Self-Harm Is a Coping Mechanism for Individuals Who Are Attempting to Manage Challenging

SELF-HARM POLICY

v.15

Whole Trust? No (PPC) / Statutory? No / Website? Yes
Reviewed: February 2015 / Next review: February 2016

Self-harm is a coping mechanism for individuals who are attempting to manage challenging emotions. It is any behaviour which causes deliberate physical pain or injury and is aimed at reducing the emotional pain and distress of the individual concerned.

ALL incidents of self-harm are to be taken seriously. As a College we aim to provide the most appropriate emotional support possible.

Aim:

·  How to deal with pupils who self-harm and how to offer support in the short and long-term

·  To increase understanding and awareness of self-harm

·  To alert staff to warning signs and risk factors

·  To support staff members who come into contact with pupils who self-harm

·  To have clear guidelines for staff – who needs to be informed, when do parents and outside agencies need contacting?

·  Education about self-harm for pupils and staff

Self-harm can include:

·  Cutting themselves

·  Scratching themselves

·  Banging and bruising themselves

·  Scrubbing or scouring their body

·  Deliberate bone breaking

·  Burning or scalding their body

·  Punching themselves

·  Swallowing inappropriate objects or liquids

·  Sticking things into their body

·  Biting themselves

·  Pulling their hair or eyelashes out

·  Taking too many tablets (overdose)

·  Attempting to terminate an unwanted pregnancy

·  Controlled eating – anorexia, bulimia, over - eating

·  Drug and alcohol abuse

Recognising warning signs:

For some individuals there will no specific warning signs that they are engaging in or contemplating self-harming. For others, the following signs may include:

·  Abusing drugs/alcohol

·  Lack of self-esteem, being overly negative, feelings of failure

·  Bullying of others, more aggressive or introverted than usual

·  Becoming socially withdrawn or a change in friendships

·  Lowering of academic standards

·  Regular bandaged wrists or arms

·  Obvious cuts, burns or scratches (that do not look like accidents)

·  A reluctance to participate in Games or to change clothes (wearing long sleeves)

·  Frequent accidents that cause physical injuries

Risk factors:

The following factors may make a pupil more vulnerable to self-harm:

·  Depression/anxiety

·  Low self esteem

·  Recent trauma – bereavement or parental divorce

·  Bullying

·  Pressure to achieve from parents

·  Abuse – sexual, physical, emotional, neglect

·  Relationship difficulties with family or friends

·  Drug or alcohol abuse

·  Issues around sexuality

·  Self-harm, depression or suicide in the family

·  Copycat behaviour

·  Media influence

Staff roles:

All incidents of self-harm must be reported to the Child Protection Officer and/or his Deputies who are the responsible designated staff.

The above staff member(s) will:

·  Keep records in writing of self-harm incidents and concerns

·  Know when to seek help from local services (for example doctor, nurse, CAMHS, social workers, educational psychologists, counsellor)

·  Liaise with local services for the best help available for a pupil who self-harms

·  Contact parent(s) or guardian(s) at the appropriate time, wherever possible involve the pupil. Monitor the pupil’s progress following an incident. The Medical Centre nurse to complete a Welfare Plan

·  Keep up to date with information about self-harm

·  Liaise with the Head Master as appropriate

All staff and teachers are expected to:

·  Listen to pupils in emotional distress calmly and in a non-judgemental way

·  Speak confidentially to the designated person(s) if they become aware of a pupil who is self-harming

·  Not promise confidentiality which cannot be kept if a pupil is at serious risk, but reassure pupils that in order to help, other people may have to be involved on a need to know basis

·  Guide pupils towards appropriate help and support

·  Provide accurate information about self-harm

·  Broaden their personal knowledge about self-harm and mental health disorders

·  Be aware of health and safety issues such as first-aid and clearing up if a self-harm incident takes place at the College

·  Be aware of their legal responsibilities – when they can help, and when they cannot

Flow Diagram of action to be taken:

Any meetings with a pupil, their parents, or peers regarding self-harm should be recorded in writing, including:

Pupils will be encouraged to:

Pupils will be encouraged to:

·  Talk to an appropriate staff member if they are in emotional distress

·  Not display wounds/injuries. These must be dressed appropriately

·  Alert a teacher/school nurse if they suspect a fellow pupil of being suicidal or at serious risk of harm to themselves, and know when confidentiality must be broken.

Pupils should understand that, by seeking help, they are taking responsible action and being a good friend

When a pupil is self-harming, it is important to be vigilant in case close peers are also self-harming. Occasionally, this copycat behaviour occurs in schools

Any meeting with a pupil, their parents or their peers regarding self-harm must be recorded in writing with

·  Dates and times

·  Concerns raised

·  An action plan

·  Details of anyone else who has been informed

Linked policies:

·  Safeguarding Children and Child Protection

·  Medical Policy

·  First Aid Policy

·  Eating Disorder Policy

·  Sexual Health Policy

·  Counter bullying Policy

·  Policy on response to incidents involving blood and body fluid spillage

Useful Resources and Helplines:

Child line – 24 hour helpline for children and young people.

0800 1111 (free phone from landlines)
www.childline.org.uk

Young Minds – national charity committed to improving the mental health of children and young people. Website for advice and information
www.youngminds.org.uk

Recover Your Life – support and advice to those seeking to recover from self-harm.
www.recoveryourlife.com

National self-harm network – support for individuals who self-harm, friends and family.
www.nshn.co.uk

Frances Whittington

Sister. 04/02/2015

Review: Feb.2016

Prior Park Educational Trust, Charity No: 281242, Co. No: 01521832, Registered Office: Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Combe Down, Bath BA2 5AH

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