Child Protection Policy

Overview

LCS is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others.

The School’s Child Protection policy draws upon the principles of “Every Child Matters”, duties conferred by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, S175/157 of the 2002 Education Act, the Education & Inspections Act 2006 and the guidance contained in “Working Together to Safeguard Children”, “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused”, the current DCSF Circular - “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” (2007) and procedures produced by the London Safeguarding Children Board and the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board. The policy is applicable to all on and off-site activities undertaken by pupils whilst they are the responsibility of the School.

Responsibilities and Immediate Action

All adults working in this School (including visiting staff, volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Person with responsibility for child protection.

The Designated Person (CP) is: Georgie Hale
The Deputy Designated Person (CP): Zannie Salmon

The Designated Person is also the first point of contact for external agencies who are pursuing Child Protection investigations and co-ordinates the School’s representation at CP conferences and Core Group meetings (including the submission of written reports for conferences). When an individual concern/incident is brought to the notice of the Designated Person, they will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the Designated Person and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the Deputy Designated Person, the Lead Officer for education services or the Duty Manager for the Education Welfare & Attendance Service.

The parent/carer will normally be contacted before a referral is made to Children’s Social Care (Children’s Services). However, if the concern involves alleged or suspected sexual abuse or the Designated Person has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the child or a staff member, nothing will be said ahead of the referral.

In circumstances where a child has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency medical assistance. If a pupil is thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, intoxication, substance abuse, mental illness or threats to remove the child during the School day, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested.

Where a child sustains a physical injury or is distressed as a result of reported chastisement, or alleges that they have been chastised by the use of an implement or substance, this will immediately be reported for investigation. Referrals to Children’s Social Care will be confirmed in writing, using the on-line Inter-agency Referral Form and copied to the LA’s Lead Officer.

All parents applying for places at this School will be informed of our safeguarding responsibilities and the existence of this policy. In situations where pupils sustain injury or are otherwise affected by an accident or incident whilst they are the responsibility of the School, parents will be notified of this as soon as possible.

LCS recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers or others (including the parents or carers of other pupils) who may wish to harm children in School or pupils travelling to and from School and will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks.

Vulnerable Pupils

Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of pupils who are the subjects of Child Protection Plans and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to the allocated Social Worker (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LEA Lead Officer). If the pupil in question is a Looked After child, this will also be brought to the notice of the Designated Teacher with responsibility for children in public care.

If a pupil discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a household which is affected by family violence, this will be referred to the Designated Person as a safeguarding issue. The School acknowledges the additional needs for support and protection of children who are vulnerable by virtue of disability, homelessness, refugee/asylum seeker status, the effects of substance abuse within the family, those who are young carers, mid-year admissions and pupils who are excluded from school.

We acknowledge that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, school work or other children. The School has a strong commitment to an anti-bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate child on child behaviour and sexual activity within a Child Protection context.

When it comes to our notice that a pupil of the school is, or may be, sexually active, this will result in immediate consultation with parents. Where it comes to our notice that a child under the age of 13 is, or may be, sexually active, whether or not they are a pupil of this school, this will result in an immediate referral to Children’s Services. In the case of a young person between the ages of 13 and 16, an individual risk assessment will be conducted in accordance with the London Child Protection Procedures. This will determine how and when information will be shared and the investigating agencies.

Training

Whole-School in-service training on safeguarding issues will be organised on at least a three yearly basis and the next CP INSET session for all staff will take place before September 2010. All newly recruited staff (teaching and non-teaching) and Governors will be appraised of this policy and will be encouraged to attend relevant LA or Safeguarding Board training. All new staff will complete the ‘Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect-Core’ module through the Safeguarding Children e-Academy. The Designated Person (and Deputy) will attend the LA’s dedicated induction course and then refresher training at least every two years. Designated staff will be encouraged to attend appropriate network meetings and to participate in the multi-agency training programme organised by the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board.

Recruitment

LCS is committed to the process of becoming 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 Criminal Records Checks (CRB) undertaken. Consultation with the DCSF Protection of Children Act List (PoCAL) and List 99 will be completed before staff are appointed and commence their duties. CRB checks on all staff will be updated on a 3 yearly cycle.

The Head teacher and a nominated member of the Governing Body will undertake the on-line safe recruitment training through the National College for School Leadership.

This 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 agency concerned and to the LEA. Staff joining the School on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy. Additionally, the Staff Handbook confirms CP procedures in the School.

Volunteers

Any parent or other person/organisation engaged by the School to work in a voluntary capacity with pupils will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Criminal Records Checks. Where it is not appropriate to instigate an enhanced CRB check for volunteers (for example volunteers who work with us only once), or while we are waiting for the check to occur, they may be required to provide references and will be asked to sign a declaration that they have not been convicted of any criminal or disciplinary offence which could preclude their employment as a worker with children. If possible we will keep a photocopy of a CRB check from another organisation on file. Volunteers without a CRB check will not be left alone with children. Volunteers will work under the supervision of an established staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of the School. Volunteers are given the document "Volunteer Training" and guided through its implementation for a minimum of 2 weeks or 5 consecutive days or longer if required. Volunteers will be encouraged to complete the ‘Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect-Core’ module through the Safeguarding Children e-Academy.

Volunteers starting after March 2008 must have CRB clearance from LCS within 3 months of their start date. If clearance has not been given within this time they will not continue as volunteers until clearance is given. Volunteer CRBs will be renewed 3 months prior their expiry.

Voluntary sector groups that operate within this School, provide off-site services for our pupils or use School facilities, will be expected to adhere to this policy or operate a policy which is compliant with the procedures adopted by the Southwark Area Safeguarding Children Board. Premises lettings and loans are subject to acceptance of this requirement.

Staff Code of Conduct

All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils 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 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 pupil for their own protection or others’ safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the Head teacher and parents. Any physical restraint used will comply with DCSF and LA guidance.

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 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.

Children requiring regular medication or therapies for long-term medical conditions will be made the subject of a Medical Plan that has been agreed with the parents and health authority. Parents should contact the School Office to arrange a Medical Plan. Medication will be stored in a locked cabinet in the school office and administered according to the written instructions of parents.

For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with pupils. Other than in formal teaching situations; musical instrument tuition, for example, the door to the room in which the 1:1 coaching, 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 pupils will have clear and unobstructed glass panels in the doors.

School staff should also be alert to the possible risks that might arise from social contact with parents and pupils outside of the School. Home visits to parents and pupils or private tuition of pupils should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Head teacher. Visits/telephone calls by pupils to the homes of staff members should only occur in exceptional circumstances and with the prior knowledge and approval of the Head teacher. Any unplanned contact of this nature or suspected infatuations or “crushes” will be reported to the Head teacher. Staff will not disclose their personal telephone numbers and email addresses to parents and pupils. Communication should be maintained through school phone numbers and email addresses. Staff supervising off-site activities or school journeys will be provided with a school mobile telephone as a point of contact for parents and carers. Staff should maintain an openness with other staff members about dealings with parents and students both within and outside the school context.

Contractors

Contractors who are engaged by or on behalf of the school to undertake works on site will be made aware of this policy and the reasons for this. Long-term contractors who work regularly in the school during term time will be asked to provide their consent for CRB checks to be undertaken. These checks will be undertaken when individual risk assessments by the Leadership Team deem this to be appropriate. During major works, when large numbers of workers and sub-contractors may be on site during term time, Health and Safety risk assessments will include the potential for contractors or their employees to have direct access to pupils in non-teaching sessions. All contractors and sub-contractors will be issued with copies of the school’s code of conduct for staff.

Complaints/Allegations made against staff

LCS takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Procedures are in place for pupils, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member of staff or volunteer. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Head teacher (or Deputy Head teacher), in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns alleged minor physical mishandling or verbal abuse, this will normally be dealt with under the School’s Complaints Procedure.

If the allegation is of physical assault, the Head teacher will take action in accordance with School’s complaints procedure, unless one of the following criteria applies:

The allegation is one of actual bodily harm – i.e. an injury has necessitated first aid or 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 child or parent.
The child is Looked After in Public Care.
The child is the subject of a Child Protection Plan.
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.

In these cases, advice will be sought from the LA Lead Officer for education services (or the EWAS Duty Manager) with a view to a Strategy Meeting or Discussion being held in accordance with the London SCB procedures. This process will agree upon the appropriate course of action and the time-scale for investigations.

In considering whether or not a referral to Children’s Services is appropriate, the Head teacher may seek advice from the Chair of Governors, the LA’s Lead Officer and human resources advisers. Parents should also be advised of their independent right to make a formal complaint to the police. Temporary and visiting staff will be subject to the same procedures.

If the complaint concerns alleged abuse by the Head teacher, this should be brought to the attention of the Deputy Designated Person, who will inform the Chair of Governors and the LA’s Lead Officer.

The Chair of Governors is:
Chris Fishlock, 12 Merrick Square, SE1 4JB
Tel: 020 7378 0229

The Vice-chair Governors is:
Paul Clarke, 4 Merrick Square, SE1 4JB
Tel: 020 7403 4717

The LEA’s Lead Officer is:
John Guest (Head of Education Welfare Safeguarding)
Tel: 020 7525 2696

The LA’s Deputy is:
The EWAS Duty Manager
Tel: 020 7525 2702

Staff who are formally disciplined for the mistreatment of pupils (or who resign before disciplinary action can be completed), will be notified to Children’s Services and the Department for Education & Skills, for possible inclusion on their PoCAL consultative index.

Records

Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents and child protection or child in need concerns relating to individual pupils. Student observations will be noted in the ‘Class Incident Book’ that is kept in a secure place in each classroom. This information may be shared with other agencies as appropriate. Parental consent will be sought before making a Child in Need (S17) referral to Children’s Social Care (Children’s Services). If consent is withheld, consideration will be given to the potential impact of this for the child and to the need for a child protection referral (S47), which does not require parental consent. The School will take into account the views and wishes of the child who is the subject of the concern but staff will be alert to the dangers of colluding with dangerous “secrets”.

Child protection records are not open to pupils or parents. CP records are kept securely by the Designated Person and separately from educational records. They may only be accessed by the Designated Person, their Deputy and the senior managers of the School. Referrals made to Children’s Services under the LSCB procedures will be recorded on the Inter-agency Referral form, with copies sent securely to Children’s Social Care and the LA’s Lead Officer.

If a pupil is withdrawn from the School having not reached the normal date of transfer; due to a family move or any other reason, all efforts will be made to identify any new address and the School to which they are being admitted and to ensure that their educational records are sent without delay to that School. If the parent/carer fails to provide this information, an urgent referral will be made to the Education Welfare & Attendance Service in order that they might make further enquiries. If educational records are sent to this School concerning a child who is not registered by the parent, the records will be returned to the sending School with a note, advising them to refer to their LA’s Education Welfare Service. A child’s name will only be removed from the School’s Admissions Register in accordance with the Pupil Registration Regulations or with the authorisation of the Education Welfare & Attendance Service.

All additions to or deletions from the School Roll will trigger the completion of a Common Transfer Form (CTF) which will be downloaded to the appropriate database via the S2S system. Where an onward destination cannot be determined and the pupil is of compulsory school age, the CTF will be downloaded to the Lost Pupils’ Database.

The content of Child Protection Conference or Review reports prepared by the School will follow the headings recommended by Children’s Services and will, wherever possible, be shared with the parents/carer in advance of the meeting.

The School will require documentary proof as to the identity of pupils presented for admission. If there is any doubt as to the identity of a pupil, advice will be sought from the local authority and other statutory agencies, as appropriate. We will maintain accurate records of those with Parental Responsibility and emergency contacts. Pupils will only be released to the care of those with Parental Responsibility or someone acting with their written consent.

Child Protection records will be sent to receiving schools separately and under a confidential cover.

Safety in the School

No internal doors to classrooms will be locked whilst pupils are present in these areas.

Entry to School premises will be controlled by doors that are secured physically or by constant staff supervision. Authorised visitors to the School will be logged into and out of the premises and will be asked to wear their identity badges or be issued with School visitor badges. Unidentified visitors will be challenged by staff or reported to the Head teacher or School office. Carelessness in closing any controlled entrance will be challenged.

The presence of intruders and suspicious strangers seen loitering near the School or approaching pupils, will be reported to the Police and the LA with a view to alerting other local schools through appropriate systems.

Parents, carers or relatives may only take still or video photographic images of pupils in school or on school-organised activities with the prior consent of the school and then only in designated areas. If parents do not wish their children to be photographed or filmed and express this view in writing, their rights will be respected.

Classroom teachers will constantly reappraise the environment and activities to which children are being exposed and make necessary adjustments to secure their safety at all times. Assessments and changes will be noted in the risk assessment book located in each classroom.

In a case where a child cannot be located during a school day, the following action will be taken:

Check the school premises
Send 2 staff members out into the locality to search for the child
Ring the parents to find out if they know the whereabouts of the child
Ring the police to report the child as missing.

Curriculum

LCS acknowledges the important role that the curriculum can play in the prevention of abuse and in the preparation of our pupils for the responsibilities of adult life and citizenship. It is expected that all curriculum co-ordinators will consider the opportunities that exist in their area of responsibility for addressing the “Every Child Matters” outcomes framework. As appropriate, the curriculum will be used to build resilience, help pupils to keep safe and to know how to ask for help if their safety is threatened. As part of developing a healthy, safer lifestyle, pupils will be taught, for example;

to recognise and manage risks in different situations and then decide how to behave responsibly;
to judge what kinds of physical contact are acceptable and unacceptable;
to recognise when pressure from others (including people they know) threatens their personal safety and well-being; including knowing when and where to get help;
to use assertiveness techniques to resist unhelpful pressure
emotional literacy.

All computer equipment and internet access within the School will be subject to appropriate “parental controls” and Internet safety rules.

LCS will work with partners (including the Agencies Supporting Schools Programme and Safer Schools Partnership) to promote “Healthy School” status through the curriculum with the aim of;

Developing a school ethos and environment which encourages a healthy lifestyle for pupils;
Using the full capacity and flexibility of the curriculum to help pupils to achieve safe and healthy lifestyles;
Ensuring that food and drink available across the school day, reinforces the healthy lifestyle message;
Providing high quality Physical Education and sport to promote physical activity;
Promoting an understanding of the full range of issues and behaviours which impact upon a lifelong health and well-being.

Working in Partnership with Parents

It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best outcomes 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 brochures and correspondence.
We will involve parents and pupils in the development of Codes of Conduct and Equalities and Behaviour Management policies.
We will liase with agencies in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors and locality teams that are active in supporting families.
We will be alert to the needs of parents/carers who do not have English as their first language.
We will distribute the LA’s leaflet for parents, “Protecting Children in Education Settings”.
We will remind parents of relevant policies and procedures as is appropriate.
We will have policies and procedures available on request.
A copy of policies and procedures will be given to parents on a yearly basis.
We will give parents free access to developmental records about their child. A written request must be made for personal files on the children.
We will observe data protection rules when disclosing records that refer to third parties.

Complaints and Monitoring

All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the School’s complaint procedure, with reference to the LA’s Lead Officer as necessary.

The Governing Body of the School will consider safeguarding issues and their implications for this policy on an annual basis. For this item, the Head teacher will report upon levels of child protection referrals made by the School during the past year, training undertaken by School staff and Governors and any changes in legislation or national/local guidance.

Policy approved by Directors September 2009

To be reviewed as required