Safeguarding Children

Introduction Guidance for voluntary helpers Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children in school has a role to play. As a school we have to create and maintain a safe learning environment for children. We have to be able to identify child welfare concerns and take action to address them in partnership with other organisations where appropriate.

Legal responsibilities Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 stipulates the following requirements. A clear line of accountability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. A senior person to take leadership for the school’s safeguarding arrangements. A culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes feelings. A designated lead professional. (DSP) In Northgate this is – Mrs Hotson (HT)/Mrs Tanner (DHT) Safe recruitment practices Child protection training for all staff every three years. Our Child protection policy is in our website and is reviewed annually by the Head Teacher & Chair of Governors.

Safeguarding role of staff and volunteers When in school you must be able to recognise when you are concerned about a child.

Signs of abuse & neglect The following are signs of abuse and neglect. Appear frightened of the parent or other household members, in or outside the home. Act in a way that is inappropriate to their age. Display insufficient sense of 'boundaries’, lack stranger awareness. Appear wary of adults.

What is abuse and neglect? Someone may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. There are four broad categories of abuse: Physical Emotional Neglect Sexual

Physical abuse Signs of Physical abuse: Hitting Shaking Throwing Poisoning Burning Scalding Drowning Suffocating Biting

Emotional abuse What to look for: Development delay Abnormal attachment between child and parent Aggressive behaviour Low self esteem and lack of confidence A loner Neurotic behaviour Self harm Fear of parents being contacted Extreme passivity or aggression Running away Stealing Don’t care attitude Social isolation Depression/withdrawal Behaviour problems Fearful Poor peer relationships

Neglect Failure to thrive Underweight Frequent hunger Dirty/smelly/unkempt Inadequately clothed Red/mottled skin, especially on hands and feet. Swollen limbs Abnormal appetite Dry sparse hair Skin conditions Unmanaged medical conditions Frequent accidents

Sexual abuse Urinary infections Soreness in the genital or anal area Pain on passing urine or faeces Blood on underclothes Sexually transmitted infections Vaginal soreness or bleeding Physical symptoms. A child makes a disclosure Demonstrates inappropriate sexual knowledge Changes in behaviour Self harming/disorders Running away Poor attention Sudden change in habits Self harming/disorders

Talking and listening to children If a child makes a disclosure: Take it seriously and allow the child to talk. Never promise to keep secrets or maintain confidentiality Demonstrate that you are listening. Avoid interrupting Don’t convey approval or disapproval It is not the role of the adult to investigate or resolve safeguarding concerns. Avoid leading questions Make use of open ended questions. How/why/where who/when? Once the concern has been made this information must be passed on without delay to the teacher who will pass it on to the DSP.

Use of mobile technology when in school Reporting misuse of technology To safeguard yourselves: Always make sure your phone is switched off when in school. If you have to make a phone call please go off site. Never use your phone to take photographs of children/activities in school Never give your contact details to children. If a child makes a disclosure referencing mobile technology, ( malicious texting, emails etc) the same procedures need to be followed as other abuse. It is a fact that 1/3 of 8-14 year olds say that they have made friends on line with someone they have not met face to face. It is a fact that 3% of 8-14 year olds have gone to an offline meeting with someone they first met online.

Disclosures from children who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism Any child who makes a disclosure with regard to terrorism, for example, being influenced or controlled by a group, family or friends‘ involvement in extremism, again procedures must be followed and any concerns passed onto the Designated Child Protection Officer ( Mrs Hotson/ Mrs Tanner)

Volunteer vulnerability Physical intervention should, wherever possible be avoided Communication between children and adults, whatever method should take place within school. When supporting children it is vital that this takes place in area with visual access and frequented by other people. If you are volunteering in the classroom and are under direct supervision of the class teacher you do not have to apply for a DBS. However, if the teacher would like you undertake activities that may take place outside the class room you will be asked to complete a DBS form. The office will help you with this.

Thank you Remember Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. If at all concerned talk to the DSP It can make all the difference.