1. Safeguarding Children The responsibility of everyone
Safeguarding is about ……….
Protecting children from:
maltreatment
preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes
Where a child is suffering significant harm, or is likely to do so, action should be taken to protect that child.
Action should also be taken to promote the welfare of a child in need of additional support, even if they are not suffering harm or are at immediate risk.
New statutory guidance from April 2014 builds on Working together to safeguard children Safeguarding includes the support of children with medical conditions for which there are new stat arrangements from September More on that at another time. Ofsted have issued new guidance for inspectors specifically on Safeguarding . We can expect a rigorous approach. Any member of staff can be asked the procedures and pupils will be interviewed about their safety.
This is a brief refresh only. You have a new booklet to absorb. Please also read the school CP policy.

2. Safeguarding Safeguarding
Child Protection
Anti Bullying Policies
Staff Conduct
Curriculum
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Attendance
Managing Allegations Against Staff
Behaviour Management
Safeguarding is wider than child protection. It covers all aspects of school life and we should be aware of the need to provide a safe and secure environment for all our young people and act if that is not the case.
Ask for examples from the participants of how each area helps to safeguard children e.g:
staff conduct; safe practice for the safety of staff and pupils (refer to Code of Conduct)
curriculum; providing opportunities for pupils to learn about keeping safe
managing allegations against staff; following procedures which protect staff and children
building design; keeping any unwanted visitors out of school
safe recruitment and selection;
whistleblowing; to raise concerns about a colleague’s conduct (refer to Whistleblowing policy)
health and safety; a safe environment
behaviour management; having clear strategies and consistent responses for managing behaviour
attendance; so we know that our pupils are safe when they are absent
anti-bullying policies; help to promote positive behaviour in staff and pupils
Work experience placements; are there adequate arrangements in place to monitor attendance, supervision – is DBS check required
A “Listening” School
Health and Safety
Building Design
Safe Recruitment and Selection

3. Specific safeguarding issues
Abuse is…………
……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. A child may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. 4 Categories Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect
Specific safeguarding issues
child sexual exploitation (CSE)
bullying including cyberbullying
domestic violence
drugs
fabricated or induced illness
faith abuse
female genital mutilation (FGM)
forced marriage
gangs and youth violence
gender-based violence/violence against women and girls (VAWG)
mental health
private fostering
radicalisation
sexting
teenage relationship abuse
trafficking

4. Possible indicators of abuse
Physical injuries e.g.
Slap marks, Grip marks, Bruises
Poor physical care /hygiene / unkempt appearance
Appearing withdrawn /fearful
Restricted growth and development
Not making close friends
Anxiety / Phobias / Nightmares
Difficulty sleeping / tiredness
Obsessive thoughts
Suicide attempts
Running away from home
Clinging to adults / seeking affection
Reluctance to go home at end of day
Frequent minor illnesses
Truancy
Stealing
Alcohol /substance abuse
Fighting / bullying
Frequent accidents
Aggressive or violent behaviour
Homicidal ideas or fantasies
Disruptive behaviour
Self harm
These are a range and remember that there may be other explanations. It is being aware of sudden changes in behaviour and appearance. If you find yourself saying That’s not like him /her This is unusual then voice your concerns . It is better to be wrong than keep quiet. You will be taken seriously.

5. What to do if a child discloses to you:
DO NOT
Listen carefully
Make accurate notes (using the child’s words) - date and sign these
Reassure the child they have done the correct thing by telling you
INFORM THE DESIGNATED LEAD WITHOUT DELAY
Promise confidentiality
Ask leading questions
Use your own words to describe something
Investigate
If a child discloses to you it is vital that you explain that you cannot promise confidentiality because you have to act to keep them safe. It is the law.
Show child through your body language that you are taking them seriously and that you believe what they are saying.
Write down only what they say. In their own words. These notes are vital if there is a subequent police investigation. Sign and date. Hand this information to the designated lead or identified staff member asap.
If the child is distressed injured they should be taken to the nearest private place so that identified staff can deal with it.
It is vital that you do not discuss any disclosure . It is confidential to the named staff.
That is the end of your involvement and you will hear no more. If you do need support because you have found this distressing please see AB
If you have concerns about a child, please fill in the form to be found in the staff room or on the staff drive. It has a body map on it if you need to draw in marks / injuries. Pass to named staff.
If you are unsure it is essential that you sound out a named member of staff. Iv’e been wrong many times but its better to be safe than sorry.

6. Specific Safeguarding Responsibilities in School
Designated Safeguarding Lead: John Kinsella Dep. Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ann Brook Additional Safeguarding Lead: Mel. Mc Nicholas Designated Governor: Marian Williams Designated teacher for Looked after Children: Ann Brook
These are the staff you should speak to if you have concerns about a child. Under the new guidance the head has overall responsibility for safeguarding but schools are now required to have a member of the SLT as the designated lead with specific oversight of policy practice and muti agency involvement. It is required that the post is always covered, hence my role and that of mel. All leads must be trained to level 3 and renew this every 2 years. CLA’s are now under the Safeguarding remit so a teacher must have oversight for this area too.. This is me.