
Centre4, 17a Wootton Road, Grimsby,
North East Lincolnshire,
DN33 1HE
Tel: 01472 236680
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
• providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge
• protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online
• preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• promoting the upbringing of children with their birth parents, or otherwise their family network through a kinship care arrangement, whenever possible and where this is in the best interests of the children
• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes in line with the outcomes set out in the Children’s Social Care National Framework.
Child protection is part of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is defined as activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suspected to be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. This includes harm that occurs inside or outside the home, including online. Effective safeguarding means practitioners should understand and be sensitive to factors, including economic and social circumstances and ethnicity, which can impact children and families’ lives
CPO believes that young people have a right to be protected from abuse and exploitation. Any information that CPO becomes aware of that indicates a Young Person is suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm, will be shared with the appropriate agency/ professionals.
The protection of young people is the proper concern of everyone in a position to help.
Staff/ Volunteers who are in direct contact with the young people and their families should have an awareness of their own organisation as well as local Child Protection Procedures. All staff/volunteers who are in direct contact with young people and their families must submit to an enhanced DBS check.
All volunteers/staff will receive training on these issues as well as the basic recognition of harm or possible harm to young people.
Who is this policy for?
This policy explains how we protect young people in our care, our prevention strategies, our procedures, how we support young people/ at risk, training of staff, roles and responsibilities and specifics regarding FGM and Prevent. This policy applies to all staff/ volunteers.
Review date
This policy will next be reviewed in September 2025
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Claire Wong
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sam Chester
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
01472 326118
Director, Young people/pupils Specialist Services Ann Marie Mattison
01472 313131
CSC Integrated Front Door
01472 326262 option 2
Out of hours Emergency Team
01472 326292 option 2
CME Team
01472 326291 option 4
Early Help Team/Hub
01472 326292
Prevent local contact
SaferNEL
01472 204579
Local Police – PCSO link
Jason Hare
School Nursing service
01472 323660
Sexual Health Team
0300 3301122
We are With you : Drug and alcohol services
01472 806890
Single Point of access
01472 256256
INTRODUCTION
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD: Claire Wong
DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD: Sam Chester
In the event of neither of the above being available, Stephen Ryder/ Stevie Evardson would be the point of contact.
CPO fully recognises the contribution it makes to Child Protection and the safeguarding of all young people. Ensuring risks to young people are minimised will enable them to achieve, be happy and safe. Every Young Person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Our policy applies to all staff and volunteers working for CPO.
PREVENTION
We recognise that CPO plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our young people by providing young them with good lines of communication with trusted adults and appropriate education.
We recognise that both young people’s mental as well as physical health are relevant to safeguarding. Staff will consider when a mental health issue may become a safeguarding concern.
CPO will therefore:
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Work to establish and maintain an ethos where young people feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are listened to
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Include regular consultation with young people e.g. regular activities that reflect student voice
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Ensure that all young people know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead is
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Include safeguarding throughout the curriculum via an age appropriate program, this may include lessons and could be delivered by professionals and external agencies to cover issues including; boundaries and consent, stereotyping, prejudice and equality, body confidence and self-esteem, how to recognise an abusive relationship, including coercive and controlling behaviour, the concepts of, and laws, relating to- sexual consent, sexual exploitation, abuse, grooming, coercion, harassment, rape, domestic abuse, so called honour-based violence such as forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and how to access support, and what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual violence and why these are always unacceptable
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Ensure all staff are aware of CPO guidance for their use of mobile technology and have discussed safeguarding issues around the use of mobile technologies and their associated risks
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Provide on- going training to staff to ensure they have the skills to recognize and support young people. (Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1 contains further information about specific forms of abuse and safeguarding issues)
We recognise that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and good lines of communication with trusted adults helps prevention. CPO will therefore seek to:
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Establish and maintain an ethos where young people feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are listened to
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Ensure young people know that there are adults CPO whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty
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Include in the curriculum, activities and opportunities for discussion which equip young people with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse and to know who to turn to for help
PROCEDURES
We will follow the procedures set out in Interagency Procedures produced by the North East Lincolnshire Safeguarding Young people’s Partnership (NELSCP) alongside national legislation ie.
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Working Together to Safeguard children 2023
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Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2024
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What to do if You are Worried a Young Person is being Abused March 2015
CPO will:
Ensure it has a DSL who has undertaken the appropriate training, has their DSL role in their job description and is given appropriate time to conduct their duties as required. The DSL should be an appropriate senior member of staff who receives appropriate supervision and ongoing training.
Ensure every member of staff knows:
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The name of the designated person and deputies and his/her role
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That they have an individual responsibility for referring safeguarding and child protection concerns using the proper channels
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The signs and indicators of abuse and understand the role of Early Help in supporting young people and families.
Ensure that members of staff are aware of the need to be alert to signs of abuse and know how to respond to a student who may disclose abuse
Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on CPO and staff with reference to protecting young people.
Ensure that young people in CPO know the name of the DSL and his/ her role
Provide training for all staff so that they know:
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Their personal responsibility in relation to safeguarding and Child protection
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Online safety which, amongst other things, includes an understanding of the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring
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The relevant parts of the [LSCP] procedures
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The need to be vigilant in identifying cases of abuse
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How to support a Young Person who discloses abuse
Ensure All staff directly with young people are given and should read at least Part one and Annex B of KCSIE guidance 2024. Staff who do not work directly with young people are given and read either Part one or Annex A (a condensed version of Part one) of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ September 2024.
Leaders and those with specific safeguarding roles are required to be familiar with the whole document. It is the role of senior leaders to regularly check that staff have a clear understanding of the document.
Ensure all staff are asked annually to complete the required Safeguarding training modules which will include Child Protection Online Basic Awareness course, Prevent Duty, Equality and Diversity etc
Board members should all receive appropriate safeguarding and Child protection (including online) training at induction and refreshed annually. This training should equip them with the knowledge to provide strategic challenge to test and assure themselves that the safeguarding policies and procedures in place in CPO are effective and support the delivery of a robust approach to safeguarding. Their training should be regularly updated.
Ensure all staff are given (and understand) the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
For young people subject to a Child Protection Plan/ CIN plan, in addition to normal procedures, CPO must notify the named social worker if:
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We should have to suspend a student either for a fixed term or permanently
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There is an unexplained absence (or CPO are unhappy with the explanation received) of more than 5 days duration from the setting.
Work to develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding Child protection matters, including attendance at initial case conferences core groups, CIN meetings, LAC reviews etc
Ensure written reports are provided for ICPCC’s and any other meetings
Keep written records of any concerns about young people (noting the date, event and action taken), even where there is no need to refer the matter to Childrens Services immediately. This record should be shared and stored with the DSL
Ensure all records are kept secure and in locked locations and in compliance with CPO’s Data Protection Policy and Data Retention policies
Adhere to the procedures set out in the LSCP Guidelines and Procedures on ‘Dealing With Allegations against staff’ for when an allegation is made against a member of staff
Ensure the criminal background of applicants for vacant posts are checked in accordance with current DBS and DfE guidance
Ensure all allegations against staff are reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within the same working day. The LADO will then decide what action to take.
Where appropriate, a referral should be sent to the LADO using LCSP procedures. An initial triage call should be made to the LADO to discuss the nature of the concern. Following this discussion, the LADO will then direct the next steps and whether a formal written referral is required. All concerns must be reported to LADO within 24 hours.
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK
We recognise that young people who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world as benevolent and meaningful.
All staff should be aware that young people may not feel ready or know how to tell someone that they are being abused, exploited or neglected, and/or they may not recognise their experiences are harmful. E.g. young people may feel embarrassed, humiliated, or threatened this could be due to their vulnerability, disability and or sexual orientation or language barriers.
This should not prevent staff from having a professional curiosity, speaking to the DSL and recording on any concerns about a Young Person. It is also important that staff determine how best to build trusted relationships with young people which facilitate communication.
We recognise that both young people’s mental and physical health are relevant to safeguarding. Staff should consider when mental health issues might become a safeguarding concern.
Risks can be compounded where young people who are LGBTQ+ lack a trusted adult with whom they can be open. It is therefore vital that staff endeavour to reduce the additional barriers faced, and provide a safe space for them to speak out or share their concerns with members of staff.
We recognise the additional safeguarding challenges SEND young people can face and the potential barriers to identifying abuse and neglect in this group of young people. This might include:
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Assumptions that indicators of abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the Young Person’s disability without further exploration;
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The potential for young people with SEND being disproportionally impacted by behaviours such as bullying, without outwardly showing any signs; and
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Communication barriers and difficulties in overcoming these barriers.
CPO will endeavour to support the young person through:
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The content of the curriculum to encourage self-esteem and self-motivation;
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CPO ethos, which promotes a positive, supportive safe and secure environment;
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Liaison with other agencies who support the young people;
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Keeping records and notifying Social Care as soon as there is a recurrence of a concern.
We recognise that recording and reporting information play a central part in safeguarding and protecting young people. We will ensure through induction and staff training that all staff are aware of the need to record and report accurately and those records are up to date and complete. This will support us in recognising the cumulative significance of the information. Records will show that where concerns have been identified, a named individual has taken on responsibility for taking appropriate action.
When a new student arrives at CPO, a request for any safeguarding information will be made to the referrer. School records/ CSC records may also be sought as appropriate.
DISCLOSURE
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If a young person makes a disclosure, staff should remain calm and reassuring.
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The young person should not be interrogated, and staff should listen carefully and patiently. They must not stop a young person who is freely recalling significant events. At this point a written record of the disclosure should be made as soon after the meeting as possible.
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Staff need to be honest with the young person and explain that they cannot promise confidentiality
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The young person will be kept informed of what is happening
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All incidents relating to child protection will be recorded and may be used as supporting evidence by the authorities later.
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All child protection incidents must be recorded during the event if possible or immediately afterwards and should state the date, time, setting, adult/children involved and exactly what was said and/or seen.
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Records must be based on fact only and not assumption.
PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
We recognise that there are circumstances when it is appropriate for staff to use reasonable force to safeguard young people. This can range from guiding a Young Person to safety by the arm, to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a young person needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury. ‘Reasonable’ in these circumstances means ‘using no more force than is needed’. The use of force may involve either passive physical contact, such as standing between students or blocking a students path, or active physical contact such as leading a pupil by the arm out of the classroom.
When using reasonable force in response to incidents involving young people with SEN or disabilities, we recognise the additional vulnerability of these groups. We consider our duties under the Equality Act 2010 in relation to making reasonable adjustments, non-discrimination as part of duty.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We recognise that matters related to safeguarding are of a confidential nature.
All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other relevant agencies in order to safeguard young people
It would be legitimate to share information without consent where it is not possible to gain consent or the Young Person is deemed at risk of significant harm.
All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a Young Person to keep secrets which might compromise the Young Person’s safety or wellbeing.
We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a Young Person to Social Care with their parents/carers unless to do so could put the Young Person at greater risk of harm or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with North East Lincs Integrated Front Door Consultation line on this point.
The DSL will disclose any information about a Young Person to other members of staff on a need-to-know basis only.
The Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR do not prevent the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping young people safe. Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to promote the welfare and protect the safety of young people.
INDUCTION
All newly appointed staff receive induction and training in safeguarding and child protection.
The programme of induction will include:
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A full explanation of their role and responsibilities and the standard of conduct and behaviour expected
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A full explanation of the Board’s HR procedures relating to disciplinary issues;
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Information about the Board’s complaints, conflict resolution and whistle- blowing policies;
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Information about safe practice and the arrangements in place to support staff in their work;
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An introduction to CPO’s Child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures
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An introduction to CPO’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and an explanation of their roles
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Child protection training at a level appropriate to the member of staff’s contact with young people (as required by the LSCP); including online safety updates (for example via email, e-bulletins and staff meetings)
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Understanding of the Safeguarding Policy and staff code of conduct
SUPPORTING STAFF
We recognise that staff working in CPO who have become involved with a Young Person who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the DSL and to seek further support, as appropriate.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF
All CPO staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a Young Person. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual young people or parents to be conducted in view of other adults, where possible.
We understand that a young person may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with young people, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the DSL/ Managing Director
The DSL/ Managing Director on all such occasions must discuss the content of the allegation with the LADO on the same day via telephone or on- line referral.
The DSL/ Managing Director will work with other agencies to investigate, if they become aware that someone who works /has worked at CPO has behaved or may behave in a way that indicates that they may not be suitable to work with young people. This includes agency staff and volunteers.
CPO will follow the NELSCP procedures for dealing with allegations against staff.
If a report is determined to be unsubstantiated, unfounded, false or malicious, the Designated Safeguarding Lead alongside the Managing Director or relevant senior staff should consider whether the Young Person and/or the person who has made the allegation is in need of help or may have been abused by someone else and this is a cry for help.
If a report is shown to be deliberately invented or malicious, CPO, should consider whether any disciplinary action is appropriate against the individual who made it.
WHISTLE-BLOWING
All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about safeguarding, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues.
Please see the Whistleblowing Policy.
GUIDANCE ON RECOGNISING SUSPECTED ABUSE
Abuse: a form of maltreatment of a child/ Young Person. Somebody may abuse or neglect a Young Person by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Harm can include ill treatment that is not physical, as well as the impact of witnessing ill treatment of others. This can be particularly relevant, for example, in relation to the impact on young people of all forms of domestic abuse. Young people may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others.
Abuse can take place directly or wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. Young people may be abused by an adult or adults or by another Young Person or young people.
Young people may be vulnerable to multiple harms including, but not limited to, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation and serious youth violence.
Where a Young Person is suffering, or is likely to suffer from harm, it is important that a referral to local authority young people’s social care (and if appropriate the police) is made immediately. Referrals should follow the local referral process of the LSCP.
We recognise that young people’s mental health as well as physical health are relevant to safeguarding.
The health, safety and protection of a Young Person are paramount.
INDICATORS OF CHILD ABUSE
Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include:
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Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
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Becoming withdrawn
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Seeming anxious
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Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
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Lacks social skills and has few friends, if any
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Poor bond or relationship with a parent
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Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
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Running away or going missing
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Always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body.
These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behaviour . You may also notice some concerning behaviour from adults who you know have children in their care, which makes you concerned for the child/children’s safety and wellbeing.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL ABUSE?
Physical abuse is when someone hurts or harms a child or young person on purpose. It includes:
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Hitting with hands or objects
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Slapping and punching
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Kicking
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Shaking
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Throwing
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Poisoning
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Burning and scalding
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Biting and scratching
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Breaking bones
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Drowning.
It's important to remember that physical abuse is any way of intentionally causing physical harm to a child or young person. It also includes making up the symptoms of an illness or causing a child to become unwell.
INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
Bumps and bruises don't always mean a child is being physically abused. All children have accidents, trips and falls. And there isn't just one sign or symptom to look out for. But it's important to be aware of the signs.
If a child regularly has injuries, there seems to be a pattern to the injuries or the explanation doesn't match the injuries, then this should be reported.
Physical abuse symptoms include:
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Bruises
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Broken or fractured bones
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Burns or scalds
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Bite marks.
It can also include other injuries and health problems, such as:
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Scarring
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The effects of poisoning, such as vomiting, drowsiness or seizures
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Breathing problems from drowning, suffocation or poisoning
Head injuries in babies and toddlers can be signs of abuse so it's important to be aware of these. Visible signs include:
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Fractures
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Being extremely sleepy or unconscious
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Breathing problems
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Seizures
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Vomiting
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Unusual behaviour, such as being irritable or not feeding properly.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL ABUSE?
Emotional abuse includes:
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Humiliating or constantly criticising a child
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Threatening, shouting at a child or calling them names
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Making the child the subject of jokes, or using sarcasm to hurt a child
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Blaming and scapegoating
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Making a child perform degrading acts
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Not recognising a child's own individuality or trying to control their lives
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Pushing a child too hard or not recognising their limitations
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Exposing a child to upsetting events or situations, like domestic abuse or drug taking
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Failing to promote a child's social development
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Not allowing them to have friends
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Persistently ignoring them
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Being absent
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Manipulating a child
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Never saying anything kind, expressing positive feelings or congratulating a child on successes
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Never showing any emotions in interactions with a child, also known as emotional neglect.
INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE
There might not be any obvious physical signs of emotional abuse and a child might not tell anyone what's happening until they reach a 'crisis point'. That's why it's important to look out for signs in how a child is acting.
As children grow up, their emotions change. This means it can be difficult to tell if they're being emotionally abused. But children who are being emotionally abused might:
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Seem unconfident or lack self-assurance
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Struggle to control their emotions
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Have difficulty making or maintaining relationships
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Act in a way that's inappropriate for their age.
The signs of emotional abuse can also be different for children at different ages.
WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?
When a child or young person is sexually abused, they're forced, tricked or manipulated into sexual activities. They might not understand that what's happening is abuse or that it's wrong for the abuser to do this to them. They might be afraid to tell someone or behave as though this is normal for them to experience, both are valid for the child to be displaying. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere – and it can happen in person or online.
When a child or young person is sexually abused, they're forced, tricked or manipulated into sexual activities. They might not understand that what's happening is abuse or that it's wrong for the abuser to do this to them. They might be afraid to tell someone or behave as though this is normal for them to experience, both are valid for the child to be displaying. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere – and it can happen in person or online.
It's never a child's fault they were sexually abused – it's important to make sure children know this.
TYPES OF SEXUAL ABUSE
There are two types of sexual abuse – contact and non-contact abuse. Sexual abuse can happen in person or online.
Contact abuse
Contact abuse is where an abuser makes physical contact with a child or forces the child to make physical contact with someone else. This includes:
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Sexual touching of any part of a child's body, whether they're clothed or not
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Using a body part or object to rape or penetrate a child
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Forcing a child to take part in sexual activities
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Making a child undress or touch someone else.
Contact abuse can include touching, kissing and oral sex – sexual abuse isn't just penetrative.
Non-contact abuse
Non-contact abuse is where a child is abused without being touched by the abuser. This can be in person or online and includes:
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Exposing or flashing
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Showing pornography
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Exposing a child to sexual acts
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Making them masturbate
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Forcing a child to make, view or share child abuse images or videos
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Making, viewing or distributing child abuse images or videos
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Forcing a child to take part in sexual activities or conversations online or through a smartphone.
INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
Knowing the signs of sexual abuse can help give a voice to children and can get support for that child earlier on. Sometimes children won't understand that what's happening to them is wrong. Or they might be scared to speak out.
Some of the signs you might notice include:
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Avoiding being alone or frightened of people or a person they know
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Language or sexual behaviour you wouldn’t expect them to know
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Having nightmares or bed wetting
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Alcohol or drug misuse
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Self harm
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Changes in eating habits or developing and eating problem
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Changes in their mood, feeling irritable and angry, or anything out of the ordinary
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Change in normal behaviour for the child, for example suddenly not attending education or avoiding wanting to go home/ running away
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Bruises
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Bleeding, discharge, pains or soreness in the genital or anal area
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Sexually transmitted infections, including in the throat
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Pregnancy
If a child is being or has been sexually abused online, they might:
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Spend a lot more or a lot less time than usual online, texting, gaming or using social media
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Seem distant, upset or angry after using the internet or texting
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Be secretive about who they're talking to and what they're doing online or on their mobile phone
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Behaving as though they have to be online at a certain time, or rushing to get on their phone
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Have lots of new phone numbers, texts or email addresses on their mobile phone, laptop or tablet
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Expressing the need for money, this may be used if they are being blackmailed.
Children and young people might also drop hints and clues about the abuse.
WHAT IS NEGLECT ?
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs and the most common form of child abuse2. A child might be left hungry or dirty, or without proper clothing, shelter, supervision or health care. This can put children and young people in danger. And it can also have long term effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
TYPES OF NEGLECT
Neglect can be a lot of different things, which can make it hard to spot. But broadly speaking, there are 4 types of neglect.
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Physical
A child's basic needs, such as food, clothing or shelter, are not met or they aren't properly supervised or kept safe. -
Educational
A parent doesn't ensure their child is given an education. -
Emotional
A child doesn't get the nurture and stimulation they need. This could be through ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them. -
Medical
A child isn't given proper health care. This includes dental care and refusing or ignoring medical recommendations.
INDICATORS OF NEGLECT
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Being dirty or smelly
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Being hungry or not given money for food
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Having unwashed clothes
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Having the wrong clothing, such as no warm clothes in the winter
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Having frequent and untreated nappy rash/ headlice
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Missed medical appointments, such as for vaccinations
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Not given correct medicines
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Poor language or social skills
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Regular illness/ infections
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Repeated accidental injuries, often caused by lack of supervision
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Skin issues such as sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies
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Tiredness
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Weight or growth issues
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Living in an unsuitable home environment, such as having no heating
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Being left alone for a long time
It is important to remember that for all categories of abuse, many of these indicators, taken individually, can often have explanations which are not linked to abuse. It is vital that you remain alert, but remember that the presence of one indicator alone is not in itself evidence of Child abuse
SELF HARM
If it comes to the attention of a member of staff that a Young Person/ young person is self-harming (including through substance misuse), they should alert the Designated safeguarding lead who will work alongside the Young Person/ Family to explore and refer for additional support.
RACIST INCIDENTS
Our policy on racist incidents is in line with the Safeguarding Young peoples Partnership. We record all racist incidents.
RADICALISATION AND EXTREMISM
CPO works within the guidelines outlined in the Prevent Strategy and Keeping Children Safe in Education. If concerns are raised, a referral to the Chanel Panel may be appropriate.
When any member of staff has concerns that a pupil may be at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism, they should speak to the DSL. They should then follow normal safeguarding procedures. If the matter is urgent, then Police must be contacted by dialing 999. In non-urgent cases where police advice is sought then dial 101. The DfE has also set up a dedicated telephone helpline for staff to raise concerns around Prevent (020 7340 7264). A dedicated email address has also been set up for staff to raise concerns counter.extremism@education.gov.uk
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) and other such practices
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in England and Wales under the FGM Act (2003). From 31 October 2015 a mandatory reporting duty requires all staff to report ‘known’ cases of FGM in under 18s, which are identified in the course of their professional work, to the police.
The duty applies to all persons in CPO who are employed or engaged to carry out ‘teaching work’ in CPO, whether or not they have Qualified Teacher Status. Please refer to the Home Office and DfE procedural information, for full details
If a staff member is informed by a girl under 18 that an act of FGM has been carried out on her or they observe physical signs which appear to show that an act of FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18 and they have no reason to believe the act was necessary for the girl’s physical or mental health or for purposes connected with labour or birth, the member of staff should call 101 and make a report to the police force in which the girl resides.
The duty applies to the individual who becomes aware of the case to make a report. It should not be transferred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead; however, the DSL should be informed and a report to the Police should be made immediately.
Where there is a risk to life or likelihood of serious immediate harm, the teacher should report the case immediately to the Police, including dialing 999, if appropriate.
There are no circumstances in which a member of staff should examine a girl.
YOUNG PERSON SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (CSE)
CSE (Child Sexual Exploitations) is a form of sexual abuse where young people are sexually exploited for money, power or status. It can involve violent, humiliating and degrading sexual assaults. In some cases, young people are persuaded or forced into exchanging sexual activity for money, drugs, gifts, affection or status.
Consent cannot be given, even where a Young Person may believe they are voluntarily engaging in sexual activity with the person who is exploiting them. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact and can happen online. A significant number of young people who are victims of sexual exploitation go missing from home, care and education at some point.
Some of the following signs may be indicators of sexual exploitation:
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Young people who appear with unexplained gifts or new possessions
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Young people who associate with other young people involved in exploitation
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Young people who have older boyfriends or girlfriends
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Young people who suffer from sexually transmitted infections or become pregnant
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Young people who suffer from changes in emotional well-being
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Young people who misuse drugs and alcohol
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Young people who go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late AND OR
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Young people who regularly miss school or education or do not take part in education.
Like all forms of Child sex abuse, Child sexual exploitation:
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Can affect any Young Person or young person (male or female) under the age of 18 years, including 16 and 17 year olds who can legally consent to have sex
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Can still be abuse even if the sexual activity appears consensual
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Can include both contact (penetrative and non-penetrative acts) and non-contact sexual activity
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Can take place in person or via technology, or a combination of both
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Can involve force and/or enticement-based methods of compliance and may, or may not, be accompanied by violence or threats of violence
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May occur without the Young Person or young person’s immediate knowledge (e.g. through others copying videos or images they have created and posted on social media)
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Can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, males or females, and young people or adults. The abuse
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Can be a one-off occurrence or a series of incidents over time, and range from opportunistic to complex organised abuse
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Is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse. Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including gender, sexual identity, cognitive ability, physical strength, status, and access to economic or other resources.
We know that different forms of harm often overlap, and that perpetrators may subject young people to multiple forms of abuse, such as criminal exploitation (including county lines) and sexual exploitation.
Both CSE and CCE are forms of abuse that occur where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a Young Person into taking part in sexual or criminal activity, in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator and/or through violence or the threat of violence.
CSE and CCE can affect young people, both male and female and can include young people who have been moved (commonly referred to as trafficking) for the purpose of exploitation
CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION (CCE)
Some specific forms of CCE can include young people being forced or manipulated into transporting drugs or money through county lines, working in cannabis factories, shoplifting or pickpocketing. They can also be forced or manipulated into committing vehicle crime or threatening/committing serious violence to others
Often the indicators of both Child criminal and sexual exploitation are the same
Some additional specific indicators that may be present where a Young Person is criminally exploited through involvement in county lines are:
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Young people who go missing and are subsequently found in areas away from their home
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Have been the victim or perpetrator of serious violence (e.g. knife crime)
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Are involved in receiving requests for drugs via a phone line, moving drugs
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Handing over and collecting money for drugs
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Are exposed to techniques such as ‘plugging’, where drugs are concealed internally to avoid detection
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Are found in accommodation that they have no connection with, often called a ‘trap’
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House or cuckooing’ or hotel room where there is drug activity
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Owe a ‘debt bond’ to their exploiters
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Have their bank accounts used to facilitate drug dealing
CPO will endeavour to support the pupil/student through:
The content of the curriculum which promotes respect for others and the values and principles of CPO
CPO will support individual students, listen to their concerns and refer concerns to the designated safeguarding lead
Referrals to external agencies may be made for the victims and perpetrators as required to access additional support.
Child on Child ABUSE
All staff, but especially the Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputies) should consider whether young people are at risk of abuse or exploitation in situations outside their families. Extra-familial harm takes a variety of different forms and young people can be vulnerable to multiple harms including (but not limited to) sexual abuse (including harassment and exploitation), domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse), criminal exploitation, serious youth violence, county lines, and radicalisation.
As well as being victims of abuse, young people can also be perpetrators. This type of abuse is likely to include, but may not be limited to:
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Bullying (including cyber bullying)
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Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling or otherwise causing physical harm
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Sexual violence and sexual harassment
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Sexting (also known as youth produced sexual imagery)
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Initiation/hazing type violence and rituals; and Gender based violence/sexual assaults and sexting.
All staff should be able to reassure victims that they are being taken seriously and that they will be supported and kept safe.
A victim should never be given the impression that they are creating a problem by reporting abuse, sexual violence or sexual harassment. Nor should a victim ever be made to feel ashamed for making a report .
CPO recognizes the gendered nature of Child on Child abuse (i.e. that it is more likely that girls will be victims and boys perpetrators), but that all child on child abuse is unacceptable and will be taken seriously. Upskirting, which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or cause the victim humiliation, distress or alarm.
This behaviour will not be tolerated or passed off as ‘banter’, ‘just having a laugh’ or ‘part of growing up. When there has been a report of sexual violence, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or a deputy) should make an immediate risk and needs assessment.
Where there has been a report of sexual harassment, the need for a risk assessment should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The risk and needs assessment for a report of sexual violence should consider:
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The victim, especially their protection and support
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Whether there may have been other victims
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The alleged perpetrator(s); All the other young people, (and, if appropriate, adult students and staff) at the school or college, especially any actions that are appropriate to protect them from the alleged perpetrator(s), or from future harms, and the time and location of the incident, and any action required to make the location safer.
CPO will endeavour to support the pupil/student through:
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The content of the curriculum which promotes cohesion, respect for others and the values and principles of the school
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CPO staff will support individual students, listen to and investigate their concerns and refer concerns to the designated safeguarding lead
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Perpetrators, victims and young people affected by this abuse will be identified promptly, incidents recorded and will receive appropriate support from staff
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Referrals to external agencies may be made for the victims and perpetrators as required to access additional support.
CPO will follow statutory guidance as per Keeping Children safe in education 2024
SERIOUS VIOLENCE
All staff should be aware of indicators, which may signal that young people are at risk from, or are involved with serious violent crime. These may include:
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Increased absence from school,
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A change in friendships or relationships with older individuals or groups,
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A significant decline in performance,
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Signs of self-harm,
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A significant change in wellbeing,
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Or signs of assault or unexplained injuries.
Unexplained gifts or new possessions could also indicate that young people have been approached by, or are involved with, individuals associated with criminal networks or gangs.
All staff should be aware of the associated risks and understand the measures in place to manage these. Further advice is provided in the Home Office’s Preventing youth violence and gang involvement and its Criminal exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults: county lines guidance.
Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges
CPO will respond to all reports and concerns of Child on child sexual violence and sexual harassment, including those that have happened outside of the school or college premises, and or online.
The starting point regarding any report should always be that there is a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and sexual harassment and it is never acceptable and it will not be tolerated.
Sexual violence and sexual harassment can occur between two young people of any age and sex. It can occur through a group of young people sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single Young Person or group of young people. Sexual violence and sexual harassment exist on a continuum and may overlap; they can occur online and face to face (both physically and verbally) and are never acceptable. CPO staff should maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here.
Where an incident or sexual violence or sexual harassment may have been committed, the starting principle is that this must be referred on to the Police.
It is essential that all victims are reassured that they are being taken seriously, regardless of how long it has taken them to come forward and that they will be supported and kept safe. Abuse that occurs online or outside of the school or college should not be downplayed and should be treated equally seriously. A victim should never be given the impression that they are creating a problem by reporting sexual violence or sexual harassment. Nor should a victim ever be made to feel ashamed for making a report or their experience minimised.
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Domestic abuse can encompass a wide range of behaviours and may be a single incident or a pattern of incidents. That abuse can be, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional. Young people can be victims of domestic abuse. They may see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse at home and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse). All of which can have a detrimental and long-term impact on their health, well-being, development, and ability to learn.
RECRUITMENT
CPO operates safer recruitment procedures by ensuring that there is at least one person on every recruitment panel that has completed Safer Recruitment training.
CPO will inform shortlisted candidates that online searches will be carried out as part of the due diligence checks.
FURTHER ADVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM
SaferNEL: https://www.safernel.co.uk
NSPCC: http://www.nspcc.org.uk
CEOP: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance: http://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
UK council for Internet Safety: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-council-for-internet-safety
Working Together to Safeguard Children https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2
Keeping Children Safe in Education https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
Recording Form for Safeguarding Concerns
Staff, volunteers and regular visitors are required to complete this form and pass it to Claire Wong if they have a safeguarding concern about a Young Person or Vulnerable Adult within CPO
Information Required
Enter Information Here
Full name of Young Person
Date of Birth:
Your name and position in CPO
Nature of concern/disclosure
Please include where you were when the YP made a disclosure, what you saw, who else was there, what did the Young person/ adult say or do and what you said.
[Ensure that if there is an injury this is recorded (size and shape) and a body map is completed]
[Make it clear if you have a raised a concern about a similar issue previously]
Time & date of incident:
Time & date form completed:
Signed:
Time & date received by DSL:
Action Taken/ Outcome
Signed:
Date: