Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Monitoring And Evaluation

The Safeguarding Team in Glenbrook Nursery School will update this Policy and procedures in the light of any further guidance and legislation as necessary and review it annually. The Board of Governors will also monitor child protection activity and the implementation of the child protection policy on a regular basis through the provision of reports from the Designated Teacher.

On-going evaluation will ensure the effectiveness of the Policy.

1. Child Protection Ethos

We in Glenbrook Nursery School have a responsibility for the pastoral care, general welfare and safety of the children in our care and we will carry out this duty by providing a caring, supportive and safe environment, where each child is valued for his or her unique talents and abilities, and in which all our young people can learn and develop to their full potential. All staff, teaching and non-teaching should be alert to the signs of possible abuse and should know the procedures to be followed. This Policy sets out guidance on the action, which is required where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected and outlines referral procedures within our school

2. Principles

The general principles, which underpin our work, are those set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are enshrined in the Children (Northern

Ireland) Order 1995, the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) guidance "Pastoral Care in Schools- Child Protection"(DENI Circular 99/10) and the Area Child Protection Committees’ Regional Policy and Procedures(2005).

The following principles form the basis of our Child Protection Policy.

•  

  • It is a child’s right to feel safe at all times, to be heard, listened to and taken seriously.
  • We have a pastoral responsibility towards the children in our care and should take all reasonable steps to ensure their welfare is safeguarded and their safety is preserved.
  • In any incident the child’s welfare must be paramount, this overrides all other considerations.
  • A proper balance must be struck between protecting children and respecting the rights and needs of parents and families; but where there is conflict the child’s interest must always come first.

3. Other Relevant Policies

The school has a duty to ensure that safeguarding permeates all activities and functions. This policy therefore complements and supports a range of other school policies including:

• Behaviour Policy
• Anti-Bullying
• Use of Reasonable Force/Safe Handling
• Special Educational Needs
• Educational Visits
• First Aid and the Administration of Medicines
• Health and Safety Policy
• Use of Mobile Phones/Cameras
• Intimate Care

These policies are available to parents and any parent requiring a copy should contact the School Principal.

4. School Safeguarding Team

The following are members of the schools Safeguarding Team

• Designated Teacher / Principal - Mrs Rhonda Cameron
• Deputy Designated Teacher – Miss Lisa Collins
• Designated Governor for Child Protection – Mrs Edna McCormick
• Chair of the Board of Governors – Mrs Edna McCormick

5. Roles And Responsibilities

5.1 The Designated Teacher and Deputy Designated Teacher The designated teacher and deputy designated teacher must:

•  

  • Avail of training so that they are aware of duties, responsibilities and role
  • Organise training for all staff (whole school training)
  • Lead in the development of the school’s Child Protection Policy
  • Act as a point of contact for staff and parents
  • Assist in the drafting and issuing of the summary of our Child Protection arrangements for parents
  • Make referrals to Social Services Gateway team or PSNI Public Protection Unit where appropriate
  • Liaise with the EA’s Designated Officers for Child Protection
  • Maintain records of all child protection concerns
  • Provide written annual report to the Board of Governors regarding child protection

5.2 The Principal

The Principal must ensure that:

•  

  • DENI 1999 / 10 is implemented within the school
  • That a designated teacher and deputy are appointed
  • That all staff receive child protection training
  • That all necessary referrals are taken forward in the appropriate manner
  • That the Chairman of the Board of Governors (and, when appropriate, the Board of Governors) is kept informed
  • That child protection activities feature on the agenda of the Board of Governors meetings and termly updates & annual report are provided
  • That the school child protection policy is reviewed annually and that parents and pupils receive a copy of this policy every year.
  • That confidentiality is paramount. Information should only be passed to the entire Board of Governors on a need to know basis.

5.3 The Designated Governor for Child Protection

The Designated Governor will provide the child protection lead in order to advise the Governors on:

•  

  • The role of the designated teachers
  • The content of child protection policies
  • The content of a code of conduct for adults within the school
  • The content of the termly updates and full Annual Designated Teachers Report
  • Recruitment, selection and vetting of staff

5.4 The Chair of the Board of Governors

The Chair of the Board of Governors must:

•  

  • Ensure that a safeguarding ethos is maintained within the school environment
  • Ensure that the school has a Child Protection Policy in place and that staff implement the policy
  • Ensure that Governors undertake appropriate child protection and recruitment & selection training provided by the EA Child Protection Support Service for Schools, the EA Governor Support and Human Resource departments.
  • Ensure that a Designated Governor for Child Protection is appointed Assume lead responsibility for managing any complaint/allegation against the School Principal
  • Ensure that the Board of Governors receive termly updates and a full written annual report in relation to child protection activity

5.5 Other Members of School Staff

Staff in school see children over long periods and can notice physical, behavioural and emotional indicators and hear allegations of abuse.

Remember the 5 Rs: Receive, Reassure, Respond, Record and Refer

The member of staff must:

•  

  • refer concerns to the Designated/Deputy Teacher for Child Protection;
  • listen to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief and support the child
  • act promptly
  • make a concise written record of a child’s disclosure using the actual words of the child (Appendix 1)
  • Avail of whole school training and relevant other training regarding safeguarding children
  • Not give children a guarantee of total confidentiality regarding their disclosures
  • Not investigate
  • Not ask leading questions

In addition staff should:

•  

   

  • Keep the Designated Teacher informed about poor attendance and punctuality, poor presentation, changed or unusual behaviour, deterioration in educational progress, discussions with parents about concerns relating to their child, concerns about pupil abuse or serious bullying, concerns about home conditions including disclosures of domestic violence.

5.6 Parents

Parents should play their part in Child Protection by:

•  

  • telephoning the school on the morning of their child’s absence so as the school is reassured as to the child’s situation;
  • informing the school whenever anyone, other than themselves, intends to pick up the child after school;
  • letting the school know in advance if their child is going home to an address other than their own home;
  • familiarising themselves with the School’s Pastoral Care, Anti Bullying, Positive Behaviour, Internet and Child Protection Policies;
  • reporting to the office when they visit the school other than at drop off and collection times
  • raising concerns they have in relation to their child with the school.

5.7 The Board of Governors

Board of Governors must ensure that:

•  

  • the school has a Child Protection Policy in place and that staff implement the policy
  • relevant Child Protection training is kept up-to-date by at least one governor and a record kept of the same
  • confidentiality is paramount. Information should only be passed to an entire Board of Governors on a need-to-know basis.

6. What Is Child Abuse?

The following definitions of child abuse are taken from the Area Child Protection Committees’ Regional Policy and Procedures (2005).

6.1 Definition of Abuse

Child abuse occurs when a child is neglected, harmed or not provided with proper care. Children may be abused in many settings, in a family, in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or more rarely, by a stranger. There are different types of abuse and a child may suffer more than one of them. The procedures outlined in this document are intended to safeguard children who are at risk of significant harm because of abuse or neglect by a parent, carer or other with a duty of care towards a child.

6.2 Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse is the deliberate physical injury to a child, or the wilful or neglectful failure to prevent physical injury or suffering. This may include hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, confinement to a room or cot, or inappropriately giving drugs to control behaviour.

Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that he is worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as he meets the needs of the other person. It may involve causing a child to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of a child. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone. Domestic violence, adult mental health problems and parental substance misuse may expose a child to emotional abuse.

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s physical, emotional and/or psychological needs, likely to result in significant harm. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment, lack of stimulation or lack of supervision. It may also include nonorganic failure to thrive (faltering growth).

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

A child may suffer or be at risk of suffering from one or more types of abuse and abuse may take place on a single occasion or may occur repeatedly over time.

6.3 Signs and symptoms of abuse ~ Possible Indicators

Physical Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Neglect

Sexual Abuse

7. Procedures for making complaints in relation to child abuse

7.1 How a Parent can make a Complaint

At Glenbrook Nursery School we aim to work closely with the parents/guardians in supporting all aspects of the child’s development and well-being. Any concerns a parent may have will be taken seriously and dealt with in a professional manner. If a parent has a concern they can talk to the Designated or Deputy Designated teacher for child protection. If they are still concerned they may talk to the Chair of the Board of Governors. At any time a parent may talk to a social worker in the local Gateway team or to the PSNI Public Protection Unit. Details of who to contact are shown in the flowchart in Appendix 2.

7.2 Where the school has concerns or has been given information about possible abuse by someone other than a member of the school staff including volunteers

Where staff become aware of concerns or are approached by a child they should not investigate – this is a matter for Social Services – but should report these concerns immediately to the designated teacher and full notes should be made. These notes or records should be factual, objective and include what was seen, said, heard or reported. They should include details of the place and time and who was present and should be given to the designated teacher. The person who reports the incident must treat the matter in confidence.

The designated teacher will decide whether in the best interest of the child the matter needs to be referred to Social Services. If there are concerns that the child may be at risk, the school is obliged to make a referral. Unless there are concerns that a parent may be the possible abuser, the parent will be informed immediately. The designated teacher may consult with the EA’s Designated Officer for Child Protection or Social Services Gateway Team before a referral is made. During consultation with the Designated Officer the child’s details will be shared. No decision to refer a case to Social Services will be made without the fullest consideration and on appropriate advice. The safety of the child is our prime priority.

Where there are concerns about possible abuse and a referral needs to be made the designated teacher will telephone Social Services Gateway Team. He/she will also notify the EA Designated Officer for Child Protection. A UNOCINI (Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland) referral form will also be completed and forwarded to the Gateway team with a copy sent to the EA Designated Officer for Child Protection.

If the Principal has concerns that a child may be at immediate risk from a volunteer, the services of the volunteer will be terminated immediately.

This procedure with names and contact numbers is shown in Appendix 3.

7.3 Where a complaint has been made about possible abuse by a member of the school’s staff

If a complaint about possible child abuse is made against a member of staff, the Principal {or Designated teacher if he/she is not available) must be informed immediately. The above procedures will apply (unless the complaint is about the Principal/Designated teacher)

If a complaint is made against the Principal the Designated Teacher will inform the Chairperson of The Board of Governors who will ensure that necessary action is taken.

Where the matter is referred to Social Services the member of staff may be removed from duties involving direct contact with pupils (and may be suspended from duty as a precautionary measure pending investigation by the appropriate authorities). The Chairman of the Board of Governors will be informed immediately. Child protection procedures as outlined in Appendix will be followed in keeping with current Department of Education guidance.

This procedure with names and contact numbers is shown in Appendix 4.

The following are guidelines for use by staff should a child disclose concerns of a child protection nature.

8. Attendance at Child Protection Case Conferences and Core Group Meetings The Designated Teacher/Deputy Designated Teacher or Principal may be invited to attend an initial and review Child Protection Case Conferences and/or core group meetings convened by the Health & Social Care Trust. They will provide a written report which will be compiled following consultation with relevant staff. Feedback will be given to staff under the ‘need to know ’principle on a case-by-case basis. Children whose names are on the Child Protection register will be monitored and supported in accordance with the child protection plan.

9. Confidentiality And Information Sharing

Information given to members of staff about possible child abuse cannot be held "in confidence". In the interests of the child, staff have a responsibility to share relevant information about the protection of children with other professionals particularly the investigative agencies. Where abuse is suspected schools have a legal duty to refer to the Statutory Agencies. In keeping with the principle of confidentiality, the sharing of information with school staff will be on a ‘need to know’ basis.

10. Record Keeping

All child protection records, information and confidential notes are kept in separate files in a locked safe. These records are kept separate from any other file that is held on the child or young person and are only accessible by the Designated Teacher and the Deputy Designated Teacher.

Should a child transfer to another school whilst there are current child protection concerns we will share these concerns with the Designated Teacher in the receiving school.

11. Vetting Procedures

All staff paid or unpaid who are appointed to positions in the School are vetted in accordance with relevant legislation and Departmental guidance.

12. Code Of Conduct For all Staff Paid Or Unpaid

All actions concerning children and young people must uphold the best interests of the young person as a primary consideration. Staff must always be mindful of the fact that they hold a position of trust, and that their behaviour towards the child and young people in their charge must be above reproach.

The school’s code of conduct is available on request.

13. Staff Training

Glenbrook Nursery School is committed to in-service training for its entire staff. Each member of staff will receive general training on policy and procedures with some members of staff receiving more specialist training in line with their roles and responsibilities. All staff will receive basic child protection awareness training and annual refresher training. The Principal/Designated Teacher/Deputy Designated Teacher, Chair of the Board of Governors and Designated Governor for Child Protection will also attend relevant child protection training courses provided by the Child Protection Support service for Schools. When new staff or volunteers start at the school they are briefed on the school’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct and given copies of these policies.

14. The Preventative Curriculum

In the classroom, regular discussion/talking time sessions, as part of a small group, whole class or individual basis, are used as a means of encouraging children to raise social and emotional concerns in a safe environment and to build self- confidence, respect and sensitivity among classmates.

Throughout the school year child protection issues are addressed through class circle time and there is a permanent child protection notice board in the main corridor and relevant information in each resource area, which provides advice and displays child helpline numbers. A flow diagram of how a parent may make a complaint is also on display. An enlarged flow diagram for a teacher allegation IS in staff room.

Other initiatives which address child protection and safety issues:

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  • The NSPCC, PSNI Officers visit the school and provide information on a range of child protection issues through talks, role-plays, puppet shows and other resources.
  • During our topic of "People Who Help Us" the roles of community members are explored and investigated - Police Officers, Health Visitors, Midwives, Nurses, Doctors, Fire-fighters etc.
  • Our pupils participate in activities that will promote their understanding of their own and other people’s safety e.g road safety, safety when playing, safety in the home

CHILD PROTECTION

Contact names and numbers

NAME DESIGNATION                                                                       TEL.NUMBER

Jill McCandless       Designated teacher for Child Protection            School 91819629

Lisa Collins       Deputy designated Teacher for Child Protection       School 91819629

Jim Lemon       Chairperson of the Board of Governors                      Home 97528148

Colum Boal        Designated Officer for Child Protection                    EA  90566434

Alison Casey      Designated Officer for Child Protection                    EA  90566274

South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Gateway Service               0300 100 0300

P.S.N.I.                                                                                                0845 600 8000

The Department of Education Blue Booklet

‘Pastoral Care in Schools CHILD PROTECTION’ is  in the Principal's office

Appendix 1

Child Protection Incident Report 

Child’s Name: DOB________ Class____

Details of Incident/Disclosure*

Name of Person completing the report:

Designation:

Signature:

Date:

* Record actual words used by the child/young person

Appendix 2

How a Parent can make a Complaint

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety

                             ¥

                             ¥

If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the

Chairman of the Board of Governors,

                              ¥

At any time a parent can talk to a social worker at the

Gateway Team Tel: 0800 7837745

or the

PSNI Public Protection Unit Tel : 0845 600 80000

Appendix 4

Procedure where a complaint has been made about possible abuse by a member of the school’s staff

If a referral is

necessary, or if doubts remain

Appendix 3

Procedure where the School has concerns, or has been given information about possible abuse by someone other than a member of staff.

Appendix 4

Procedure where a complaint has been made about possible abuse by a member of the school’s staff

If a referral is

necessary, or if doubts remain