SAFE AND WELL Angela McKinnon Feb. 2006

What is Safe and Well? A document building on previous guidance - part of the SE reform programme Supplement to local guidelines/policies A benchmarking tool/ good practice guide - constant reference made to standards A tool to help staff to achieve best possible outcomes for children who need help, support or protection in partnership with other agencies.

Who is it for? All education services - outreach services, home school services - not just schools. Education Authorities Management teams in schools/establishments ALL school staff

Contents: Pocket guide - guidance for all Information for schools Information for Education Authorities Children Missing from Education A- Z guide and appendices with relevant legislation Format to allow for additions

Role of Child Protection Co-ordinator Information Role (Standard 4 and 6) Communication Role (Standard 2 and 5) Recording and Reporting (Standard 4)

Who should be Child Protection Co-ordinator? Need to have time to deliver role effectively Training role? Close links with other staff in management and pastoral roles in school Collective thinking in complex cases Need to identify deputy in large schools,share role between small schools? Support and supervision for post holder

Qualities needed Accessible - good listening skills Empathy with children/ young people Record keeping and report writing skills Willing to seek advice from others Knowledge of role of other professionals involved in child protection process Determination

Role of Head Teachers and Senior Managers Ethos of school Strategic overview (standard 2 and 7) Staff preparation and support (standard 6) Accountability (standard 8)

Role of School Staff (Standard 2, 4 and 6) Be aware of their role in helping to keep children safe and well Be aware of signs which may indicate that children may need support, are at risk or are suffering abuse Understand their responsibility to share information with other agencies Be clear about who to contact in school if they have concerns about a child Ensure they carry out their roles in ways that prevent harm to children

Role of Education Authorities (Standard 8) Ensure that staff employed are adequately trained and are suitable to work with children Work collaboratively with other agencies to ensure seamless provision of services to children Appoint a Child Protection in Education Manager CPEM –accessible, approachable,supportive and willing to seek advice from others

CPEM Role Aware of particular needs arising form diversity of local population Ensure systems exist to update schools and other services on key issues Support for staff in complex and distressing cases Develop strategic partnerships with other agencies Link with elected reps, chief executives and others in decision making and developing strategy

Children Missing from Education Children/young people who are not on a school role and are not being otherwise educated. 4 weeks absence or less in case of vulnerable child Local policy and search - named person at LA level CME service at SE

Challenges Re evaluation of current CP co-ordinators role - Training role/ expert role/support role. How can we provide training for all staff? Different ways of fulfilling role in different establishments? Making closer links with other agencies. Ensuring that children get the help they need when they need it.