Safeguarding
Please click the following link to view our Safeguarding Policy
Please click the following link to view our Online Safety Policy
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the process of protecting children (and adults) to provide safe and
effective care. This includes all procedures designed to prevent harm to a child.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a
child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care
and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child
as physical abuse.
An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties
in their lives. It often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event. And it
can increasingly happen online.
Types of child abuse:
How do I report a concern?
You can approach any member of the Child Protection Team and mention that you are
concerned for the safety of a child. If you don’t feel able to approach the Child Protection Team
directly then please speak with any member of staff – they will know how to follow up your
concern. If you are unsure of who our Child Protection Officers are then please click here.
What will happen next?
The member of staff will sit with you and complete a ‘Logging a Concern’ sheet. The member
of staff will ask you the questions on the sheet and will write down exactly what you say as
well as any other information you wish to be included. They will then re-read the sheet with you
to ensure that you are happy with what has been written. They will sign and date the sheet and
they will ask you to do the same.
The concern will then be logged with the Child Protection Team. You may be asked to speak
with a member of the team but the original person you spoke to will come with you if you want
them to.
What does the Child Protection Team do with my concern?
It is hard to say exactly what will happen because it depends on what has been reported and
whether or not similar concerns have been expressed. Sometimes concerns can be cleared up by
talking with the child or the parents. Sometimes children will be actively monitored for further
concerns. More serious concerns may be passed on to Social Care or even the police.
Sometimes cases are complex and the CP team need advice so they phone the LADO (Local
Authority Designated Officer). This is because Child protection is important and we don’t want
anyone to slip through the net.
How will I know that my concern has been followed up?
Although the team will not be able to discuss details with you (due to confidentiality) they will
be happy to let you know that it is being dealt with. In fact, it is good practice to check up that
something is happening.
Will people know it was me that raised the concern?
Staff will try to ensure confidentiality for you however confidentiality cannot be 100%
guaranteed. The first concern is, and always will be, the safety of the child.
FGM
For more information on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) please click the document below.