Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy Prepared By Charles Bartholomew Date Review date June 2018
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy LIPA Sixth Form College is committed to providing a safe and secure, happy, fun-loving environment for students, staff and visitors and to promoting a climate where students and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety and that of others. This policy applies to all students, staff, Governors and volunteers working in the college. It is recognised that non-teaching staff and volunteers are just as likely, if not more likely, to be the first point of disclosure for a student. All college staff has a crucial role in noticing any indicators of abuse or neglect of students and it is their responsibility to refer concerns with the Designated Person. This policy relates to other policies and upholds the principles of the following; Equal Opportunities Policy Behaviour Policy Anti-bullying Policy Staff Code of Conduct E-Safety Policy Student Disciplinary Policy This should ensure coherence in both policy and practice. Aims To encourage students towards a positive self-image. To keep students safe and to maintain a safe environment. To raise awareness of both teaching and non-teaching staff of the need for Student Protection and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting suspected cases of abuse. To help young students understand what is and what is not acceptable behaviour towards them. To emphasise the need for good communication amongst all members of the college community working with students. Strategy The policy will be put into effect by: Providing an environment within teaching spaces in which every student is valued. Ensuring that students know that there are adults in the college whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2
The Designated Person The SENCO is the Designated Person and Charles Bartholomew, Director of Sixth Form, is the Deputy Designated Person. Our named Governor who takes responsibility for monitoring that Safeguarding is effective across the college is [TBD]. The Designated Person is the focal point for college staff who have concerns about an individual student s safety and the first point of contact for external agencies who are pursuing Safeguarding investigations. The Designated Person also co-ordinates the college s representation at Safeguarding conferences and the submission of written reports for conferences. When an individual concern/incident is brought to the notice of the Designated Person, they will be responsible, for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern or disagreement between the Designated Person and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the Director of Sixth Form (the Deputy Designated Person), the Lead Officer for Education Services (LADO) and/or the Duty Manager for Education Welfare and Attendance Service. All students at this college are informed of our Safeguarding responsibilities and the existence of this policy. The Designated Person s role includes home/college liaison. Where the college has specific concerns about a student s well-being a home visit may be conducted and a holistic assessment completed. This may therefore provide the college with detailed information about the needs and background of the student and supports us to be proactive in safeguarding the family by putting appropriate supports in place. Vulnerable Students Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of students who are subject to a Child Protection Plan and any incidents or concerns involving these students will be reported immediately to Social Services (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LA Lead Officer). If the student in question is a Looked After Child, this will also be brought to the notice of the Designated Person with responsibility for students in public care. If a student discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a household which is affected by family violence, this will be referred to the Designated Person as a student protection issue. The college acknowledges the additional needs for support and protection of students who are vulnerable by virtue of a disability, homelessness, refugee/asylum seeker status, the effects of substance abuse within the family and those who are young carers. We acknowledge that students who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, college work or LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 3
other students. The College has a strong commitment to an anti-bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate student on student behaviour and sexual activity within a Student Protection context. Records Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all safeguarding incidents and student protection or student in need concerns relating to individual students. These notes will be recorded on the Safeguarding Report Forms. Once the notes have been filled in by staff they will be given to the Designated Person who will decide on and record what action has been taken. In addition, all contact made with parents and professionals relevant to safeguarding will be recorded on the individual Safeguarding Records for each student. Minor concerns will be logged and monitored closely by the safeguarding officer. Regular Safeguarding briefings will ensure the entire team are kept up to date with all cases across the college. Student protection records, including the Safeguarding Record forms, are not open to students or parents. CP records are kept securely by the Designated Person and separately from educational records. They may only be accessed by the Designated Person and the Deputy Designated Person. When a referral is made to Children s Services copies will be sent securely to Children s Social Care and the LA s leading Officer. The college will require documentary proof as to the identity of students presented for admission. If there is any doubt as to the identity of a student, advice will be sought from the LA and other statutory agencies as appropriate. We will maintain accurate records of those with Parental Responsibility and emergency contact. Training The Designated Person and Deputy Designated Person will receive the required training and regular update training where required, and ensure that all relevant information about procedures and updates are passed onto staff. All staff will receive training about these procedures as part of their induction into the college, and will be fully aware of their responsibilities to report concerns as well as instances of suspected abuse or neglect. Training in Safeguarding issues is offered to the college s governing body, which are also aware of the college s duty of care in this area and receive regular updates from the leadership team and Designated Person. All newly recruited staff and Governors will be given a copy of this policy and be directed to attend the Safeguarding session of the relevant induction programme. NQTs and new members of staff will be taken through Student Protection Procedures during their Induction Programme. The safeguarding poster within the college will clearly identify the safeguarding team within the staff. All visitors, including supply teachers are alerted to this as they enter the college. This ensures a clear awareness of who to approach where a concern has been LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 4
identified. In addition, safeguarding arrangements are described in the LIPA Sixth Form College Learner Information leaflet that is issued to all students, visitors and supply teachers. Recruitment LIPA Sixth Form College is committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and to the process of becoming a Safe Organisation. Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited and employed by the college will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks. References will be verified and Disclosure Barring Service Checks (DBS) and consultation with the DfE Protection of Students Act List (PoCAL) and List 99 will be completed before staff are appointed and commence their duties. DBS checks on all staff will be updated on a 3 yearly cycle. This college will only use employment agencies which can demonstrate that they positively vet their supply staff. Staff joining the college on a permanent or temporary measure will be given a copy of this policy. Additionally, the Staff Handbook confirms the Safeguarding procedures in the college. Volunteers Any person engaged by the college to work in a voluntary capacity with students will be subject to DBS clearance. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of a staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of the college. Volunteers will at not at any time be given responsibility for the personal care of students. The college will actively look to work with trainee teachers. A Partnership Agreement will be confirmed with the relevant Higher Education institution before any trainee teacher can undertake a period of practice in college. Staff Code of Conduct All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with students and their families. Students will be treated with respect and dignity and no actions are allowed outside of those detailed in the college s Behaviour Policy. For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with students. Other than in formal teaching situations, these include individual tutorial sessions, musical instrument tuition, for example, where the door to the room in which the meeting is taking place should be left open. Where this is not practicable because of the need for confidentiality, such as in individual counselling, another member of staff will be asked to maintain a presence nearby. Qualified first aiders only should administer First Aid and, if it is necessary for the student to remove clothing for this treatment, there should wherever possible be another adult present. If a student needs help with toileting, or washing after soiling themselves, another adult should be present or within earshot. All accidents and injuries will be recorded and where necessary parents/carers will be notified. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 5
Where incidents occur which might otherwise be misconstrued or where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own or others safety, this will be appropriately recorded on the college s incident report form and logged. Details of all incidents will be recorded in an incident log, which is monitored by the SMT and action taken where appropriate to support students and staff in pre-empting and managing such incidents effectively and safely. Those students who require additional support and have required some type of physical intervention for their own safety or that of others have Behaviour Support Plans. These are discussed and agreed with students and parents/carers. This is to enable a consultative and collaborative approach to ensuring appropriate support for each student within a consistent framework. College staff should also be alert to the possible risks, which might arise from contact with students outside of the college. Home and social visits to students should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Director of Sixth Form. Visits/telephone calls by students to the homes of staff members should only occur in exceptional circumstances and with the knowledge and approval of the Director of Sixth Form. Complaints/Allegations Made Against Staff LIPA Sixth Form College takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Mechanisms are in place for students, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member of the college staff. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Director of Sixth Form (or the Chair of Governors if the complaint is against the Director of Sixth Form) in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns alleged minor physical mishandling or verbal abuse, this will be dealt with under the college s Complaints Procedure. If the allegation involves what appears to be a physical assault, the Director of Sixth Form will take action in accordance with college s staff disciplinary code. Where it appears that a criminal offence may have been committed, this will be reported to the Police service for investigation. In considering whether or not a referral to the Police (or to Social Services under ACPC procedures) is appropriate, the Director of Sixth Form may seek advice from the Nominated Governor with Safeguarding responsibility and/or the LA s Safeguarding Coordinator. Parents should also be advised of their independent right to make a formal complaint to the Police. If the complaint concerns alleged sexual abuse, this will be reported by the Head for joint investigation by the Police and Social Services under ACPC procedures. In making such a referral, the Director of Sixth Form will also notify the LA s Designated Officer. If the complaint concerns alleged abuse by the Director of Sixth Form, this should be brought directly to the attention of the Nominated Governor for Safeguarding who will seek advice from the LA s Designated Officer. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 6
Staff who are formally disciplined for the abuse of students (or who resign before disciplinary action can be instigated), will be notified to the LA and the Department for Education & Employment, for possible inclusion on their consultative index; List 99. Records Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents or Safeguarding concerns relating to individual students. Student protection records are not available to students or parents. Safeguarding records are securely kept by the Administration Officer, and can only be accessed by the Designated Teacher, and the Director of Sixth Form. Referrals made to Social Services under the ACPC procedures will be recorded on the appropriate confirmation form or as confidential reports from therapists, with copies sent, under confidential cover, to Social Services and the Principal EWO. Confidentiality All records of safeguarding concerns and referrals are kept confidential to and by the staff who need to have this information. Concerns may also be communicated in the containing forum of staff meetings. Staff will be aware of the sensitivity of such information and of the importance of respecting the confidentiality of any issues discussed. Such discussions will not take place in the open forum of the staffroom where there may be visitors present. Safety in the College All staff and students will be required to wear photo ID on a lanyard. Entry to college premises will be controlled by doors, which are secured physically, or by constant staff supervision. Unidentified visitors will be challenged by staff or reported to the Director of Sixth Form or college office. Each visitor to college will sign in at Reception and wear a Visitors Badge for the duration of their stay. No internal doors to classrooms will be locked whilst students are present in these areas. Curriculum LIPA Sixth Form College recognises the important role that the curriculum can play in the prevention of abuse and in the preparation of our students for the responsibilities of adult life. It is expected that all teachers will consider the opportunities that exist in their area of responsibility for addressing personal safety and other Safeguarding related issues. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 7
Prevent Strategy The government s Prevent Strategy (2015) focuses on the prevention of radicalisation as a precursor to terrorist activity. LIPA Sixth Form College understands the vital role that colleges can play in preparing young people to challenge extremism and the ideology of terrorism. At LIPA Sixth Form College, there is no place for extremist views of any kind, whether from internal sources learners, staff or governors, or external sources - college community, external agencies or individuals. Our learners see our College as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this we have a duty to ensure this happens. As a college we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for learners and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our learners. Extremists of all persuasions aim to develop destructive relationships between different communities by promoting division, fear and mistrust of others based on ignorance or prejudice and thereby limiting the life chances of young people. Education is a powerful weapon against this; equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking, to challenge and debate in an informed way. Therefore, at LIPA Sixth Form College we will provide a broad and balanced tutorial programme, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our learners are enriched, understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity and also to ensure that they thrive, feel valued and not marginalized. Furthermore, at LIPA Sixth Form College, we are aware that young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views from an early age which emanate from a variety of sources and media, including via the internet, and at times learners may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language. Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by learners or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Disciplinary Policy for learners and the Code of Behaviour for staff. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 8
As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities college staff will be alert to: Disclosures by learners of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of college, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where learners have not actively sought these out. Graffiti symbols, writing or art work promoting extremist messages or images Learners accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites Parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance Partner colleges, local authority services, and police reports of issues affecting learners in other colleges or settings Learners voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives Use of extremist or hate terms to exclude others or incite violence Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our equalities policy, views based on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others Anti-Western or Anti-British views Our college will closely follow any locally agreed procedure as set out by the Local Authority for safeguarding individuals vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 9
Safeguarding on Residential Trips and Visits Approval All Educational visits and journeys are required to be approved by the Director of Sixth Form. Prior to the trip Trip organisers have a responsibility to ensure that any adult (particularly volunteers) accompanying the trip has been subject to a DBS check. Organisers of the trip should ensure that students are aware of expected behaviour on trips and visits and this is also communicated to parents/carers. If an overnight visit is planned, Organisers should check that sleeping, room sharing, showering and changing arrangements are appropriate and that all students and staff are clear as to when it is appropriate to enter student rooms, both in ordinary and emergency circumstances. Organisers of College trips need to consider, prior to the trip, whether any student who intends to participate in the trip, poses a risk to other students. Where it is known that a student has a history of violent behaviour or subjecting themselves or others to any form of abuse, an individual risk assessment should be carried out. While such students may benefit from being included on the trip, very careful consideration needs to be taken as to the risk to others. Organisers will also need to be aware of the needs of students with disabilities and ensure that a plan is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of these students. On the trip It is understandable that both staff and students may feel that greater levels of informality are appropriate during trips and visits. However, there is a difference between greater levels of informality and a failure to exercise the duty of care. The following should be ensured at all times: Students should not be permitted to wander alone in unfamiliar places. Staff should not fraternize or become over familiar with students. Staff should ensure that students are safe and reasonably supervised during their free time. Any arising conflict/bullying should be addressed. Physical contact with students, as a general rule, should be kept to a minimum. Physical restraint may be necessary if a student is putting themselves or others at risk of harm. Any physical restraint used should be reasonable. If abuse is suspected/alleged/disclosed during an educational trip/visit, the primary consideration is the immediate protection of the child/vulnerable adult. If a crime has, or is suspected to have taken place, the local police must be contacted immediately. The most senior member of staff on the trip/visit should take charge of the situation and should make contact with the Senior Designated Person or other member of SLT with safeguarding responsibilities. Guidance will be given as to the next steps to be taken. In the event that the Senior Designated Person or other member of SLT cannot be LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 10
contacted, the local Children s Care department or police should be contacted (i.e. the local authority in the area where the trip is based). After the event, the most senior member of staff present on the trip should produce a written account of the allegations, actions taken and pass this immediately to the Senior Designated Person. LIPA Sixth Form College, Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 11