GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LTD) Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedure V.J.Dewsbury – Children’s Services Manager GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) Contents Page no: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 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 1|Page 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 2|Page 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: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 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 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 3|Page 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. 4|Page 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) 5|Page 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 6|Page 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 7|Page 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 8|Page 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 9|Page 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. 10 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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. 11 | P a g e 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 12 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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 13 | P a g e 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 14 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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. 15 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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 6. 7. 8. 9. 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 16 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) Code of Behaviour for People working with Young People This is to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment is achieved at Glebe House DO DON’T 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 17 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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 18 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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. 19 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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. 20 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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 21 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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). 22 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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. 23 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 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: 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 24 | P a g e GLEBE HOUSE (CHARNWOOD LIMITED) 25 | P a g e