TEIGN SCHOOL - CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The nature of our profession will at times place us in receipt of information that could be
classified as sensitive, i.e. it has implications beyond our normal professional duties. All
members of staff have a professional responsibility to be alert to the threat of child abuse.
The school will ensure that all staff are aware of the Child Protection Policy, and any
subsequent updates. All staff should then familiarise themselves with the procedures in
school in the referral, recording and monitoring of a suspected case.
Definition of child abuse:Harm to children by a parent, sibling, or other relative, a carer, an acquaintance or a
stranger. The harm may be the result of a direct act or by a failure to act to provide
proper care or both.
When applying this definition of abuse it is essential that both a social and medical
assessment are made.
The main forms of abuse are:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Emotional abuse
Signs and symptoms of possible abuse:
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Over demanding or over compliant behaviour; impression of being unloved and
unhappy
Emotional behaviour e.g. frozen expression, mood changes, withdrawn
Abnormal reaction to a situation or person.
Abnormal behaviour, e.g. appetite, energy level
Pseudo mature or promiscuous behaviour or language.
Aggressive behaviour.
Unusual creative work, e.g. stories, painting, drama.
Change in appearance, e.g. tired, under-weight, pot belly, thin hair, cold pink
hands and feet
Bruising, weal marks, burn marks, bites, lacerations, black eyes.
Incidental hints in conversation. Not wanting to go home
Most signs will not point to abuse but these are the main common indicators found by
workers
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Some Dos and Don'ts
A
If you suspect child abuse
Do:
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Inform the Child Protection Officer (CPO), Mr P Shaw, or the Assistant Child
Protection Officer, Mrs E Maynard. If neither are available, you should report
your concerns to a member of SLT.
Write a file note for the CPO.
Do not:
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B
Examine the child
Ask leading questions
Allow any breach of confidentiality
If a child discloses information to you:
Do:
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Allow the child to do the talking.
Listen quietly and encouragingly.
Remain calm and caring.
Allow the child to finish.
Explain that you may have to tell someone.
Record the conversation as soon as possible afterwards (use the child's own
words where possible).
Refer immediately to the CPO
Write up a full report and retain a copy- keep original, handwritten notes and
pass to CPO - use pen, not pencil.
Do not:
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Postpone or delay the opportunity to listen.
Ask leading questions.
Allow your own feelings, eg anger to show.
Make false promises eg promises of secrecy
Make notes during the disclosure.
Interpret what you have been told, just record it.
Allow any breach of confidentiality.
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C
Follow Up
The school will ensure that they are alert to the possibility of any form of abuse, and inform the
statutory authorities. In the event of an investigation they will support the authorities and
contribute effectively to it. The CPO or a suitable representative will attend the Child
Protection Conference.
All case notes should be written up immediately, signed and dated, including the times of
contact.
There may be a need to monitor the behaviour of a child who has suffered abuse or who
is believed to have suffered abuse. During this monitoring process any changes in terms of
behaviour, development and attendance should be reported immediately to Social
Services/external agencies as appropriate.
The Social Services Co-ordinator (child protection) will be notified of any changes in
circumstances after a child's name has been placed on the Child Protection Register.
If a child who is the subject of abuse is moved within the school or transferred to another
school, then only the people who should know are to be given information. This is to
protect both the child's interests and the staff.
If you are not satisfied with the way in which an abuse case has been dealt with, then you
should make representation to the Headteacher who will ensure that the Children’s Act is
complied with, and that the child’s best interests have been maintained at all times.
Summary of Stages of Intervention
Recognition of Abuse
Referral to Appropriate Agency
Investigation
Initial Assessment
Immediate Protection
Initial Child Protection Conference
Decision about Registration
Protection Plan
Implementation and Further Assessment
Child Protection Review
Post Protection Work
De-registration
reviewed Autumn 2014 (no changes)
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