Stockport Safeguarding Children Board
Guidance for Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations in Stockport
Authors
Date
Version
SC/UH
20.6.2013
V1
Contents
Page
Section 1: Self assessing your safeguarding arrangements
2
Section 2: Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer Role/
A Named Person(s) for Child Protection
3
Section 3: Making a referral where there are concerns about a child’s safety
3
Section 4: Writing a Safeguarding Children Policy
4
Section 5: Employing the Right People / Safer Recruitment
5
Section 6: Allegations against staff /Allegation management
7
Section 7: Health and Safety and Accident Prevention
9
Section 8: E Safety and Digital Technologies
10
APPENDIX
Appendix 1: Safeguarding Checklist and Safeguarding Action Plan
11
Appendix 2: Sample Child Protection Policy Statement
20
Appendix 3: What to do if a child discloses abuse
24
Appendix 4: Safeguarding Note of Concerns Log
26
Appendix 5: Health and safety – Risk Assessment for Indoor and
27
Outdoor Activities
1
ISection 1: Self- assessing your safeguarding arrangements
Any organisation offering activities to children and young people has a legal duty to
safeguard the children and young people with whom it works. This means doing
everything possible to reduce the risk of a child coming to harm, and knowing what to
do if a child is known or suspected to be suffering from, or at risk of harm.
Does it apply to me?
Safeguarding applies to every group that has any contact with children or their
families, however infrequent. Even if you only run one event a year to which children
and their families are invited, you still have a responsibility to ensure your event is
safe and that children are protected from harm.
Why should we use this safeguarding checklist?
The safeguarding checklist looks at those factors that are recognised as essential in
ensuring good practice in safeguarding. The purpose is to help your group:



Assess current safeguarding practice
Identify concerns and areas for improvement
Identify the support you may need to make these improvements
If you have any queries contact Anchorpoint Stockport:
E-mail:info@anchorpointstockport.org.uk
Telephone: 0161 475 0855
Website: www.anchorpointstockport.org.uk
How to use the Safeguarding Checklist (Appendix 1)
The checklist is designed to help you consider and reflect on all the key aspects of
safeguarding. The aim of this checklist is to help you learn more about the best
practice expected around safeguarding and to help you make any improvements
necessary.
Once you have worked through the questions, and identified any areas for
development/improvement, you should then complete the Action Plan at the end of
this document. Be specific about what you need to do and who will do it and when it
needs to be done by.
You may feel able to do this on your own, or you may feel you require more support.
You are welcome to contact Anchorpoint Stockport at any time for this support.
It is important to send a copy of your completed self-assessment to Anchorpoint,
even if you feel you do not require our support. We will use it to help us in developing
a picture about safeguarding in the borough and evidence how local organisations
are working to help children. Please send completed self-assessments to
Anchorpoint Stockport.
Section 2: Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer / A Named
Person(s) for Child Protection
Every organisation that works with children or young people should have in place a
named person who is responsible for dealing with child protection issues that may
arise. Due to their key role in safeguarding children it is recommended that this is a
2
paid member of staff if possible and that they have an Disclosure and Barring Service
(DBS) check and at least two references are followed up. A deputy must be made
available in their absence. These individuals must be trained in child protection and
their responsibilities clearly stated within your procedures.
The role and responsibilities of the named person(s) are:
-
-
-
To ensure that all staff / volunteers / parents/ carers and children are aware of
what they should do and who they should go to if they are concerned that a
child/young person may be subject to abuse or neglect.
Ensure that any concerns about a child/young person are acted on, clearly
recorded, referred on where necessary and, followed up to ensure the issues
are addressed.
They are responsible for promoting a safe environment for children and young
people.
They should know the contact details of relevant statutory agencies e.g.
Children’s Social Care, Police, and the Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO) for allegations against staff.
Section 3: Making a referral where there are concerns about a child’s
safety
Within the area of child protection it is vital that all staff know what to do if they are
concerned about a child. It is equally important that parents/carers and young people
themselves are aware that the organisation takes the safety and welfare of
children/young people into consideration in every activity that is undertaken.
A Step-By-Step action plan to respond to a child protection concern1
1. If the child needs urgent medical attention, obtain this first as a matter of urgency.
If you have a Child Protection concern which requires immediate or emergency
attention, ring Police 999 or 101 to speak with local Police operatives.
2. Discuss your concerns with the parent/carers only if this is appropriate. If this
discussion may be inappropriate (when you have good reason to suppose that
sexual abuse, fabricated or induced illness has taken place) immediately seek
advice from your organisation’s designated officer for child protection or the Duty
Officer at the Safeguarding Children Unit (0161 474 5657), or the Duty Social
Worker at Children’s Social Care Contact Centre (0161 217 6028).
3. If after talking to the child’s parents/carers (where appropriate) you remain
concerned, make a child protection referral.
4. To do this:
Telephone the Contact Centre (0161 217 6028)
or
Out Of Hours Team (for emergencies only) on 0161 718 2118
Be prepared to give the following details:
 Your name, address, contact number and your role
 As many details about the child as you can, including name, date of birth,
address etc.
1 Based on Stockport Schools guidance completed by the Senior Advisor for Education
3


What you have been told, or what has been observed
The action you have taken so far
5. The Referral and information Officers at the Contact Centre will advise you on
what to do next. Make sure you are clear about what you have to do before you
end the phone call so that you can keep the child informed about what will
happen next.
6. Keep accurate, dated records of what you have seen, heard and done.
Remember to use the child’s words in any recording that you make.
Make sure your name is legible on any documents.
Make sure all records are dated and pages numbered.
7. Follow up any referral phone calls to the contact centre with written
documentation. Where possible use a CAF (Common Assessment Framework
Form) and send it to the person you have spoken to detailing the main points of
the conversation. Make sure that you are clear before ending your call to the
Contact Centre about whether the parents/carers should be involved with the
completion of the CAF. Remember that if you are making a Child Protection
referral the CAF does not need to be signed by parents/carers. Send the
completed document to the Contact Centre as instructed to do.
Section 4: Writing a Safeguarding Children Policy
The aim of an organisation having policies and procedures in place is to provide
guidance for staff/volunteers/children/parents/carers about what to do in specific
circumstances.
A sample Safeguarding Children Policy is provided in Appendix 2. It is not
sufficient to simply copy the name of your organisation into the document and
print it out. Each organisation is different and some parts of the policy may not be
relevant. Equally you may work with particular groups or in situations which require
further guidance such as overnight stays or taking part in adventurous activities. You
will therefore need to adapt the policy to suit the specific needs of your group.
The following process should be followed to develop a child protection policy
to ensure best practice:
-
-
-
-
Complete the self- assessment checklist.
Have a meeting to discuss the particular needs of your group. Does the
model policy meet all your requirements? Does it need re-wording? Do you
need to add additional information?
Where possible involve children and their parents/carers. This makes the
policy more relevant but also indicates to children and parents / carers that
you take safeguarding seriously.
After the policy has been agreed, make sure all members of staff and
volunteers have a copy, have read and understood it. Make sure that copies
are available for parents should they wish to see it. Add the policy to your
website, if appropriate.
Your safeguarding policy should be used. It is good practice to review
annually the policy and keep it up-to-date with any local or national changes.
The Safer Working Practice Guidance which is accessible via the following link gives
good practical information about all aspects of behavior in a work setting:
4
http://www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk/publications/saferworkingpracticeg
uidance
Section 5: Employing the Right People / Safer Recruitment
Your organization should have a formal recruitment policy to minimise the risk of
someone who is a risk to children or young people being involved as an employee or
volunteer.
As a minimum a safer recruitment procedure should include:
- A statement in your advert about your commitment to safeguarding children;
- A role description that clarifies responsibilities;
- Completion of an application form;
- Checks on identity/right to work and work history;
- Checking of two references( professional references if appropriate to role);
- A face to face interview;
- An appropriate DBS Check
It is essential to ensure that no individual takes up employment or voluntary work with
children or young people until identity, references and relevant DBS checks have
been completed.
Anchorpoint Stockport provides advice to all voluntary organisations across a range
of topics including safer recruitment practice. Contact the Information and
Volunteering Officer directly (Tuesday - Thursday) for more information;
Telephone: 0161 475 0855.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - previously known as Criminal
Record Bureau (CRB)
When recruiting people to work with children (whether they are paid or not),
employers should follow safe recruitment practice to ensure that individuals are
suitable for the posts they are applying for.
Depending on the nature of the work, an employer may ask for a Criminal Records
check or an Enhanced Disclosure, which includes police intelligence on a person or
an Enhanced Disclosure with a check against the list of person barred from working
with children. Anyone working in "regulated activity" with children should undergo an
Enhanced Disclosure with a check against the barred lists.
Once an offer of a job working with children has been made to a candidate,
employers should request information held by the police on that individual through a
criminal record disclosure check.
What is regulated activity?
If the carer/service required is to be carried out by the same person frequently (once
a week or more often), or on 4 or more days in a 30-day period then this would be
‘Regulated Activity’. Regulated activity is also relevant personal care, eg
washing or dressing, or health care provided by a supervised health professional
even if done once.
What is no longer regulated activity?
 Activity supervised at a reasonable level
 Health care not by (or directed or supervised by ) a health care
professional
5


Legal advice
Occasional or temporary services (e.g.: repairs)
Volunteers are eligible for Enhanced DBS checks if they will be working with children
and young people in an unsupervised capacity for 4 days or more in a 30 day period.
The nature of ‘supervision’ is at the discretion of the employer, and potentially this
creates a loophole in the system to allow unscrupulous people have access to young
people or adults. Therefore reference checks and employment history checks are all
the more important. Seek advice from Anchorpoint.
It is a criminal offence to employ someone or allow them to volunteer for this kind of
work if you know they’re on one of the barred lists. They are also committing an
offence by applying for such a role. i.e. adults barred from working with children.
Regulated activity includes unsupervised activities which involve regularly caring for,
training, teaching, instructing, supervising, providing advice/guidance on well-being,
or driving a vehicle for children under 18; or working for a limited range of "specified
places" with opportunity for unsupervised contact with children. The definitions for
regulated activity are set out in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as
amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
(see NSPCC Safer recruitment legislation factsheet).
Enhanced disclosures should also be requested for any position where an individual
has regular contact with children. However for positions outside the scope of
regulated activity it is not possible to check against barred lists.
An Enhanced Disclosure will give details of convictions, cautions, reprimands and
warnings held in England and Wales on the Police National Computer as well as any
locally held police force information if it is "reasonably believe(d) to be relevant", by
Chief Police Officer(s), to the job role. Most of the relevant convictions in Scotland
and Northern Ireland may also be included. It indicates whether the applicant is on
the DBS's list of adults barred from working with children (if this has been requested).
Disclosures may not be requested for people under 16 years (for example, school
children on work experience placements).
DBS certificates will now go to the individual concerned and any agency is
dependent on that individual sharing it with the prospective employer. The agency
needs to decide how long it is reasonable to wait for sign of that certificate. The
agency also needs some understanding about how to interpret any information which
is disclosed e.g. a driving conviction may not necessarily impinge on someone’s
ability to carry out a caring function; a drink-driving conviction may.
Staff Inductions
When staff, volunteers, parents/carers or children first join your group should be
given your Safeguarding Policy, know who is the designated child protection officer
and all other essential information to complete their role.
Training
6
All workers should be given the opportunity to learn about child protection and
keeping children safe. This might be through a training event, a staff briefing, meeting
or reading documents, e-learning.
All staff working with children should have undertaken Multi-agency Basic
Awareness training as a minimum.
http://www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk/training
Support and Supervision
The best way to ensure the ongoing safety of children and young people in your care
is to continually support, guide and supervise your staff.
Supervision has the functions of accountability in relation to policy and procedure in
respect of their role, support for the work they are doing and professional
development for staff.
Section 6: Allegations against staff
Organisations that work with Children and Young People need to be aware that
allegations can arise against staff or volunteers and need to have systems in place to
deal with them fairly and consistently. Allegations may be that some kind of abuse
has taken place but can also relate to conduct of concern or behaviour which raises
concerns about suitability to work with children. Allegations may arise from
colleagues and any staff member or volunteer who has concerns should feel safe to
express them without fear of victimization.
Allegations can also arise because of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. They
can be a way of seeking attention or in extreme cases maliciously motivated. It is
essential that all allegations should be brought to the attention of the designated child
protection person immediately. If the allegation is against this person then a more
senior person should be informed.
What should an organisation do once an allegation has been made?
Any allegations made to an employer in respect to cases where the staff member
has:



behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child;
possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child; or
behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a
risk of harm to children (WT 2013)
must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Advice can be
obtained from the Duty Officer at the Safeguarding Children Unit Tel: 0161 474 5657.
Management of an allegation of abuse may involve one or all of:



a police investigation of a possible criminal offence
enquiries and assessment by children's social care about whether a child is in
need of protection or in need of services
consideration by an employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.
7
What does the law say about referring to the Disclosure and Barring Service or
PVG Scheme?
Employers in organisations working with children have a legal duty under The
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (SVGA) 2006 to make a referral to the DBS in
cases when an employer has dismissed or removed a person from working with
children or vulnerable adults (or would or may have if the person had not left or
resigned) because of concerns over their behaviour towards children.
What are the important aspects to consider throughout the process?
Supporting those involved
There are two issues to consider: support for the child/ren, parents or carers
involved, and support for the person who is the subject of the allegation.
Parents/carers of a child or children involved should be told about the allegation as
soon as possible (if they do not know about it already). They should be kept informed
about the progress of a case, and told of the outcomes where there is not a criminal
prosecution. That includes the outcome of any disciplinary process.
The employer should also keep the person who is the subject of the allegation
informed of the progress of the case, and arrange to provide appropriate support
while the case is on-going. If the person is suspended, the employer should also
make arrangements to keep the individual informed about developments in the
workplace.
Confidentiality
Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity
while an allegation is being investigated and considered. It can be helpful to have a
planned media response (e.g. an agreed press release) in case of a breach in
confidentiality.
Resignations and 'compromise agreements'
The fact that a person tenders his/her resignation, or ceases to provide their
services, must not prevent an allegation being followed up. It is important that every
effort is made to reach a conclusion in all cases of allegations bearing on the safety
or welfare of children, including those where the person concerned refuses to cooperate with the process.
'Compromise agreements' - whereby a person agrees to resign, the employer agrees
not to pursue disciplinary action, and both parties agree a form of words to be used in
any future reference - must not be used in these cases.
Record keeping
It is important that employers keep a clear and comprehensive summary of:


any allegations made
details of how allegations were followed up and resolved
8


any action taken
decisions reached.
These details should be kept in a person's confidential personnel file and a copy
should be given to the individual. Such information should be retained on file,
including people who leave the organisation, at least until the person reaches normal
retirement age, or for 10 years if that is longer.
Follow up any external investigation with an internal review to ensure any changes
needed are put in place.
You should ensure that your organisation understands the process for managing
allegations against staff and communicates this to all staff and volunteers. Further
information regarding allegations against a person in a position of trust, and when
and employer must refer to the Disclosure and Barring Service can be obtained
through the following links:
http://greatermanchesterscb.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/allegations.pdf or
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/briefings/Managing-allegations-ofabuse_wda95752.html#Referring
https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/dbs-barred-lists
SSCB provides a training course for managers on “Managing Allegations‟. The
course can be accessed at:
http://www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk/training/
If you need help in making a referral to the DBS, contact the DBS referrals helpline.
01325 953795.
Section 7: Health and Safety and Accident Prevention
Under health and safety legislation all employers have a legal duty of care to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their
employees whilst they are at work.
You will need to draw up a policy and procedures in relation to health and safety to
ensure that safety issues are addressed and that the risk of unintentional / accidental
injuries to children and young people are reduced to a minimum. See Appendix 3. All
staff and volunteers must be aware of and understand their duties in relation to
health and safety.
Health and safety procedures should cover the following:
- The building / venue for your group is a safe environment and complies with
legislation in relation to fire safety, insurance, and disabled access including
any venues that are used for trips etc;
- Any risks associated with your work with children, young people and their
families and how these are addressed and managed;
- Activities are properly planned, organised, age appropriate and use qualified
instructors where this is appropriate;
- All equipment, including electrical and electronic, equipment is safety checked
appropriately;
9
-
All staff and volunteers are appropriately trained, for example in first aid;
All children and young people are appropriately supervised;
Any transportation used is safe and complies with all legislation in relation to
MOT, road tax, car seats, insurance etc;
Ensuring relevant information on a child’s medical conditions, allergies and
details of GP is gained;
What to do in the event of an emergency such as taking a child to hospital,
contacting parents etc.
The Health and Safety Executive website provides further information on risk
assessment and management that is easy to follow and implement. Go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/fivesteps.htm
Section 8: E-Safety and Digital Technologies
There are many different ways that someone can access the internet. Even if your
setting does not have computers with internet access you may wish to consider
having a responsible use policy (RUP) that can cover the use of a range of
equipment including mobile phones, games consoles and cameras.
An e-safety policy should include the following:
- Why your setting uses the internet (if it does);
- Responsible use guidelines for staff / volunteers and children;
- Incident response for issues such as grooming, cyber-bullying, access of
inappropriate material, mismanagement of information (data breaches);
- Use of personal mobile phones and/or cameras during work time;
- Security of confidential information;
- How your organisation intends to block inappropriate websites, protect
against viruses, use of passwords etc;
- If your organisation has its own website who has editorial responsibility for the
content.
For further information and guidance about E-safety, safer working practice
guidelines and useful resources please visit the Stockport SSCB website
http://www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk/esafetyforprofessionals/
For general advice about safeguarding: writing a safeguarding policy, training
courses and other matters look at SAFE NETWORK
http://www.safenetwork.org.uk/about_us/Pages/default.aspx
10
11
APPENDIX 1:
Safeguarding ChecklistA Self-Assessment Tool for the Voluntary and Community Sector
This is an opportunity for your organisation to look at your safeguarding practice and find out where to go for help and support. You are not
expected to have everything listed in place. You will be encouraged and supported to work towards these safeguarding requirements.
How to use the Safeguarding Checklist
Read the questions in the table below and answer as honestly as you can. You will not be judged on your answers. The aim of this
checklist is to help you learn more about the best practice expected around safeguarding and to help you make any improvements necessary.
Once you have worked through the questions, and identified any areas for development, you should then complete the Action Plan at the end
of this document to make sure it is clear who will make these improvements and when they should be completed.
What happens after the checklist is completed?
You are encouraged to make the improvements you have identified in your action plan. You may feel able to do this on your own, or you may
feel you require more support please contact Anchorpoint Stockport: info@anchorpointstockport.org.uk
0161 475 0855
www.anchorpointstockport.org.uk.
Please send your completed checklist to Anchorpoint for feedback and a personalised guide of what to do next. Anchorpoint services and
support to the voluntary and community sector are free of charge. We must stress again that you are not judged on your answers. The aim of
the checklist is to help you identify the gaps and work to address them. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
12
Name of your organisation:
QUESTION
YES/NO Description (to include What
improvements What support do you need to do this?
(This could be written or online information,
what you are doing could you make?
information briefings, training, one to one
well).
support for your groups etc)
Safeguarding Essentials
Do you have a Safeguarding
Policy?
Does this include:
A statement about your
commitment to safeguarding
A statement about your
commitment to safeguarding
training
Confidentiality & information
sharing (including when to
share concerns about a child
with other agencies)
Record keeping
Clear definitions of what
constitutes Child Abuse
Relationship to other relevant
policies
(eg
recruitment,
13
screening, supervision, health &
safety,
volunteering,
whistleblowing,
promoting
diversity
etc).
If
your
organisation does not have these
other policies, it will need to
include
these
safeguarding
aspects in this policy.
Do you have a designated person
to take the lead on safeguarding
issues (usually called the Child
Protection Officer, Safeguarding
Officer, Child Welfare Officer etc)?
QUESTION
Do you have
procedures?
YES/NO ANSWERS
questions
to
further What
improvements What support do you need to do this?
(This could be written or online information,
could you make?
information briefings, training, one to one
support for your groups etc)
Safeguarding
Do
your
Safeguarding
procedures make it clear what
you will do:
When a child discloses
When you observe signs and
symptoms that give cause for
concern
14
When you observe the practice of
a colleague that gives you cause
for concern/receive a complaint
about a member of staff
Do you know what to do if you
had concerns about a staff
member or an allegation was
made?
Safer recruitment
Do you have a written Safer
Recruitment
policy
and
procedure?
Do you ensure all those working
with children have current DBS
checks?
Has
someone
in
your
organisation received training on
Safer Recruitment?
QUESTION
YES/NO ANSWERS
questions
to
further What
improvements What support do you need to do this?
(This could be written or online information,
could you make?
information briefings, training, one to one
support for your groups etc)
15
Involving your communities
How do you make sure everyone
in your organisation is aware of
all your policies and procedures
relevant to safeguarding and
understand
how
they
are
expected to act?
How do you make sure new staff
or volunteers are made aware of
safeguarding practice?
Are
there
support
and
accountability mechanisms in
place for staff and volunteers
How does your organisation keep
up to date on safeguarding
issues?
Supporting families
16
If you identified a child or
families with additional needs
would you know how to access
other support?
Have any of your staff members
attended CAF training?
QUESTION
YES/NO ANSWERS
questions
to
further What
improvements What support do you need to do this?
(This could be written or online information,
could you make?
information briefings, training, one to one
support for your groups etc)
Wider safeguarding issues
Do you have health & safety
procedures for your activities
with children & young people?
Do you have a Supervision of
Children and Young People policy
for your activities? This should
highlight adult to child ratios,
preparing for emergencies etc
17
Do you have any guidance on how
to manage children and young
people’s behaviour?
Record Keeping - does the
organisation have a system to
record child protection concerns
and actions, existing injuries etc?
Do you have
Procedure?
a
Complaints
Do you have an E-safety
Responsible User Policy?
(this should cover the staff, parents
and young people’s use of the
internet, mobile phones, cameras,
game consoles
and all other
internet enabled digital equipment)
Do you obtain written consent /
permission for access to the
internet/ use of photographs etc
from children and parents?
18
Management responsibilities around safeguarding
Do you have a management
committee / board of trustees?
Does
your
management
committee / board of trustees know
what its legal responsibilities and
duties are regarding safeguarding?
How are they made aware?
Do you have role descriptions for
everyone on the committee?
Do these role
outline
responsibilities?
descriptions
safeguarding
Have your trustees completed
basic child protection training?
Have they updated if more than 3
years since completion?
19
SAFEGUARDING ACTION PLAN
List below the steps you can take to improve your safeguarding practice. Use the table to help you allocate responsibility for making sure
these improvements take pace. Be realistic about the time scales you set to achieve these improvements.
Action
Signed off by:
Position in Organisation:
Date:
Date to review:
By Who
By When
Review date
Name (in print):
20
Appendix 2
Sample Safeguarding Children Policy Statement.
1.1 Principles
1. [Name of organisation] is committed to the safeguarding of all children and young
people with whom it has contact. The Children Act 1989 makes it clear that the
welfare of the child is paramount and that everyone involved in the care of children
has a responsibility for the protection of those children from harm. It is also essential
that we honor the trust of those who allow us to care for their children.
2. In order to give children protection from potential and actual abuse it is necessary
for all staff and volunteers to have an understanding of the issues involved and that
appropriate procedures are in place that are shared and understood by all
concerned.
3. [Name of organisation] safeguarding children policy arises from the following
principles:
-
The welfare of the child is paramount;
All children, regardless of age, gender, disability or ethnic origin have a right
to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation;
It is not your responsibility as members of [name of organisation] to decide
whether or not child abuse is occurring, but it is your responsibility to act on
any concerns and do something about it.
1.2 Identifying child abuse and what to do if abuse is suspected
4. SSCB strongly recommends that all staff and volunteers of any organisation that
has contact with children, young people and families complete Multi-agency Basic
Awareness training as a minimum. This course and further training opportunities are
available via:
www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk
5. Child abuse is generally split into four categories - physical, neglect, sexual and
emotional. I think we could leave these out ?
Physical abuse
This may involve hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, squeezing, suffocating, drowning,
burning or biting the child. Giving the child alcohol, drugs or poison are also forms of
physical abuse. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent fabricates the
symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological
needs. This may include the failure to meet a child’s basic needs, like food, shelter,
warm clothing or medical attention. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result
of substance misuse and is also the failure to provide adequate supervision
(including leaving children with inappropriate carers).
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities,
including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
Activities may involve penetrative and non-penetrative acts or non-contact activities
such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of pornographic
21
materials, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual
abuse includes grooming a child in preparation for abuse, for example, via the
internet.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause
severe adverse effects on a child’s emotional development. This may involve a lack
of love and affection, telling a child they are worthless, serious bullying or being
constantly shouted at. Emotional abuse also occurs when the child is valued only
insofar as they meet the needs of another person, when the child is overprotected
and unable to explore and learn on their own or when they witness the ill-treatment or
abuse of another (including domestic violence), or animal cruelty. Other examples
are serious bullying, including cyber bullying, making fun of what the child says or
how they communicate.
6. Possible signs of abuse include:
-
-
Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising cuts or burns, particularly
if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries or the
explanation of the cause of the injury is ill-fitting.
The child discloses abuse, or describes what appears to be an abusive act.
Someone else (child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another
child.
Unexplained change in behaviour such as withdrawal or sudden outbursts of
temper.
Inappropriate sexual awareness or sexually explicit behaviour.
Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would
normally be expected.
Difficulty in making friends.
Eating disorders, depression, self harm or suicide attempts.
1.3 What to do if abuse is suspected
7. If any member of [Name of organisation] suspects abuse is taking place they
should immediately inform the designated safeguarding officer [insert name and
contact details] who will decide whether or not to take the matter further. A log of the
concern must be kept (see sample concerns log).
 Name of Organisation has an appointed individual who is responsible for
dealing with any child protection concerns. In their absence, a deputy will
always be available for workers to consult with.
 The named persons for Child Protection within Name of Organisation are:
 Named Person for Child Protection: ____________________
 Work telephone number: ____________________
 Mobile number: ____________________
 Emergency contact no: ____________________
 Deputy Name of contact person: _____________________
 Work telephone number: _____________________
 Mobile number: _____________________
 Emergency contact no: _____________________
8. If it is felt that further investigation is required in order to keep the child safe then
22
the matter must be referred to Stockport Children’s Social Care. Children’s Social
Care may be contacted at any time for advice and consultation. In the event of a
referral to Children’s Social Care all relevant information must be shared, including
copies of correspondence, log of previous concerns and notes of dialogue. The Data
Protection Act is not a barrier to information sharing where doing so is necessary to
safeguard children.
9. In the event that the designated safeguarding officer is not available or contactable
this should not delay action being taken to protect a child. Any member of [Name of
organisation] may contact Children’s Social Care direct to raise their concerns.
10. Contact with Children’s Social Care can be made by telephone to the Contact
Centre on 0161 217 6028, Out of Hours Team on 0161 718 2118, the Police on 0161
872 5050 or in an emergency by dialling 999. If you phone the Contact Centre you
should ask to speak to the Duty Social Worker to discuss your concerns.
Referrals made by telephone must be followed up immediately with a written report
and a Common Assessment Form. This should be completed for all cases referred
by professionals. These forms can be downloaded from the Stockport Council
website at
www.stockport.gov.uk/commonprocesses.
In child protection cases, parental consent is not required.
If you are unsure whether to refer, consultation and advice is available from the Duty
Social Worker at the Contact Centre (0161 217 6028) or the Duty Officer at the
Safeguarding Children Unit ( 0161 474 5659).
11. If there are any concerns about the immediate safety of a child then the police
must be contacted without delay.
1.4 Allegations against staff
12. Any suspicion that a child has been abused by a member of staff or a volunteer
must be reported to the designated safeguarding officer, who will take such steps as
considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child
who may be at risk.
13. The designated safeguarding officer will refer the allegation to Children’s Social
Care who may involve the police, or will refer directly to the police if out-of-hours.
14. Children’s Social Care and the designated safeguarding officer will liaise with the
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose responsibility it is to:
-
Provide advice and guidance ;
Liaise with the police and other agencies;
Provide assistance in discussions regarding suspension and referral to the
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
15. The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following
advice from Children’s Social Care and/or the police.
16. If the designated safeguarding officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation,
the concern must be made to the chair of the management committee who will refer
the allegation to Children’s Social Care. In the absence of a management committee
23
the matter will be reported to the LADO.
17. Where there is a complaint against a member of staff there may be three types of
investigation:
- A criminal investigation
- A child protection investigation
- A disciplinary or misconduct investigation
18. The LADO in Stockport can be contacted at the Safeguarding Children Unit
on 0161 474 5657
1.5 Internal Enquiries and Suspension
16. The designated safeguarding officer will make an immediate decision about
whether any individual suspected of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending
further police and Children’s Social Care enquiries.
17. Where an individual is suspended it is advised that other employees / volunteers
should have no contact until enquires have concluded.
18. Irrespective of the findings of Children’s Social Care or police enquiries the
organisation will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or
volunteer can be reinstated. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount
importance throughout.
1.6 Additional related policies
19. All members of [Name of organisation] will receive a copy of this policy and
undergo training as part of their induction to the organisation.
20 [Name of organisation] also has policies on the following related topics which all
staff and volunteers must be familiar with:
- Safer Recruitment
- Disciplinary / Grievance
- Health and Safety
This policy has been formally agreed and adopted by the management committee of
[Name of Organisation] at a meeting on [date]. This policy will be reviewed
[frequency] by the management committee who are also responsible for the
implementation of this policy.
Signed:
Position:
Date:
Review Date: SSCB recommends that the Safeguarding Children Policy is reviewed
at least annually.
24
Appendix 3
WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD DISCLOSES ABUSE
Always follow the 4 R’s.
1. RECEIVE

LISTEN to the child/young person. If you are shocked at what the
child/young person says to you try not to show it. Take what the child/young
person says to you seriously, children and young people rarely lie about
abuse and if they are not believed it adds to the traumatic nature of
disclosing. If they meet with revulsion or disbelieve, children and young
people may retract what they have said.

ACCEPT what the child/young person says. Be careful not to burden the
child/young person with guilt by asking, “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
2. REASSURE

STAY CALM Reassure the child/young person that they have done the right
thing in talking to you. Be honest with the child/young person. Do not make
any promises that you are unable to keep, like “I’ll stay with you”, or
“Everything will be all right now”.

DO NOT promise confidentiality.

TRY to alleviate any feelings of guilt that the child/young person displays, e.g.
“You are not alone, you are not the only one this sort of thing has happened
to”.

ACKNOWLEDGE how hard it must have been for the child/young person to
tell you what has happened.

EMPATHISE with the child/young person. Don’t tell them what they should
be feeling.
3. REACT

REACT to the child/young person only as far as is necessary for you to
establish whether or not you need to refer to matter.

DO NOT interrogate the child or make investigations with third parties to
establish any of the facts.

AVOID asking leading questions, for example “Did he touch your penis?”

BE careful about what you ask the child; you may taint any evidence being
put before a court.
25

USE open questions, such as, “Is there anything else you would like to tell
me?” or “When did it happen?”

DO NOT criticise the perpetrator. The child/young person may love him/her
and reconciliation may be possible.

DO NOT ask the child to repeat what has been said to another member of
staff.

EXPLAIN what you have to do next and to whom you have to talk to.

INFORM the appropriate person according to your procedure/protocol.

Our Safeguarding lead is………………………..
4. RECORD

AS SOON as is reasonably practicable make notes on what has happened.

DO NOT destroy these notes, they should be retained in a safe place. The
court in any legal process may require them.

RECORD Place, date, time and details of the child/young person involved.
Record any noticeable non-verbal behaviour of the child/young person. If the
child/young person uses their own words to describe sexual organs/acts,
record the words spoken. Do not translate them into proper words.

DRAW a diagram (using ‘record of marks observed on a child’) to indicate
positioning, size and location of any injuries you have identified

BE OBJECTIVE in your recording. Include statements made and what you
have seen, rather than assumptions or interpretations. Rely on FACT. A fact
is any event that can be perceived by one of the five senses.
SUPPORT
Identify the support network available to yourself, as certain disclosures can be
emotive.
Be aware that after the event, the child/young person may need support.
prepared for this within your organisation.
Be
Be aware of the sources of advice available for discussion or advice.
This includes:
Stockport Children’s Social Care Contact Centre 0161 217 6028
Stockport Safeguarding Children Unit 0161 474 5657
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
26
Safeguarding Children: Note of Concern
Name of child
group
Date:
Issue: Please record the details of the incident/issue you are concerned about. Include verbatim comments where possible.
Please keep the account very factual and consider Who… What… Where… When… How… and Who…
If you are reporting a potential incident of physical abuse remember to include a ‘record of marks observed on a child’.
Signed:
(Please continue on the back if necessary)
How did you become aware of the issue? please circle
observation
disclosure
Reported to:
Date and time report completed:
Outcome: Please include the outcome of discussions with parents/carers where this is appropriate
Further action; please circle below
Continue to monitor
Signed:
complete CAF
convene TAC
refer to social care / police
Date:
27
Appendix 4
28
APPENDIX 5:
HEALTH AND SAFETY – RISK ASSESSMENT
FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
GUIDANCE NOTES
What is Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of what in your work,
could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken
enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. The aim is to make sure
that no one gets hurt or becomes ill.
How to assess the risk in your workplace.
STEP 1:
 Look for the hazards – look only for hazards which you could reasonably
expect to result in significant harm under the conditions in your workplace.
STEP 2:
Decide who might be harmed and how – there is no need to list individuals by name
(unless required, but remember confidentiality), just think about groups of people
doing similar work/activities or who may be affected.
STEP 3:
Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or
whether more should be done;
•
•
•
•
Meet the standards set by a legal requirements
Comply with a recognised industry standard
Represent good practice
Reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable
STEP 4:
Record your findings. It is important that staff, volunteers and helpers are aware of
this assessment and that as a group you continue to identify any further risks that
may arise.
STEP 5:
Review your assessment and revise it if necessary
Don’t be overcomplicated but ensure it is thorough.
29
30
Hazard means anything that can cause harm (e.g. chemicals, electricity,
working from ladders, staff/children ratios, injuries etc.)
Risk is the chance, HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW, that somebody will be harmed by the
hazard.
LEVELS OF RISK DEFINITION
RESIDUAL RISK
HIGH
May cause death
serious injury
MEDIUM
LOW
ACTIONS REQUIRED
or Requires immediate remedial
action to reduce risk as far as is
possible
May case minor injury Requires action in the medium
e.g. cuts, bruises
term
No risk, or a very slight Requires little or no action to
chance of minor injury
further control risk. In many
cases, monitoring the risk may be
all that is required
SUITABLE AND SUFFICIENT. Risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient.
You need to be able to show that:
• A proper check was made
• You asked who might be affected
• You dealt with all the obvious significant hazards, taking into account the
number of people who could be involved
• The precautions are reasonable, and the remaining risk is low.
31
EXAMPLE OF A RISK ASSESSMENT FOR INDOOR BUILDING/CENTRE BASED
ACTIVITIES
To be completed/reviewed quarterly
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
1. PEOPLE
1.1 Young People: Are individual needs
considered – including medical?
Are there particular behavioural issues?
Do young people know which staffs are
responsible for them?
1.2 Staff: Do the staff have the necessary
experience, confidence and expertise?
Do the staffs have the necessary
training/qualifications?
Do the staffs fully understand their roles and
responsibilities?
Do they know which young people they are
responsible for? Is there a register or list of
names?
Are external staff qualifications checked e.g.
Arts/Drama Worker?
What are the roles of non Youth
Work/support/voluntary/specialist staff?
Do the activities meet the guidelines for staff
to participant ratios?
What risk assessment information does staff
32
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
need?
2 BUILDING Room / Space: Are the limits
defined?
Are the potential hazards identified and
young people forewarned?
Are potential hazards minimised?
Emergency Procedures: Are all staff familiar
with these procedures?
Does the Centre Manager have a list of all
emergency contact numbers?
Have you done a practice Fire Drill involving
staff and young people within the last six
months?
First Aid: Has the First Aid Kit been checked
within the last six months?
How many staff is qualified in First Aid?
Any other considerations?
3 ACTIVITY ORGANISATION
Equipment: Is the equipment appropriate for
the activities to be undertaken?
Resources: Are the resources available
appropriate for the activity?
Are resources sufficient to support the
activities?
33
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
Other: Any other considerations?
Signed……………………………………………….
Position within organisation…………………………
Date: ………………………………………………….
34
EXAMPLE OF A RISK ASSESSMENT FOR OUTDOOR BASED ACTIVITIES
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
1.PEOPLE
Young People: Have Parental Consent Forms
been completed for all participants?
Has a participant list been sent to the relevant
people/agencies?
Are individual needs considered – including
medical?
Are there particular behaviour issues?
Are clear behavioural standards established
and agreed?
Do young people know which staffs are
responsible for them?
Worker: Do the staff have the necessary
experience, confidence and expertise?
Does the staff s have the necessary
qualifications?
Does staff s fully understand their roles and
responsibilities?
Do they know which young people they are
responsible for?
Other: What are the roles of non Youth Work
/support /voluntary/specialist staff?
Do the activities meet the guidelines ratios for
staff to participants?
What risk assessment information does the
staff need?
35
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
2.CONTEXT
Journey: Do we need to consider length of
journey?
How will we keep the young people
occupied/interested?
Organisation of embarking/disembarking
transport?
Assembly/Dispersal points agreed?
Seating arrangements?
Head counts – how frequent?
First Aid Kit?
Procedures: Organisation for transport
stops?
Organisation for groups walking on/crossing
roads?
What are appropriate standards of
behaviour?
Register of group?
Safe assembly point?
Head counts/buddy systems?
SECURITY OF ACCOMMODATION (If
residential): How do you allocate
accommodation for young people?
How are staff and young people made aware
of accommodation rules and regulations e.g.
Fire escapes, use of rooms etc.
Allocation of staff bedrooms?
Arrangements for patrolling rota?
36
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
Do they have a current fire
certification/insurance etc?
Are other groups using the accommodation –
does this have any implications?
Equipment: Is equipment appropriate for the
activity undertaken?
Seasonal Considerations: What clothing is
appropriate?
What equipment do they need?
Have weather forecasts been taken into
account?
Is the duration of event suitable?
Preparation and training of the group?
Is there any need to amend staffing ratio?
Is there any need to amend programme?
Is there any need to amend back up?
Should programme be cancelled in the event
of extreme weather conditions?
Transport: Are driver regulations/legislation
met?
Does the coach/minibus have seat belts?
How do we ensure that young people are
wearing seat belts?
Have you agreed stops?
Potential hazards identified and pupils/staff
forewarned?
37
CENTRE PROJECTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY/PROGRAMME
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
LEVEL OF
RISK L/M/H
WHO IS AFFECTED? YOUNG
PEOPLE/
STAFF/COMMUNITY?
COMPLETED Y/N
STAFF INVOLVED IN RISK ASSESSMENT
PRECAUTIONS/PREVENTATIVE
MEASURES IN PLACE/ TAKEN
3. ACTIVITY ORGANISATION
Group Organisation: First aid kit checked?
Are emergency procedures known?
Suitability of activity for age/experience?
Does the provider have appropriate
qualifications/Insurance (If external)?
Behaviour/Discipline: Are young people
fully aware of behaviour expectations?
Are the staffs fully familiar with young
peoples’ expectations for behaviour?
Are rules for supervision agreed?
Working Areas: Are the limits defined?
Are the potential hazards identified and
young people forewarned?
Are potential hazards minimised?
Are staffs familiar with the area?
If a visit to shops what precautions are taken
to ensure young people are safe?
3.5 Assemble/Dispersal: Arrangements for
assemble at start of visit/at a shop/visiting a
site/in the town?
Clear arrangements for dispersal at end of
visit?
Signed: ……………………………………………….
38
Position in organisation …………………………………
Date: ……………………………………………………..
39