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.
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:
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
5. Roles And Responsibilities
5.1 The Designated Teacher and Deputy Designated Teacher The designated teacher and deputy designated teacher must:
5.2 The Principal
The Principal must ensure that:
5.3 The Designated Governor for Child Protection
The Designated Governor will provide the child protection lead in order to advise the Governors on:
5.4 The Chair of the Board of Governors
The Chair of the Board of Governors must:
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:
In addition staff should:
5.6 Parents
Parents should play their part in Child Protection by:
5.7 The Board of Governors
Board of Governors must ensure that:
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
Physical Indicators |
Behavioural Indicators |
Unexplained bruises – in various stages of healing – grip marks on arms; slap marks; human bite marks; welts; bald spots; unexplained/untreated burns; especially cigarette burns (glove like); unexplained fractures; lacerations; or abrasions; untreated injuries; bruising on both sides of the ear – symmetrical bruising should be treated with suspicion; injuries occurring in a time pattern e.g. every Monday |
Self-destructive tendencies; aggressive to other children; behavioural extremes (withdrawn or aggressive); appears frightened or cowed in presence of adults; improbable excuses to explain injuries; chronic runaway; uncomfortable with physical contact; come to school early or stays last as if afraid to be at home; clothing inappropriate to weather – to hide part of body; violent themes in art work or stories |
Emotional Abuse
Physical Indicators |
Behavioural Indicators |
Well below average in height and weight; "failing to thrive"; poor hair and skin; alopecia; swollen extremities i.e. icy cold and swollen hands and feet; recurrent diarrhoea, wetting and soiling; sudden speech disorders; signs of self-mutilation; signs of solvent abuse (e.g. mouth sores, smell of glue, drowsiness); extremes of physical, mental and emotional development (e.g. anorexia, vomiting, stooping). |
Apathy and dejection; inappropriate emotional responses to painful situations; rocking/head banging; inability to play; indifference to separation from family indiscriminate attachment; reluctance for parental liaison; fear of new situation; chronic runaway; attention-seeking/needing behaviour; poor peer relationships. |
Neglect
Physical Indicators |
Behavioural Indicators |
Looks very thin, poorly and sad; constant hunger; lack of energy; untreated medical problems; special needs of child not being met; constant tiredness; inappropriate dress; poor hygiene; repeatedly unwashed; smelly; repeated accidents, especially burns. |
Tired or listless (falls asleep in class); steals food; compulsive eating; begging from class friends; withdrawn; lacks concentration; misses school medicals; reports that no carer is at home; low self-esteem; persistent non-attendance at school; exposure to violence including unsuitable videos. |
Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators |
Behavioural Indicators |
Bruises, scratches, bite marks or other injuries to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen or thighs; bruises or bleeding in genital or anal areas; torn, stained or bloody underclothes; chronic ailments such as recurrent abdominal pains or headaches; difficulty in walking or sitting; frequent urinary infections; avoidance of lessons especially PE, games, showers; unexplained pregnancies where the identify of the father is vague; anorexia/gross over-eating. |
What the child tells you; Withdrawn; chronic depression; excessive sexual precociousness; seductiveness; children having knowledge beyond their usual frame of reference e.g. young child who can describe details of adult sexuality; parent/child role reversal; over concerned for siblings; poor self-esteem; self-devaluation; lack of confidence; peer problems; lack of involvement; massive weight change; suicide attempts (especially adolescents); hysterical/angry outbursts; lack of emotional control; sudden school difficulties e.g. deterioration in school work or behaviour; inappropriate sex play; repeated attempts to run away from home; unusual or bizarre sexual themes in children’s art work or stories; vulnerability to sexual and emotional exploitation; promiscuity; exposure to pornographic material. |
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.
Do: |
Do not: |
|
|
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:
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 to the designated teacher for child protection / Principal Mrs. Jill McCandless |
¥
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