1. Northgate Primary An Academy School
Safeguarding children

2. 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.

3. Legal responsibilities
Section 175 of the Education Act 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/Mrs Tanner
Safe recruitment practices
Child protection training for all staff every three years.

4. 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

5. Safeguarding role of staff and volunteers
Be able to recognise when they are concerned about a child.
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.

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

7. 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

8. Neglect & sexual abuse 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
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 changes in habits.

9. 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 to DSP without delay.

10. Use of mobile technology when in school Reporting misuse of technology
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, s 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.

11. 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)

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