be copied for the new establishment and forwarded to the student’s new school marked confidential and for the attention of the receiving school’s Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator.

 

1. 11.   ATTENDANCE AT CHILD PROTECTION CONFERENCES

 

1. The Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator would attend a child protection conference   

called in respect of a student.  They may be accompanied by other relevant staff if this is of benefit the student. 

1. The Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator will be available to offer staff attending a child protection conference the necessary support and guidance.
2. 12.  SUPPORTING STUDENTS AT RISK

 

Our school recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth or view the world as a positive place. 

This school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk.  Nevertheless, whilst at school their behaviour may still be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn.

This school will endeavour to support students through:

 

a)    The curriculum to encourage self-esteem and self-motivation.

b)    The school ethos which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment and which gives all students and adults a sense of being respected and valued.

c)    The implementation of the school’s behaviour management policies.

d)    All staff will agree a consistent approach which will endeavour to ensure the student knows that some behaviour is unacceptable but s/he is valued.

e)    Regular liaison with other professionals and agencies who support the students and their families.

f)     A commitment to develop productive, supportive relationships with parents, whenever it is in the child’s best interest to do so.

g)    The development and support of a responsive and knowledgeable staff group, trained to respond appropriately in child protection situations.

h)    Recognition that statistically children with behavioural difficulties and disabilities are most vulnerable to abuse so staff who work in any capacity with children with profound and multiple disabilities, sensory impairment and / or emotional and behavioural problems, will need to be particularly sensitive to signs of abuse.

i)      Recognition that in a home environment where there is domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, children may also be vulnerable and in need of support or protection.

 

This policy should be considered alongside other related policies in school.  These are:

•                    The policy for the teaching of PSHE,
•                    The policy for the management of students’ behaviour
•                    The policy on physical intervention
•                    The policy on bullying)
•                    The health and safety policy.
•                    The Policy on responsible use of the Internet(E policy)

       These are set out in separate documents and are reviewed by the governing body  

         annually.

 

1. 13.   COMPLAINTS/ ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST MEMBERS OF STAFF,VOLUNTEERS OR GOVERNORS

 

The School takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff, volunteers or Governors. Procedures are in place for students, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member of the School staff, volunteer or Governors. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Headteacher (or Deputy Headteacher), in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns a Governor or the Headteacher, the Chair of Governors will be informed.

 

If the allegation is of physical assault, the Headteacher will take action in accordance with the DfE Guidance DfES/2044/2005 – ‘Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Teachers and Other staff‘.  Where one or more of the following are involved: -

 

• The allegation is one of actual bodily harm – i.e. an injury has necessitated medical treatment.
• There is reason to suspect parental instigation or collusion.
• The allegation has been reported to the Police or Children’s Services by the parent.
• The child is Looked After in Public Care.
• The child’s name is included in the Child Protection Register.
• The child has a disability or Statement of Special Educational Needs.
• The member of staff concerned has been subject to previous complaints.
• The allegation is one of sexual abuse,

 

If the allegation is abuse of a student by a member of staff a referral to Children’s Services Duty Team must be made in accordance with the LSCB child protection procedures. Consideration must be given to the safety of other students in the School. A strategy meeting/discussion may take place in order to consider whether or not a Section 47 Child Protection Investigation will be carried out. It will be for the designated child protection social worker and the police officer to investigate all allegations of abuse.

 

Parents should also be advised of their independent right to make a formal complaint to the Police. Temporary staff, volunteers and Governors will also be subject to the same procedures.

 

If the complaint concerns alleged abuse by the Headteacher, this should be brought to the attention of the Chair of Governors and the appropriate referral must be submitted to Children’s Services Duty Team.

 

Similarly if any complaint of alleged abuse involves the Chair of Governors this should be brought to the attention of the Vice Chair and the appropriate referral must be submitted to Children’s Services Duty Team.

 

Staff who are formally disciplined for the mistreatment of students (or who resign before disciplinary action can be instigated), will be notified to the LA and the Department for Education , for possible inclusion on their PoCAL consultative index.  The principle of this notification will also apply to volunteers and the Governing body.

 

Only authorised agencies may investigate child abuse allegations (Social Services, the Police or in some areas, the NSPCC).  Whilst it is permissible to ask the child(ren) simple, non-leading questions to ascertain the facts of the allegation, formal interviews and the taking of statements is not.

The Internet

 It is known that the Internet has become a significant means of: distributing abusive images of children , creating situations whereby children can access unsuitable images, be subject to cyber - bullying and is also used by individuals as a means of ‘grooming’ young people. The school is committed to working with outside agencies to minimise these risk to our students. The principle agencies we would link with in these cases will be Social Care, CIAU (criminal investigation and abuse) and  CEOPs (Child exploitation and Online protection centre.) Further help and information may be found at WWW.CEOP.GOV.UK. As with any other child protection scenario, any concerns should be related as quickly as possible to Mike Buitekant or Morag Broadhurst/.    

    

1. 14.   WHISTLEBLOWING

 

We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.  All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues. If necessary they should speak to the nominated ‘whistleblowing’ governor or the Education Safeguarding Service

.

1. 15.   WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best for our children. We will therefore communicate as clearly as possible about the aims of this School;

• We will try to use clear statements in our newsletters and correspondence.
• We will involve parents in the development of Codes of Conduct and Equalities and Behaviour Management policies.
• We will liaise with agencies in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors that are active in supporting families.
• We will be aware that we have parents/carers who do not have English as their first language.
• We will keep parents informed, as and when appropriate.

 

1. 16.   COMPLAINTS AND MONITORING

 

All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the School’s Complaints Procedure, and with consultation with the appropriate representative from the Essex Safeguarding Children Board.

 

The Governing Body will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness.  The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the School

 

 

Appendix 1

Relevant advice documents available from MBU including advice from Safeguarding board and full SET procedures.

 

Please see relevant documents in the school’s H drive under child protection