Key personnel - The BRIT School

SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
THE BRIT SCHOOL COMMITMENT
The BRIT School, is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and
promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have
about their own safety or the well-being of others.
Our policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school and takes into account statutory
guidance provided by the Department for Education and local guidance issued by the Croydon Safeguarding Children
Board.
We will ensure that all parents/carers are made aware of our responsibilities with regard to child protection
procedures and how we will safeguard and promote the welfare of their children through the publication of this
school safeguarding and child protection policy on our website.
The school’s Child Protection policy draws upon duties conferred by S27 Children Act 1989, S175 of the 2002
Education Act and the guidance contained in “Keeping children safe in education”, “Working Together to Safeguard
Children”, “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused”, the Circular, Safeguarding Children in Education
(DfES/0027/2005), and the related guidance (DfES/2044/2055), as well as procedures produced by the London Area
Child Protection Committee (ACPC) and Croydon LA. The Policy is in line with Ofsted guidance relating to
safeguarding released in January 2015. It conforms to the publication ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment
in Education. The policy is applicable to all on and off-site activities undertaken by students whilst they are the
responsibility of The BRIT School.
RELATED POLICIES
This policy links closely with the following related policies: Additional Educational Needs, Anti-Bullying, Attendance
Policy, Behaviour Management, Drugs Policy, Educational Visits, Equal Opportunities, E-Safety, Harassment, Health
and Safety, Home-school Agreement Document, Physical intervention/positive handling (Use of Force), Safer
recruitment policy, School Access Policy, Sex education, Staff Code of Conduct policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
All adults working at The BRIT School (including visiting staff, volunteers and students on placement) are required to
report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Deputy Designated Persons with responsibility
for child protection.
Key personnel
The designated senior person (DSP) for child protection is Stuart Worden
email: sworden@brit.croydon.sch.uk Tel: 020 8865 8614
The deputy designated persons are Wendy Adams (KS4) and Claire Mullord (KS5)
email: wadams@brit.croydon.sch.uk Tel: 020 8665 8671
email: cmullord@brit.croydon.sch.uk Tel: 020 8665 8615
The nominated child protection governor is Maggie Crowe
email: Maggie.Crowe@bpi.co.uk Tel: 020 7803 1300
Should it be necessary, in extreme cases, CP cases will be referred to the Principal, Stuart Worden. The Principal will
also be copied in on all referrals made to the duty desk at Social Services.
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The Designated Person is also the focal point for staff who have concerns about an individual child’s safety and the
first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing Child Protection investigations.
The Designated Person also co-ordinates the school’s representation at CP conferences and Core Group meetings
and the submission of written reports for conferences. When an individual concern/incident is brought to the notice
of the Designated Person, they will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported to the
Social Services Department as a safeguarding concern. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this
concern, or disagreement between the Designated Person and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice
will be sought from the Deputy Designated Person, Vice Principal, or the governor link.
In the case of allegations against a member of staff, the Principal or Safeguarding Governor should be informed.
He/she will first discuss the allegation with the Principal before agreeing what follow-up actions are necessary, such
as consulting with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The Principal should also be informed of any
allegations against staff that are made directly to the police or children’s social care.
If the decision is taken to refer a child to the relevant Children’s Social Care team (Children’s Services,) their
parent/carer will normally be contacted beforehand. However, if the concern involves any allegation where the
Designated Person has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the
child or a staff member, nothing will be said ahead of the referral.
In circumstances where a child has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP
referral process should not delay the administration of First Aid or emergency medical assistance. If a student is
thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, drunkenness, substance misuse or other incapacity
or threats to remove the child during the school day, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested.
Where it is suspected that a child might be at risk of significant harm, nothing will be said to the child’s parent/carer
without the approval of the Designated Person and, as appropriate, the Social Services Department. Where a child
sustains physical injury or is distressed as a result of reported chastisement or alleges that they have been chastised
by the use of an implement or substance, this will immediately be reported for Social Services/ police investigation.
Referrals to Social Services will be confirmed in writing, using the relevant Inter-agency Referral Form (CAF, EHAF
etc) and copied to the LA’s Lead Officer.
All parents applying for places at The BRIT School are informed of our safeguarding responsibilities and the existence
of this policy. All relevant documents are also displayed on the website. In situations where students sustain injury or
are otherwise affected by an accident or incident whilst they are the responsibility of the school, parents will be
notified of this as soon as possible.
The BRIT School recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers, or others (including the parents or
carers of other students), who may wish to harm children on the school site, or students travelling to and from The
BRIT School. In such cases, we will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks.
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VULNERABLE STUDENTS
Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of students who are the subjects of Child Protection Plans and any
incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to the allocated Social Worker and
confirmed in writing; copied to the LA Lead Officer. If the student in question is a ‘Looked After ’child, this will also
be brought to the notice of the Designated Teacher with responsibility for children in public care.
If a student discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a
household which is affected by family violence, this will be referred to the Designated Person as a child protection
concern. The BRIT School acknowledges the additional needs for support and protection of children who are
vulnerable by virtue of disability, homelessness, refugee/asylum seeker status, and the effects of substance abuse
within the family, those who are young carers and students who are excluded from The BRIT School.
We acknowledge that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress
through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, school work or other children. The BRIT School has a strong
commitment to an anti-bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate child on child behaviour
and sexual activity within a Child Protection context.
Whilst the Sexual Offences Act 2003 recognises that mutually agreed, non-exploitative sexual activity between
teenagers does take place and that often no harm comes from it, any sexual activity between an adult and a young
person under 16 is a criminal offence. This acknowledges that this group of young people is still vulnerable, even
when they do not view themselves as such. Where sexual activity involving a child aged 13 - 15 is disclosed to a
member of the Safeguarding Team, the professional must consider whether they should discuss the case with other
agencies and whether they should make a referral to children’s social care, discussing it with the Designated
Safeguarding Lead if unsure how to proceed.
Where the sexual activity is known to be with an adult this must be referred to children’s social care unless there are
reasons to believe that the child is not suffering, and is not likely to suffer, significant harm. Any decision not to do
so must be fully documented, giving detailed reasons. In all cases the professional should provide the child with
information on staying safe and being healthy.
SAFEGUARDING PUPILS/STUDENTS WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO EXTREMISM
Since 2010, when the Government published the Prevent Strategy, there has been an awareness of the specific need
to safeguard children, young people and families from violent extremism. There have been several occasions
nationally in which extremist groups have attempted to radicalise vulnerable children and young people to hold
extreme views including views justifying political, religious, sexist or racist violence, or to steer them into a rigid and
narrow ideology that is intolerant of diversity and leaves them vulnerable to future radicalisation.
The BRIT School values freedom of speech and the expression of beliefs / ideology as fundamental rights
underpinning our society’s values. Both pupils/students and teachers have the right to speak freely and voice their
opinions. However, freedom comes with responsibility and free speech that is designed to manipulate the
vulnerable or that leads to violence and harm of others goes against the moral principles in which freedom of speech
is valued. Free speech is not an unqualified privilege; it is subject to laws and policies governing equality, human
rights, community safety and community cohesion.
The current threat from terrorism in the United Kingdom may include the exploitation of vulnerable people, to
involve them in terrorism or in activity in support of terrorism. The normalisation of extreme views may also make
children and young people vulnerable to future manipulation and exploitation. The BRIT School is clear that this
exploitation and radicalisation should be viewed as a safeguarding concern. Definitions of radicalisation and
extremism, and indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation are in Appendix 10.
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The BRIT School seeks to protect children and young people against the messages of all violent extremism including,
but not restricted to, those linked to Islamist ideology, or to Far Right / Neo Nazi / White Supremacist ideology, Irish
Nationalist and Loyalist paramilitary groups, and extremist Animal Rights movements.
When any member of staff has concerns that a pupil may be at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism,
they should speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and create a CPOMS alert, in line with the school’s
safeguarding procedures, forwarding to the relevant deputy designated lead, copying in the Principal. Once a referral
is received these staff will seek advice from the Carl Parker in the Safety Division, Croydon Borough and/or the
Metropolitan Police Services’ Counter Terrorism Branch (SO15) for advice.
SAFEGUARDING PUPILS/STUDENTS WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO EXPLOITATION, FORCED MARRIAGE, FEMALE
GENITAL MUTILATION, OR TRAFFICKING
Our safeguarding policy above through the school’s values, ethos and behaviour policies provides the basic platform
to ensure children and young people are given the support to respect themselves and others, stand up for
themselves and protect each other. Our school keeps itself up to date on the latest advice and guidance provided to
assist in addressing specific vulnerabilities and forms of exploitation. Our staff are supported to recognise warning
signs and symptoms in relation to specific issues, include such issues in an age appropriate way in their curriculum.
Our Safeguarding Team knows where to seek and get advice as necessary, and regularly bring in experts and use
specialist material to support the work we do.
MISSING CHILDREN
Attendance, absence and exclusions are closely monitored. A child going missing from education is a potential
indicator of abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. The DDSPs will monitor unauthorised
absence at each key stage and take appropriate action, particularly where children go missing on repeated occasions
and/or are missing for periods during the school day.
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH CP CONCERNS AND INFORMATION
Any member of staff with a child protection concern will alert the relevant deputy designated lead immediately
verbally and follow up with a written concern using the online CPOMS referral alert (or in case where there is no
access to the network The BRIT School Safeguarding Referral Form). This form can be found on the staff common
area and staff are encouraged to keep a blank copy in their own files.
The deputy designated lead will immediately read the concern and either:
a) Address it themselves, giving it immediate attention
b) Refer it on to the main designated person if they feel that they need support or further expertise with the incident
c) Pass it on to the main designated or another deputy designated person if they are teaching at that time and
cannot therefore action it rapidly
If the deputy designated person is not available, the concern may be raised with the Principal who will consult with
the pastoral teams and advise on the appropriate course of action.
All concerns of a child protection nature will automatically be referred to the relevant duty desk, dependant on
which borough the student resides, as other professionals may hold additional information on a child or family which
escalate the nature of the concern.
As professionals we have a responsibility to share information with appropriate agencies in the interests of the
safety of our students.
Verbal referrals to the duty desk will be immediate upon receipt of a concern. This will be followed up with the
correct referral form within 24 hours.
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This form will be uploaded and put onto the student’s file within the CPOMS database. If the case is new, the person
making the referral becomes the named person for the case.
All paperwork relating to the student should then be filed within that file and a note of it made on the index sheet at
the front of the file.
Whenever anything to do with a child protection student happens, this should be logged within 24 hours onto the
CPOMS database area for child protection and welfare. This is the single central record for all child protection
concerns. The Designated Person will ensure that this is printed off monthly and a copy put into the front of the child
protection filing cabinet, in case the system is down at any time when information is needed.
TRAINING
All staff will be expected to attend whole school training on safeguarding that will enable them to effectively fulfil
their responsibilities in respect of child protection. The BRIT School will provide this training through the Designated
Person. Staff will attend refresher training every three years. All newly recruited staff, teaching, non-teaching and
temporary staff, will receive safeguarding training. The Designated Person (and the Deputies) will receive full
safeguarding training from the LA’s dedicated induction course and then refresher training at least every two years.
Designated staff will be encouraged to attend appropriate network meetings and to participate in the multi-agency
training programme organised by the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board.
RECRUITMENT
The BRIT School has put in place safer recruitment procedures at all levels. All staff recruited to The BRIT School will
be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks. References will be verified and Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) checks undertaken. Consultation with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will be
completed before staff are appointed and commence their duties. Agencies provide the school with DBS information
on supply teachers. A Single Central Register is held for all staff and others in Regulated Activity at the school.
The Principal and members of the Senior Leadership Team have undertaken Safer Recruitment Training through
nationally accredited programmes.
VOLUNTEERS
Any parent or other person/organisation engaged by The BRIT School to work in a voluntary capacity with students
will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Criminal Records Checks. Where it is not appropriate to
DBS/PoCAL check volunteers, they will be asked to provide references and will be asked to sign a declaration that
they have not been convicted of any criminal or disciplinary offence which would preclude their employment as a
worker with children. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established staff member and will be
subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of The BRIT School. Volunteers will at no time be given
responsibility for the personal care of students. Voluntary sector groups that operate within this school provide offsite services for our students or use school facilities will be expected to adhere to this policy or operate a policy
which is compliant with the procedures adopted by the Croydon Area Safeguarding Children Board. Premises lettings
are subject to acceptance of this requirement. Catering and leisure contractors are also subject to acceptance of this
requirement.
STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT
All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with students
and their families. Children will be treated with respect and dignity and no punishment, detention, restraint,
sanctions or rewards are allowed outside of those detailed in the Behaviour Management Policy. Whilst it would be
unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and children, staff are expected to
exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or
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misinterpretation. Where incidents occur which might otherwise be misconstrued, or in the exceptional
circumstances where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own protection or others’ safety,
this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the Principal and parents. Any physical restraint used will comply
with DfE and LA guidance and the school’s own policy.
Except in cases of emergency, First Aid will only be administered by qualified First Aiders. If it is necessary for the
child to remove clothing for First Aid treatment, there will, wherever possible, be another adult of the same gender
present. This would be avoided except in an emergency. If a child needs help with toileting, changing or washing,
another adult should be present or within earshot. If a male member of staff is providing any form of intimate care, a
female colleague will be present.
All First Aid treatment and non-routine changing or personal care will be recorded and shared with parents/carers at
the earliest opportunity. Children requiring regular medication or therapies for long-term medical conditions will be
made the subject of a Medical Plan that has been agreed with the parents and health authority.
For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with students.
Other than in formal teaching situations; musical instrument tuition, for example, the door to the room in which the
teaching, counselling or meeting is taking place should be left open. Where this is not practicable because of the
need for confidentiality or disturbance to others, another member of staff will be made aware that the room is in
use.
Staff should also be alert to the possible risks that might arise from social contact with students outside of The BRIT
School. Home visits to students should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Principal.
Visits/telephone calls by students to the homes of staff members should only occur in exceptional circumstances and
with the prior knowledge and approval of the Principal. Any unplanned contact of this nature or suspected
infatuations or “crushes” will be reported to the Principal. Staff will not disclose their personal telephone numbers
and email addresses to students or parents.
CONTRACTORS
Building contractors who are engaged by or on behalf of the school to undertake works on site will be made aware
of this policy and the reasons for this. Long-term contractors who work regularly in the school during term time will
be asked to provide their consent for DBS checks to be undertaken. These checks will be undertaken when individual
risk assessments by the Senior Leadership Team deem this to be appropriate. During major works, when large
numbers of workers and sub-contractors may be on site during term time, Health and Safety risk assessments will
include the potential for contractors or their employees to have direct access to pupils in non-teaching sessions. All
contractors and sub-contractors will be issued with copies of the school’s code of conduct for staff.
Individuals and organisations that are contracted by the school to work with, or provide services to, pupils will be
expected to adhere to this policy and their compliance will be monitored.
COMPLAINTS/ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST STAFF
The BRIT School takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Procedures are in place for students,
parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member of the staff or
volunteer. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Principal (or Deputy Principal), in
order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns alleged minor physical
mishandling or verbal abuse, this will normally be dealt with under The BRIT School’s complaints procedure.
If the allegation is of physical assault, the Principal will take action in accordance with The BRIT School’s complaints
procedure, unless one of the following criteria applies;
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The allegation is one of actual bodily harm – i.e. an injury has necessitated medical treatment.
There is reason to suspect parental instigation or collusion.
The allegation has been reported to the Police or Social Services by the parent.
The child is Looked After in Public Care.
The child’s name is included in the Child Protection Register.
The child has a disability or Statement of Special Educational Needs.
The member of staff concerned has been subject to previous complaints.
The allegation is one of sexual abuse.
In these cases, advice will be sought from the LADO for education services with a view to a Strategy Meeting or
Discussion being held in accordance with the Croydon SCB procedures. This process will agree upon the appropriate
course of action and the time-scale for investigations.
In considering whether or not a referral to Children’s Services is appropriate, the Principal may seek advice from the
Chair of Governors, the LADO and Human Resources Advisers. Parents should also be advised of their independent
right to make a formal complaint to the Police. Temporary and visiting staff will be subject to the same procedures.
If the complaint concerns alleged abuse by the Principal this should be brought to the attention of the Deputy
Designated Person, who will inform the Chair of Governors. Any complaint concerning alleged abuse by the
Designated Person whether it is the Principal or another member of staff should be reported to the Deputy
Designated Person.
Staff who are formally disciplined for the mistreatment of pupils (or who resign before disciplinary action can be
completed), will be notified to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
The Safeguarding Governor is: Maggie Crowe Maggie.Crowe@bpi.co.uk
The Local Authority is:
Designated Officer (LADO): 020 8726 6000 ex. 84322 or email LADO@croydon.gov.uk
RECORDS
Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents and child protection or child in need concerns relating to
individual pupils and kept on file within the CPOMS database. This information may be shared with other agencies as
appropriate. Parental consent will be sought before making a Child in Need (S17) referral to Children’s Social Care
(Children’s Services). If consent is withheld, consideration will be given to the potential impact of this for the child
and to the need for a child protection referral (S47), which does not require parental consent. The BRIT School will
take into account the views and wishes of the child who is the subject of the concern but staff will be alert to the
dangers of colluding with dangerous “secrets”.
Child protection records are not open to pupils or parents. CP records are kept securely by the Designated Persons
and separately from educational records. They may only be accessed by the Designated Person, their Deputy and the
senior leaders of the school. Referrals made to Children’s Services under the London procedures will be recorded on
the Inter-agency Referral form, with copies sent securely to Children’s Social Care and the LA’s Lead Officer. It is the
responsibility of the Designated Person and Deputy Designated Person to keep CP files up to date.
There is also a secure area on the shared drive which appropriate safeguarding staff may access to aid the
appropriate sharing of information in the interests of safety for the school’s students.
If a student is withdrawn from The BRIT School having not reached the normal date of transfer; due to a family move
or any other reason, all efforts will be made to identify any new address and the School to which they are being
admitted and to ensure that their educational records are sent without delay to that School. If the parent/carer fails
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to provide this information, an urgent referral will be made to the Education Welfare & Attendance Service in order
that they might make further enquiries. If educational records are sent to this school concerning a child who is not
registered by the parent, the records will be returned to the sending School with a note, advising them to refer to
their LA’s Education Welfare Service. A child’s name will only be removed from the School’s Admissions Register in
accordance with the Pupil Registration Regulations or with the authorisation of the school’s Education Welfare &
Attendance Service.
All additions to or deletions from the school Roll will trigger the completion of a Common Transfer File (CTF) which
will be downloaded to the appropriate database via the S2S system. Where an onward destination cannot be
determined and the pupil is of compulsory school age, the CTF will be downloaded to the Lost Pupils’ Database.
The content of Child Protection Conference or Review reports prepared by the school will follow the headings
recommended by Children’s Services and will, wherever possible, be shared with the parents/carer in advance of the
meeting.
The school will require documentary proof as to the identity of pupils presented for admission. If there is any doubt
as to the identity of a pupil, advice will be sought from the local authority and other statutory agencies, as
appropriate. We will maintain accurate records of those with Parental Responsibility and emergency contacts. Pupils
will only be released to the care of those with Parental Responsibility or someone acting with their written consent.
Child Protection records will be sent to receiving schools separately and under a confidential cover.
SAFETY AT THE BRIT SCHOOL
No internal doors to classrooms will be locked whilst students are present in these areas.
Entry to The BRIT School premises will be controlled by doors that are secured physically or by constant staff
supervision or video surveillance. Authorised visitors to The BRIT School will be logged into and out of the premises
and will be asked to wear their identity badges or be issued with a visitor badge. Unidentified visitors will be
challenged by staff or reported to the Principal or site staff. All staff and students in the school wear their identity
badges at all times and are challenged if they are not.
The presence of intruders and suspicious strangers seen loitering near the school, or approaching students, will be
reported to the Police and the LA with a view to alerting other local schools through appropriate systems.
If parents do not wish their children to be photographed or filmed and express this view in writing, their rights will
be respected.
CURRICULUM
The BRIT School acknowledges the important role that the curriculum can play in the prevention of abuse and in the
preparation of our students for the responsibilities of adult life and citizenship. It is expected that all pastoral coordinators will consider the opportunities which exist in their area of responsibility for addressing personal safety
issues. As appropriate, the PPD curriculum will be used to help students to keep safe and to know how to ask for
help if their safety is threatened. As part of developing a healthy, safer life-style, students will be taught, for
example;
 to recognise and manage risks in different situations and then decide how to behave responsibly;
 to judge what kinds of physical contact are acceptable and unacceptable;
 to recognise when pressure from others (including people they know) threatens their personal safety and
well-being; including knowing when and where to get help;
 to use assertiveness techniques to resist unhelpful pressure;
 to understand British values that include democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of
different faiths and beliefs;
 emotional literacy.
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All computer equipment and Internet access within The BRIT School will be subject to appropriate “parental
controls” and Internet safety rules.
The BRIT School will work with partners to support the curriculum with the aim of:
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Developing an ethos and environment which encourages a healthy lifestyle for pupils;
Using the full capacity and flexibility of the curriculum to help students to achieve healthy life-styles;
Ensuring that food and drink available across the school day, reinforces the healthy life-style message;
Providing high quality Physical Education and sport to promote physical activity;
Promoting an understanding of the full range of issues and behaviours which impact upon lifelong health.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best for our children. We will therefore
communicate as clearly as possible about the aims of this school;
 We will try to use clear statements in our brochures and correspondence.
 We will liaise with agencies in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors that are active in supporting
families.
 We will be aware that we have parents/carers who do not have English as their first language.
 We will keep parents informed, as and when appropriate.
COMPLAINTS & MONITORING
All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the school’s complaints procedure,
with reference to the LA’s Designated Officer as necessary.
The Governing Body will consider safeguarding issues and their implications for this policy on an annual basis. For
this item, the Principal will report upon levels of child protection referrals made by the school during the past year,
the training undertaken by staff and Governors, and any changes in legislation or national/local guidance.
List of Appendices
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Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Appendix 8
Appendix 9
Appendix 10
Appendix 11
Roles and Responsibilities & Identifying Concerns
Safeguarding definitions
Records and Monitoring
Chronology
Body Map Guidance for Schools and Body Map Template
Auditing of Pupil Records
Safeguarding referral form
Risk assessment form
Complex Case Panel template
Indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation
Related Policies
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SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 1
Roles and Responsibilities - Senior Designated Person Role
We have a Senior Designated Person for safeguarding children and child protection who has received appropriate
training and support for this role. This Senior Designated Person is a senior member of the school leadership team.
We also have a Deputy Designated Person who will provide additional support to ensure the responsibilities for child
protection and safeguarding children are fully embedded within the school ethos and that specific duties are
discharged. They will assist the Senior Designated Person in dealing with referrals, attending Child Protection
Conferences and supporting the child/children.
We acknowledge the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff in relation to
safeguarding pupils. Our Senior Designated Person will ensure there is a structured procedure within the school,
which will be followed by all of the members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse.
Responsibilities of the Senior Designated Person: Referrals, Tracking and Monitoring
The Senior Designated Person will:
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Refer cases of suspected abuse or allegations to the relevant investigating agencies.
Act as a source of support, advice and expertise within the educational establishment when deciding
whether to make a referral by liaising with relevant agencies.
Liaise with the Principal to inform him of any issues and ongoing investigations. The Senior Designated
Person will ensure there is always cover for this role.
Maintain an overview of all children about whom there are concerns i.e. subject to a child protection plan,
CiN plan, LAC, EHAF or there is a concerns file (Appendix 9 may assist).
Training
The Senior Designated Person will attend training in order to:
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Have a working knowledge of how the London Safeguarding Children Board operates, the conduct of a child
protection conference, and be able to attend and contribute to these effectively when required to do so.
Recognise and identify signs of abuse and understand when it is appropriate to make a referral to children’s
social care.
Ensure each member of staff has access to, and understands this policy, especially new or part-time staff
who may work with different educational establishments.
Ensure all staff receive induction training covering child protection and are able to recognise and report any
concerns immediately they arise.
Be able to keep detailed, accurate and secure written records of referrals/concerns.
Be proactive in identifying suitable training courses that would develop and enhance their knowledge and
attend any relevant or refresher training courses as a minimum every two years.
Raising Awareness: The Senior Designated Person will:
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Keep themselves up to date with national and local safeguarding procedures and ensure staff in the school
access regular training and updates, bringing to the attention of the Principal and Named Child Protection
Governor any shortfalls to enable, resolve and affect positive outcomes.
Ensure the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is updated and reviewed annually, and work
with the governing body/proprietor regarding this.
Contribute to any development work within the school (Appendix 10 may assist).
Ensure parents have access to copies of the safeguarding and child protection policy which alerts them to
the fact that referrals may be made and the role of the establishment in this to avoid conflict later.
Ensure when children leave the school, that their safeguarding/child protection file is discussed with the
Senior Designated Person at the new school, as soon as possible and that it is transferred separately to the
main pupil file. This file will document all concerns as well as child protection and safeguarding concerns.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Principal: The Principal of the school will ensure that:
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The policies and procedures adopted by the governing body are fully implemented, and followed by all staff.
Sufficient resources and time are allocated to enable the Senior Designated Person and other staff to
discharge their responsibilities, including taking part in strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings, and
contributing to the assessment of children.
All staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice with regard to children, and
that such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner in accordance with agreed
whistle-blowing policies.
The Principal will ensure all staff have access to and read:- the Whole School Child Protection Policy, the
staff behaviour/conduct policy and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance 2014, Part one, as a
minimum.
Roles and Responsibilities of our Governing Body
The governing body is collectively responsible for ensuring that safeguarding arrangements are fully embedded
within the school’s ethos and reflected in the school’s day to day safeguarding practices by:
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Ensuring that the school has effective policies and procedures in place in accordance with this policy, and
monitor the school’s compliance with them.
Ensuring there is an individual member of the governing body to champion child protection issues within the
school, liaise with the Principal about them, and provide information and reports to the governing body.
However, it will not be appropriate for that person to take the lead in dealing with allegations of abuse made
against the Principal. That is more properly the role of the chair of governors or, in the absence of a chair,
the vice chair.
Ensuring that the governing body is collectively responsible for the school’s safeguarding arrangements. All
members of the governing body will undertake training about child protection to ensure they have the
knowledge and information needed to perform their functions and understand their responsibilities.
Ensuring the Principal and all other staff who work with children, undertake training which is kept up-to-date
by refresher training at three yearly intervals.
Ensuring the temporary staff and volunteers who work with children are made aware of the school’s
arrangements for child protection and their responsibilities.
Exercising their disciplinary functions in respect of allegations against a member of staff or as a consequence
of dealing with a complaint.
Role and responsibilities of our Directors:
Directors are responsible for much of P16 students’ pastoral care and as such:
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Ensuring they and all other staff in their teams who work with children, undertake training which is kept upto-date by refresher training provided in school or externally if relevant.
Ensuring the temporary staff and volunteers who work with children are made aware of the school’s
arrangements for child protection and their responsibilities.
Ensuring that visitors are signed into reception with appropriate badge and have relative access around the
school, being accompanied by a member of staff if necessary.
Discuss directly with the relevant deputy designated safeguarding lead (or the Principal) any concerns about
a student as soon as possible, with a written account submitted within 24hours via the CPOMS system or
safeguarding form, keeping detailed, accurate and secure written records of referrals/concerns.
To thereafter monitor with care any student that is a cause for concern, a child in need, or vulnerable adult.
Identifying Concerns for ALL staff of The BRIT School
All members of staff, volunteers and governors will know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse, or where
others raise concerns about them and will be familiar with procedures to be followed. All staff are instructed to carry
a pink card within their ID badge with instructions on Child Protection Procedures.
If a child chooses to tell a member of staff about alleged abuse, there are a number of actions that staff will
undertake to support the child:
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


The key facts will be established in language that the child understands and the child’s words will be used in
clarifying/expanding what has been said.
No promises will be made to the child e.g to keep secrets.
Staff will stay calm and be available to listen.
Staff will actively listen with the utmost care to what the child is saying.
Question normally without pressurising and only using open questions.
o Leading questions should be avoided as much as possible.
o Questioning should not be extensive.
Staff will not put words in the child’s mouth but note the main points carefully.
A full written record will be kept by the staff duly signed and dated, including the time the conversation with
the child took place, outline what was said, comment on the child’s body language, etc.
It is not appropriate for staff to make children write statements about abuse that may have happened to
them.
Staff will reassure the child and let them know that they were right to inform them and inform the child that
this information will now have to be passed on.
The Senior Designated Person will be immediately informed, unless the disclosure has been made to them.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 2
Safeguarding children is defined as:
The actions we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm are everyone’s
responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
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Protecting children from maltreatment.
Preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013 page 7 sec’s 1,2.
Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. It also relates to aspects of school life
including:
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Pupils’ health and safety.
The use of reasonable force.
Meeting the needs of children with medical conditions.
Providing first aid.
Educational visits.
Intimate care.
Internet or e-safety.
Appropriate arrangements to ensure school security, taking into account the local context.
Safeguarding can involve a range of potential issues such as:
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Bullying, including cyber bullying (by text message, on social networking sites, etc) and prejudice based
bullying.
Racist homophobic or transphobic abuse.
Extremist behaviour.
Child sexual exploitation.
Sexting.
Substance misuse.
Issues which may be specific to a local area or population, for example gang activity and youth violence.
Particular issues affecting children including domestic violence, sexual exploitations, female genital
mutilations and forced marriage.
Our ethos is that the effective safeguarding of children can only be achieved by putting children at the centre of a
system where we listen and hear what they say. Every individual within our school will play their part, including
working with professionals from other agencies, to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children and keep them
safe.
Our school therefore, led by senior members of staff/governors aims to provide a safe environment and vigilant
culture where children and young people can learn and be safeguarded. If there are safeguarding concerns we will
respond with appropriate action in a timely manner for those children who may need help or be suffering, or likely
to suffer, significant harm.
Where staff or others need to raise concerns, these can be to the a member of the safeguarding team/Designated
Person for safeguarding who will coordinate a response. Concerns can be raised directly with Children’s Social Care
but we would advocate contact with the Designated Person first.
The designated safeguarding lead who is familiar with national and local guidance will share concerns, where
appropriate, with the relevant agencies.
Identifying Concerns
All members of staff, volunteers and governors will know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse, or where
others raise concerns about them and will be familiar with procedures to be followed.
If a child chooses to tell a member of staff about alleged abuse, there are a number of actions that staff will
undertake to support the child:










The key facts will be established in language that the child understands and the child’s words will be used in
clarifying/expanding what has been said.
No promises will be made to the child e.g to keep secrets.
Staff will stay calm and be available to listen.
Staff will actively listen with the utmost care to what the child is saying.
Question normally without pressurising and only using open questions.
o Leading questions should be avoided as much as possible.
o Questioning should not be extensive.
Staff will not put words in the child’s mouth but note the main points carefully.
A full written record (referral) will be kept by the staff duly signed and dated, including the time the
conversation with the child took place, outline what was said, comment on the child’s body language, etc.
It is not appropriate for staff to make children write statements about abuse that may have happened to
them.
Staff will reassure the child and let them know that they were right to inform them and inform the child that
this information will now have to be passed on.
The Senior Designated Person will be immediately informed, unless the disclosure has been made to them.
Confidentiality
We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential; however, a member of staff must never
guarantee confidentiality to a pupil.
Where there is a child protection concern it will be passed immediately to the Designated Senior Person and/or to
Children’s Social Care.
The Principal or Designated Senior Person will disclose personal information about a pupil to other members of staff,
including the level of involvement of other agencies, only on a ‘need to know’ basis.
All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order
to safeguard children.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 3
Records and Monitoring
Any concerns about a child will be recorded in writing within 24 hours. All records will provide a factual and
evidence based account and there will be accurate recording of any actions. Records will be signed, dated and,
where appropriate, witnessed.
At no time should an individual teacher/member of staff or school be asked to or consider taking photographic
evidence of any injuries or marks to a child’s person, this type of behaviour could lead to the staff member being
taken into managing allegations procedures. The body map below should be used in accordance with recording
guidance. Any concerns should be reported and recorded without delay to the appropriate safeguarding services,
eg MASH or the child’s social worker if already an open case to social care.
A chronology will be kept in the main school file prior to the commencement of a concern file. Staff, particularly
pastoral staff, will record any minor concerns on the chronology and will take responsibility for alerting the
designated person should the number of concerns rise or, in their professional judgement, become significant.
At the point at which a concern file is commenced then a student will be included in the Children with Complex
Cases (CCC)
Safeguarding, child protection and welfare concerns will be recorded and kept in a separate secure file known as a
Complex Case file (which will be securely stored and away from the main pupil file).
Files will be available for external scrutiny for example by a regulatory agency or because of a serious case review or
audit.
Why recording is important
Our staff will be encouraged to understand why it is important that recording is comprehensive and accurate and
what the messages are from serious case reviews are in terms of recording and sharing information.
The Complex Case file
The establishment of a ‘Complex Case’ file, which is separate from the child’s main school file, is an important
principle in terms of storing and collating information about children which relates to either a child protection or
safeguarding concern or an accumulation of concerns about a child’s welfare which are outside of the usual range of
concerns which relate to ordinary life events. It needs to be borne in mind that what constitutes a ‘concern’ for one
child may not be a ‘concern’ for another and the particular child’s circumstances and needs will differ i.e. a child
subject to a child protection plan, looked after child, CiN may be looked at differently to a child recently bereaved,
parental health issues etc. Professional judgement will therefore be an important factor when making this decision
and will need clear links between pastoral staff and designated safeguarding leads in school (named designated
person).
A ‘concern’ or ‘CCC’ file should be commenced in the event of:
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A referral to MASH/Children’s Social Care.
A number of minor concerns on the child’s main school file.
Any child open to social care.
It is suggested that within a child’s ‘CC’ file there is:
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A chronology.
A record of concern in more detail and body map, where appropriate.
A record of concerns and issues shared by others.
The school will keep written records of concern about children even where there is no need to refer the matter to
MASH/Children’s Social Care (or similar) immediately but these records will be kept within the separate concerns
file.
Records will be kept up to date and reviewed regularly by the Senior Designated Person to evidence and support
actions taken by staff in discharging their safeguarding arrangements. Original notes will be retained (but clearly
identified as such) as this is a contemporaneous account; they may be important in any criminal proceedings arising
from current or historical allegations of abuse or neglect.
The concern file can be active or non-active in terms of monitoring i.e. a child is no longer LAC, subject to a child
protection plan or EHAF and this level of activity can be recorded on the front sheet as a start and end date. If future
concerns then arise it can be re-activated and indicated as such on the front sheet and on the chronology as new
information arises.
If the child moves to another school, the Complex Case file will be sent or taken, as part of the admission/transition
arrangements, to the Senior Designated Person at the new establishment/school. There will be a timely liaison
between each school Senior Designated Person for Safeguarding to ensure a smooth and safe transition for the child.
Recording Practice
Timely and accurate recording will take place when there are any issues regarding a child.
A recording of each and every episode/incident/concern/activity regarding that child, including telephone calls to
other professionals, needs to be recorded on the chronology kept within the confidential file for that child. This will
include any contact from other agencies who may wish to discuss concerns relating to a child. Actions will be agreed
and roles and responsibility of each agency will be clarified and outcomes recorded. The chronology will be brief and
log activity; the full recording will be on the record of concern. NB There are templates attached as guidance which
include a chronology and a body map.
More detailed recording on the record of concern will be signed and dated and include an analysis, taking account of
the holistic needs of the child, and any historical information held on the child’s file. Support and advice will be
sought from social care, or early help whenever necessary. In this way a picture can emerge and this will assist in
promoting an evidence based assessment and determining any action(s) that needs to be taken. This may include no
further action, whether a CAF should be undertaken, or whether a referral should be made to the relevant
MASH/Children’s Social Care team.
Such robust practice across child protection and in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will assist the
school in the early identification of any concerns which may prevent future harm.
The Senior Designated Person will have a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of
harm (through the twice termly Children’s Complex Case Review and through an ongoing dialogue with pastoral
staff). They will ensure that we contribute to assessments of need and support multi-agency plans for those
children.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 4
Chronology
CONFIDENTIAL
Sheet Number:
Complete for all incidents of concern including where a ‘logging the concern’ sheet has not been completed. If one
has been completed then add a note to this chronology to cross reference (significant information may also be
added).
Name:
DOB:
Date
Form:
Information/Details of concerns or contact
Print Name and Signature
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 5
Body Map Guidance for Schools
Body Maps should be used to document and illustrate visible signs of harm and physical injuries.
Always use a black pen (never a pencil) and do not use correction fluid or any other eraser.
Do not remove clothing for the purpose of the examination unless the injury site is freely available because of
treatment.
*At no time should an individual teacher/member of staff or school be asked to or consider taking photographic
evidence of any injuries or marks to a child’s person, this type of behaviour could lead to the staff member being
taken into managing allegations procedures, the body map below should be used in accordance with recording
guidance. Any concerns should be reported and recorded without delay to the appropriate safeguarding services,
eg MASH or the child’s social worker if already an open case to social care.
When you notice an injury to a child, try to record the following information in respect of each mark identified eg
red areas, swelling, bruising, cuts, lacerations and wounds, scalds and burns:
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Exact site of injury on the body, eg upper outer arm/left cheek.
Size of injury - in appropriate centimetres or inches.
Approximate shape of injury, eg round/square or straight line.
Colour of injury - if more than one colour, say so.
Is the skin broken?
Is there any swelling at the site of the injury, or elsewhere?
Is there a scab/any blistering/any bleeding?
Is the injury clean or is there grit/fluff etc?
Is mobility restricted as a result of the injury?
Does the site of the injury feel hot?
Does the child feel hot?
Does the child feel pain?
Has the child’s body shape changed/are they holding themselves differently?
Importantly the date and time of the recording must be stated as well as the name and designation of the person
making the record. Add any further comments as required.
Ensure First Aid is provided where required and record
A copy of the body map should be kept on the child’s concern/confidential file.
(This must be completed at time of observation)
Names for
Child:
Date of
Birth:
Name of
Worker:
Agency:
Date and time of
observation:
Name of
Child:
Date of
observation:
FRONT
RIGHT
BACK
LEFT
Name of
Child:
Date of
observation:
R
L
BACK
R
L
PALM
Name of
Child:
R
Date of
observation:
TOP
L
R
R
BOTTOM
L
INNER
R
Printed Name
and Signature of
worker:
Role of Worker
Other information:
L
OUTER
Date:
Time:
L
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 6
Auditing of Pupil Records
The Named Governor for child protection and safeguarding, on behalf of the governing body, has confirmed that the
school’s record keeping in relation to children of concern is appropriate, by conducting an audit of a sample of pupil
files every year.
Governor Compliance Checklist 2015-2016
Auditing your school’s record keeping.
Good record keeping is not bureaucracy it is safeguarding!
Background: Recent serious case reviews and domestic homicide reviews have repeatedly identified poor record
keeping by schools as a problem. Governors need to be confident that schools keep careful records in relation to
children of concern. One way to do this is for school to conduct an audit of a sample of pupil files each year. The
audit could be undertaken by the Principal, Deputy Principal, Senior Designated Person, Deputy Designated Person,
lead governor for safeguarding or any combination of these people.
Purpose: The aim of such an audit is to learn how effective school record keeping is in relation to children of concern
– potentially the most vulnerable pupils in the school. Lessons from the audit can then be fed back to all staff to
improve future practice.
Sample: Clearly the more files that you examine, the fuller the picture you will have of processes in your school.
However this needs to be balanced against the time demands of an audit. In smaller primary schools looking at one
file from each year group might give sufficient information, while in larger primary schools two from each year group
might seem more appropriate. In a secondary school the audit may need to look at as many as three or four files
from each year group. It is also reasonable to take a proportionate approach; if audits regularly show widespread
good practice then fewer files may need to be examined in future. If, however, the audit reveals poor practice this
will indicate the need not only for training and guidance but also more careful monitoring of this issue.
Confidentiality: Material in pupil files is often of a very sensitive nature and the highest standards of confidentiality
are required by anyone reading these files.
Learning from the audit
An audit such as this is not intended to be a ‘box ticking exercise’. The purpose is to understand how well staff fulfil
their duties in relation to safeguarding in terms of how well records are maintained. Following the audit there
should be a discussion about any strengths and weaknesses identified. The intention is not to criticise any individual
member of staff but to see what lessons the school community, as a whole, needs to learn. The lessons from the
audit can be fed back to all staff using the school’s normal staff training or briefing routes.
Checklist:
To guide an audit of ‘concern files’ this checklist will help to identify key issues.
Yes/No
Does the child’s main and CPOMS pupil record have a clear
marker on it to indicate that a Complex case file is also held?
(We recommend that a clear red C is written on the top right
hand corner of the main file. This alerts any member of staff to
the existence of a separate concern file.)
Was all confidential information transferred from the main
pupil file to the Complex case file when it was opened? (Check
there are no confidential documents still sitting in the main
file.)
Does the Complex Case file have an up-to-date and accurate
‘Front Sheet’ giving basic factual information about the child
and family?
Does the file have a brief running chronology of
events/concerns? This chronology would normally be begun in
the child’s main pupil file and then transferred when the
threshold for concern is reached and a ‘Complex Case file’ is
opened.
Is every entry in the file timed, dated and have the name and
signature of the person who wrote the entry?
Have staff made use of the ‘referral form’ template or a similar
school template to help them record issues?
Where applicable, have any original contemporaneous notes
been kept, in addition to later more formal records.
Have telephone calls and discussions with other agencies
(police, health, social care) been recorded and is it clear from
these notes what action is to be taken and by whom?
Is there evidence that the school’s Senior Designated Person
has reviewed the file and discussed the child with relevant
staff?
Follow up action/further
information
Is there evidence that school staff have weighed up the information
they have about a child of concern, discussed it appropriately with
others and then taken appropriate action such as sharing
information with another agency, completing an EHAF or referral to
another agency. Have these actions been
followed through?
If meetings relating to the child and their family have been called did
school:
i) send a report if requested
ii) send a representative
iii) receive minutes of the meeting
iv) complete any actions they were assigned by the meeting
v) ensure that other key people in school were aware of any
important issues.
If injuries to the child have been noted by school, did staff use the
body map recording form and were the records clear?
Moving between schools can be a time of risk as children may be
leaving a school where they and their family are known well, to
attend one where they may not be known. It would be wise to
include in the audit a consideration of a child who has ‘moved in’
recently and one who has ‘moved out’.
i) If the pupil concerned has transferred in from another school is
there evidence that the Senior Designated Person from this school
and previous school discussed the pupil at transfer and that a note
was made of that discussion.
ii) For a pupil of concern who moved out recently did the Senior
Designated Person make contact with the new Senior Designated
Person at the new school? Is there a note to that effect? Was the
pupil’s concern file delivered to the new school? Is there evidence
that the file was received?
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 7
Safeguarding Referral Form
Name of Student
Tutor Group:
Strand Leader:
Please state nature of Safeguarding concern eg. Physical/emotional/ sexual/neglect
What action have you taken? eg. Written record of conversations with student, concerns voiced to designated CP
person(s)
What are the student’s views?
Action Taken by referrer:
Who has the referrer sent this Safeguarding referral form to:
Action taken by designated Safeguarding Officer (Designated CP Officer Only)
Referral made to Children’s Social Care (Designated CP Officer Only)
CAMHS referral (Designated CP Officer Only)
Other (Designated CP Officer Only)
Action completed by
Signature
Date
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
(Child Protection)
Last Reviewed: June 2015
Next Review: June 2016
Appendix 8
Risk Assessment
Assessment carried out by
Assessment Number
Date of Assessment
Person(s) at risk:
Details of the risk
Details
Strategies to support (lead staff member is: xxx)
Manifestations
Control measures in place
Details
Strategies for crisis situations
(lead staff named but in emergency to be followed by senior staff member present)
Lead
Details
Lead
ECM – Be Healthy
Details
Lead
ECM – Stay Safe
Details
Lead
ECM – Enjoy & Achieve
Details
Lead
ECM – Make a Positive Contribution
Details
Lead
ECM – Achieve Economic Wellbeing
Details
Lead
Assessment of risk
Details
Lead
Further control measures recommended
Details
Lead
Who needs to know about these findings
Action completed by
Signature
Date
Review date