WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING Safeguarding is a Government/NSPCC initiative that helps too protect young people from abuse. On average 75 young and vulnerable are killed every year. There are currently 36,000 young peoples names on the young peoples protection register, who are at continuous risk of abuse or neglect, but of course many go unnoticed or unreported. Safeguarding helps to ensure that any person working with young people such as teachers, health workers and volunteers etc are aware of how to recognise and report abuse.

Safeguarding is the overall term for the process associated with ensuring that vulnerable people and groups are protected. Everybody is potentially vulnerable BUT for today we are focusing on School Children, Learners under the age of 19 and Learners that have disclosed There are two Child Protection Officers for the College, myself and Steve Hendel and a College Councillor Angela Phillips WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING

UNDERSTANDING SAFEGUARDING WHAT IS ABUSE REPORTING ABUSE GOOD SAFEGUARDING PRACTICE

WHAT IS ABUSE 1. Physical Abuse Physical signs might include: Injuries the young person will not explain. Injuries that have not been treated. Bruises to face, back, abdomen, ears and hands. Human bite marks. Scalds and burns on back, arms and shoulders. Behavioural Signs: Flinching when approached Running away or fear of going home Aggressive outbursts Depression or moods There are four areas of abuse:

WHAT IS ABUSE 2. Emotional Abuse Physical signs might include: Failure to grow and thrive Delayed mental development Behavioural signs: Nervous behaviour such as twisting or rocking Sudden speech disorders Self harm or mutilation Reluctance to have Guardians contacted Lack of confidence

WHAT IS ABUSE 3. Sexual Abuse Physical signs might include: Pain, itching or bruising in the genital area Stomach pains or discomfort when walking Behavioural signs: Changes in behaviour Running away from home Nightmares Eating problems such as anorexia or bulimia Abuse of drugs or other substance

WHAT IS ABUSE 4. Neglect Physical signs might include: Being in an unkempt state Frequently dirty or smelly Loss of weight Dressed inappropriately for the weather conditions Behavioural signs Constantly hungry Tired all the time Having few friends Frequently missing from College

REPORTING ABUSE A young/vulnerable persons safety and well being comes before all other considerations, including confidentiality. It is the Safeguarding Officers role to inform the correct authorities. It is not the Safeguarding Officers role to take action against any persons where an allegation has been made. Concerns must be reported to the Local Authority, Social Services, the Police or the NSPCC, and it is their responsibility for gathering evidence and information and for what happens next.

GOOD SAFEGUARDING PRACTICES The Building Crafts College has produced a Safeguarding Policy (November 2009) The Policy highlights the checks the College must undertake before employment is offered to Staff. List 99 (Sex offenders register) Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) The Policy names two members of Staff that are responsible for the Safeguarding of young/vulnerable people that attend the College. These members of staff have completed a qualification in Safeguarding and organise training for all members of staff. The College also has a qualified Councillor, Angela Phillips who you are able to discuss personal issues with.

SAFEGUARDING If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence about yourself or others please contact.... DAVID PEARHAM STEVE HENDEL ANGELA PHILLIPS ADDRESSES ALSO IN CAFETERIA