St Alban’s Catholic
Primary School
Heron Flight Avenue
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 5LN
01708 555644
contact@st-albans.havering.sch.uk
`Inspired by God’s love, we learn and grow
together.
St. Alban pray for us.’
Child Protection Policy
October 2013
Child Protection Policy
Introduction:
The governors and staff of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School fully
recognise the contribution it makes to safeguarding children. We
recognise that all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to
play in protecting our pupils from harm. Our children have the right to
protection, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability.
All staff and Governors believe that our school should provide a caring,
positive safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social,
physical and moral development of the individual child. In our school we
respect our children. The atmosphere within our school is one that
encourages all children to do their best. We provide opportunities that
enable our children to take and make decisions for themselves.
Our teaching of personal, social, health and sexual relationships and
citizenship, helps to develop appropriate attitudes in our children and
makes them aware of the impact of their decisions on others. We also
teach them the risks in different situations and how to behave in
response to them.
The aims of this policy are:
To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security,
confidence and independence.
To raise the awareness of both teaching and non-teaching staff of the
need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and
reporting possible cases of abuse.
To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought
to be at risk of harm.
To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all
members of staff.
To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be
followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected
abuse.
To develop and promote effective working relationships with other
agencies, especially the Police and Social Services.
To ensure that all adults within our school who have access to children
have been checked as to their suitability.
Procedures:
Our school procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with
LA and Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures.
We will ensure that:
We have a designated member of staff who undertakes regular training.
(This is the Head Teacher, Mrs Matthews who can be contacted on
01708 555644).
We have a member of staff who will act in the designated teacher’s
absence. (This is the Deputy Head Teacher, Mrs Schaberg who can be
contacted on 01708 555644).
In the event that there are concerns about a child/ren the designated
member of staff will access the London Child Protection Procedures 3rd
Edition 2007 Chapters 4 and 5 to inform their decision making process
with regard to the presenting safeguarding issues.
All members of staff develop their understanding of the signs and
indicators of abuse. The designated and deputy member of staff will
undertake training every two years and all school staff will receive
training every three years.
All members of staff know how to respond to a pupil who discloses
abuse.
The conduct of staff when in a 1:1 situation with a child is managed in a
way that would not lead any reasonable person to question their motives
or intentions.
All parents/carers are made aware of the possibilities of staff members
actions with regard to child protection procedures.
Our procedures will be regularly reviewed annually by Havering Child
Protection Advisor and up-dated accordingly.
All new members of staff will be given a copy of our child
protection procedures as part of their induction into the school.
All members of staff will be expected to know how to access the London
Child Protection Procedures at www.londonlscb.gov.uk. A hard copy can
be accessed via the designated member of staff.
All staff have contact details of the designated and the deputy member of
staff.
A copy of the school Child Protection Policy will be sent out to all parents
as part of the school induction process.
We require adults who are employed in school to have their application
vetted through police records in order to ensure that there is no evidence
of offences involving children or abuse.
Responsibilities:
The designated teacher is responsible for:
Adhering to the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC),LA and school
procedures with regard to referring a child if there are concerns about
possible abuse.
If a child protection referral is made, a case conference is held within
eight days of the decision. The case conference offers opportunity to
share information and formulate a plan of action. Staff are expected to
attend and participate in all case conferences and meetings held under
the LA guidelines.
Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no
need to make an immediate referral.
Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and
are separate from pupil records. We regard all information relating to
individual child protection issues as confidential and we treat this
accordingly. We only pass information on to appropriate persons.
Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the
pupil records.
Ensuring that any pupil currently who is subject to a child protection plan
who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to Social Care.
Supporting Children:
We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence
may find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self worth. We
recognise that a child in these circumstances may feel helpless and
humiliated. We recognise that a child may feel self blame.
We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of
children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these
circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to
aggressive or withdrawn.
Our school will support all pupils by:
Following the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning)
programme and providing appropriate training for staff.
Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness whilst not condoning
aggression or bullying.
Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school.
Liaising and working together with all other support services and those
agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
Notifying Social Services as soon as there is a significant concern.
Providing continuing support to a pupil, about whom there have been
concerns and who leaves the school, by ensuring that appropriate
information is forwarded under confidential cover to the pupil’s new
school.
Confidentiality
We recognise that all matters relating to Child Protection are
confidential.
DCSF information sharing protocols will be adhered to at all times.
(Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners and managers 2008)
The Headteacher or Designated Teacher will disclose any
information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to
know basis only.
All staff must be aware that they have a professional
responsibility to share information with other agencies in order
to safeguard children.
All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep
secrets.
Supporting Staff:
We recognise that staff working in the school who have become
involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to
suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
We shall support such staff by providing an opportunity to discuss the
situation with the designated teacher and to seek further support as
appropriate.
Safer Recruitment:
Our school will ensure we practise Safe Recruitment by undertaking
enhanced CRB checks of staff and volunteers who work with children.
Recruitment adverts will highlight the priority that the school places on
this.
The school will follow guidance set out in Safeguarding Children and
Safer Recruitment in Education 1st January 2007.
Allegations against staff:
We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a
member of staff.
If such an allegation is made, the member of staff receiving the
allegation will immediately inform the headteacher.
The headteacher on all such occasions will discuss the content
of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
(Eileen Collier 01708 434315)
If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the
Headteacher, the designated teacher will immediately inform the
Chair of Governors who will consult with the Local Authority Designated
Officer (LADO).
The school will follow the LA procedures for managing
allegations against staff, a copy of which will be readily available
in the school. These are also contained in Chapter 15 of the London
Child Protection Procedures.
Whistle blowing:
We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise
concerns in an environment where staff fails to do so.
All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where
they exist, about the attitude or actions of colleagues.
Further information is available in our separate policy on whistle blowing.
Appendix 2
Physical Intervention:
Our policy on physical intervention by staff is set out in the
Positive Learning Policy and acknowledges that staff must only ever use
physical intervention as a last resort, and that at all times it must be the
minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person.
We understand that physical intervention of a nature which
causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child
protection or disciplinary procedures. Staff needs to be aware that if a
child sustains an injury as a result of physical intervention Child
Protection processes must be adhered too.
Bullying:
Our policy on bullying is set out in the Positive Learning Policy and
acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to
consideration under child protection procedures. Appendix 3
Racist Incidents:
Our policy on racist incidents is set out in the Positive Learning Policy
and acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a single serious
incident may lead to consideration under child protection procedures.
Appendix 4
Prevention:
We recognise that the school plays a significant part in the prevention of
harm to our pupils by providing pupils with good lines of communication with
trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.
The school community will therefore:
Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are
encouraged to talk and are always listened to.
Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can
approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
Include in the curriculum opportunities for PSHE, which equip children with
the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should
turn for help.
Health & Safety:
Our Health & Safety policy, set out in a separate document, reflects the
consideration we give to the protection of our children both within the school
environment and when away from the school when undertaking school trips
and visits.
Appendix 1
Staff member has concerns
about a child’s welfare

Staff members discusses with
Nominated Child Protection
Co-coordinator or in their
absence their deputy
If concern is of a child
suffering or likely to suffer
significant harm, go straight to
referral


Nominated Child Protection
Co-coordinator checks
whether a common
assessment has recently
been completed and whether
there is a lead

If common assessment has
not been completed the
Nominated Child Protection
Coordinator completes one
If a common assessment has
been completed the
Nominated Child protection
Coordinator adds to it and
contacts the lead professional


Stall has concerns
No longer has concerns


Nominated Child Protection
Coordinator makes a referral
to LA children’s social care,
following up to writing within
24 hours
No further child protection
action, though may need to
follow up to ensure services
are provided


LA social worker and
manager acknowledge receipt
of referral and decide next
course of action within one
working day
Feedback to referrer on next
course of action


Initial assessment required
No further LA children’s social
care involvement at this
stage, although other action
may be necessary e.g.
onward referral

Concerns about a child’s
immediate safety
Appendix 2
St. Alban’s Catholic Primary School
Policy review Date:
Date of next Review:
Who reviewed this policy?
October 2013
October 2014
Pupil and Curriculum Committee
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that all staff are aware they have a duty to raise
concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues and to reassure them that all mattes
will be dealt with in confidence.
Policy: Child Protection Whistle Blowing Policy
In line with the London Safeguarding Children Board and London Child Protection
Procedures, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School operates a whistle blowing policy.
All staff should be aware of this policy and feel confident to voice concerns about the
attitudes or actions of colleagues; this includes contact and actions using mobile phones,
internet, email and chat.
If a member of staff believes a colleague has:
 Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
 Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
 Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they are unsuitable
to work with children;
Please speak to your child protection officer – Mrs. B.A. Matthews.
If a member of staff believes that a reported allegation or concern is not being dealt with
properly they should report the matter to, Eileen Collier, Local Authority, Designated
officer: 01078 43415.
For confidential advice on how to raise a concern about malpractice at work: visit
‘Public Concern at Work’ www.pcaw.co.uk.
Mentoring Protocol
The following guidance has been developed to protect all staff and pupils from the
risk of significant harm when engaging in the schools mentoring Scheme.
Over recent years peer monitoring has increased in popularity and has been
introduced in a number of schools where it is making a valuable contribution to the
overall ethos of the school and pastoral support systems (Teachernet May 2008).
Appropriate peer support can and does increase the opportunity for social and
personal development within individuals. It can provide additional support and
encouragement with aspects of school work, help build confidence and self esteem
and encourage a more positive participation in the school life (Teachernet May 2008)
In line with the requirements of Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 and related
guidance ‘Safeguarding Children in Education’ school must consider suitable vetting
procedures where adults – including non-school staff are involved in mentoring
activities on and off school premises. These include enhanced CRB and List 99
checks.
All adult mentors whether paid or unpaid must have a basic understanding of child
protection and will have attended the necessary courses prior to starting. It must be
noted that staff will be expected to adhere to the following:

The welfare of the Child is Paramount. (Children Act 1989)

Staff must understand their responsibilities to safeguard and promote the
welfare of the children and young people.

Staff are responsible for their own actions and behavior and must avoid any
conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motives
and intentions.

Staff must work and be seen o work, in an open and transparent way.

Staff must discuss and/or take advice promptly from their line manager or
another senior member of staff about any incident which may give rise to
concern. (‘Staff’ all paid/unpaid adults working with children and young
people.)

Records must be made of any such incident and of the decisions made/further
actions agreed in accordance with the school policy of keeping and
maintaining records.

Staff must apply the same professional standards regardless of race, gender
or sexuality.

Staff must be aware to risk of possible misinterpretation of motives and
behavior which could be construed as grooming.

Staff must be aware that breaches of the law and other professional
guidelines could result in criminal or disciplinary action being taken against
them.

Staff must know the procedures of managing allegations against staff and to
whom they may report concerns.
Mentoring programmes aim to meet the needs of various groups. Therefore
communication between adults and children by whatever method, must take place
within professional boundaries.

The staff member must only use the equipment provided by the school to
communicate with children.

The staff member must not use portable laptops provided by the schools secure
network.

It is forbidden for staff to contact children other than through the schools secure
network.

The staff member must not use any devices, audio or video to record the young
people and the mentoring sessions.

Must not send inappropriate texts.

Mentors must register any mobile or other phone numbers that they use within
the school.

Must not send inappropriate emails

The staff member must only use an email address issued to them by the school
for the purpose of mentoring

It is forbidden for staff to contact children outside of the school secure network,
i.e. using personal email addresses and mobile phones.

Staff must ensure contact with children is purely for a professional reason and in
accordance with DCFS Guidance and school policy.

It is forbidden for staff to interact with children on social network sights.
The staff member must report any indications (verbal, written pr physical) that
suggest a child may be infatuated with them or another staff member immediately to
the Head Teacher.
Safeguarding & Services Standards Unit