Child Protection Training Mearns Primary School August 2009

Main Legislation underpinning child protection UN Convention on Rights of the Child 1989 Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991 Children (Scotland) Act 1995

Child Protection October 2007…ERC multi agency inspection June 2007……..closer look at procedures and paper work in Mearns January 2008…Mearns PSP review

ERC’s Vision for Children We believe that children and young people, at all times and in all situations, have the right to feel safe and be protected from any situation or practice that might result in a child being physically or emotionally harmed. We recognise that high esteem, confidence, supportive friends and good lines of communication with a trusted adult help to protect children

ERC and school policy ….. protecting children is a shared responsibility Standard Circular 57 – Child protection Copies found online or in school policy folders –staff bases Section on staff website Aide memoire card for all staff Further training through CPD website

Common responsibility of education and other agencies To protect children from abuse and neglect by Responding appropriately where abuse is suspected Ensuring children’s rights are upheld

Types of child abuse Physical injury – being hit, kicked, punched Physical neglect – not being properly fed, clothed, cared for or poor hygiene Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual behaviour / language by an adult to a child Emotional abuse – constantly criticised, ignored, humiliated Failure to thrive

Key principles underpinning child protection work Children have rights : education best health care protection family life Adults have responsibilities : Welfare of child is paramount Children should be listened to and their view taken into account in decisions affecting them

Roles and responsibilities School staff in unique position – “in loco parentis” Informal situations: - observe a change in behaviour - child may confide in you

Roles and responsibilities 5 Key Aspects Prevention Monitoring Making referrals Providing evidence Supporting

Responsibility of staff Be alert Keep an open mind Note concerns Report concerns to your child protection coordinator

Roles and responsibilities If child confides in you what should you do? Listen – make time Stay calm Keep questions to a minimum Use… What? Where? Who? When? Avoid Why? and How? questions

Roles and responsibilities Reassurance – right to tell Tell the child what you are going to do next Record what child said in their own words Act promptly and refer to HT

Roles and responsibilities What should I avoid doing? Asking too many questions Making false promises i.e. confidentially Expressing shock or anger Making interpretations – report only what is said by the child – use exact words Delay in listening or passing on concerns Carrying out your own investigation – do not interrogate

Roles and responsibilities What happens next? HT will consider next steps: Discussion with Head of Service, referral to Social Services, report to Children’s Reporter and Director of Education and if appropriate liaise with other agencies All referrals are recorded by HT All staff involved monitor situation Support pupil involved SMT support staff who have reported abuse

Roles and responsibilities “ For children to be effectively protected it is essential that everyone accepts responsibility for the welfare of children. For this to be effective within education, it means that everyone must be aware of child protection arrangements, alert to the needs of children and clear about their own contribution to the system.” ( Protecting children – a shared responsibility )

Finally remember…… Most children grow up in households where they are loved and well cared for, but for one child the difference between being abused or being protected and supported, - could be YOU.

Review of procedures in Mearns Training log to record annual training of all staff CP Coordinator – Ann Macbeth (Mary Robb to deputise) Supply / visiting staff CP pack List of vulnerable pupils Chronology attached to front of file for vulnerable pupils (concern sheets to continue and to be held by DHT (vulnerable pupil concerns are filed in pupil folders byDHT, Pupil Support) CP files in locked cabinet in HT room CP referral to Social Work followed up with written concern within 24 hours Correct reports to be taken to referrals /case conferences (blank reports on intranet).Bullet point report to review meetings held in school DHT to share information with teachers on “need to know” basis

Protecting Children is the ……………….….Responsibility of All Teachers and school staff provide support to children in their daily work and have a vital role in protecting children from harm (Safe and Well) Shared vision : Working together to keep our children safe Care and Welfare jotter recording concerns and achievements Recording of bullying and racist incidents (use exact words of child) Leaflets and information available in school and nursery New guidelines on children missing from education (flag up lateness and frequent absences) Evidence that children’s and parent’s views have been considered (note on file, JST minute or IEP)

Issues for Schools Training log for all staff Safe and Well Training Pack on staff only section of intranet Pupil Support policy and procedures…. -effective use of STINT, JST, IEPs and CSPs to support pupils -anti – bullying -pupil support -support for pupils who have been referred or are on CP register Procedures on Child Protection -file organisation -chronology record -referral procedures -reports to Child Protection Conferences