Contents Safeguarding and Child Protection are an immensely important part of our role working with young people. It covers young people at risk of maltreatment: neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or radicalisation. This risk could come from parents, carers, teachers, friends, acquaintances, or people they do not know. If you have any concerns at all about a young person’s safety, whether you think those concerns are serious or not, whether you are sure or not, always raise them with the Designated Person or Deputy. These individuals are trained to assess concerns, and discern the seriousness of an issue. They are also well equipped to deal with complex and sensitive issues in a legally appropriate manner. Raising concerns as soon as you have them is the best way of keeping young people safe. You should not feel the need to try and elicit information from a student yourself before contacting us, or that you need to follow up on your concerns in any way. The extent of teachers’ responsibility re safeguarding: If you have any concerns at all, about any aspect of students’ safety, contact the Designated Person (sjones@bsix.ac.uk) or the Deputy (tgreen@bsix.ac.uk) 1. The Legal Framework 2. What is Safeguarding & Child Protection 3. Different Forms of Abuse 4. BSix Safeguarding and Child Protection Guidelines – how to respond 5. BSix Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 6. Confidentiality Policy 7. Staff and Student Relations Policy Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 The Legal Framework The Children Act 1989 Section 17: Duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need. Section 47 - Duty to investigate whether a child is at risk of serious harm. Local Government Act 2000 Effective joint working across local sectors. Education Act 2002 Duty on Local Education Authorities to exercise Safeguarding functions for children and young people up to the age of 18 who are in full-time education. Children Act 2004 Establish Local Safeguarding Children Boards. Updates the legislation on physical punishment by limiting the use of the defence of reasonable punishment, so it can no longer be used in offences against a child. Children and Families Act 2014 Introduces a single assessment process and an Education, Health and Care plan to support children, young people and their families from birth to 25 years. Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 Duty on certain bodies, including schools, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” (The “prevent” duty.) Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 What is Safeguarding & Child Protection? BSix Sixth Form College has a safeguarding policy and procedures to ensure that we create a safe environment for students. It recognises that members of staff have an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children and preventing their abuse. WHAT IS SAFEGUARDIING? The Government has defined the term ‘safeguarding children’ as: Protecting children from maltreatment Preventing impairment of children’s health Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstance consistent with the provision of safe and effective care Undertaking that role so as to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully WHAT IS CHILD PROTECTION? The process of protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or at risk of suffering significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect. OTHER WELFARE ISSUES Students may have other welfare issues that are acting as a barrier to learning, though are not serious enough to fall into the legal categories above. These too can be addressed by our safeguarding and welfare team. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 Different Forms of Abuse These guidelines provide some indicators for identifying and reporting cases or suspected cases of child neglect or abuse. PHYSICAL ABUSE Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing poisoning, burning and scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child EMOTIONAL ABUSE The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent effects on the child’s emotional development. • • • • • • SIGNS/INDICATORS This type of abuse is difficult to recognise as the signs are usually behavioural rather than physical. Indicators are often associated with other forms of abuse. RADICALISATION The process by which individuals come to support terrorism or violent extremism. SEXUAL ABUSE Forcing someone to have sex, unwanted kissing or touching, being made to watch pornography against will, pressure not to use contraception Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 SIGNS/INDICATORS Bruising Bite Marks Burns and Scalds Fractures Scars Self-harm, self-mutilation and suicide attempts SIGNS/INDICATORS Use of inappropriate language Possession of violent extremist literature Behavioural changes The expression of extremist views Advocating violent actions and means Association with known extremists Seeking to recruit others to an extremist ideology SIGNS/INDICATORS Bruising to anal or genital areas Bleeding or discharge of anal genital areas Sexual transmitted diseases Pregnancy in a child Young people who are sexually abused may avoid being alone with people, or seem frightened or unwilling to socialise with someone Young people may show sexual behaviour that is inappropriate, particularly with regard to their age FORCED MARRIAGE A marriage without the consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor CHILD TRAFFICKING A marriage without the consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor E-ABUSE Mobile phone, e-mail, social networking sites and forums are all used to threaten and intimate people NEGLECT Where a person suffers because their health or psychological, emotional, physical needs are being neglected Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 SIGNS/INDICATORS Absence and persistent absence Request for extended leave Surveillance by siblings or cousins Poor exam results Being withdrawn from school SIGNS/INDICATORS Spends a lot of time doing household chores Rarely leaves the house, has no freedom of movement Might not be registered with a GP Has no documents, or falsified documents Has no access to their parents or guardians SIGNS/INDICATORS Cyber stalking Repeated unwanted txt & messages Constantly posting derogatory or defamatory statements or images Tracking using spyware Sending viruses SIGNS/INDICATORS Young person is unresponsive Young person thrives away from home Inadequate or inappropriate clothing Seem hungry or turn up to College without having had breakfast or any lunch money Have untreated injuries, medical and dental issues Have skin sores, flea bites, scabies or ringworm Tiredness Faltering weight or growth Smelly and dirty appearance Young person left unsupervised without adequate provision Live in an unsuitable home environment Taking on the role of carer for other family members BSix Safeguarding and Child Protection Guidelines The Child Protection designated person (DP) is Vice Principal for Student Services, Sarah Jones (email: sjones@bsix.ac.uk). The Deputy designated person (DDP) is Tunicea Graham Green (email: tgreen@bsix.ac.uk). In their absence contact a member of the Senior Management Team. How to respond to a student who wants to talk to you about an issue 1. Give the student first aid, or medical attention, if necessary. 2. Remind the student that you cannot promise confidentiality: if you think they are at risk, you have a duty to report it*. 3. Ask whether they are happy to talk to the safeguarding team themselves. a. If they are, refer them to the team, and email the team with a record of your conversation. b. If they are not, continue with steps 4-X below. 4. Ask the student to tell you about it. Try to record as much of what they say as you can. Do not judge or attempt to evaluate what they are saying – you are simply listening and recording. Do not ask leading questions – simply ask them to tell you what happened next, and whether they want to add anything else. 5. Explain to the student that the information will be passed on to the safeguarding team, who will be in touch. Say that you can be present when they meet with safeguarding if that would reassure them. 6. Email the record of your conversation to safeguarding immediately. Include any information about whether the student would like you to be involved when they follow up. * If a student is over 18 there is no statutory duty to report the information, but it is college policy to do so. How to respond to an allegation of abuse by a member of staff 1. Refer the student to the safeguarding DP or DDP. 2. Email the DP with the details of your conversation immediately. (If the allegation is about the DP, email the Headteacher.) How to respond if you suspect that a student is being abused 1. Email your concerns to the DP or DDP. Include as much information as you can about why your concern has arisen. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 How to respond to expression of a safeguarding concern by a student regarding a peer. 1. Tell the student that they can a. Talk to safeguarding themselves. If they choose this, you should email the DP or DDP yourself to inform them. b. Send an email to helpafriend@bsix.ac.uk. If they choose this, you should email the DP or DDP yourself to inform them. c. Talk to you, and you will refer it to the DP or DDP. If they choose this option, follow the steps above for talking to a student about their concern, and reporting it. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 BSix Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 1. INTRODUCTION BSix Sixth Form College, at all times, and by all means, seeks to create a safe environment for students and recognizes that members of staff and students have an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children and preventing their abuse. To this end, all staff employed by, or working with the college, are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the college Safeguarding Procedures Document. 2. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework that informs procedures related to BSix Sixth Form College’s legal obligation to protect vulnerable adults and children who are suffering forms of abuse as defined in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme 2004 and the Children Act 1989. 3. POLICY There are five main elements to the policy: 4. Ensuring the College practices safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with young people. Raising awareness of child protection issues amongst staff. Developing and implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases or suspected cases, of child abuse. Supporting the young person who has been abused. Establishing a safe environment in which young people can learn and develop, where they are able to talk and be listened to. PRINCIPLES a) Any member of staff receiving a complaint or allegation or who has suspicions that child abuse is taking place will follow the procedures for reporting the incident. b) The college will promote a positive, supportive and secure environment where students feel safe and valued. c) It is the policy of this college to work with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC), the police, social services and any other relevant statutory bodies whilst always placing the welfare of the child at the centre of any action taken. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 d) The college requires that all staff shall attend safeguarding training as part of their induction programme. The college may also require staff to attend subsequent training when deemed necessary. e) This policy, and the accompanying Safeguarding Procedures document, will be reviewed annually by the designated Child Protection Nominee in consultation with the ACPC and other relevant bodies. 5. THE DESIGNATED PERSON The College has appointed a senior member of staff (the Designated Person) to be responsible for matters of child protection and safeguarding. The College has also appointed a Deputy Designated Person to work with the Designated Person on day-to-day safeguarding and child protection issues. The Designated Person is responsible for: Setting and reviewing College policies in this area, and ensuring they are fulfilled. Ensuring all staff, including the Deputy Designated Person, have the necessary training to fulfil their roles with regard to safeguarding and child protection. The Deputy Designated Person is responsible for: Being the first point of contact for parents, students, staff and external agencies in all matters of safeguarding and child protection. Working with the Designated Person, taking and monitoring action to support and safeguard students about whom concerns have been raised. Monitoring the keeping, confidentiality and storage of records relating to safeguarding and child protection. Liasing with the child protection officer appointed by the Local Authority and/or social services (the LADO) and ensuring they are kept up to date with relevant issues, for example, student movement. Where appropriate, taking part in child protection conferences and reviews. 6. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF ALL STAFF The welfare of the child is paramount and young people are entitled to protection from abuse and exploitation. The college has a legal duty to act ‘reasonably’ in respect of any suspicion or disclosure of abuse. The college’s Safeguarding Procedure is designed to ensure that staff can be confident that they have acted ‘reasonably’ and in the best interests of the child and that there is a consistency of good practice across the entire College. Young people have a right to confidentiality and respect for their own decisions and preferences. However, no member of staff should guarantee ‘total confidentiality’ in matters of child protection; sometimes the best interests of the child can override the principle of confidentiality. A young person can be assured that communication regarding the case will be kept to the minimum on a ‘need to know’ basis. Any allegations of abuse, or suspicions of abuse, need to be taken seriously, and handled in a sensitive manner. College staff must not carry out investigations or decide whether a student has been abused. Any allegations or disclosures must always be referred to the college designated Child Protection Nominee or a member of the Safeguarding Team. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 Young people have a right to be kept fully informed about what is happening to them and their families and information must be strictly limited to those who need to know. The college designated Child Protection Nominee will assess whether the best interests of the child will be served by referring the allegation or disclosure to Social Services or the Police. 7. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF The College’s procedures for dealing with allegations against staff (and volunteers) aim to strike a balance between the need to protect young people from abuse and the need to protect staff and volunteers from unfounded allegations. These procedures follow the guidelines in part 4 of Keeping Children Safe in Education. Where an allegation or complaint is made against the Designated Person, the matter should be reported immediately to the Principal. Allegations against members of staff can be reported to the Designated Person, or the Deputy. Where an allegation is made about the Principal, the matter should be referred to the Designated Person without notifying the Principal. The Designated Person will then contact and make a referral to the relevant agency or agencies without delay. Detailed guidance is given to staff, for example in the staff and students relations policy, so that they can ensure their actions do not place students or themselves at risk of harm or allegations. 8. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STUDENTS The College will take advice from the LADO on the investigation of such allegations, and will take appropriate action to ensure all students involved are safe throughout. If it is necessary for a student to be interviewed by the police in relation to allegations of abuse, the College will ensure that (subject to the advice of the LADO) parents/carers are informed as soon as possible and that the student is supported in the interview by an appropriate adult. 9. SECURE COLLEGE PREMISES The College takes all practical steps to ensure that premises are as secure as circumstances permit. All staff and students wear identify badges which restrict access to the building. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 Confidentiality Policy Everything that comes to the attention of a member of staff in contact with young people will normally be kept confidential within the service. The exceptions to the policy occur where: There is significant threat to life Where potential or actual serious criminal offences are involved A coroner’s inquest, tribunal or court require information as evidence The young person gives permission The young person is currently being abused, including sexual or other abuse The young person is the perpetrator of abuse The young person alleges or suspects another person of perpetrating abuse The young person alleges or suspects a professional Carer is perpetrating abuse (social worker, residential care worker, etc.) The person is felt to be of serious risk of self-harming The young person is in need of urgent medical treatment The young person is felt to be at serious risk of causing harm to others The young person is perceived to be at risk of serious harm through lifestyle choices or other potentially harmful courses of action The confidentiality statement should be drawn to the attention of any young person who wishes or, you may think, intends to tell you something confidential. Staff should offer young people the opportunity to discuss things that matter to them without fear of having their confidentiality broken. This applies even to young people who are under 16. HOWEVER, NO YOUNG PERSON CAN BE OFFERED UNCONDITIONAL, ABSOLUTE CONFIDENTIALITY. This means that staff are expected to exercise professional judgement over confidentiality. Under most circumstances staff will not discuss a young person or their situation unless the young person asks them to do so. Staff will not normally tell anybody else that a young person has talked with them privately unless they give their consent. However there are exceptions to this: In exceptional circumstances a young person may tell a member of staff something that they cannot keep confidential. If the member of staff is given information which leads them to think that the young person or someone else, might be at risk of serious harm they should immediately seek the advice of the Child Protection Nominee or a member of the Safeguarding Team, having informed the young person that we are not allowed to keep such information confidential because of the risk of serious harm. Staff must be open and honest with the young person and attempt to work out a plan of action before seeking the Safeguarding Teams advice. Occasionally, the right of a young person to confidentiality is secondary to consideration of their health and welfare. It may be that in your professional judgment, it is in the young person’s best interest to discuss them with a professional colleague, (for example Connexions, Children’s Social Care or Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Service) if you think the young person is making choices which could be detrimental to their health or wellSafeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 being. It is reasonable to share any anxieties or concerns you may have, without necessarily identifying the young person; but it may be in their best interest to do so. This may be on a ‘need to know’ basis in general terms, or for specific advice from other professional colleagues. However, if you think a young person may be at risk of serious harm you may share concerns with other professionals, to seek advice or to agree joint action, for example. In all cases, seek the advice from your Line Manager and/or a member of the Safeguarding Team. If a young person requests confidentiality on a sensitive issue, you should not give this assurance and explain at the earliest opportunity that you cannot offer absolute confidentiality. You should explain that BSix College has a policy, in line with the Child Protection Procedures, to report actual or suspected abuse of young people. If a young person is asking for absolute confidentiality staff should give them the opportunity to access agencies such as Child Line or the Samaritans, or let them continue to share information in the knowledge that information may need to be passed on. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 Staff and Student Relations Policy Aim: to set out the general principles and responsibilities with regard to professional and personal relationships between staff & students 1. Context BSix Sixth Form College has a responsibility for the welfare of its staff & students and aims to provide a working environment and staff / student relationships are developed in order to improve teaching & learning. 1.1 The College recognises that in a healthy working environment, staff (teaching & support) & students will form mutually rewarding personal relationships. Indeed the college encourages this. However, in order to protect staff & students, the boundaries of personal & professional life must be fully recognised and respected. 1.2 The College fully respects and complies with all acts of parliament and guidelines issued by government & local authorities with regard to the protection and safeguarding of all young people in the college. 1.3 Any relationship which could impair professional judgement, compromise integrity or affect the proper teaching or reputation of the college should be avoided. 2. General Principles All adults working with young people are in positions of trust as a result of the authority invested in their role. This cannot be a relationship of equals. Appropriate professional boundaries must be maintained. 2.1 There are many situations which occur on a regular basis which require a good relationship between staff & students. The college regards itself as a ‘half-way house’ between school and the workplace or Higher Education, a ‘Learning Institution’ and as such, relationships of mutual respect are encouraged where an honest rapport can develop. Everyday examples of such situations could be; - Explaining grades awarded in Half Term Reports - Explaining grades awarded in UCAS applications and comments made in references - Discussing progress at a Parents’ Evening or at Progress Review days 2.2 The college encourages staff to be open and honest at all times with students in terms of their progress on the course. Comments must be able to be backed up by the appropriate data / records. 2.3 The College disciplinary policy applies at all times and its implementation may be required in cases where the student fails to respect the rules and regulations of the College which are designed to ensure respect between staff & students. 2.4 Whilst encouraging a mature and profitable relationship between staff and students, it is important to recognise that there are boundaries which cannot be crossed. Staff and Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 current students cannot be friends in the true sense of that word. Any relationship other than a professional one is totally unacceptable. 2.5 All staff should behave in a professional manner and should ensure that their actions or personal conduct, no matter how well intended, does not cause offence or is open to misinterpretation. 2.6 Any relationship of a romantic or sexual nature is totally unacceptable. Such a relationship could cause very serious disruption and result in legal action being taken against the member of staff concerned and / or the college. BSix Sixth Form College has a rigid policy of fully assisting the Police with any enquiries pertaining to the college or members of it. 3. Disclosure of Staff / Student Relationship 3.1 In the event of a relationship developing with a student, the member of staff concerned is required to declare this either to his/her Head of Department, Human Resources Officer or any member of the Senior Management Team immediately. The Principal must also be informed immediately. 3.2 Where the member of staff concerned is a member of Senior Management then the Principal must be informed. 3.3 Where the member of staff concerned is the Principal then the Chair of Governors must be informed. 3.4 Once the declaration has been made, the appropriate Manager, Principal, Chair of Governors should determine the appropriate action to be taken, ensuring that the member of staff concerned is not involved in any way in the teaching, supervision or invigilation of the student concerned. The Manager, Principal or Chair concerned must ensure that the parents and, where appropriate, relevant authorities are informed of what has transpired. In addition measures must be taken to minimise the effect of any known situation within the staff & students of the college. Any press contact is dealt with solely by the Principal or the Chair of Governors. 4. Specific Situations 4.1 Dress & Appearance – Staff should ensure that they are dressed appropriately for the work undertaken in the college. 4.2 Gifts, Rewards & Favouritism – There are occasions when young people or their parents wish to pass on some token of appreciation to a member of staff and this is acceptable. Receiving gifts on a regular basis or of any significant value is however unacceptable. 4.3 Communication with students and the use of new technologies - The development of new technologies has created many new possibilities for communication. However, all communication between staff & students must take place within clear and explicit professional boundaries. For discussions outside the classroom, relating to academic performance, this means: Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 - College e-mail system (in accordance with the college policy) Phone calls home or to the student’s mobile Letters For conversations relating to assessed work, this means: - VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) - Drop-box - Twitter This list is not exhaustive and includes any and all social media. Staff accounts are to be created exclusively for the use in a learning environment and are to be separate from personal accounts. The use of personal mobile phones is not acceptable. Personal contact details should never be given to a student at the college unless the need to do so is agreed with a member of the Senior Management Team. 4.4 Infatuations – Occasionally infatuations towards a member of staff develop on the part of a student. Due to the sensitive nature of such a situation a member of staff who becomes aware of an infatuation must make every effort to remain above reproach and must discuss the situation with a senior manager as soon as possible. It may become necessary to discuss the matter with the student’s parents or carer in order to avoid any hurt, distress or embarrassment. The member of staff concerned should avoid any situation where they are left alone with the relevant student. 4.5 Sexual Contact – Intimate or sexual relationships between young people and the adults who work with them is a grave breach of trust. Allowing or encouraging a relationship to develop in a way which might lead to a sexual relationship is also unacceptable. Any sexual activity between an adult and a young person with whom they work may be regarded as a criminal offence and will always be a matter for disciplinary action. 4.6 Social Contact – In a Sixth Form College situations arise where members of staff find themselves in social situations with students, e.g. on a residential or day trip. It is important to maintain the usual accepted standards of behaviour between staff & students and to abide by any relevant legal framework. Apart from these situations, staff should endeavour to avoid such social interaction to avoid matters being misconstrued. Where social contact is an integral part of work duties, care should be taken to maintain appropriate personal & professional boundaries. 4.7 Physical Contact – Certain jobs within the college and certain specific situations may require entirely appropriate physical contact between a member of staff and a student, e.g. First Aiders, Sports staff being obvious examples. However, it is crucial that that in all circumstances, adults should only touch young people in ways which are appropriate to their professional or agreed role and responsibilities. Professional judgement is key in every situation and being specific about the appropriateness of each physical contact is difficult as circumstances change according to age, gender, cultural background. When trying to calm a distressed student, a member of Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015 staff should comfort the student in an age & gender-appropriate manner. Where frequent physical contact is necessary, e.g. with certain disabled students, the prerequisite protocols will be included in the Care Plan and the member of staff concerned will have received the appropriate training. Intimate care will only be carried out by trained members of the Care Team. Staff administering First Aid, need to be sensitive to the privacy and feelings of the student concerned. Another adult should be made aware of the administration of any First Aid. Parents must be informed of the administration of First Aid. 4.8 Behaviour Management & Physical Contact – Students have a right to be treated with respect & dignity even in those circumstances where they display difficult or challenging behaviour. Staff should not use any form of degrading treatment to punish a student. The use of sarcasm, demeaning or insensitive comments towards a student is not acceptable in any situation. Any physical contact is prohibited unless there is a direct and present danger to someone in the vicinity. Even in these circumstances restraint must be measured. Corporal punishment is illegal. Where a member of staff suspects that a student is in possession of a weapon or an illegal substance, a senior manager should be called who will then take control of the situation. 4.9 One-to-One Situations – These occur regularly for all staff and every effort must be made to avoid either the member of staff or the student starting to feel ill at ease or vulnerable. When a member of staff feels that One-to-One situations are inappropriate with a particular student, they should inform their Line Manager who will ensure that the member of staff is not left alone with the student if this is at all possible. 4.10 Home Visits – related risk assessments should take place before a home visit is made. Parents must be aware of the visit and another responsible adult must be present alongside the member of staff. The visiting member of staff must have the permission of their line manager for the visit, the reason for which must be clear and evident. 4.11 Transporting Young People – There may be occasions where a young person requires transport in an emergency situation or where not to give a lift may place a young person at risk. Such circumstances must always be recorded and reported to a senior manager and / or parents. 4.12 Trips & Outings – These need to be conducted in accordance with the college policy 4.13 Photography & Videos – These need to be conducted in accordance with the college policy and an explicit disclaimer on the part of the student/parents is essential. Safeguarding and Child Protection: Reviewed September 2015