SRTI
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
Education and Young People’s Services Directorate
June 2015
Self-Review Tool
Safeguarding Children in Schools
Education Safeguarding Team
June 2015
1
A Self-Review Tool for Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and practice in Primary and Secondary Schools, Academies and
free schools
This document has been written to assist Governing Bodies and Head teachers in reviewing arrangements for carrying out their functions with
a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced this duty for Governing Bodies
in June 2004. The guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education – statutory guidance for school and colleges’ published in March 2015
outlines the arrangements that need to be in place to meet those duties and schools need to be familiar with local arrangements that help to
inform practice.
This Pro-forma can provide the basis for the Governor’s Annual Report and be used as evidence for future section 5 Ofsted
Inspections that are now far more robust when considering safeguarding arrangements in Schools (Please refer to Part II)


Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 requires the governing bodies of maintained schools to make arrangements that ensure their
functions are carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
In addition, governing bodies must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in considering what arrangements they
need to make to meet the requirements of Section 175.
Objective: providing a safe environment for children and young people to learn
Governing bodies should ensure that the
school:
Types of evidence






The school has a Safeguarding Policy and
procedures in place which is in accordance
with LA exemplar guidance and KSCB interagency procedures and Working Together to
Safeguard Children 2015.
A hard copy is given to all school personnel,
including volunteers
The policy is made available to parents on
request
There are clear reporting and recording
procedures regarding child protection,
safeguarding and e-Safety which are known
by all members of the school community.
Operates safer recruitment procedures in line
with DfE requirements which ensures that all
appropriate checks are carried out on new
staff and volunteers if they work unsupervised
June 2015






In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
Access to up to date Safeguarding Policy based on
Exemplar provided by LA that staff are familiar with
and school have signed evidence to this effect
Copy is on the School’s Website
Child protection procedures in induction pack for all
staff (including supply teachers)
Copy of CP Guidelines Leaflet issued to staff by
LA on display in staff room
Clear reporting procedures (including internal and
external contacts) which are visible and accessible
for the school community
Safe Recruitment policy statement that is
consistent with DfE and KSCB minimum standards
and available to Inspectors.
Evidence of a spreadsheet that presents a Single
2





with children.
Adverts for vacancies within the school stress
that the school is a safeguarding conscious
environment and robust checks are
undertaken on all staff before they are
appointed.
Applicants are made aware that any
anomalies or gaps in employment history will
be vigorously pursued prior to any job offer.
Any job offer is subject to satisfactory checks
and references
Governing Body are assured in writing by any
organisation using school premises for
activities with children that all necessary
checks have been carried out.
The school has a legal duty to refer to DBS
and NCTLanyone who has harmed, or poses
a risk of harm, to a child.




June 2015
Central Record that identifies individual staff’s
right to work in the UK, National Insurance No,
qualifications, references undertaken, previous
employment history, evidence of DBS check and
identity, health and fitness checks (DfE Guidance
and exemplar template in KSCB Safe Recruitment
Minimum Standards).
Single Central Record must cover all staff
(including supply staff) who provide education to
children; all others who work in regular contact with
children (including volunteers); and for independent
schools, including Academies and Free Schools,
all members of the propriety body.
Evidence that retrospective CRB/DBS checks have
been undertaken on all staff in line with LA HR
Guidance (above minimum standard requirement)
Evidence that school have verified with supply
agencies/service providers that necessary vetting
has been carried out on staff commissioned by
school.
Record of training undertaken by Governors and
Headteacher on DfE accredited Safe
Recruitment training (EST/SPS for details)
3
In




The school has Child Protection
Procedures for Managing Allegations
Against Staff and volunteers and these
comply with the Local Authority Procedures
that are consistent with DfE Guidance and
KSCB Safeguarding Procedures
The school understands and co-operates with
the Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO) function in reporting allegations and
following through to conclusion and outcome.
The Chair of Governors is familiar with the
procedures in the event of an allegation being
made against the Head teacher – first point of
contact is the LADO
The Governing Body and the Headteacher
understand the significance and make staff
aware of the DfE Guidance: Keeping
Children Safe in Education – statutory
guidance for school and colleges.









Governing bodies must appoint a designated
teacher to promote the educational
achievement of children who are looked
after/Children in Care and ensure that this
person has the necessary training.




The school has a senior member of staff with
designated responsibility for CP and can
demonstrate that the Designated
June 2015

Place
Copy of LA Child Protection Procedures for
()
Managing Allegations Against Staff accessible in
schools
Record of training undertaken by Headteacher and
Chair of Governors in this area.
Appropriate Governors’ Disciplinary and
Complaints Committees in place and Minutes of
appropriate meetings
Evidence that staff are aware of responsibilities re
whistleblowing procedures (e.g. induction pack,
staff handbook, staff room posters)
Records of cases being reported to Secretary of
State (via Disclosure & Barring Service and NCTL)
where there are grounds for believing a person
may be unsuitable to work with children.
Chair of Governors acknowledgement of receiving
a copy of CP policy and procedures for dealing
with allegations of abuse against members of staff
and volunteers
Record of allegations against staff maintained with
evidence of transparent consultation with LADO
and clear outcome defined after due process. Copy
provided to the person concerned.
Details of allegations that are found to be
malicious should be removed from personal
records and not included in employer references.
Record of looked after status (voluntary, interim or
full care order) and contact arrangements with birth
parents or those with Parental Responsibility.
Information on child’s care arrangements and the
levels of authority delegated to the carer by his/her
LA.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL - previously
DCPC) should, through designated teacher, have
details of the child’s social worker and the name of
the virtual school head.
Evidence of certification issued by Education
Safeguarding Team (EST) (or other validated
provider of training) if DSL has accessed bespoke
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
4
Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has received child
protection training in line with KSCB
procedures and DfE requirement of update
every 2 years




The whole staff group, including volunteers
has undertaken child protection training at
least every three years


A member of Senior Leadership Team has
responsibility for dealing with e-Safety
concerns and receives up-to-date and
advanced training.

CP training
Certificates issued to schools when whole staff
group trained attached to register of attendees.
CD/Info Pack provided by EST to DSL.
Discussions with staff confirm that school has an
awareness of child protection and know how to
recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and now
how to record and report their concerns
Copy of ‘What to Do if You’re Worried a Child is
Being Abused – 2015’ is available to all staff.
A recognised e-Safety Coordinator (member of
SLT with child protection knowledge or experience)
or group with clearly defined responsibilities for
embedding e-Safety
Evidence of up-to-date (annual) whole staff eSafety training

The whole staff group, including volunteers
has undertaken e-Safety training which is upto-date and reflects current research and
changes in technology.


The Governing Body remedies any
deficiencies or weaknesses in regard to child
protection arrangements that are brought to
its attention from within or external to the
school without delay;
School Improvement Partners are made
aware of any concerns.

The Governing Body reviews its policies and
procedures annually and provides information
to the LA about both policies and how their
duties have been discharged


Minutes of meetings
Evidence that Annual Report to Governing Body
has been copied to Area Safeguarding Adviser
from whom advice can be sought on deficiencies

Policy documents; staff handbook, induction
procedures
Staff meeting minutes
Staff discussions and or supervision
Evidence of CHIN or CP referrals


Head teachers of schools should ensure that
 The policies and procedures for safeguarding
adopted by the Governing Body are fully
implemented
 Policies and procedures are understood and
acted on by all staff
June 2015





Governor reports on Child Protection systems and
statistics to Governing Body at least annually (Proforma attached in Part II)
Termly personnel/pastoral committee meetings
(minuted) with due regard to confidentiality (names
should not be included).
Evidence of consultation with Area Safeguarding
Adviser or e-Safety Officer for support in
addressing concerns and raising standards where
appropriate
5


Monitoring for purposes of reporting to LA/Ofsted
Acceptable Use Policies
Guidance is given to staff on appropriate
behaviour, including:
 Behaviour and Discipline
 Use of Reasonable Force
 Screening Searching and Confiscation
 What might constitute abuse of trust
 Boundaries to professional behaviour
 An Acceptable Use Policy which sets out
appropriate use of technology, including
appropriate behaviour online, use of school
equipment, use of images and online
communication with children/parents)




Evidence of good induction folders.
The School’s Behaviour Management Policy,
agreed with staff, pupils and their parents, and
evidence of any training undertaken in LA
approved methods of physical intervention and
recording and reporting to parents and LA
processes.
Robust record keeping systems
Agree protocol with parents/carers if use of
restraint is thought likely in an extreme case.
Any form of sexual relationship with pupil under 18
is an offence (reinforced in Procedures for
Managing Allegations Against Staff)
Prohibiting activities that may be construed as
‘grooming’, e.g. singling out individual pupils for
special favours, sending pupils suggestive text
messages/emails/friend requests online.
Clear policy regarding searching and confiscation
Evidence of guidance or a Code of Conduct about
which behaviours constitute safe practice and
which behaviours should be avoided as referenced
in Safe Working Practice Guidance 2009 and
the Teacher Standards Document.
An Acceptable Use Policy which clearly states
what the school considers to be safe and
appropriate professional use of technology e.g. use
of work provided equipment and professional
communication which is transparent and open to
scrutiny.
Evidence of consulting and/or reporting of
concerns through established networks
Systematic recording of incidents and accidents
reported to the LA and H&SE where appropriate
Evidence of training and risk assessments and
checks being undertaken on school equipment (eg
hoists in special schools, PE apparatus and
electrical appliances
Evidence of risk assessments and checks being
Empowering staff to whistleblow on unsafe
or dangerous practice In line with KCC
procedures. Staff must only report
allegations against staff to Head Teacher, or
if concern refers to Head Teacher, then Chair
of Governors (Keeping Children Safe in
Education 2015)

Recording and reporting of Racial Incidents

Recording incidents of Bullying

Recording incidents of e-Safety

Consideration of domestic abuse as a work
place issue and following agreed protocol
when issues become apparent within the
workforce in consultation with Schools
Personnel Service or HR provider

Health and Safety Policy and awareness
raising










June 2015
In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
6


Clear procedures are in place for pupils in the
specific circumstances of long term work
placements, in line with detail in DCSF
Guidance where the placement is:

for more than one day per week;

for longer than one term in any academic
year;
aimed at children who may be vulnerable,
e.g. those who have special needs or are
young (aged under 16);
one where the workplace supervisor or a
colleague will have substantial unsupervised
access to the child, because of the nature of
the business (i.e. micro business, sole trader
or journeyman)Or has a residential
component.










Formal consideration of risk to young children
if a young person is being placed on work
experience in an early years setting.


Safeguarding as part of the curriculum
e.g. PSHE, Computing (e-Safety)


e-Safety Policy in line with LA guidance
which is up-to-date, established and
understood by all members of the school

June 2015
undertaken regarding use of technology
The school has a security system in place for the
ground and the buildings and any CCTV
installation has been discussed with children and
parents.
Signing in and out arrangements that require ID of
visiting professionals is evident
Staff who arrange, vet or monitor long term work
placements have Child Protection training
Clear policies and procedures in place and clarity
in relation to action to be taken if concerns raised
at any stage.
Records of discussions about child protection
measures and safeguards with training
organizations and employers as part of risk
assessment process prior to placement
Record of commitment by employers to safeguard
children and endorsing child protection
policy/principles.
DBS checks for those who are specifically
designated to have responsibility for looking after,
supervising or directly training a child or children.
Copy of ‘What to do if You’re Worried a Child is
Being Abused’ for trainers/supervisors/employers.
Record of briefing for young people prior to
placement as to what is acceptable and what they
should do if worried/uncomfortable.
Record that suitability of pupil for a particular
placement has been considered – agencies have a
duty to share information in these circumstances if
there is a potential risk.
Schemes of work (e.g. Kidscape) on empowering
children to better protect themselves (Framework
for Personal, Social and Health Education)
Formal risk assessments are undertaken and
recorded for all field study or residential trips (must
be approved by the LA Outdoor Education Adviser)
In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
7
community and includes Communications on
social media and Information Sharing


Children are listened to as required by
section 176 of the Education Act 2002
(consulting with children)

An Acceptable Use Policy which states
boundaries regarding safe and appropriate
use of technology which are clear,
understood and respected.

Anti Bullying Policy (does the school have
accreditation for Anti- Bullying?)




Information and support regarding
safeguarding, child protection and e-Safety is
made available to parents/carer, using a
variety of approaches e.g. school website,
resources, communication channels,
workshops, events etc

Children Missing from Education (CME) is
a potential indicator of abuse and neglect.
schools follows the LA ‘CME’ procedures as
required by Section 436A of the Education
Act 1996 (school attendance) as amended by
the Education and Inspections Act 2006 .

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Critical that staff are aware of KSCB
Procedures and risk assessment tool








.
Radicalisation
Critical that staff are aware of national
guidance and PREVENT strategy
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Critical that staff are aware of national
guidance and reporting lines.

.
June 2015

Schemes of work on e-Safety using appropriate
resources (e.g. Thinkuknow, Childnet
International, UK Safer Internet Centre) are
evidenced and embedded across the school
curriculum and regularly reviewed to reflect current
research and changes in technology
Appropriate internet security measures are in place
e.g. age/ability appropriate filtering (that is actively
monitored), encryption of data, firewalls etc.
Curriculum that enables children to build
knowledge, skills and capability in regarding to
managing risk (both at school and at home) on and
offline.
Pupils and their parents are aware of teachers’
power to search and delete inappropriate material
(e.g. cyberbullying) on electronic devices brought
into school, or to report illegal behaviour or content
to police where necessary
Pupil councils in place and evidence of impact.
Displays of helpful information accessible to pupils
(e.g. Childline, NSPCC, Thinkuknow, Beat
Bullying, peer support schemes).
Particular vigilance for pupils with special needs.
Complaints procedures for children.
Pupils involved in policy creation and updates
Incidents of bullying are recorded and addressed
E-Safety incidents or concerns are recorded and
addressed
Evidence of information for pupils and
parents/carers on school website, school
newsletters, resources being sent home,
awareness raising during school events, specific
events/workshops for parents/carers, peer
education etc.
Record of attendance and evidence that the first 10
days of non-attendance has been investigated by
the school and that school has referred to their
Education Welfare Officer (EWO) for further
investigation.
Evidence for Ofsted purposes re staff awareness of
supplementary guidance on CSE, FGM ,Prevent.
8
Objective: Identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and taking appropriate
action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and at school.
Governing bodies should ensure that:
Type of evidence
 There is a senior member of the school’s
Leadership team who is designated to:
 take Lead responsibility for dealing with child
protection issues to provide advice and
support to other staff
 liaise with the LA
 work with other agencies.
 Trained person to deputise in absence of
DSL – large schools may require more than
one designated person
 The governing body decides either to act
collectively or for an individual member of
governing body to champion child protection
issues within the school, liaise with the Head
teacher and provide annual report to the
governing body.
 The school considers the needs of individual
pupils who may need safeguarding( with due
regard to confidentiality)
 School is familiar with Multi-Agency Risk
Assessment Conference (MARAC)
processes
 Sufficient resources and time are allocated to
enable the designated person and other staff
to discharge their responsibilities, including
taking part in strategy discussions and other
inter-agency meetings, and contributing to the
assessment of children









June 2015
In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
Correct name of DSL on the LA database – inform
LA of changes
Identified in the school CP Policy, prospectus staff
handbook and on staff room notice board.
Ask adults in school if they know the name of
designated person. Record in minutes of Governor
meetings to show how the responsibility is carried
out.
Records that can demonstrate staff recognition of
signs and symptoms of abuse and knowledge of
system for recording, reporting and referring cases
in line with KSCB Procedures
Records that can demonstrate staff knowledge and
awareness of the Common Assessment
Framework and the role of the Lead Professional
in acting at the first signs of concern in cases that
do not meet the Chin matrix or threshold for child
protection referral
Records that can clearly demonstrate schools
knowledge and awareness of pupils who are
subject of a Child Protection Plan or are Looked
After Children/ Child in Care or have a statement
of Special Educational Needs/Education Health
Care Plan and evidence that can confirm the
schools commitment to supporting individual action
plans as a consequence.
Appropriate Staff have access to Inter-Agency
Referral Form (and Fax no of County Duty
Service)
Protocols are in place to monitor and report poor
attendance or pupils who are missing.
Copy of the MARAC protocol for schools that
requires representation at conference (attendance
or submit report) in cases where serious domestic
abuse are evident within the family that places a
9

Consideration is given to all members of
Governing Body undertaking bespoke child
protection training to ensure they have the
knowledge and information needed to
perform their functions and understand their
responsibilities.


child at risk.
A record of governing body child protection training
that can be accessed via Governor Support or
CSU
Governors’ minutes
Head teachers of schools should ensure that:



Designated person (DSL) carries out duties in
allocated time
Staff are aware of the referral process on
inter-agency referral form via County Duty
Service
School adopt LA Guidance on Recording,
Chronologies and record
retention/transfer published after concerns
highlighted in Serious Case Reviews






Timetable
Minutes of Governor committee meetings , e.g.
finance, personnel
Evidence of records of concerns being kept
effectively and consultation taking place
Copies of referrals made to Social Services in
securely kept pupil records away from Education
records
Copies of CP conference minutes and subsequent
actions implemented.
Evidence of liaison with other schools, copying and
forwarding of CP records as necessary and
separate from Education records
In
Place
()
Working
Towards
()
Comment / Action
N.B. Neither the governing body, nor individual governors, have a role in dealing with individual cases or a right to know details of
cases (except where exercising their disciplinary functions in respect of allegations against a member of staff)
June 2015
10
Summary - How do you know?
1. Are we confident that staff volunteers parents and pupils know that our school is a safeguarding environment?
2. Which areas of the school - departments/faculties/phase/curricular/training provide the most effective safeguarding environment?
(Schools may wish to develop their own grading systems for assessing practice).
3. Which areas of the school departments/ faculties/phase/curricula/training are in need of improvement in relation to safeguarding and
what plans do you have to develop them?
Action points- what deficiencies or weaknesses need to be remedied and what support can be accessed from the Local Authority?
Action
By whom
By when
*Further details are available including model policies, via the Education Safeguarding Team page. National Guidance can be
accessed on www.education.gov.uk and teacher union sites.
June 2015
11
EYPS – Safeguarding in Education Contacts – December 2015
Head Office – Sessions House
Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ
Kel Arthur
Principal Officer (Safeguarding)
Office: 03000 415788
Mobile: 07786 191 359
kel.arthur@kent.gov.uk
Office: 03000 415797
Mobile: 07789 968705
Rebecca Avery – Education
Safeguarding Adviser – Online Protection rebecca.avery@kent.gov.uk or
Room
2.04
for general enquiries: esafetyofficer@kent.gov.uk
Ashley Gorton – e-Safety Development
Officer
Office: 03000 422148
Mobile: 07545 743310
ashley.gorton@kent.gov.uk or
for general enquiries: esafetyofficer@kent.gov.uk
Kay Ashman Safeguarding Admin
Assistant (part-time)
Office: 03000 415792
kay.ashman@kent.gov.uk
North Kent – Worrall House (Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks)
30 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 4AE
Helen Windiate
Area Safeguarding Adviser (Education)
Linda Funnell
Safeguarding Admin Support (part-time)
Office: 03000 412445
Mobile: 07740 183798
helen.windiate@kent.gov.uk
Office: 03000 411995
linda.funnell@kent.gov.uk
West Kent – Worrall House (Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone).
30 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 4AE
Claire Ray
Area Safeguarding Adviser (Education)
Linda Funnell
Safeguarding Admin Support (part-time)
Office: 03000 412284
Mobile: 07920 108828
claire.ray@kent.gov.uk
Office: 03000 411995
linda.funnell@kent.gov.uk
East Kent – Brook House (Swale, Canterbury, Thanet)
Brook House, Reeves Way, Whitstable CT5 3SS
Mike O’Connell
Area Safeguarding Adviser (Education)
Katie Agnew
Safeguarding Admin Support (P/T)
Office: 03000 418503
Mobile: 07740 183807
mike.o’connell@kent.gov.uk
Office: 03000 418503
katie.agnew@kent.gov.uk
South Kent – Kroner House (Ashford, Shepway, Dover)
Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford TN24 8XU
Peter Lewer
(Education)
Area Safeguarding Adviser
Office: 03000 415648
Mobile: 07917 602413
peter.lewer@kent.gov.uk
Lin Storton
Safeguarding Admin Support (P/T)
Office: 03000 415648
linda.storton@kent.gov.uk
Central Duty: 03000 41 11 11
Urgent child protection issue outside of office hours,
Call the Central Duty Out of Hours Number: 03000 41 91 91
Early Help & Preventative Services:
earlyhelp@kent.gov.uk or ring 03000 419222
12
Local Authority Designated Officer Contacts
The LADO Team deal with allegations against staff who work with children either in education
or the wider workforce
If you need to speak to the LADO Team regarding an allegation against a member of staff
please call any member of the LADO Team number. Your details will be taken and passed
to the intake officer. The same intake officer will support you through the process until the
matter has been resolved. Please note that the team no longer works on an area basis.
LADO Team contact number: 03000 410 888
Now it’s just one number for the whole LADO Team covering Kent Local Authority
Email: kentchildrenslado@kent.gov.uk
Kroner House
Amy Wells
PA to LADO Manager
Paul Startup
LADO Manager
Robin Brivio
LADO
Jinder Pal Kaur
Elaine Coutts (Wed/Thu/Fri)
LADO
Angela Chapman
LADO
LADO (not Friday)
Becky Cooper
LADO (Tue/Wed/Thu)
Admin Support Amy Wells, Emma Cumberbatch
If a call is urgent i.e. a child is in immediate danger, and the call cannot go through to the
officer on Duty, the call should go through to the Central Referral Unit on: 03000 41 11 11
Urgent child protection issue outside of office hours, Call the Central Duty Out of
Hours Number: 03000 41 91 91
13