Children’s Safeguarding Policy

Revised May 2012

Cole Andrew

Head of Aspen & AEN

Children’s Safeguarding Policy

Index:

Section 1: General Introductionpage 3

Section 2:Duty of Carepage 7

Approach to medical Conditionspage 7

First Aid Policy & Guidelinespage 9

Health & Safetypage 10

Section 3:Specific policiespage 15

Child Protection Policypage 15

Physical Contact PolicyPage 22

Whistle Blowing Policypage 24

Policy for Looked After Childrenpage 25

Safe Recruitmentpage 28

Managing the disclosure of information

where school children may be at risk of

abduction, accosting or other crime.page 29

Procedures for children uncollected

after school hourspage 29

Internet Protectionpage 30

Section 4: Behaviour Managementpage 33

Behaviour Policy – summarypage 33

Bullyingpage 34

Physical Interventionspage 40

Section 5:Educationpage 44

LRE programmepage 44

PSHE Curriculumpage 46

Emotional Supportpage 48

Drug Education Policypage 49

Section 6Summarypage 50

Appendices:

1:Every Child Matters – a summarypage 51

2:Safe Schools Charterpage 53

3:Matrix of Children in Needpage 54

4:School CP recordspage 56

5:Body Mappage 63

6:Revised CHIN/CP process flowchartpage 64

7:Domestic Violence Guidelines page 67

8:Flow chart – Allegations against staffpage 69

9:KCC – Children’s Safeguard Service 2006page 70

Section One - General Introduction

It is the duty of a school to establish good practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in their care. This document has been developed to provide a comprehensive guide to the procedures within Whitfield and Aspen School to ensure all aspects of Every Child Matters1 are achieved. In addition the school has signed up to the “Safe Schools Charter” - promoted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.2 The school gained Safe Schools Accreditation in September 2009.

“Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfES, 2006) offers a clear distinction:

‘Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment
  • preventing impairment of children’s health or development
  • ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.’

‘Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm.’ The inference is that safeguarding and child protection are different, but part of a single continuum. Safeguarding activity is universal and based on prevention of harm and the promotion of wellbeing of all children, while child protection deals with identified risk.

Ofsted proposes a very useful definition of safeguarding in its Briefing for section 5inspectors on safeguarding children (Ofsted, 2009): ‘Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. It includes issues for schools such as:

  • Pupil health and safety
  • Bullying
  • Racist abuse
  • Harassment and discrimination
  • Use of physical intervention
  • Meeting the needs of pupils with medical conditions
  • Providing first aid
  • Drug and substance misuse
  • Educational visits
  • Intimate care
  • Internet safety
  • Issues which may be specific to a local area or population, for example gang activity
  • School security.”

The Child Protection & Safeguarding Handbook for Schools – Ann Raymond 20093

Every Child Matters laid down the five outcomes that are seen as the key to a child’s well-being throughout their education

These outcomes are:

  • Being healthy
  • Staying safe
  • Enjoying and achieving
  • Making a positive contribution
  • Achieving economic well-being.

It is the duty of a school to provide appropriate education for all children to meet their individual needs as well as providing the environment for learning to take place within which children feel safe. This policy deals with all those aspects to enable the guidelines developed by the Dfes4to be achieved.

The ten key elements of the national framework are:

  1. The duty to cooperate to promote the well-being of children and young people
  2. The duty to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
  3. The development of statutory local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) to replace non-statutory area child protection committees (ACPCs)
  4. The appointment of local directors of children services
  5. The National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services
  6. The Outcomes Framework
  7. The development of an integrated inspection framework
  8. The appointment of a Children's Commissioner
  9. The development of a Common Assessment Framework
  10. Workforce reform to help develop skills and ensure staffing levels are maintained

Whitfield and Aspen School has developed an Equal Opportunities Policy5 which state the following aims and principles:

AIMS

To maintain a caring school community which is concerned for the quality of experience provided for each and every pupil.

To maximise pupils’ potential through stimulating their motivation to learn, meeting individual needs and extending expectations and aspirations.

To encourage in pupil’s positive attitudes to learning, a pride in themselves and their work through a shared Code of Behaviour.

To help pupils to achieve and demonstrate confidence in their abilities and skills.

To inspire awareness and understanding of individual differences and disability, and to strive for equality of opportunity for all.

To keep what we do under review so that we can change where necessary, but continue to maintain continuity and quality.

To achieve these aims through professionalism and experience of our staff, through open and trusting relationships with parents, through the supportive role of governors enhancing the working relationships between the school, parents and wider community.

PRINCIPLES

The school is committed to changing attitudes and opinions; changing the behaviour of people towards each other; improving access to learning opportunities and levels of achievement for all groups and individuals.

The school is committed to the development of an ethos and values which:

  • Raise the self-esteem of adults and children in an environment conducive to the realisation of true potential;
  • Recognises the interdependence between the quality of service and equality;
  • Acknowledges the dignity and mutual respect of individuals.
  • Provides an inclusive learning environment to enable individuals to be treated equally but not necessarily the same.

In addition the school Race Equality Policy6 States:

“Whitfield and Aspen School are committed to an inclusive ethos based on respect for, and celebration of, ethnic diversity. The school strives to prepare all pupils for living in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society. The school will strive to promote race equality in all dimensions of the school's life and community.

We will:

  • Take positive action to eliminate racial discrimination and harassment
  • Promote equality of opportunity for all members of the school community
  • Promote good relations between people of different racial groups

Cultural and ethnic diversity will be valued in the curriculum, in the school workforce, the governing body, the parental body and the student body. We will ensure that the culture and ethos of the school places equal value on the diverse racial faith and ethnic group; and the cultural and linguistic heritage represented in our society.

We acknowledge and value all ethnic and national groups represented in the school community, including Asylum Seekers, Refugees, Gypsies and other Travellers.

We recognise we live in a multi-cultural and multi faith community and we will strive to recruit a workforce to reflect this.

We endorse the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report.”

In line with these policies the school has produced the following:

Whitfield & Aspen School - Statement of Equality7

This school recognises the equality in rights and status of all pupils within. It recognises that all children have a variety of needs and will support them in meeting those needs and promoting the philosophy of inclusive learning.

All those connected with the school are expected to adhere to this statement as it is felt that this is fundamental to the protection and well being of all within our school.

In addition all those working within school have adopted the following Dignity at Work Policy8 which states:

“Whitfield School and Aspen is an organisation with many individuals and groups contributing, in diverse ways, to its work. The purpose of this policy is to state a commitment to develop a culture of personal and organisational integrity and professionalism, in which dignity and respect are valued, and unacceptable behaviour is identified and dealt with quickly, fairly and sensitively.

Statements of beliefs

  • Whitfield and Aspen School values diversity amongst its membership, officers and employees. It enriches and informs the work of the School.
  • Whitfield and Aspen School believes that where individuals and groups are confident that they will be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect, there is a positive influence on the lives of everyone working on behalf or within the School. As well as the personal benefits, the school’s reputation as an organisation and employer is also enhanced.
  • The creation and maintenance of an environment of mutual trust and respect is both an organisational and personal responsibility.
  • Whitfield and Aspen School understands that an environment that does not treat individuals or groups with dignity will have a detrimental effect upon the health, confidence, morale, and performance of those affected by it.
  • Whitfield and Aspen School is opposed to any behaviour that has a negative impact on the dignity of individuals or groups.
  • Whitfield and Aspen School will provide clear policies that clarify what it deems, morally and legally, to be unacceptable behaviour so that it can be identified and eliminated.”

References:

1. DFES (Nov 2003) Every Child Matters: Green Paper

2. Suzy Lamplugh Trust (2006) SAFE School Project

3. The Child Protection & Safeguarding Handbook for Schools – Ann Raymond 2009

4. DFES (Nov 2004) Every Child Matters: Change for Children

5. Whitfield & Aspen School (May 2008) Equal Opportunities Policy

6 Whitfield & Aspen School (Nov 2009) Race Equality Statement

7Whitfield & Aspen School Statement of Equality (November 2005)

Dfes(2006) Implementing the Disability Discrimination Act in Schools and Colleges

Whitfield & Aspen School (2008) Disability Equality Scheme

8 Whitfield & Aspen School Dignity of Working (Jan 2010)

Additional References

KSCB/MSCB (2007) Kent & Medway Safeguarding Handbook

Section Two - Duty of Care

A school has the duty of care for all those attending school. This is defined within the term loco parentis: i.e. the legal responsibility to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a prudent parent.

Duty of Care is the duty which rests upon an individual or organisation to ensure all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of a child or young person involved in any activity or interaction for which that individual or organisation is responsible. Any person in charge of, or working with children and young people in any capacity is considered, both legally and morally to owe them a duty of care.1

This means that adults should2:

  • understand the responsibilities, which are part of their employment or role, and be aware that sanctions will be applied if these provisions are breached
  • always act, and be seen to act, in the child’s best interests
  • avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions
  • take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour.

When considering a child’s medical needs, the following guidelines have been developed

“Whitfield & Aspen School’s approach to working with children with medical conditions

As a school which is committed to inclusive education, Whitfield and Aspen’s approach is to accept children with medical conditions, including epilepsy, which may require medication/treatment to be administered on-site. Many schools will not accept such children unless they have medically qualified staff available on-site and some teaching unions advise against non-medical staff being involved in the administration of any treatment or medication. This is because staff are particularly vulnerable in these situations, with regard to complaints or even legal action by parents/carers.* Accepting such children, especially at Aspen, therefore requires a high degree of trust and co-operation between school staff and parents. If this relationship breaks down for any reason, the vulnerability of staff is increased.

Some special schools are considering separate PMLD classes to cope with vulnerable children. This is not a route we are proposing to take. We aim to be part of an inclusive school and accept that for some children, this may represent an additional but acceptable element of risk for the majority of parents who choose to send their child to Whitfield and Aspen school.

Certain members of staff are trained to administer such medications as rectal valium in the case of epileptic seizures, but have to follow a set procedure if a child fails to respond within a specified period of time. Our policy, which we would expect to be supported by parents, is to call the main carer/s in the case of any situation where hospitalisation of the child was required/likely to be required. This is particularly important when the child’s condition could be potentially life-threatening.

If the child goes on to make a good recovery after the parent has been called, this does not indicate that staff have acted incorrectly, but have followed laid- down procedures If staff feel their actions will be subject to critical scrutiny, they are more likely to err on the side of caution.

We do understand that when some parents are called from work, this can cause difficulties for them, particularly if they do not have a sympathetic employer. Many staff are parents of school-age children themselves and are in a similar situation with regards to collecting children in emergencies or bad weather conditions. We do not call parents without good reason and do all we can to avoid an unnecessary request to collect a child.

We expect the following to apply to all children at Whitfield & Aspen School:

  • The main carer will always be contacted if their child sustains an injury, other than a minor injury.
  • If the main carer cannot attend or be contacted, any other emergency contact person to be willing to accept full responsibility for the child after collecting them from school. If the child has a medical condition, they have been made aware of this by the parent and they are prepared to accept responsibility for the child, in the absence of the parent.
  • Private arrangements for transport cannot be the responsibility of the school. Any necessary facilities- safety seats, harnesses etc to transport the child safely will be a matter for the parent and the contact person to arrange.”

The school has therefore developed a Medical Needs Policy3 in line with Dfes guidelines4.

This lays down guidelines and procedures to ensure that medication is controlled and children are not at risk in any way. The extract below give the basis upon which the policy has been developed.

“Definition:

Children who have medical conditions, which, if not properly managed, could limit their access to education, are regarded as having medical needs.

This definition does not apply to the majority of children who have a short-term condition that requires a course of medication. The above definition therefore applies to conditions such as epilepsy, asthma etc. It also applies to children requiring support for feeding and toileting needs.

Principles:

The school recognises that there are many conditions affecting children in school and positively welcomes children into school. The inclusive approach of Whitfield and Aspen School enables pupils to take a full part within school activities.

This school encourages children with medical needs to achieve their potential in all aspects of school life by having a clear policy that is understood by school staff, pupils and parents, the Governing Body and the local education authority.

The school encourages children to take responsibility for their own medication where possible and appropriate.

Duty:

It is the duty of the governing body to develop and the Headteacher to implement the policy for children with medical needs and to ensure appropriate detailed procedures are in place. Within Aspen the initial delegation of this responsibility is to the Headteacher (AEN).

Teachers and other school staff have a common law duty to act as any reasonably prudent parent would to make sure that pupils are healthy and safe on school premises (or on off-site activities). (This duty might extend to the administration of medicines or taking emergency action. i.e. rectal valium.)

However, there is no legal or contractual duty on teachers or staff to administer medicine or supervise a pupil taking it.

The LEA should recognise that staff taking any action as indicated above do so in a voluntary capacity and the LEA takes full responsibility for this action and to ensure that a procedure is in place to support staff.”

It is recognised that in recent years some children have been entering school with high level medical care needs. It is important that these children are protected and provided for by medically trained staff and the school is provided this support and not expected to carry out duties that will put the child or staff at risk. The school will accept children who have a designated 24 hour medical care plan providing that appropriate trained medical carers are provided. The responsibility for this lies with the health authority. Without this cover the school will not accept the child on to their roll. Likewise if accepted and the support is temporarily unavailable the school will not allow the child to attend for that day.

First Aid Policy and Guidelines5

First Aid is an essential part of Safeguarding children and a summary of the policy follows.

Definition:

The first aid manual defines FIRST AID as being:

“… the initial assistance or treatment given to a casualty for an injury or sudden illness before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor or other qualified person.”

Our intention is to give FIRST AID and then pass the casualty on to another responsible or qualified person.

Aims:

-To preserve life

-To limit the effects of the condition

-To promote recovery