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Essex Schools & Colleges Safeguarding Audit 2015-16
This document comprises the categories, standards and guidance included in the Online Safeguarding Audit
2015-16, and can be used as a Pre-Online Audit checking and discussion document with space provided for your
own notes.
The Essex Schools and Colleges Safeguarding Audit is hosted online by Virtual College, and made available to all schools and colleges across
Essex, whether operating in the private or state education sector. Full guidance is available via the ESCB website
http://www.escb.co.uk/SafeguardingAudit/SchoolsandCollegesAudit.aspx and the Essex Schools Infolink
Schools and Colleges have a key role to play in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. In Chapter 2 of ‘Working together to
safeguard children’ (HMG, March 2015) page 55 paras 10 – 12 state that the governing bodies, management committees or proprietors of the
following schools have duties in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils: maintained schools (including maintained
nursery schools), further education colleges and sixth form colleges, and pupil referral units; independent schools (including academy schools,
free schools and alternative provision academies) and non-maintained special schools.
In order to fulfil their safeguarding duties, these bodies should have in place the arrangements set out in Chapter 2 paragraph 4 of ‘Working
together’. Schools and colleges must also have regard to statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (2015), which provides further
guidance as to how they should fulfil their duties in respect of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in their care.
The Local Safeguarding Children Board is required under Chapter 3 of ‘Working together’ to use data in order to assess whether LSCB partners
(which includes the educational establishments listed above) are fulfilling their obligations in Chapter 2 to safeguard children. The Essex
Safeguarding Children Board has made an online Safeguarding Audit available in order to support Essex schools and colleges in these
responsibilities, and also to gain the necessary oversight of safeguarding effectiveness across schools and colleges in Essex, in partnership with
Essex County Council.
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Legislative Framework
The school or college, at all times, works in accordance with the following guidance;
Essex Safeguarding Children Board guidelines: the SET (Southend, Essex and Thurrock) Child Protection Procedures (2015)
http://www.escb.co.uk/Professionals/InformationResources/SETChildProtectionProcedures.aspx
Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2015) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE, March 2015)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419595/Working_Together_to_Safeguard_Children.pdf
‘Effective Support for Children and Families in Essex’ (ESCB, 2013) http://www.escb.co.uk/Professionals/EffectiveSupportforChildrenFamiliesinEssex.aspx
PREVENT Duty - Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (HMG, 2015) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2015/9780111133309/pdfs/ukdsiod_9780111133309_en.pdf
All documents are available on Essex School Infolink (ESI): http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Pages/Safeguarding.aspx
Categories and standards included in online Safeguarding Audit 2015-16
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Pre-audit notes / comments
Safeguarding Governance
Essex Education Services
https://www.eescpdportal.org/essexgov/cpd/default.asp?ec=2&sid
provide training for Governors and Clerks including an
overview of safeguarding, and a two session (or full day)
safeguarding children course specifically for those with
responsibility for child protection and safeguarding.
1.1
There is a nominated governor to link with the LA in the event of
allegations of abuse made against the Headteacher.
1.2
There is a named link governor for child protection.
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1.3
The Governing Body meets the requirements of current statutory
guidance.
1.4
Governors receive appropriate safeguarding training.
1.5
The governing body or proprietor receives a report at
least annually on the effectiveness of safeguarding
procedures
1.6
Safeguarding is a regular agenda item on full
governing body agendas and committee agendas
where required.
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Designated Safeguarding leads
For information on the role of the Designated Lead see p 52
Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, July 2015)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
There is a requirement for designated safeguarding leads to
undergo appropriate training every 2 years. This can be
accessed through Professional Development Essex Education
Services https://www.eescpdportal.org/essexcpd/courses/bookings/default.asp .Schools are free to commission an
alternative training provider.
2.1
2.2
There is a designated safeguarding lead and deputy in place who
have appropriate status and authority to undertake the role.
The role of the designated safeguarding lead is explicit in their job
description.
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2.3
2.4
2.5
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The role of the designated safeguarding lead meets the
requirements of the statutory guidance.
The designated lead delivers level 2 training for all staff.
Resources are available at
http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Level_2_Child_T
raining_Programme/Pages/default.aspx
The designated safeguarding lead and deputy attend level
3 training at least every two years.
The lead and deputy should be appropriately trained in a
range of safeguarding issues
Safeguarding Policies
A model Essex County Council child protection policy for schools is
available via Essex School Infolink (ESI)
http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Policies/Pages/Policies.aspx
Safeguarding is much wider than child protection, and each school
or college should ensure that any related policies are regularly
reviewed and consistent with the child protection policy. Other
safeguarding policies may include:Anti Bullying policye-Safety
policyWhistle-blowing policyCode of conduct policy *Safe
Recruitment policyEquality and anti-discrimination policyUse
of physical intervention policyMeeting the needs of pupils with
medical conditions and Intimate care policyProviding first aid
policyDrug and substance misuse policyEducational visits
policyUnexplained absences / poor attendance policy
* Behaviour management policy *Health and Safety
policyExtended school activities policyLetting arrangements
policyWork placements policy * Use of photographs / video /
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other imagesSchool security policy
3.1
3.2
3.3
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There is a child protection policy approved by the Governing Body
and reviewed annually.
The child protection policy is available publicly on the school /
college website or by other means.
There is a staff behaviour / code of conduct policy approved by
the Governing Body and reviewed annually.
Safer recruitment
See Part 3 (para 43) Safer Recruitment in Keeping Children
Safe in Education (DfE, July 2015)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education-2
1 day accredited Safer Recruitment training is available
through Professional Development EES to all organisations
working with children, young people and families in Essex
and should be refreshed every 3 to 5 years.
https://www.eescpdportal.org/essex-cpd/cpd/portal.asp?sid
4.1
There is a Recruitment policy in place approved by the Governing
Body and reviewed annually.
4.2
At least one member of any recruitment panel has undertaken
safer recruitment training
4.3
see Para 43 Keeping Children Safe in Education
All pre-appointment checks are carried out in accordance with
statutory guidance.
see Para 63-64 Keeping Children Safe in Education
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4.4
4.5
4.6
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The appropriate levels of DBS checks are undertaken.
see Para 51, 62 Keeping Children Safe in Education
References are sought in accordance with statutory guidance. see
Para 69 Keeping Children Safe in Education
The Single Central Record is maintained in accordance with
statutory guidance.
see Para 73 Keeping Children Safe in Education
What staff need to know
Training presentations are available on ESI safeguarding pages
and may be used by Designated Leads to deliver safeguarding
training
http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Level_2_Child_Training_Programme/P
Schools may also commission alternative training
providers. All staff should be aware of systems in school to
support safeguarding, and be provided either electronically or in
hard copy with The Child Protection policy, The Staff Behaviour /
Code of Conduct policy, and information on the role of the
Designated Lead and how to access them.
All staff have been provided with the CP policy, Code of Conduct
policy, and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2015
Safeguarding is included in the induction of new staff.
ages/default.aspx
5.1
5.2
5.3
All staff receive child protection training which is regularly
updated and in line with ESCB guidance.
5.4
A record of all safeguarding training courses and dates completed
is maintained.
Inter-Agency working
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It is vital that the school or college works collaboratively with all
agencies to ensure that children get the right help at the right
time. The Southend Essex and Thurrock (SET) multi-agency child
protection procedures provide full guidance for professionals on
working in partnership.
http://www.escb.co.uk/Portals/15/Documents/Local%20Practices/SET%20Procedures%
202015%20-%20Version%202%20August%202015.pdf
Schools should also work in accordance with Working
Together to Safeguard Children (HMG, March 2015)
The Essex Effective Support Windscreen categorises support or
services for children and young people as Universal (level 1),
Additional (level 2), Intensive (level 3) and Specialist (level 4)
according to the identified needs of the child or young person.
http://www.escb.co.uk/Professionals/EffectiveSupportforChildrenFamiliesinEssex.aspx
6.1
There is a system for ensuring that child protection contact
numbers are kept up to date and can be accessed easily
Key safeguarding contact details are available at
https://schoolssecure.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Child_Protection_R
eferrals/Pages/Safeguarding-Key-Service-Contact-Infomation.aspx
6.2
Staff have access to the latest guidance on thresholds of need
and referral criteria and procedures
See ‘Effective Support’ document
http://www.escb.co.uk/Professionals/EffectiveSupportforChildrenFamiliesinEssex.a
spx
6.3
Any child protection concerns are recorded, and progress of any
referrals made monitored.
Templates are available on ESI:
http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Templates_for_Reporting_and_Recor
ding_Child_Protection_Concerns/Pages/default.aspx
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6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
7
All multi agency Child Protection, Child in Need or Child in Care
meeting reports are provided within required timescale.
Appropriate staff attend multi-agency Child Protection, Child in
Need or Child in Care meetings when requested.
Any actions arising from Child Protection, Child in Need or
Children in Care meetings are undertaken within required
timescale
Designated Leads and governors respond to any learning from
Serious Case Reviews by implementing any required changes
Allegations against staff, and Whistle-blowing
Guidance on managing allegations against staff is available on the
Essex Schools Infolink Safeguarding area
https://schoolssecure.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Managing_allegations_in_the
_Childrens_Workforce/Pages/ManagingAllegationsInTheChildrensWork
force.aspx
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
8
See also SET child protection procedures Section 7.
The Headteacher/ Principal is familiar with, and follows SET
procedures and Keeping Children Safe on managing allegations
against members of the workforce.
The Headteacher/ Principal is aware of the Local Authority
Designated Officer (LADO) and how to contact them
There are written procedures on ‘Whistle Blowing’ approved by
the Governing Body and reviewed annually.
Information is available to all staff and the wider school
community to publicise the whistle blowing procedure.
Helping pupils and students to keep themselves safe
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8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
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There are regular opportunities within the curriculum for learners
to consider risk situations and ways of keeping safe.
Pupils or students understand how to keep themselves safe over
the internet, mobiles or other electronic device.
Pupils and students are informed about how they can report
concerns and to whom they can talk.
There are systems in place to regularly gather feedback from
pupils and students on safeguarding issues.
Feedback from students or pupils is responded to by the
school or college.
Record keeping and information sharing
Essex Schools Infolink provides guidance on Information
Governance
https://schoolssecure.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Information_Governanc
e/Pages/default.aspx
9.1
9.2
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See also section 9 of the Model school Child Protection policy.
There is a clear understanding by Designated Safeguarding Leads
of what information can be shared with other agencies.
Child protection records are maintained in line with the school or
college policies and local and statutory guidance.
Child Sexual Exploitation
The ESCB provides free access to a CSE online learning package,
aimed at anyone working with children, young people and their
families in Essex.
http://www.escb.co.uk/Training/ChildSexualExploitation/ELearning.aspx
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In addition the ESCB provides training for CSE Agency champions.
http://www.escb.co.uk/Training/ChildSexualExploitation.aspx
10.1
There is a named CSE champion in place.
10.2
The CSE champion has undertaken ESCB CSE champion training.
10.3
All staff have been made aware of the signs of child sexual
exploitation, and would report concerns to the Designated Lead.
Pupils and students are educated around personal safety and safe
relationships through the curriculum and other means.
10.4
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Prevention of Extremism and Radicalisation
As of July 2015, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (HMG,
2015) placed a new duty on schools and other education
providers. Under section 26 of the Act, schools are required, in
the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need
to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is
known as the Prevent duty. See p 15 ‘Keeping Children Safe in
Education’.
The Prevent duty: Departmental Advice for schools and childcare
providers (DfE 2015)
WRAP is a Home-Office approved training package (Workshop to
Raise Awareness of Prevent)
Channel is a Home Office safeguarding project which aims to
prevent children and adults being drawn into violent
radicalisation or becoming involved in terrorist related activity
Training presentations are available on ESI: https://schoolssecure.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Level_2_Child_Training_Programme/Pages/d
efault.aspx
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11.1
11.2
11.3
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The Designated Safeguarding Lead has attended WRAP or other
Prevent Awareness training
All staff have been made aware of Prevent and Channel by the
Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and
physical development, and community cohesion
FGM, Forced Marriage, Honour Based Abuse
FGM refers to Female Genital Mutilation. Honour Based Abuse is
a crime or incident committed in order to protect or defend the
family or community ‘honour’. Forced Marriage is a marriage in
which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults
with learning or physical disabilities, cannot) consent to the
marriage and duress is involved.
For FGM see p 14 of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. Also
‘FGM Multi-agency practice guidelines’, HMG, 2014 (especially
p42-44) and ‘Handling cases of Forced Marriage; multi-agency
practice guidelines’, HMG, 2009, p54. Guidance docs and links
to online learning re: Forced Marriage, FGM and Honour Based
Abuse can be accessed via ESI level 2 child protection training
programme resources
http://schools.essex.gov.uk/pupils/Safeguarding/Level_2_Child_Training_Progr
amme/Pages/default.aspx
12.1
12.2
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is familiar with national FGM
and Forced Marriage multi-agency practice guidelines
Level 2 child protection training for all staff includes FGM, Forced
Marriage and Honour Based Abuse
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