Child protection policy

Devonshire Primary Academy Child Protection Policy

Implementation Date: March 2012 Adopted by Governors/HT: HT Review period: 1 year Last review date: September 2013 Person responsible for policy: Mrs D Nixon

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy Devonshire Primary Academy Child Protection Policy Principles / Aims At Devonshire Primary School we regard each of the children in our care as special and unique individuals.

We recognise the entitlement of every child to have full access to a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum, irrespective of gender, race, colour, religion or particular needs.

We aim to provide quality learning experiences within a happy, purposeful, stimulating environment where each child is encouraged and inspired to fulfil his or her potential.

Our aim is to develop the ‘whole’ child intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We strive to foster a caring, family atmosphere where children take responsibility for their actions and we expect high standards of behaviour and respect for other people and their possessions.

Introduction 

At Devonshire Primary we strive to foster a caring family atmosphere and, in line with this ethos as a caring school, we believe that the welfare of our pupils is of paramount importance. The welfare and safety of children is the responsibility of all members of staff.



Parents have primary responsibility for the care and protection of a child, but a range of services and support is available to help if needed. Parents seeking help can make a referral to agencies.



Because of the day to day contact with children, school staff are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Children develop a close, trusting relationship with adults in school and may confide in them, or staff may notice bruising or injuries during swimming, games or P.E. Therefore if it appears to a member of staff that a child may have been abused, or is in danger of being abused, we take appropriate action.



We follow the procedures developed by the Local Safeguarding Board, which have been established to promote co-ordinated action. Copies of these guidelines are kept in the Headteacher's office and in the SENCO's room.

2

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy The Designated Teacher 

The designated teacher is Mrs D Nixon. In her absence the staff to contact are Mr N Hodgkins or Miss S Bowker. The Local Safeguarding Board Guidance, referral forms and Getting It Right forms are kept in the SENCO's room.



The role of the designated teacher is attached to this policy.



Staff should be vigilant and immediately report any suspicions of abuse to the designated teacher in a written account, signed and dated. The designated teacher will take appropriate action.



We recognise the importance of confidentiality, and all information and records in relation to Child Protection are kept by the designated teacher in a locked file.

Access to this information is given only on a 'need to know' basis.

Definitions of Abuse Abuse is actual or likely significant harm.

Neglect: 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.

Physical abuse: Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe adverse effects on the child's emotional development.

Response in School It is vital that actions in school do not prejudice further enquiries. In line with Local Safeguarding Board procedures staff should: 

Accept what you are told. You do not need to decide whether it is true or not.



Listen attentively without displaying shock or disbelief.

3

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy 

Reassure the child. Acknowledge their courage in telling you.



Remind them that they are not to blame, but avoid criticism of the perpetrator.



Do not promise confidentiality. Tell the child that you will need to tell the designated teacher.



Reassure them but do not promise that "everything will be alright now".



Respond to what you are being told but do not interrogate.



Avoid leading questions.



Ask open ended questions, e.g. "Do you want to tell me anything else?" "And?" "Yes?"



Record the details immediately using the same words. Record the date, time, place and facts before signing.



Hand over the notes and talk to the designated teacher immediately.

The designated teacher will then decide upon the appropriate action as directed in the Blackpool guidelines. The telephone number for Social Services Duty Team is displayed in the office and Headteacher's room.

Referrals to Social Services If the child is considered to be at a significant risk (levels 3 and 4) the Duty and Assessment Team are contacted immediately and their advice followed. A report containing all known information about the incident is faxed to Social Services on the referral form. The numbers are in the office.

Parents The designated teacher will try to contact the parents and discuss the concerns and actions taken, if appropriate, following the advice given by social care. The school aims to help parents understand that the school, like all others, has a duty to refer cases to Social Services in the interest of the child. The safety of the pupil is essential and should a concern arise, professional advice will be sought about 4

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy contacting parents. The staff will work with parents to support the needs of their child.

Confidentiality Personal information about all pupils and their families is regarded as confidential.

All staff will aim to maintain this confidentiality and all records relating to child protection incidents will be maintained by the designated teacher and only shared as is consistent with the protection of the children.

Child Protection Meetings In line with Blackpool guidelines, the designated teacher or a school representative, will attend the relevant meetings, Child Protection Conferences, Getting It Right Meetings, Family Support Meetings and Core Group Meetings. Information on the child will be gathered directly from class teachers, using a concerns proforma.

Induction of New Staff/Volunteers The child protection policy will be shared and discussed with all new members of staff and volunteers in school.

Governors The Governors will be kept informed of any changes of procedures. The designated member of the Governing Body for Child Protection is Mrs Sylvia Taylor.

The Governing Body, through the School Development Plan, ensures the relevant Inset is provided for all staff.

Inset/Training Provision Inset and training at Devonshire is carried out according to our agreed Staff Development Priorities. 3 members of staff have accessed Level 2 Working Together Training – Head Teacher, Assistant Head and Attendance Officer. This is refreshed regularly. Other school staff have attended Level 1 training provided through the Pupil Welfare Service.

5

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy

Complaints The designated teacher, Mrs D Nixon, and/or the Headteacher, Mr N Hodgkins will be first contact should there be a complaint. If the matter is pursued further, the Chair of Governors should be approached.

Allegations of Abuse Against Staff School follows the advice and policy guidance of Blackpool Borough Council. – "Managing allegations against staff policy".

Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and evaluation is carried out to enhance the support we provide all children within our school. It is the responsibility of all staff to monitor and evaluate the support an individual child/family is receiving. An important element of the co-ordinators' role is to maintain a record of intervention and resolution for individual child protection cases.

She also maintains a record of 'worries' – little concerns which, standing alone, may seem very small, but having a record of these may be important in helping establish a pattern or a fuller picture. Both these records are locked away securely and are only shared as is consistent with the protection of the children.

Monitoring takes place in 4 ways:  Discussion with parents and carers.  Discussion with individuals or groups of children.  Discussion with members of staff.  Discussion with other professionals.

The Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Mrs D Nixon, last updated this policy in February 2014. The Child Protection Policy at Devonshire will be reviewed at the first staff meeting of each new academic year.

6

Devonshire Primary Academy – Child Protection Policy

The Role of the Designated Teacher for Child Protection

To be fully conversant with the Blackpool Safeguarding Board and School Child Protection Policy and procedures.

They should be available to all staff of the school for consultation on child protection concerns.

To ensure that appropriate action is taken in the school and procedures are followed in all cases of actual or suspected child abuse.

To compile a record of pupils in the school who have a Child Protection Plan (CPP), to keep this updated as notification is received and to liaise with the school Pupil Welfare Officer and other professionals in ensuring that children subject to a CPP are monitored.

Where appropriate to take part in child protection conferences or reviews, or to ensure that another key member of staff attends. Where this is not possible, to provide a report to the conference from the school. However, the presence of school staff is vital because of their close involvement with the child.

To inform the Social Services Department Child Protection Co-ordinator in writing when a child with a Child Protection Plan moves to another school, and to inform the new school of the child's status.

In consultation with the Headteacher, to monitor staff development and training needs, and to organise training as appropriate. To ensure that they receive training to keep updated on developments.

To ensure that the curriculum offers opportunities for raising students' awareness and developing strategies for ensuring their own protection.

7