GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LTD)
Children’s Safeguarding
Policy and Procedure
V.J.Dewsbury – Children’s Services Manager
GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Contents
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Contents
Childrens Service Safeguarding Policy
Our Responsibilities
Childrens Safeguarding Procedure – Introduction and Key
Concepts
What is Child Abuse?
Physical Abuse
Neglect
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
10. Risks associated with Technology
12. Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual
Exploiotation.
14. Domestic Violence
16. What to do if you Suspect Abuse
17. Code of Behaviour for people working with young people
18. Actions if there are concerns
19. Transport, Visitors, Ofsted, Child going missing/left behind
21. Child Protection System in England, Legislation, Policy and
Guidance – Latest Information
24. Other Useful Contacts
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Children’s Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
Glebe House is committed to creating a safe and stimulating environment that enables children and
young people to be understood and feel confident to express themselves safely.
Glebe House aims to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people attending the children’s
services.
Glebe House will also aim to; be child centred, remain focussed on the outcomes, have a holistic
approach, be integrated, involve children and their families, ensure equal opportunities, work in
partnership with others, build on strengths as well as difficulties and continually monitor and review.
The Children’s Act 1989/2004 clearly states that the child’s welfare is of paramount importance and
that everyone involved with children and young people have a duty and a responsibility to protect
those children. It is also essential that we honour the trust of those who allow us to care for their
children.
All concerned (including the children and young people) should have an understanding of the issues
involved, procedures that are in place and that children and young people are informed of their
rights.
Every Child Matters is a set of reforms supported by The Children’s Act 2004. Its aim is for every child
whatever their background or circumstances to have the support to:
Be Healthy
Stay Safe
Enjoy and Achieve
Make a positive Contribution
Achieve Economic Wellbeing
Early intervention, information sharing, integrated working, frontline services and a shared sense of
responsibility are all vital components in this process and should be what we all remain focussed on.
This means that all local authorities along with their partners and children’s trusts will have a duty to
find out what works best for children and young people in their area and act upon it. Children and
young people will be consulted throughout and their views will be taken into account when
judgements are made.
Research evidence suggests that disabled children are more vulnerable to abuse than non-disabled
children. Ruth Marchant (2003) notes that parenting a child with complex needs is, by definition,
likely to be more complicated, more time consuming, less familiar, more anxiety provoking,
physically harder and emotionally more difficult. In addition children with more complex needs are
exposed to a far wider range of carers than non-disabled children. Glebe House will be vigilant that
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
possible indicators of concerns are not to be denied, ignored, attributed to a child’s
impairment/condition, or even seen as evidence that a child could not be abused.
Finally we must know and can provide information on what to do if anyone has any concerns.
Our Responsibilities
Glebe House will:
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Promote their general health, welfare and development and protect them from harm.
Recognise children’s rights as individuals and treat them with respect and dignity.
Train staff and volunteers
Identify a named trained person to whom people can go to
Adopt a rigorous method of recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers
Plan the work of Glebe House in order to minimise the opportunities for those using its
services, to suffer harm
Develop effective guidance and procedures
Establish and maintain links with parents/carers and other relevant organisations and
professionals
Whilst we endeavour to maintain confidentiality in the event of a disclosure, this may not
always be possible.
Ensure our Safeguarding policy and procedure is reviewed regularly.
Relative Legislation and Guidance include: Please see Page 21
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Children’s Act 1989/2004
Police Act 1997
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
The Protection of Children Act 1999
Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000
Care standards Act 2000
Every Child Matters and Children’s Act 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Protection of Feedoms Act 2012
Children and Families Act 2014
Education Act 2002/2011
Adoption and Children Act 2002
Children and Adoption Act 2006
This policy and the associated procedures have been formally agreed by the Council of
Management at Glebe House on 26th November 2010. They will be reviewed annually by the
designated safeguarding worker and by the Council of Management who are also
responsible for their implementation.
Created November 2010 - V.J.Dewsbury – Childrens Services Manager
Updated 21.1.15, 29/4/15, 5/5/15
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Children’s Safeguarding Procedure
Introduction
The recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers at Glebe House will be conducted in a way that
will put the interests of children/young people first and safeguard them.
Safer practise in recruitment means thinking about and including issues to do with child protection
throughout the whole process. Those involved in recruitment should be confident and competent to
test the candidates experience and ability against a defined person specification. In order to do this
those involved require appropriate training, supervision and evaluation.
Prior to commencing at Glebe House all staff and volunteers will be interviewed by a panel and
written references will be followed up. Application forms will include information about any past
convictions, pending cases, employment history, qualifications, experience etc. All staff and
volunteers will undergo an enhanced DBS check. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and
will be sent back for completion.
A copy of the policy and procedures will be made available to all staff and volunteers and they will
receive training in safeguarding (an introduction to safeguarding/course 1/2) as part of their
induction. Only when this process has been completed will they be able to work with children and
young people. Staff and volunteers will continue to receive regular training, updates and supervision
whilst employed by Glebe House.
Key Concepts
A child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined in working together 2010 as:
Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s health or development,
ensuring children and young people are growing up in circumstances consistent with safe and
effective care, and, undertaking the role so children and young people have the best chance to enter
adulthood successfully.
Child protection is part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity that is
undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm.
Children in need children and young people who are defined as in need under s17 of the Children
Act 1989 (Adoption and Children Act 2002) are those whose vulnerability is such that they will be
unlikely to maintain a satisfactory level of health or development without the provision of services.
Factors included are, what will happen to the child’s health and development without services being
offered. The likely affect the services will have on the child’s standard of health and development.
The child is disabled.
Significant harm is the threshold that justifies intervention in family life in the best interests of the
child. It gives the local authority a duty to investigate as to whether they should take action to
safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
What Is Child Abuse?
This presents difficult issues and challenges for all those involved with children and young people
and the services they provide. It is not always recognisable but is generally divided into four
categories. Abuse in any form can affect a child of any age.
Child development
All children are at risk of sexual molestation regardless of age, gender, race and ethnicity. There are
many reasons for their vulnerability:
All children are powerless they depend on adults to meet their basic needs.
Uninformed children trust all adults Five year olds are fearless while six and seven year olds worry
about monsters, ghosts, and being home alone etc. Children under 8 trust all adults who act in a kind
way. They view their parents as their sole protectors.
Young children are incapable of assessing adult motives Child molesters use tricks, bribes and
threats to persuade children to do what they otherwise may not do. Children assess people as good
or bad by their appearance and demur. Child molesters are often seen by children as kind and
trustworthy because they show an interest and give treats.
Children are taught the goodness equates to obedience Children believe that they have to obey all
adults, even if they know it is wrong. This enables the offender to offend without being rejected.
Children are curious about their bodies Boys start masturbating and learn sexual language from an
early age. Their private parts are not very private when they handle them in public toilets and have
the facility to `compare size and shape`. They may become sexually aroused by looking at other boys
erections. Because of certain taboos, peer groups have the qualities that may attract boys. This
increases their vulnerability to abuse.
Children are deprived of basic information about their sexuality four letter word are now commonly
used, pornography is available, offences are discussed in news reports and TV constantly show
sexual images which children may be exposed to within the home. Parents will often pretend that
their children see and hear nothing hoping that denial will keep children ignorant.
Children are unlikely to recognise that abusive behaviour is wrong If young and disable children have
not been taught the limits of acceptable behaviour they may see it as normal particularly if it is
someone they know. They will not see fondling as wrong if they find it pleasurable.
Sexual abuse is often presented as evidence of affection Offenders may explain their actions as a
way to tell them that they love them and this is what people do. They tap into a child’s emotional
needs and are often in a trusted position.
Offenders use their knowledge of child development to establish compliance Offenders understand
children’s social, psychological and emotional needs and will `tap into` it.
(Briggs- Developing personal safety skills)
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Physical Abuse
Where a child/young person is injured or hurt by an adult. This can take form by way of hitting,
shaking, squeezing, burning and biting. Giving children alcohol, poison, inappropriate drugs,
attempted suffocation and drowning are also forms of physical abuse as are unexplained bruises.
Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of or deliberately
induces illness in a child.
No person or member of staff caring for children or living or working on the premises where the
childcare is provided will use corporal punishment.
Types of behaviour
The use of hands or feet to kick,
slap, punch, spit. Push, pinch,
scratch or pull hair.
Use of an implement or throwing
things at someone.
Inappropriate or rough handling.
Including when administering first
aid- such as roughly removing a
plaster.
Assault
Choking
The use of a weapon to inflict
pain
Force feeding
Inappropriate restraint
Over medicating
Withdrawing medication
Malnutrition/dehydration
Bullying
Possible misinterpretation
Mongolian blue spot
Leukaemia
Brittle bone
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Indicators
Multiple bruising not consistent
with a fall
Bruised eyes
Unexplained marks
Cuts/scratches
Burns
Stench of urine/faeces
Drowsiness/excessive sleep
Weight loss/weight gain
Hunger/thirst
Lack of personal care
Changes in
behaviour/communication
Fearfulness/ not wanting to be
with a particular person
GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to
result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during
pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.
Once a child is born it may involve a parent or carer failing to:
Provide adequate food, clothing or shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)
Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Types of behaviour/actions
An act of omission
Not meeting someone’s needs who you have
responsibility for
Poor physical care
Lack of food or drink
Not providing an adequate/appropriate diet
Lack of heating/light
Leaving child to lie in faeces/urine
Not aiding communication
Not meeting cultural, spiritual or religious
needs
Lack of stimulation, isolation, imprisonment
Ignoring/exclusion
Not accessing medical care
Abandoning a child
Neglecting pets
Possible misinterpretation
Medical condition
Poverty
Family stress/mental health
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Indicators
Inadequate heating/lighting
Poor accommodation/environment
Smell of urine/faeces
Weight loss
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Unkempt/poor clothes/wears same
clothes/soiled clothing
Objects used to restrict movement
Changes in presentation, mood, behaviour
GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Emotional Abuse
A persistent lack of love, affection or time spent with parents. Emotional abuse is the persistent
emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the
child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are:
Worthless or unloved
Valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person
It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These
may include:
Interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as
Overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning or
Preventing the child participating in normal social interaction
It may involve:
Seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another
Serious bullying, causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger or
The exploitation or corruption of children
Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may
occur alone
Types of behaviour/actions
Humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, threats
Causing fear, anxiety, mental anguish
Emotional blackmail
Verbal abuse- shouting, swearing, misuse of
names
Harassment, bullying
Denial of human rights
Denying access to services
Being overprotective
Withholding social contact
Isolation, imprisonment, ignoring, excluding
Abandoning
Threatening pets
Mocking them and their beliefs
Standing over them in a threatening manner
Reckless driving whilst they are in the car
Possible misinterpretation
Death In the family
Family stress
Parents separate
Medical condition
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Indicators
Insomnia/deprivation of sleep or need for
excessive sleep
Change in appetite
Unusual weight gain/loss
Weeping/unusual bouts of sobbing/crying
Unexplained paranoia
Low self esteem
Fear or anxiety
Flinching in the presence of someone
Changes in mood and behaviour
GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities,
including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
The activities may involve
Physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape, buggery or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts
They may include non-contact activities, such as:
Involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual on-line images, watching sexual
activities or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Adult males do not solely
perpetrate sexual abuse. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Types of behaviour/actions
Forcing someone into sexual activity without
their consent
Sexualised language/ conversation
Sexual harassment
Inappropriate touching, kissing, fondling
Indecent exposure/voyeurism
Masturbation of a child
Masturbation knowing that a child can see
what is happening
Inflicting pornography on someone/forcing
them to watch it
Indecent assault, rape
Penetrating someone’s mouth, anus, vagina
(with finger, penis or other object)
Causing someone to enter into prostitution
Satanic or ritual abuse
Bestiality
Coerced into sex or threat of physical force
Possible misinterpretation
Urinary infection
Excessive masturbation
Thrush
Appropriate play
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Indicators
Genital or urinary irritation
Frequent infections, pain/itching in
genital/anal area
Bleeding from vagina or anus
Sexually transmitted infections
Stains on underwear/nightwear
Wetting/soiling
Bruising on inner thighs/upper arms
Difficulty in walking/sitting
Wearing of extra layers of clothes
Depression
Nightmares/flashbacks
Severe upset or agitation when there is
personal contact
Inappropriate sexual knowledge or
conversation/behaviour becomes of a sexual
nature
Changes to behaviour
GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Risks Associated With Technology:
What are the risks to children and young people using social networking and other interactive
services?
With all technologies there is the potential for misuse. These include:
Cyberbullying
Grooming and abuse by online predators
Identity theft
Exposure to inappropriate content including, self-harm, racism, hate and adult pornography.
The risks children and young people face from the internet and video games were subject to an
independent review during 2008 and the government set up the UK Council to take forward the
recommendations of the Byron Review Safer Children in a Digital World.
Most children and young people use the internet positively but sometimes they behave in ways that
may place them at risk. Risks may not always arise from the technology itself but result from offline
behaviours that are extended into the online world and vice versa.
Potential Risks
Bullying by peers and people they may consider to be `friends`.
Posting personal information that can identify and locate a child offline.
Sexual grooming, luring, exploitation and abuse with strangers.
Exposure to inappropriate content.
Exposure to racist or hate material
Encouragement of violent behaviour i.e. `Happy slapping`
Glorifying activities such as drinking/drug taking
Physical violence such as enacting and imitating stunts/risk taking activities
Leaving and running away from home as a result of contacts made online
Indicators of online grooming and sexual exploitation of children and young people
Social networking services may increase the potential for sexual exploitation.
Exploitation can include exposure to harmful content including adult pornography and illegal child
abuse images. Adults have used social networking services as a means of grooming children and
young people.
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Online grooming techniques include:
Gathering personal details, name, address, photographs, mobile number.
Promising meetings with idols, celebrities
Offering cheap tickets to events
Offering gifts such as electronic games, music, software
Paying young people to appear naked and perform sexual acts
Bullying and intimidating behaviour such as threatening to tell parents, or saying they know where
they live, go to school
Asking sexually themed questions `Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend` or `Are you a virgin`
Asking to meet offline
Sending sexually themed images
Masquerading as a minor or assuming a false identity to deceive a child
Use of Internet
Glebe House will have internet restrictions and monitoring. Permission should be sought from
parents/carers before clients use the internet. Staff will supervise clients at all times. Staff will
encourage clients not to use chat rooms, share photographs or use web cam. Staff will help to make
clients understand that it is not safe to give out personal details i.e. name, address, phone number
etc. Staff will encourage clients never to meet anyone they have got to know online and if they are
being asked strange or personal questions they should tell someone about it. Internet safety
sessions should be made available upon request if necessary.
Glebe House will ensure there is a worker with IT skills available and can teach clients how to block
someone if necessary. Staff will ensure the children and young can discuss anything they feel
uncomfortable with and empower them to report any forms of abuse.
Use of Mobile Phones and Cameras
In general mobile phones should not be used when staff are with children. Photographs can only be
taken by staff on mobile phones who have complied with the Glebe House protocol. Photos should
not be stored on staff members mobile phones.
Cameras should be used as a tool to support record and evidence development/achievement.
Photographs should not be stored on the camera. Permission must be sought by parents/carers
before any photographs are taken.
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation
Both boys and girls are at risk of sexual exploitation. Child exploitation through prostitution is a form
of abuse by which a child or young person is coerced or manipulated to engage in sexual activities
either in return for something or the profit of others. This can be seriously harmful both emotionally
and physically.
Children and young people do not become involved voluntarily, they are forced or tempted into the
situation by people who present themselves as a `friend` or `boyfriend`. Children find it very hard to
understand or accept that they are being abused through sexual exploitation; this increases their risk
of being exposed to violence by those abusing them.
Risk Factors:
Sexually transmitted diseases
Bullying
Unstable family relationships/conflict with parents/carers
Being in the care system
Truanting/being expelled from school
Drugs/alcohol
Staying out late
Abduction
Depression/self-harm
Controlling boyfriend/adults
Sexual exploitation deprives children and young people of their childhood, self-esteem and life
chances. Their emotional and physical wellbeing is affected which can result in self-destructive
behaviours such as eating disorders, mental health problems, self-harm, crime, and attempts at
taking their own lives.
Possible Signs
Changes in behaviour – Become secretive, defensive or aggressive, especially when asked about
their private life.
Inappropriate clothing for their age
Staying out late or overnight with no explanation
Going to places that they cannot afford
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Acquiring expensive gifts i.e. mobile phones, jewellery and even drugs.
Truanting
Getting into trouble with the police
Bruises, marks on the body, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases
Drug, alcohol abuse or self-harm
Hanging around with strangers. Strangers being outside of your home. Getting into cars unknown to
them.
Associating with people known to be victims of sexual exploitation.
Friends at school express concern for them
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GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED)
Domestic Violence
All children should be kept safe and should not witness or become a victim of violence in their own
home.
What is domestic violence/abuse?
Domestic violence also known as domestic abuse is a behaviour intended to show power and control
of a relationship. This involves:
Physical violence- Hitting, shoving, shaking, restraining, choking, punching, using a weapon
Sexual abuse – Non-consensual sexual activity, rape, sexual assault, or refusing safe sex
Emotional/psychological abuse – Intimidation, isolation, verbal abuse, humiliation, criticism,
enforced routines
Economic/financial abuse
Restricting behaviour.
Who can experience domestic abuse? – Generally the majority of cases involve males inflicting
violence on their female partners. It can happen in any relationship such as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual
etc. It could also involve the female member in the relationship abusing the male and can occur
when a grown child abuses their parents or carers. Nine times out of 10 the violence is never `a one
off`. The behaviours tend to increase and become more severe. People can experience domestic
abuse regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability or lifestyle.
There are many ways in which it can start such as:
An imbalance of power between the sexes
The need for power and control in the relationship
Alcohol, drugs, unemployment, stress or ill health
Jealousy, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment
Exposing Children and young people to domestic violence
In a household where domestic abuse is occurring children are at a high risk of suffering. The
emotional effects are those of the psychological damage to children who have suffered child abuse
directly or indirectly.
Risk factors
The child may be hurt trying to protect their mother, father, and sibling
They may receive an indirect injury
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Develop difficulties at school, absences etc.
Feel responsible for what is happening at home
Develop low self-esteem and become isolated
Eating and sleeping difficulties
May turn to drugs alcohol
If someone is behaving violently there are usually underlying problems. These problems may need
professional help. That person may not be aware of how much it upsets the child/young person or
even realise that the child knows that the violence is taking place.
If you notice any of the above or changes in a child/young person or you hear a child
talking about things which cause you concern then your first responsibility is to the child
or young person. As an adult it is your duty to take appropriate action. The person
reporting the concern should not have to cope alone and should seek support and advice
from senior management at Glebe House.
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What to do if you Suspect Abuse
1. Just listen. Do not question the young person and be aware of your own reactions (showing
shock or disapproval may stop a child from continuing to talk to you).
2. Explain in a manner that the child can understand that if he/she discloses anything to you
which may lead you to believe that they are being abused, you may not be able to keep it
confidential.
3. The child may recall specific events. Make a note of what is said (factual not your opinion),
context, time, people present. Please sign and date your notes.
4. Inform the designated person with responsibility for safeguarding children immediately. If
that person is not available then the Children’s Services Coordinator or a team leader.
Advice can also be sought from social services or the police but you must pass on
information as soon as you have it.
5. The designated person/coordinator will contact the local authorities (duty social worker) as
soon as possible : DCT 01163054400
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The designated person must also report to OFSTED
Tel: 08456014772.
General Enquiries: 03001231231
About concerns: 03001234666
The designated safeguarding children and young people’s worker at Glebe House is:
Peter Warlow
Project Manager
Woodgate Chambers
70 Woodgate
Loughborough
Tel: 01509 218096/07854769389
peter.warlow@glebehouseproject.org.uk
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Code of Behaviour for People working with Young People
This is to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment is achieved at Glebe House
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Be publically open when working with children
Avoid being alone with children unnecessarily
Do not take a child into your own house
Avoid taking a child alone on car journeys unless you have parent’s written permission and
there is no other option available
Parents should take responsibility for their own children
Staff and volunteers are expected to set a good example of good behaviour and conduct.
Give respect and be sensitive at all times
Encourage and praise good behaviour
Engage in rough, physical horseplay, sexually provocative or inappropriate touching
Discriminate, criticise, label or use sarcasm.
Use comparison or competition
Humiliate, frighten or physically harm or punish any child
Deprive any young person or child of, or force them to consume, food or drink
Allegations against a Member of Staff or Volunteer
Glebe House will assure all staff and volunteers who, in good faith, report his or her concerns that a
colleague is, or maybe abusing a child, that they will be supported and protected.
Glebe House will handle the issue sensitively and when reporting a complaint there may be one of
three types of investigation initiated:
 A criminal investigation
 A safeguarding children investigation
 A disciplinary or misconduct investigation
A criminal or safeguarding investigation could influence the disciplinary investigation but not
necessarily. Staff or volunteers should be aware that any finding of abuse following an internal
investigation will result in their summary dismissal from Glebe House as gross misconduct.
Allegations of abuse will be considered to be serious matters and will be investigated in a timely
fashion and during the investigation staff may be suspended whilst the investigation is being carried
out. Be aware that any decision to suspend does not suggest blame or that an outcome has been
decided and each case will be considered on its own merits and whether a suspension is
appropriate.
Has an allegation been made? If YES or if you need advice speak to the LADO on:
01163057597/01163054532
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Actions If There are Concerns
Poor practice
If after an investigation the allegation states clearly that it is a case of poor practice, this will be dealt
with by means of a misconduct issue.
If the allegation is about poor practice by the designated person/coordinator or you feel it has not
been handled correctly then it should be reported to the Chair of the Council of Management who
will decide how to deal with the allegation and whether or not to commence disciplinary
procedures.
Ian Bradford – Chairperson 07914082036
Suspected Abuse
Any concerns that a child may have been abused by a member of staff or volunteer should
immediately be reported to the designated safeguarding worker, who will then take steps to ensure
the safety of the child in question and any other that may be at risk. The designated person should
then report the allegations to social services immediately who may then involve the police (even if it
is out of hours). The designated person should also report the incident to OFSTED (number listed
above).
Parents/carers should be contacted following advice from social service/police as soon as possible. If
the designated person is the subject of the allegation then the report must be made to the Chair of
the Council of Management who will then refer the concern to social services.
Internal Enquiries
The designated safeguarding worker will immediately make a decision whether anyone who is
accused of abuse should be suspended temporarily pending further investigation by social services
or the police. Action taken by Glebe House is independent of any external enquiry.
Protecting Yourself at Work
If a young person or child begins to develop feelings/attention for you, discuss these matters as soon
as possible with your line manager (do not think it can never happen to you). If you develop
feelings/attraction to a child or young person you must withdraw yourself from the situation
immediately and discuss the matter with someone (friend or line manager) as soon as possible.
Staff and volunteers should be aware that children can fabricate situations. Do not take any chances
that could put you in this situation. Always report and record any allegations accurately and factually
as soon as possible.
Findings from social services/police enquiries on an individual should be assessed as to whether the
member of staff can return to work. This should be carried out in a sensitive manner as it could be a
difficult decision if there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. You should be
aware that any decision to pursue internal disciplinary action is one for Glebe House to take and any
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decision can be based on a balance of probabilities and not ‘beyond all reasonable doubt’ as in a
court of law. The child’s welfare should remain of paramount importance at all times.
Glebe House will ensure that a safe environment will be provided at all times for all involved.
Premises and equipment are checked and maintained regularly. Please see our Health and Safety
policy for further information.
Transport
Transport is not provided by Glebe House to and from the children’s services. Parents and carers are
responsible for taking and collecting their child or young person from Glebe House, Playscheme or
Children’s day location. Children/young people being transported whilst attending the children’s
service ( i.e. trips out) all have risk assessments and are transported by Leicestershire County Council
direct transport or a designated group leader, all of whom are DBS checked, have appropriate
insurance, have taken an appropriate minibus driving test/assessment and hold a current driving
licence.
Ofsted
Insurance for Glebe House is always current and renewed annually. Copies of which are available on
request and are displayed around children’s’ services locations. Glebe House has been Ofsted
registered since 23 October 1997 and our registration number is 223212. Copies of Ofsted
inspections for Glebe House Children’s Services’ (Childcare on Non-Domestic Premises) are available
online at www.ofsted.gov.uk. We are now listed on the Voluntary Register.
Visitors - Any visitors/guests and contractors to Glebe House and the children’s service will be asked
to provide ID, sign in/out, confirm the purpose of their visit and will be supervised at all times. Staff
and volunteers must challenge anyone they do not know or who they have not seen before.
Written consent will be gained from parents/carers regarding any trips out, visits/ swimming etc.
Consent will also be sought for the use of photos for publicity, websites, Facebook etc.
All children will have one passport sized photograph on their individual files (provided by
parents/carers). Any children requiring medication will have a second photo located with their
medication details. This is in line with our policies and procedures and for identification purposes.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained at all times
Whilst `out and about` all children and young people will wear a non- intrusive rubber bracelet. On
it will be glebe house and the children’s services managers’ mobile phone number. A written note
will also be taken prior to a visit out of what items of clothing the children are wearing.
A full copy of the safeguarding procedures are available to read and will be kept within the location
of the children’s services provided.
This policy and procedures have been formally agreed by the Council of Management at Glebe
House on 26th November 2010. They will be reviewed annually by the designated safeguarding
worker and by the Council of Management who are also responsible for their implementation.
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Procedure in the event of a child going missing/being left behind
Please refer to our separate procedure (found in the prospectus). Although there is no official
guidance TRIX, the local LSCB and the police will consider the scenario when re-writing the multiagency missing from home procedures.
Please also see our Children’s Services Health and Welfare Policy and Procedure.
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Child protection system in England
Legislation, policy and guidance
The Department for Education is responsible for child protection in England. It sets out
policy, legislation and statutory guidance on how the child protection system should work.
At the local level Local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) co-ordinate, and ensure the
effectiveness of, work to protect and promote the welfare of children. Each local board
includes: local authorities, health bodies, the police and others, including the voluntary and
independent sectors. The LSCBs are responsible for local child protection policy, procedure
and guidance.
Legislation
Children Act 1989
Children Act 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Children and Families Act 2014
Education Act 2002
Adoption and Children Act 2002
Children and Adoption Act 2006
Children and Young Persons Act 2008
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009
Education Act 2011
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Policy and guidance
Working together to safeguard children (2015)
A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
The Department for Education published an updated version of the key statutory guidance for
anyone working with children in England in March 2015. It sets out how organisations and
individuals should work together and how practitioners should conduct the assessment of
children. This latest guidance updates the previous version published in 2013.This is not a
major review, but does include changes around:



referral of allegations against those who work with children
clarification of requirements on local authorities to notify serious incidents
a definition of serious harm for the purposes of serious case reviews.
It also incorporates legislation and statutory guidance published over the last two years.
This release is one of a raft of new and updated guidance released by the Department for
Education in recent days.
The 3 main changes are:



The referral of allegations against those who work with children (Chapter 2,
Section 5)
The new guidance makes some changes to guidance on making allegations against
people who work with children. Unlike previous editions, Working Together 2015 no
longer refers to Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs). Instead it states that
local authorities should have a designated officer or team of officers for the
management and oversight of allegations. The 2015 guidance includes for the first
time a requirement that new appointments should be qualified social workers, unless
they have previous experience in the role.
Notifiable incidents involving the care of a child (Chapter 4, Sections 13-16)
Due to some confusion from local authorities over when they are required to notify
child abuse or neglect incidents to Ofsted and the relevant LSCB(s), Working
Together 2015 includes a section on what constitutes a notifiable incident.
The definition of serious harm for the purposes of Serious Case Reviews
(Chapter 4, Section 17)
Following concerns flagged by the national panel of independent experts on serious
case review that some LSCBs were not making the right decision on when to
commission a serious case review, Working Together 2015 now includes a definition
of serious harm.
Child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation and radicalisation
Other amendments include the specification that LSCBs, local authorities and their partners
should be commissioning and providing services for children at risk of sexual exploitation,
female genital mutilation and radicalisation (Chapter 1, Section 17).
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New definitions
A notifiable incident is one involving the care of a child in which either:




a child has died (including cases of suspected suicide), and abuse or neglect is known
or suspected;
a child has been seriously harmed and abuse or neglect is known or suspected;
a looked after child has died (including cases where abuse or neglect is not known or
suspected); or
a child in a regulated setting or service has died (including cases where abuse or
neglect is not known or suspected).
The guidance states that any incident meeting the criteria for a Serious Case Review will
have met the criteria for a notifiable incident. However, it stresses that not all notifiable
incidents will proceed through to Serious Case Review.
Seriously harmed includes, but is not limited to, cases where the child has sustained, as a
result of abuse or neglect, any or all of the following:


a potentially life-threatening injury;
serious and/or likely long-term impairment of physical or mental health or physical,
intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.
The guidance makes it clear that this definition is not exhaustive, and that serious harm can
still have occurred if a child recovers from the incident. It states that LSCBs should ensure
their considerations on whether serious harm has occurred are informed by available research
evidence.
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Other Useful Contacts
Useful Websites:

Local Safeguarding Children Board - lscb@leics.gov.uk Tel: 01163057130

NSPCC (www.nspcc.org.uk)
The NSPCC want to see a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their
potential. To do this, they have four objectives:
o To mobilise everyone to take action to end child cruelty.
o To give children the help, support and environment they need to stay safe from
cruelty.
o To find ways of working with communities to keep children safe from cruelty.
o To be, and be seen as, someone to turn to for children and young people.

Childline (www.ChildLine.org.uk)
Young people can talk to ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. If you
are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can call ChildLine.
Useful Telephone Numbers:

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







Children’s Social Care Enquiries – 0116 3050005 (childrensduty@leics.gov.uk)
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
ChildLine – (free and confidential) 0800 1111
The Samaritans- 0345 909 090/08457090909
Victim Support - 0845 303 0900
Public Concern at Work - 020 7404 6609
Domestic Violence Helpline- 0116 2550004/08082000247
Womens Aid – 08082000247
Victim support – 08453030900
Young minds – 08088025544
Created November 2010
Updated 21.1.15
Updated 29/4/15
5/5/15
Date for review: April 2016
By whom: V.J.Dewsbury – Children’s Services Manager
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