SAFEGUARDING & PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN POLICY (CHILD PROTECTION)
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
NAMED PERSONNEL WITH DESIGNATED RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD PROTECTION Academic Year Designated Deputy Nominated Chair of EYFS Safeguarding Designated Governor Governors Designated Person safeguarding safeguarding Person Person 2014/15 Mrs Lynn Mrs Julia Ms Andrea Ms Andrea Mrs Jane Gunn 2015/16 Maggs-Wellings Windsor Morley Morley (EYFS Leader) (Head) (Deputy Head) 02084490225 02084490225
POLICY REVIEW DATES Review Date Changes made By Whom Date Shared with staff Summer Annually Last updated Sept 2016 Head/ Whole Governing Autumn 2016 updated in response to Ratified Autumn 2016 Body KCSIE (DfE) Sept 2016
DATES OF STAFF TRAINING AND DETAILS OF COURSE TITLE AND TRAINING PROVIDER Name Date Course Provider Designated Safeguarding Person 29.6.09 Safer Recruitment – NCSL (LMW)
29.1.16 Safer Recruitment – Balance 11.2.14 Safeguarding/Child Protection DSP – London Borough of Barnet (LBB) 20.3.14 Safeguarding Train the Trainer 7.3.16 Safeguarding Designated Senior Person 0 Balance Deputy Designated Safeguarding 5.12.12 Safeguarding/Child Protection for Professionals – LBB Person (JW – Deputy Head) 10.2.15 Designated safeguarding Person Refresher – Herts for Learning
5.10.15 PREVENT (WRAP) Herts Grid for Learning
20.1.16 WRAP – Train the Trainer – London Borough of Barnet
29.1.16 Safer Recruitment – Balance
24.2.17 DSL training Eventbrite, A. Hall Deputy Designated Safeguarding 7.3.16 Designated Safeguarding Person – Balance Education Person inc. EYFS (ZP - Head of Lower School)
5.10.15 PREVENT (WRAP) Herts Grid for Learning
EYFS Designated Safeguarding 11.2.14 Safeguarding/Child Protection DSP - London Borough Person (JG) of Barnet (LBB) – (update delayed due to cancelation). 13.6.16 Designated Safeguarding Person – Balance Education Whole School, inc. teaching & 23.4.12 Safeguarding/Child Protection Awareness for Schools - support staff, ancillary & LBB maintenance staff.
Whole School, inc. teaching & 1.9.14 Delivered by Lynn Maggs-Wellings support staff, ancillary & maintenance staff. Level 1-Training delivered to all staff Inc. KCSIE (April 2014) and e-safety Part 1 KCSIE re-issued to staff March 2015 Regulatory updates highlighted at staff meeting
Part 1 KCSIE Sept 2015 Highlighted again to staff
Part 1 KCSIE Jan 2016 Re-Issued at training and discussed. Prevent/E-safety Jan 2016 Update training for all staff – LMW, SE & MY All staff 5.9.16 Update Level 1 training – Balance Education Part 1 KCSIE, Annex A & C issued 6.9.16 Regulatory updates highlighted in staff handbook to staff Governors nominated governor July 2012 Designated Safeguarding Person– NSPCC update (AM)
May 2015 Up-date training May 2015
28.2.14 Safer Recruitment Accredited Trainer 22.9.14 Safeguarding Train the Trainer Course Sept 14 Channel Online Awareness Training (Delivered Prevent Training Sept 2014
8.6.17 Effective Pupil Safeguarding for Governors - VWV
7.7.17 Designated Safeguard Person – Ann Marie Christian BS (Chair of Education Committee 16.6.14 Safer Recruitment & EYFS Governor)
24.5.17 Safeguarding for Nominated Governor – Balance 7.7.17 Designated Safeguard Person – Ann Marie Christian CO (Member of Education Com) 13.9.11 Safer Recruitment (Children’s Workforce Dev. Council 27.1.16 Prevent (WRAP) All Governors 21.3.15 Safeguarding/Child Protection Training – Balance Business Manager (JB) 28.2.14 Safer Recruitment – Balance 25.1.17 Safer recruitment – ISBA accredited PSHMEE&C Lead (MY) 17.9.15 Prevent (WRAP) – Herts Grid for Learning
The School has related Policies on Intimate Care, Physical Contact and Restraint, Missing Child, Staff Code of Conduct and Photography/Filming and Whistle blowing Policies. Although referenced below the school has a separate policy regarding recruitment of staff including ‘safer recruitment’.
“Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. It includes issues for schools such as: pupil health & safety; bullying; racist abuse; harassment and discrimination; use of physical intervention; meeting the needs of pupils with medical conditions; providing first aid; drug and substance issue; educational visits; intimate care; internet safety; issues which may be specific to a local area or population, school security.” (taken from Section 5 on Safeguarding Children, Ofsted 2009)
1. Introduction
The governors, Head and staff of Lyonsdown School fully recognise the contribution they must make to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. Governors and all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in protecting pupils from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.(DfE guidance-KCSIE September 2016). The School will provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
The aims of this Safeguarding Policy are: To support each child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence. To raise the awareness of both teaching and support staff in the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse. To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm; and to emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff, the Senior Leadership Team and Governors. To develop a structured procedure within the School which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse and to foster an environment and culture where those procedures will be readily invoked. To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and Social Services To ensure that school staff identify children who would benefit from early help, whereby support can be offered in the best interest of the child as a problem emerges at any time in a child’s life. To ensure that all adults within the School who have access to children have been subjected to the suitability checks required by the Disclosure and Barring Service and Part 4 of the Independent School Standards Regulations (April 2015) in respect of their suitability to work with children.
2. Legal Framework Lyonsdown School is aware of its obligation to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school as set out in Sections 157 and 175(2) of the Education Act 2002, and the statutory guidance to which schools must have regard; Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) –updated September 2016 which also incorporates Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006(Feb 2015), the March 2015 consultation and response with regard to Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE, March 2015), The Prevent duty: Departmental advice for schools and childminders(2015), The use of social media for on-line radicalisation (July 2015 and the Independent School Standards(Dec 2014)Part 3 and 4. Consistent with London Safeguarding Children Board procedures, the School has an appropriate policy on safeguarding and promoting the Welfare of Children including how to respond to allegations or suspicions of abuse. The policy is well known to staff and is available on the school website and also upon request. All staff including teachers completing any induction period and volunteers must have read, be familiar with and understand their role and responsibilities as set out in the contents of Part 1 of KCSIE, Appendix A and Appendix C September 2016. The DfE advice document ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’, alongside this policy and advice for Information Sharing Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers, DfE March 2015, a copy of which is in the School Office or may be downloaded at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419628/Information_sharing_advice_safeguardi ng_practitioners.pdf
3. Procedures The School’s safeguarding procedures and those for dealing with allegations of abuse are in accordance with locally agreed inter-agency procedures. They are set out below.
3.1 Training for Staff and Volunteers Staff must ensure that their behaviour and actions do not place pupils or themselves at risk of harm or of allegations of harm to a pupil for example, in one-to-one contact, sports coaching, conveying a pupil by car. All those working with children should ensure that if engaged in one-one activities they do so either in the presence of another adult or child, in a room with a glass panel or with the door of the room open;( e.g. when carrying out 1:1 testing, learning support work or if administering first aid treatment). Staff or volunteers must not convey children by car or offer sports coaching on a one-to-one basis, they must be accompanied by or in the presence of another child or adult. Staff training should take place at least annually and should also be regularly updated in line with any new legislation. In addition staff should be trained in: Arrangements for reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of inclusive practices that promote and value diversity and difference; how inappropriate attitudes and practices are challenged and how the provision encourages children to value and respect others.
3.1.1 New staff, governors and volunteers All new members of staff, governors and volunteers, will be provided with a copy of the school’s Safeguarding and promoting the Welfare of Children policy and procedures including whistle blowing procedures and the staff code of conduct as part of their induction into the School and attend any required child protection training provided by the Head, who is the designated safeguarding person or other accredited external agencies. Governors will be provided with appropriate training (Balance Education). Staff and governors will all be required to become familiar with of KCSIE Part 1, Appendix A and C (September 2016), which can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/550499/Keeping_children_ safe_in_education_Part_1.pdf A copy is also in the school office.
All new members of staff (and those employed since 1st April 2012), whether they have qualified teacher status or not, are checked against the teachers prohibition order issued by the Secretary of state and asked to declare that they are not disqualified from working with children or are associated with anyone who falls into this category using the Employer Online service.
3.1.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead Lyonsdown School has 4 senior staff trained to designated safeguarding level. Training is carried out at least every 2 years, updated annually and more regularly if legislation changes. The chair of governors having undergone training at a high level is also responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. See section 5 below. 3.1.3 On-going training All members of the school staff both full and part-time are given annual update training at whole school in-service training days, in line with advice from the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB), in order to develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse and to know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse. Current issues including those instigated through on-line and social media are included. Designated safeguarding persons attend training run by Barnet Children’s and Young People’s Service, or other approved training providers. The training is updated every two years.
A record of this training is kept on the front of this policy and relevant certificates stored in the school office.
3.1.4 Support and ancillary staff All support staff are subject to DBS and all recruitment checks necessary to confirm their suitability to work with children. Training in child protection is provided for all employees. They must read Part 1 of KCSIE, Annex A and C along with school Safeguarding Policy and sign to say they understand their role and responsibilities in this respect. Support staff are required to attend safeguarding training, alongside teaching colleagues and receive regular updates in line with new legislation.
3.1.5 External Visitors The appropriate safeguarding checks, procedures and training apply to any staff employed by another organisation and working with the school’s pupil’s (i.e. peripatetic teachers, sports coaches, speech therapists, those who provide extra- curricular activities). Employment businesses should also read relevant documentation provided by the school and declare via contract that the staff they provide have undergone relevant employment checks and have received relevant training.
3.2 Informing parents Parents are made aware of the responsibilities of staff members with regard to safeguarding procedures within policy information provided on joining the school. A copy of this policy is also made available to parents on request and this is explained in the Pupil/Parent Handbook and annual letters sent home to parents. The policy is also posted on the school website.
3.3 Safe recruitment (See specific policy and procedures document) The School carries out all the required checks on staff in line with guidance laid down in Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE September 2016) ( Teacher prohibition checks will also now be done if staff are employed from countries from the European Economic Area – 18.1.16) , a copy of which is available in the School Office or may be downloaded at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526153/Keeping_children_ safe_in_education_guidance_from_5_September_2016.pdf Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks are obtained for all staff prior to engagement and updated appropriately via Atlantic Data. All checks are recorded on the Single Central Register of Appointments.
3.3.1 Volunteers Volunteers are provided with a copy of this policy which highlights their responsibilities and the policy as it relates to them. Parents must sign to indicate that they have received and read this prior to undertaking any activity where they will have access to pupils (e.g. accompanying school trips) The Designated Safeguarding Person, in this case the Head, will have regard to the guidance in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, Annex D: Statutory Guidance – regulated activity (children) in deciding whether a DBS Disclosure should be obtained in respect of a volunteer. In the interest of good practice all parents regularly supporting school trips must have a current DBS check in line with regulations concerning contact with children, without this they cannot have unsupervised access to children or be involved in any regulated activity.
3.4 Allegations against staff or volunteers In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2016) the School is aware that a pupil, member of staff, a volunteer or other responsible adult may make an allegation against a member of staff or a volunteer. All staff and volunteers must be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the attitude or actions of colleagues or volunteers. Refer to the school Confidential Reporting (Whistleblowing) Policy. If such an allegation is made, the member of staff or volunteer receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Head. If an allegation is made to anyone other than the Head, they should on all occasions take the matter straight to the Head. In cases where it is deemed necessary (ref. KCSIE, Part 4 para 148)The Local Authority Designated Officer for children’s social care (LADO)or team of officers will then be contacted via the Barnet MASH Team, London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP. Tel: 020 8359 4066 – e-mail [email protected] or in most serious cases the police, so as not to jeopardise statutory investigations. In borderline cases discussion with LADO can be held informally and without naming the school or individual. If the allegation made by a member of staff or volunteer concerns the Head, the allegation should go to the chair of governors directly and without the Head’s knowledge. The chair will consult with the LA’s lead officer for children’s social care. If an allegation is made against a member of staff all unnecessary delays should be eradicated. Schools must not undertake their own investigations or allegations without prior consultation with the LADO. The School will follow the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) procedures for managing allegations against staff, a copy of which is available in the School Office. [Full details can be found in Part 4 of KCSIE]. Any concerns about the proprietor, i.e. the Chair of Governors, should also be taken to the local authority Designated Officer. ( The NSPCC Whistleblowing helpline telephone number is 0800 028 028). 3.5 Allegations of abuse and instances of abuse by one or more pupils against another The School’s Behaviour and Discipline Policy makes clear the expectations on pupils of acceptable behaviour towards other pupils. Where a pupil (or a member of staff or a volunteer) makes an allegation about the behaviour of a pupil or pupils against another pupil, and this is deemed to be or could be deemed to be a form of abuse, the allegation must be reported to the Designated Lead or a Deputy Lead. Peer on peer abuse should never be passed off as ‘’banter’’ or ‘’part of growing up’’. ((Details can be referenced in Appendix A). They will take advice from the local authority social care department in putting in place the measures necessary to safeguard the pupil which may mean involving external agencies.
The school will contact a welfare agency within 24 hours of a disclosure or suspicion of abuse via Safeguarding Children’s Division, Barnet House, 1255 High Road, Whetstone (020 8359 4400).
3.6 Review Procedures are subject to annual review and in response to new safeguarding regulations as required. The Head is responsible for ensuring that any deficiencies or weaknesses in safeguarding arrangements are remedied without delay. Pupils of concern is a standing item on the agenda of weekly staff meetings and staff are encouraged to bring any matters of concern to the attention of the relevant person without delay. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is an agenda item at the governor’s education committee which takes place every term. The governing body will review the safeguarding and promoting welfare policy and procedures annually in the summer term at a full board meeting. The Head will present an audit to the chair of governors who will ensure that the related duties have been carried out efficiently by the Head. This will be reported to governors at the summer board meeting annually. All staff, governors and volunteers will be made aware of any changes made to policy and procedures. All systems and processes should operate with the best interest of the child at heart. 4. Responsibilities The legal responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children lies with the governors who are responsible for this policy. The Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) is responsible for making sure that the policy and procedures are understood by and carried out by all staff and volunteers; (see 3.6 above). The DSP and the staff are responsible for its implementation. The school is committed to report to the Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) immediately any person (whether employed, contracted, a volunteer or student) whose services are no longer used because he/she is considered unsuitable to work with children. Any investigation following an allegation should be investigated as a priority and be resolved as quickly as possible, usually within one month (80% of cases). Some more complicated cases may take up to three months – in exceptional circumstances, in which resolutions cannot be resolved earlier, resolution must be within one year.
In this context, ceasing to use a person’s services includes: dismissal; non-renewal of a fixed-term contract; no longer engaging/refusing to engage a supply teacher provided by an employment agency; terminating the placement of a student teacher or other trainee; no longer using staff employed by contractors; no longer using volunteers; resignation, and voluntary withdrawal from supply teaching, contract working, a course of initial teacher training, or volunteering. It is important that reports include as much evidence about the circumstances of the case as possible. Failure to make a report constitutes an offence and as a consequence could lead to the school being removed from the register of independent schools. ‘Compromise agreements’ cannot apply in this connection. A referral should be made to the National College for Teaching & Leadership where a teacher has been dismissed (or would have been dismissed if they had not resigned) and a prohibition order may be appropriate. The reasons such an order would be considered are: “unacceptable professional conduct”, “conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute” or a “ conviction, at any time, for a relevant offence”. Advice about whether an allegation against a teacher is sufficiently serious to refer to NCTL can be found in Teacher misconduct: the prohibition of teachers (July 2014). Further guidance is available on the NCTL website.
5. Designated Safeguarding Lead The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) having ultimate lead responsibility for child protection is the Head, Mrs Lynn Maggs- Wellings. The Deputy Head Teacher, Mrs Julia Windsor; Head of Lower School, Miss Zoe Pilmer and EYFS Leader, Mrs Jane Gunn act as deputies to whom the DSP can delegate activities of the DSP . The designated safeguarding lead, or a deputy should always be available for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns during term time and reasonable arrangements made for out of hours/ out of term activities.
The Governor responsible for safeguarding is Ms Andrea Morley (the Chair of Governors). The Designated Safeguarding Persons have the status and authority within the school Leadership structure to carry out the duties of the post and have completed safeguarding training and training in interagency working, which is updated every two years provided by Barnet’s Children’s and Young People’s Service or other suitable and accredited body.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for: Adhering to the LSCB (Local Safeguarding Children’s Board), Local Authority and School procedures with regard to referring a child if there are cases of suspected abuse and or to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern. Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral. Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from general pupil records. Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the pupil records. Ensuring that any pupil currently on the Child Protection Register who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to the Local Authority Children’s Social Care Services. Where a child is not at morning registration, an explanation of absence should be sought if this has not already been provided and contact is made as soon as possible to find out what explanation is given for absence. If a child is on the Child Protection Register, and depending on the response received, a referral will be made more urgently. Support staff who make referrals to local authority children’s social care or to the Channel programme. Refer cases where a person is dismissed or left due to risk/ harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service as required. Refer cases where a crime has been committed to the police as required. The sharing of information with other individuals and agencies should adhere to the seven golden rules found on Page 4 of DfE guidelines ‘Information Sharing’ March 2015. This document offers clear advice as to when and how information should be shared. The principles should be: o Necessary and appropriate. o Relevant o Adequate o Accurate o Timely o Secure o Record
Where a child leaves a school any child protection file should be transferred to the new school, separately from any other information, ensuring secure transit as soon as possible and a receipt should be obtained.
6. Reporting an incident Any concerns regarding a child must be logged and discussed with the designated safeguarding members of staff. Any information recorded will be stored securely on the child’s personal file. Staff must immediately report: Any suspicion that a child is injured, marked or bruised, in a way which is not readily attributable to the normal knocks or scraps received in play; any explanation given which appears inconsistent or suspicious; any behaviours which give rise to suspicion that a child may have suffered harm (eg. worrying drawings or play); any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill treatment or emotional maltreatment;
any concerns that a child is presenting signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect; any significant changes in the child’s presentation, including non- attendance; any hint or disclosure of abuse from any person; any concerns regarding person(s) who may pose a risk to children (eg. living in a household with children present) An individual with concerns may refer to Children’s Social Care directly in exceptional circumstances such as in an emergency or when there is a genuine concern that appropriate action has not been taken.
6.1 Guidelines to follow in the event of a disclosure If a child makes a disclosure of abuse, the following guidelines must be followed. Specialist police officers and social workers are trained in the investigative interview of children. Although your own needs, understandably, will urge you to ask the child a lot of questions about the alleged abuse, this is not your role. You may need to find out just enough about the alleged abuse in order to make a decision about the need for referral. If you need to ask the child questions or clarity what they are saying, make sure that you use open-ended questions which do not lead the child to make specific responses. Should the case go to court you may be called as a witness and the court will need to be convinced that you have not contaminated the evidence by putting words or suggestions into the child’s mind. Examples of open ended, non-leading questions: Please tell me how it happened? Tell me more? Please explain that a bit further? If you are the first point of contact for a child wishing to disclose you are a very important person for that particular child. Many survivors of child abuse say that having the first person they told be supportive was the first step in recovering from their experience. Children often drip feed information, giving small clues over a period of time. Your supportive response at each stage will encourage the child to make further disclosure.
So what can you do? Tell the child that you take what they are saying very seriously Reassure the child that she/he is not to blame Let the child know that you understand how difficult it is to talk about such experiences and that she/he is brave to tell Be calm and reassuring Explain that you cannot promise to keep what the child tells you a secret Say that you take what they say very seriously and will involve a social worker/police officer in order to work towards making the child safe and that you will continue to support them Don’t make false promises/reassurances to the child which may not be able to be fulfilled Make accurate records
It is important to preserve the innocence of the child and not to introduce abusive concepts to them. Corruption is when as professionals we introduce abusive concepts to the non-abused child. Children commonly retract allegations of child abuse. A retraction does not discredit the original allegation but should raise questions about why the child has withdrawn the allegation. It is not your role to physically examine a child. This is the role of the named Child Protection Doctor or a medical expert appointed by them. I the child has marks which are easily visible then you should make a record of what you have seen. Do not look under a child’s clothing to examine any injuries. It is difficult to be definitive about whether or not it is acceptable to touch a child who is disclosing child abuse. To a child who has suffered abuse, any touch may have a very different meaning from that intended by the protective adult. Also, a child who has suffered abuse may not have an appropriate sense of boundaries or understand the need to keep themselves safe. It is important therefore to be cautious and to convey empathy through other means such as tone of voice, non-verbal behaviour or the use of toys.
Records Written recording during the interview It may be possible to write down phrases and words whilst the child is talking which can be used to trigger recall when the full recording is made. This should only be done if the child is in agreement and if they feel comfortable. Written recording immediately after the interview It is very important to record exactly what the child said using the child’s vocabulary even if the meaning is unclear. Recording your own responses Your verbal and non-verbal responses should be recorded and it should be clear that a non-leading approach has been used. Recording the context of the disclosure The context in which a child chooses to tell about an incident of abuse can provide valuable information to the investigating team, eg. the child was watching a particular video or was playing with dolls in the home corner. Recording the emotional context of the disclosure
The emotional context can provide valuable clues to the investigating team. A child may make serious statements in a joking way or may present as tearful and distressed. Children may speak about very serious matters in a matter of fact way which is surprising to adults. Recording reputation If a child repeats statements these should be recorded. Consistency in a child’s repeated statements adds to the strength of the evidence.
6.2 Guidelines for Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSP) If an incident is reported to the Designated Safeguarding Person or another designated safeguarding member of staff, they should decide how to proceed. Wherever possible talk to parents, unless to do so may place a child at risk of significant harm, impede any police investigation and/or place a member of staff or others at risk Whether to make a child protection referral to social care because a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm and whether this needs to be undertaken immediately OR: Not to make a referral at this stage but to continue to monitor and log the situation; If it would be appropriate to undertake inter-agency assessment including the use of the ‘Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and/or make a referral for other services, i.e. ‘Team around the Child’ (TAC). (CAF forms held in school for use by the DSP)
All information and actions taken, including the reasons for any decisions made, should be fully documented. All referrals to social care should be accompanied by a referral form. Social services are always available to offer advice to designated safeguarding staff if action needed is unclear. If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child a referral should be made to children’s social care immediately. Anybody can make a referral. If the child’s situation does not appear to be improving the person with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point.
7. Supporting Children The School recognises that a child who is abused or witnesses violence may find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self -worth. In these circumstances a child may feel any of the following: helpless, humiliated, self -blame. The School will support all pupils by: Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness whilst not condoning aggression or bullying; (see Bullying Policy). Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the School. Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children. Ensuring that children have access to a source of counselling, either at school or through an outside agency. Notifying Social Services as soon as there is a significant concern, after discussion with the Barnet’s Children’s and Young People’s Service or the appropriate Local Authority for the pupil concerned. Providing continuing support to a pupil who leaves the School, about whom there have been concerns, by ensuring that appropriate information is forwarded under confidential cover to the pupil’s new school. Gaining assurance that the employees of any other organisation supervising pupils on a different site have undergone the necessary checks. If a member of staff has a concern about a pupil they should avoid asking questions that could be construed as leading in any way.
8. Confidentiality The School recognises that all matters relating to safeguarding are confidential, in the sense that they must not be generally discussed. The Head or other relevant designated safeguarding person or governor will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff only on a ‘need to know’ basis. All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies, through the defined school channels, in order to safeguard children. All staff must be aware that they cannot guarantee confidentiality to a child when listening to any disclosure since an issue may need to be referred on.
9. Supporting Staff The School recognises that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm or appears likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting. The School will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with a DSP and to seek further support as appropriate.
10. Prevention
The School recognises that it plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to its pupils by providing pupils with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection. The School community will therefore: Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are always listened to. Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the School whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty. Promote the good use of mentoring by peers in the house and form system and through the support given by older children to younger members of the School. Include in the curriculum opportunities in Personal Social Health Moral Economic Education and Citizenship lessons (PSHMEE&C) and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help. Links with other policies: Include opportunities with relevant subjects, eg. Computing, PSHMEE&C and SRE, to bring to the attention of pupils and discuss issues relating to on-line safety.
11. Use of electronic equipment and mobile phones (Linked policies on staff use of mobile phones and use of electronic communication, E-Safety Policy and Photographic Policy) Aim To prevent the misuse of mobile phones and mobile phone cameras by staff in school. To ensure the correct use of all electronic equipment by staff, volunteers and pupils. To ensure that social media is not used in a way that could put a child or member of staff at risk.
Introduction This policy provides guidance on the appropriate use of digital cameras, laptops, desktops, netbooks, tablets, personal mobile phones and cameras, smart phones, devices with Wifi connectivity and external hard drives or USB sticks including the potential consequences of misuse and should be seen as safeguarding members of staff, the pupils and the school. This extends to anybody working in Lyonsdown School in a professional capacity and governors.
Key points This forms an extension of the expectations of staff using the Acceptable Use Policy (Expectations of staff when using electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet and the use of mobile phones at Lyonsdown School). (as in Appendix 1 of the E-Safety policy).
No member of staff is allowed any electronic communication, which includes social networking sites, blogging, bulletins, chat rooms, forums, instant messaging and private email with any current or ex pupil. (Note receipt of pupils work for the network is via a school email address.) It is understood that some staff may have children who are pupils or ex- pupils and this does not apply to those children but it does apply to friends of those children. Staff with children must ensure that any electronic communication with their children does not mention any staff, pupils or any aspect of the staff member’s work at Lyonsdown School. Whilst using any social networking sites, privacy settings must be set to full restrictions and updated regularly. If members of staff have friends who are parents of pupils or ex pupils and they communicate electronically with them, then no mention of Lyonsdown School, its staff or pupils can take place. Staff should take care with any references to Lyonsdown School in any electronic communication. No photographs of children can be published on social networking sites or on any form of communication where non- members of staff have access, with the exception of the official school website by agreement with the Head. Mobile phones and cameras Staff use of mobile phones during the school day should be: • Discreet and appropriate • Infrequent • Out of lesson or school duty/ activity time and not in the presence of pupils Mobile phones should be switched off or kept on silent and left in a safe place, out of view, during lesson activity, duty times and meetings. Staff should never contact pupils or parents of pupils from their personal mobile phone, or give their mobile phone number to pupils or parents of pupils. If a member of staff needs to make telephone contact with parents of pupils’, a school telephone should be used. Staff should not store pupils’ or parents of pupils’ telephone numbers on their mobile phone, send to or accept from colleagues, pupils or parents of pupils’ texts or images that could be viewed as inappropriate. For staff who are also parents, we understand that you may have contact details on your phone of other parents in your child’s class. In this case, we expect you to declare the situation. On some occasions, e.g. for school trips, staff will be required to carry a personal mobile phone, but this will only be used to make and receive school phone calls during the day. On residential trips when personal calls are necessary, they should not be made in the presence of pupils.
They should never be used in EYFS at any time.
Cameras are an integral part of the new technological mobile phone. These cameras enable users to take high quality pictures. These can then be sent instantly to other mobile phones or e-mail addresses. They can be posted on the internet or in chat rooms. The new generation of mobile phones is equipped with still and video technology. There is the potential for camera mobile phones to be misused in schools. They can become an instrument of bullying or harassment directed against pupils and teachers. With regard to mobile phone cameras, a member of staff should never use their personal phone to photograph or video a pupil(s), nor allow themselves to be photographed or videoed by a pupil(s).
Consequences of failing to comply Staff should understand that failure to comply is likely to result in disciplinary action or, in certain circumstances, a child protection allegation. The latter might involve suspension from work pending a Police investigation. Any offence of this nature involving a pupil is likely to be viewed as a serious disciplinary offence up to and including dismissal.
If any person is unclear about the above points above, the Head should be consulted for clarification.
12. Physical Contact & Restraint Staff must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, and at all times it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person. Staff should refer to the policy on physical contact and restraint. Evidence of physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under safeguarding or disciplinary procedures. Detailed guidance is provided in the School’s Behaviour Policy.
13. Bullying and racist incidents Staff should understand that, in dealing with allegations or incidents of bullying, it may be necessary to invoke safeguarding procedures. Detailed guidance on bullying and racist incidents and the procedures to follow are provided in the School’s Anti- Bullying Policy, which can be found in both the Staff Handbook and the Parent & Pupil Handbook.
14. Health & Safety The School’s Health & Safety policy, which is set out in a separate document, reflects the consideration given to the protection of our children both within the school environment and when away from the School when undertaking school trips and visits. This is available to parents on request.
15. Intimate Care Intimate care can be defined as care tasks of an intimate nature, associated with bodily functions, body products and personal hygiene i.e. care associated with continence, washing etc whilst preserving a child’s dignity and privacy. The School’s Intimate Care policy sets out the school’s approach to best practice.
16. Children Missing from Education All children are entitled to a full time education which is suitable is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. A child going missing from an educational setting is a potential indicator of abuse and neglect. Governing bodies and proprietors should put in place appropriate safeguarding responses for children who go missing from education settings, particularly on repeat occasions, to help identify any risk of abuse and neglect including sexual abuse or exploitation and to help prevent the risks of their going missing in future. It is essential that all staff are alert to signs to look out for and the individual triggers to be aware of when considering the risks of potential safeguarding concerns such as travelling to conflict zones, FGM, forced marriage and radicalisation. All pupils are included in the schools admission register when joining the school roll. Pupil attendance is tracked electronically via its attendance register taken at the beginning of the school day and after the break for lunch. The local authority is informed of any pupil who is going to be deleted from the admission register under any of the grounds set out in the Education Regulations 2006 as soon as the ground for deletion is met but no later than deleting the pupil’s name from the register, so that local authorities can, as part of their duty to identify children of compulsory school age who are missing education, follow up with any child who might be in danger of not receiving an education and who might be at risk of abuse or neglect. Some of the reasons are where they: • have been taken out of school by their parents and are being educated outside the school system e.g. home education; • have ceased to attend school and no longer live within reasonable distance of the school at which they are registered; • have been certified by the school medical officer as unlikely to be in a fit state of health to attend school before ceasing to be of compulsory school age; • are in custody for a period of more than four months due to a final court order and the chair of governors does not reasonably believe they will be returning to the school at the end of that period; or, • have been permanently excluded.
In addition the local authority should be informed of all pupils who have left other than those leaving having completed the school’s final year, unless this information is also requested by the LA.
The school will adhere to its statutory obligation to inform the local authority of any pupil who fails to attend school regularly, or has been absent without the school’s permission for a continuous period of 10 school days or more, at such intervals as are agreed between the school and the local authority. In this instance the Local Authority’s Education Welfare Team should be contacted on 020 8359 7684.
The school must also notify the local authority within 5 days when a pupil’s name is added to the admission register and provide all information held within the admission register about the pupil. This does not apply to pupils who are registered at the start of the youngest year unless required by the LA. (Details for notifying the LA about admission and deletion from registers is referenced in Annex A KCSIE September 2016) The School supports the Barnet Safeguarding Children Board, having regard to their revised guidance to identify children not receiving a suitable education document (available to view in the officer, filed under Safeguarding). The CME Officer (currently Trevor Orr) can be contacted on 020 8359 7716 (CME Office, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP).
17. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Statutory definition of Child Sexual Exploitation February DfE 2017
It is essential that all those working with children are aware of the dangers of CSE and understand the procedures that should be followed if a person suspects that a child is or has been exposed to such practises are the same as outlined in all other cases of suspected or disclosed abuse. For more information see the CEOP website; www.ceop.police.uk
18. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) / Honour based violence (HBV) So called ‘honour-base’ violence(HBV) encompasses crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/ or community. This includes FGM, forced marriage and practises such as breast ironing. All forms of HBV are abuse regardless of the motivation and should be handled and escalated as such. If in doubt, staff should speak to the DSL. It is essential that persons working with children are aware of FGM practices and the need to look for signs, symptoms and other indications. All staff should read the information and sign to say they have done so, as it is a violation of human rights of girls and women. It is illegal in most countries including the UK. Section 5C of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003(as inserted by section 75 of the Serious Crimes Act 2015. (Warning signs that FGM may about to take place, or may have already have taken place, can be found on pages 38-41 of the multi-agency practical guidelines on FGM, (pages 59-61 focus on the role of schools) and pages 13-14 on: Handling cases of forced marriage. copy is available in the school office or follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380125/MultiAgencyPracticeGuidelinesNo v14.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/322307/HMG_MULTI_AGENCY_PRACTI CE_GUIDELINES_v1_180614_FINAL.pdf
Actions and Mandatory Reporting Duty If staff have a concern they should activate local safeguarding procedures, using existing national and local protocols for multi-agency liaison with police and children’s social care. Mandatory reporting procedures apply when dealing with concerns regarding the potential for FGM to take place (from October 2015). Where a teacher discovers that an act of FGM appears to have been carried out on a girl who is aged under 18, either through disclosure by the victim of visual evidence, there is a statutory duty upon that individual to report it to the police. (Section 5B of the Female genital Mutilation Act 2003 as inserted by section 74 of the Serious Crime Act 2015), unless the teacher has a good reason not to, they should still consider and discuss any such case with the school’s designated safeguarding lead and involve children’s social care as appropriate. Those failing to report such cases will face disciplinary sanctions. It will be rare for teachers to see visual evidence, and they should not be examining pupils, but the same definition of what is meant by “to discover that an act of FGM appears to have been carried out” is used for all professionals to whom this mandatory reporting duty applies.
19. Prevention of Radicalisation As stated in KCSIE September 2016, Annex A (page 56)
‘Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of schools’ wider safeguarding duties, and is similar in nature to protecting children from other forms of harm and abuse. During the process of radicalisation it is possible to intervene to prevent vulnerable people being radicalised. Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. There is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to an extremist ideology. It can happen in many different ways and settings. Specific background factors may contribute to vulnerability which are often combined with specific influences such as family, friends or online, and with specific needs for which an extremist or terrorist group may appear to provide an answer. The internet and the use of social media in particular has become a major factor in the radicalisation of young people. As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection. School staff should use their professional judgement in identifying children who might be at risk of radicalisation and act proportionately which may include making a referral to the Channel programme.’ (Extremism is defined as: vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It also includes extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.) See Prevent Risk Assessment – Appendix 3.
20. Prevent From 1 July 2015 schools are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (“the CTSA 2015”), in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”, in accordance with statutory guidance issued under section 29 of the CTSA 2015 (“the Prevent guidance”). Paragraphs 57-76 of the Prevent guidance are concerned specifically with schools (but also cover childcare). This duty is known as the Prevent duty. According to the Prevent duty guidance ‘having due regard’ means that the authorities should place an appropriate amount of weight on the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism when they consider all the other factors relevant to how they carry out their usual functions. The statutory Prevent guidance summarises the requirements on schools in terms of four general themes: risk assessment, working in partnership, staff training and IT policies.
An assessment is undertaken to assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism, including support for extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology. This demonstrates both a general understanding of the risks affecting children and young people in the area and a specific understanding of how to identify individual children who may be at risk of radicalisation and what to do to support them. The school has clear procedures in place for protecting children at risk of radicalisation as part of safeguarding policies. Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by children or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Disciplinary Policy for children and the Code of Behaviour for staff.
As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities staff are alert to: disclosures by children of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of school, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where children have not actively sought these out; graffiti symbols, writing or art work promoting extremist messages or images; disclosures about children accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites and excessive usage; parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance; partner schools, local authority services, and police reports of issues affecting children in other schools or settings; children voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives; use of extremist or ”hate‟ terms to exclude or bully others; 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 and anti-Western or Anti-British views.
The governing body and school leadership team take into account the policies and procedures of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs). The designated, deputy and EYFS Safeguarding lead and Chair of Governors undertakes Prevent awareness training and is able to provide advice and support to other members of staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation. Such information is disseminated to all those who work at Lyonsdown School as part of their training on safeguarding and any visitors are made aware of school policy with regard to Prevent.
The school ensures that children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in schools; a suitable filtering system is in place and children are rigorously taught about online safety more generally.
All visitors to the school, including speakers and those sharing important knowledge and key skills eg. drama workshops etc. should be appropriately supervised at all times. See Visiting Speakers Policy attached.
The Department for Education has also published advice for schools on the Prevent duty. The advice is intended to complement the Prevent guidance and signposts other sources of advice and support.
Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. It provides a mechanism for schools to make referrals if they are concerned that an individual might be vulnerable to radicalisation. An individual’s engagement with the programme is entirely voluntary at all stages. School staff should understand when it is appropriate to make a referral to the Channel programme (Guidance issued under section 36(7) and section 38(6) of the CTSA 2015 in respect of Channel is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-guidance ) A copy is also in the school office. [Section 36 of the CTSA 2015 places a duty on local authorities to ensure Channel panels are in place. The panel must be chaired by the local authority and include the police for the relevant local authority area. Following a referral the panel will assess the extent to which identified individuals are vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism, and, where considered appropriate and necessary consent is obtained, arrange for support to be provided to those individuals. Such partners are required to have regard to guidance issued under section 38(6) of the CTSA 2015 when co-operating with the panel and police under section 38 of the CTSA 2015. Section 38 of the CTSA 2015 requires partners of Channel panels to co-operate with the panel in the carrying out of its functions and with the police in providing information about a referred individual. Schools and colleges which are required to have regard to Keeping Children Safe in Education are listed in the CTSA 2015 as partners required to cooperate with local Channel panels.] The Channel contact for London Borough of Barnet is Peter Clifton on 020 8359 6071. At the same time the MASH Team is to be contacted on 020 8359 4066, to confirm that a referral to Channel has been made.
Approaches to teaching with regard to terrorism and radicalisation can be found in the curriculum and SMSC policy documents and taught through PSHMEE&C (schemes of work, highlight this) via assemblies and when relevant in the broader curriculum. There is a strong focus on the promotion of British Values. Ref. Curriculum policy SMSC policy PSHMEE&C and sex and relationships policy and scheme of work. Visiting Speaker Policy
APPENDIX 1 Definitions and signs of abuse Staff are provided with a guide to definitions and signs of abuse during their training, as follows. Further details can be found in paragraphs 24-29 KCSIE Part 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/418687/Keeping_children_safe_in_educati on_part_1_only.pdf
The document ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ (a copy is available in the school office) gives advice and can be viewed via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419604/What_to_do_if_you_re_worried_ a_child_is_being_abused.pdf
The NSPCC Core-Info documents (copies are available in the school office) detailing guidance of signs of abuse and neglect – see also the link below to the NSPCC website: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/signs-symptoms- effects/?_t_id=1B2M2Y8AsgTpgAmY7PhCfg%3d%3d&_t_q=signs+of+abuse+and+neglect+download&_t_tags=language%3ae n%2csiteid%3a7f1b9313-bf5e-4415-abf6- aaf87298c667&_t_ip=86.53.134.110&_t_hit.id=Nspcc_Web_Models_Pages_StandardPage/_9f5d82bb-a8c2-4069-9cbe- d721f7e920e1_en-GB&_t_hit.pos=3
Other information can also be found at MindEd: https://www.minded.org.uk/course/view.php?id=402
Definitions As in the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, a child is anyone who has not yet reached his/her 18th birthday.
Harm means ill-treatment or impairment of health and development, including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another; Development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development; Health includes physical and mental health; Ill-treatment includes sexual abuse and other forms of ill-treatment which are not physical.
Abuse are forms of maltreatment. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or 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 others (e.g. via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children.
Physical Abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of or deliberately induces illness in a child.
Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (e.g. rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside clothing. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). We must be aware that women and children may also commit sexual abusers as well as adult males.
Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say and how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food and clothing, shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
If a member of staff, parent, or volunteer has any concerns regarding the safety of a child they should raise this with the Designated Senior Person who can seek advice if necessary. This may include concerns that relate to religious or cultural beliefs e.g. Female Genital mutilation.
Signs of Physical Abuse Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises and welts on the face, throat, upper arms, buttocks, thighs or lower back in unusual patterns or shapes which suggests the use of an instrument (belt buckle, electric cord) on an infant in various stages of healing that are seen after absences, weekends, or vacations. Unexplained burns, cigarette burns, especially burns found on palms, soles of feet, abdomen, buttocks; immersion burns producing "stocking" or "glove" marks on hands and feet; "doughnut shaped" marks on buttocks or genital area. Rope burns. Infected burns indicating delay in treatment; burns in the shape of common household utensils or appliances.
Behavioural Indicators: Behavioural extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression, depression). Inappropriate or excessive fear of parent or caretaker. Antisocial behaviour such as substance abuse, truancy, running away, fear of going home. Unbelievable or inconsistent explanation for injuries. Lies unusually still while surveying surroundings (for infants).
Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact.
Signs of Sexual Abuse Physical Indicators: Torn, stained or bloody underclothes. Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections. Complaints about pain and irritation of the genitals. Sexually transmitted diseases. Bruises or bleeding from external genitalia, vagina or anal region. Pregnancy.
Behavioural Indicators: The victim's disclosure of sexual abuse. Regressive behaviours (thumb-sucking, bedwetting, fear of the dark). Promiscuity or seductive behaviours. Disturbed sleep patterns (recurrent nightmares). Unusual and age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters. Avoidance of undressing or wearing extra layers of clothes. Sudden decline in school performance, truancy. Difficulty in walking or sitting.
Signs of Emotional Abuse Physical Indicators: Eating disorders, including obesity or anorexia. Speech disorders (stuttering, stammering). Developmental delays in the acquisition of speech or motor skills. Weight or height level substantially below norm. Nervous disorders (rashes, hives, facial tics, stomach aches).
Behavioural Indicators: Habit disorders (biting, rocking, head-banging). Cruel behaviour, seeming to get pleasure from hurting children, adults or animals; seeming to get pleasure from being mistreated. Age-inappropriate behaviours (bedwetting, wetting, soiling). Behavioural extremes, such as overly compliant or demanding; withdrawn or aggressive; listless or excitable.
Signs of Neglect Physical Indicators: Poor hygiene, including lice, scabies, bedsores, body odour. Squinting. Unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing (underwear, socks, shoes); overdressed or underdressed for climate conditions. Untreated injury or illness. Lack of immunizations. Indicators of prolonged exposure to elements (excessive sunburn, insect bites, colds). Height and weight significantly below age level.
Behavioural Indicators: Erratic school attendance. Chronic absenteeism. Chronic hunger, tiredness, or lethargy. Assuming adult responsibilities. Reporting no carer at home.
Appendix 2 Lyonsdown School Code of Conduct for Safer Practice (Behaviour Code for all adults working at the school), to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children in line with Promoting ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ DfE April 2014 (updated January 2015)/checked with KCSIE September 2016.
Introduction
All education settings are required to have a clear and effective Code of Conduct for adults working in the setting. This document provides a guide for all adults working at Lyonsdown School (including all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors) about acceptable and desirable conduct to protect both pupils and adults. It refers to and complements other policies and guidance including: • Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children Policy (including record keeping procedures) • School Behaviour Policy • School policy on Physical Contact and Restraint • School policies on Use of Electronic Communication and Mobile Phones by Staff • School Anti-Bullying policy • School Health and safety policy • School Intimate care policy • School Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Policy, the PSHMEE&C and Sex and Relationships Policy
This policy reflects the requirements set out in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2016 along with statutory guidance ‘Working Together to safeguard Children 2015’ and departmental advice ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2015- Advice for practitioners’.
In particular all adults working in schools should keep the following statements from KCSIE Edhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/418686/Keeping_children_safe_in_educ ation.pdf in mind: • Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children (Part 1 4.) • All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn (Part 1 7.) • Staff members working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the interests of the child (Part 1 13.)
All adults working in the school must know who the Designated Safeguarding Person is in the school, be familiar with the school’s safeguarding policy and understand their individual responsibilities to safeguard and protecting children and young people. In addition, the Teaching Standards 2012 (which apply to maintained schools) state that teachers should safeguard children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching profession as part of their professional duties. (See Lyonsdown School Code of Conduct & Practice for Registered Teachers, Staff Handbook).
Basic principles • Adults working at Lyonsdown are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead a reasonable person to question their motivation or intentions. • Adults working at Lyonsdown must work and be seen to work in an open and transparent way. • Adults should discuss and/or take advice promptly from their line manager or another senior member of staff about anything which could give rise to concern. This would include for example reporting infatuations by a pupil for that or another member of staff, to ensure that such situations can be handled promptly and sensitively. • The school should keep a record of any such incident and of decisions made/further actions agreed, in accordance with procedures in the school’s safeguarding policy. • Staff should apply the same professional standards regardless of gender or sexuality. • Staff should be aware that breaches of the law and other professional guidelines could result in criminal or disciplinary action being taken against them. • In accordance with DfE regulations, staff have a duty to disclose any relevant information that may disqualify them from working with children (Childcare Act 2006, Disqualification Regulations 2009) • As a general principle, when thinking about taking any course of action with a pupil or other child, adults should ask themselves the following questions: • Is this needed to meet the pupil’s needs? • Is there a professional reason for me to do it? • Can I do it in a way that is safe for both the pupil and for me? Only if the answer to all three questions is YES should the adult take the course of action. All staff, volunteers and visitors to the schools must: Be familiar with and work in accordance with the school’s policies, including in particular, • Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children • Behaviour • Physical Intervention • Internet Safety • Intimate Care
• Health and Safety • Use of mobile phones, electronic communication, photography and video/E-Safety • Whistleblowing Also, provide a good example and a positive role model to pupils and behave in a mature, respectful, safe, fair and considered manner. For example, adults working at Lyonsdown must ensure that they • are not sarcastic, and do not make remarks or ‘jokes’ to pupils of a personal, sexual, racist, discriminatory, intimidating or otherwise offensive nature; • do not embarrass or humiliate children; • do not discriminate favourably or unfavourably towards any child. For example: treat all pupils equally – never build ‘special’ relationships or confer favour on particular pupils; • do not give or receive (other than token) gifts unless arranged through school (gifts received from parents and children at times like Christmas, the end of term or to say thank you are acceptable as long as they are of a reasonable nature, i.e. not significantly of high value and not given on a regular basis as this may be construed as a bribe); • ensure that relationships with pupils remain on a professional footing. For example: only touching pupils for professional reasons, and when this is necessary and appropriate for the pupil’s wellbeing or safety (more guidance on this is set out in the DfES Guidance for Safe Practice referred to above); • do not behave in a way that could lead a reasonable observer to question your conduct, intentions or suitability to care for other people’s children; • do not make arrangements to contact, communicate or meet with pupils outside your work (this includes use of email, text and other messaging systems); • do not develop ‘personal’ or sexual relationships with pupils. In particular attention is drawn to the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which creates a criminal offence of abuse of a position of trust (when a person aged 18 or over is in a ‘position of trust’ with a person under 18 and engages in sexual activity with or in the presence of that child, or causes or incites that child to engage in or watch sexual activity).
What staff should do if they have concerns about safeguarding practices within the school? Staff and volunteers should feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and potential failure in the school’s safeguarding regime. Appropriate whistleblowing procedures are in place for such concerns to be raised with the school‘s management team. Where a staff member feels unable to raise the issue with the employer or feels their genuine concerns are not being addressed, other whistleblowing channels may be open to them. See Whistleblowing Policy.
Reference documents • Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE) September 2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/418686/Keeping_children_safe_in_educati on.pdf • School policies handbook (Teacher Share) • Local Safeguarding Children Board - local safeguarding children procedures London Child Protection Core Procedures Part A London Safeguarding Children Board 5th Edition 2016 http://www.londoncp.co.uk/chapters/A_contents.html London Child Protection Practice Guidance Part B London Safeguarding Children Board 5th Edition 2016 http://www.londoncp.co.uk/chapters/B_contents.html • Guidance for Safe Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People (education version) DCSF March 2009 www.childrenengland.org.uk/upload/Guidance%20.pdf • The Teachers’ Standards 2012 http://www.headssupportservice.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/teachers-standards- 2012.pdf Reviewed and approved by the governing body in line with Keeping Children safe in education and the Lyonsdown School Safeguarding and Protecting the Welfare of Children (Child Protection) Policy reviewed and updated summer 2014.
Contact detail Glossary For more details, staff are directed to the London Children Safeguarding Board (LCSB) procedures, a copy of which is available from the school office or which may be viewed (and downloaded) at the London SCB website (www.londonscb.gov.uk). London Child Safeguarding Board, 59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL London Board Manager Tel: 020 7934 9714. Team Support Officer Tel: 020 7934 9683. The Local Authority Prevent Lead is Ben Taylor who can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone: 020 8359 2995
The Local Police Prevent Lead is Chris Smith who can be contacted by email: [email protected] or 101 (the non- emergency police number). The Local Authority CME Officer (Children Missing Education) is Mo Hooper who can be contacted on 020 8359 7892., email [email protected] The DfE contact details for non-emergency advice for staff and governors is 020 7340 7264 and counter- [email protected]
Contact details for children’s social care (children in need and children at risk) - Barnet MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub), Children’s Services, London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP. Tel: 020 8359 4066 – e-mail [email protected]
LADO should be contacted via the Barnet MASH Team, as above.
Review Date: Summer Annually (Ref. 3.6 Review, above, or when any legal requirements change) Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding– Ms Andrea Morley (Chair of Governors) Last updated September 2015 in accordance with Independent School Standard Regulations and September 2016 in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Ratification responsibility of the whole governing board – Summer Annually All associated policies reviewed in line with the above review schedule
Documents detailed within this policy available in the School Office – ‘Safeguarding Documents’ file Working Together to Safeguard Children - A guide to DfE March 2015 inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children Working Together to Safeguard Children – DfE March 2015 Government consultation response Keeping Children Safe in Education inc. DfE September 2016 Disqualification Under the Childcare Act 2006 London Child Protection Core Procedures Part A London Safeguarding Children Board 5th Edition 2016 London Child Protection Practice Guidance Part B London Safeguarding Children Board 5th Edition 2016 What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: March 2015 advice for practitioners Information Sharing: advice for practitioners DfE March 2015 providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers. Channel Duty Guidance HM Government 2015 NSPCC Core Information – Signs of abuse NSPCC Leaflets Common Assessment Framework (CAF) Info & Form London Borough of Barnet Guidance for Safe Working Practice for Adults who DCSF March 2009 Work with Children Young People Teachers Standards 2012 DfE effective September 2012 Prevent Duty Guidance: England & Wales July 2015 (Prevent) Prevent Duty DfE Advice for Schools & Childminders DfE June 2015 The Use of Social media for online radicalisation July 2015
Risk Assessment Overview – Appendix 3
Details School: Year Group:
Lyonsdown School All
Risk Assessment Title:
Prevent Duty
Who is at Risk? People at Direct Risk: Other People Who Could be Affected:
Pupils, staff & parents Other visitors to the school
Summary of Risk What is your assessment of the risk before the ACTION PLAN is High risk Medium risk X Low risk completed?:
What will the level of risk be after the ACTION PLAN is completed?: High risk Medium risk X Low risk
Note : if the risk is still classified as ‘High’, even if you were to complete the action plan, then the hazard should be neutralised immediately (e.g. by stopping the activity or making the area safe) and the school safety co-ordinator and the relevant manager should be informed.
Assessment and Action Plan
ACTION PLAN Control in Place? What are the What might Controls If ‘No’ - give details as to how and when hazards happen? Complet Yes No N/A the measure will be implemented and e? by whom Pupils taught, age appropriately, in various curriculum subjects and x through whole school assemblies. Pupils taught through curriculum subjects include PSHMEE&C, SMSE, x Computing. Pupils supervised and appropriate filters in place, as much as is Pupils become in reasonably practical, on the Pupils are danger of being schools internet to avoid accidental x influenced by groomed and exposure to extremist groups . potentially extremist/radicalisation material radicalised. on line. Through staff training, staff feel confident in raising any concerns if x felt pupils safety at risk. Through curriculum understanding pupils enhance their resilience to x dangers of extremism views and improve critical thinking skills. If staff are not Key members of staff have Staff are not aware x aware of the received WRAP training. of signs/behaviour dangers of pupils WRAP training disseminated to all of pupils who may x being exposed to members of staff at INSET training.
ACTION PLAN Control in Place? What are the What might Controls If ‘No’ - give details as to how and when hazards happen? Complet Yes No N/A the measure will be implemented and e? by whom grooming for be in the process All staff will understand what is extremism. of being groomed. meant by the terms radicalisation and extremism and are x comfortable sharing concerns about sign of radicalisation and extremism. Children are protected whilst in school and on school related visits x and activities, as much as is reasonably practicable to be. Information available in school Staff Handbook in Safeguarding x Policy including reference to the Channel process, if concerned. The school leadership takes ownership of extremism and x radicalisation concerns and appropriate oversight is taken. May attempt to All new staff are made aware of New staff may influence pupils the schools expectations and ethos x potentially have and other and the SLT ensure all new staff extremist views members of staff adhere to these values. In line with the schools Safer Recruitment Policy & Procedures all appropriate checks are made on x potential new staff prior to being invited for interview.
ACTION PLAN Control in Place? What are the What might Controls If ‘No’ - give details as to how and when hazards happen? Complet Yes No N/A the measure will be implemented and e? by whom Pupils become in Pupils are exposed danger of being Through education, pupils’ to on line terrorist groomed and awareness has been raised about propaganda outside x potentially their personal responsibility for of school. radicalised. internet safety.
Sign Off Sheet
Assessor Details: Assessor(s) name: Assessor(s) signature: Date:
Lynn Maggs-Wellings L Maggs-Wellings 18/12/2015
School safety co-ordinator to sign below to accept the assessment School safety co-ordinator’s name: School safety co-ordinator’s signature: Date:
Julie Brodie Julie Brodie 18/12/2015
A review of this risk assessment is to be undertaken annually or else if any changes occur that affect the facts given above Date of review: Reviewed by (Name): Comments:
Reviewed in line with Risk Assessment Policy
USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
The following policy has been made to ensure that all staff who are linked with the school, are not left vulnerable as any type of electronic communication can be misconstrued.
Electronic communication includes and is not limited to any of the following:
Digital cameras, laptops, desktops, netbooks, tablets, mobile phones, smart phones, devices with Wifi connectivity and external hard drives or USB sticks.
ANY breech of this may result in disciplinary action ♦ No member of staff is allowed any electronic communication, which includes social networking sites, blogging, bulletins, chat rooms, forums, instant messaging and private email with any current or ex pupil. (Note receipt of pupils work for the network is via a school email address.) It is understood that some staff may have children who are pupils or ex pupils and this does not apply to those children but it does apply to friends of those children. Staff with children must ensure that any electronic communication with their children does not mention any staff, pupils or any aspect of the staff member’s work at Lyonsdown School. Whilst using any social networking sites, privacy settings must be set to full restrictions and updated regularly. If members of staff have friends who are parents of pupils or ex pupils and they communicate electronically with them, then no mention of Lyonsdown School, its staff or pupils can take place. Staff should take care with any references to Lyonsdown School in any electronic communication. No photographs of children can be published on social networking sites or on any form of communication where non members of staff have access, with the exception of the official school website by agreement with the Head. If you are unclear of any of the above points, please see the Head.
♦ This extends to anybody working in Lyonsdown School in a professional capacity and governors.
This document forms an extension of the Expectations of Staff using the INTERNET Acceptable Use Policy as signed by all staff.
(Part of induction package for staff)
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change)
Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
USE OF MOBILE PHONES BY STAFF POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
Aim To prevent the misuse of mobile phones and mobile phone cameras by staff in school.
Introduction This policy provides guidance on the appropriate use of personal mobile phones by members of staff, including the potential consequences of misuse and should be seen as safeguarding members of staff, the pupils and the school.
Key points included in the policy Staff use of mobile phones during the school day should be: • Discreet and appropriate • Infrequent • Out of lesson or school duty/ activity time and not in the presence of Pupils Mobile phones should be switched off or kept on silent and left in a safe place, out of view, during lesson activity, duty times and meetings. Staff should never contact pupils or parents of pupils from their personal mobile phone, or give their mobile phone number to pupils or parents of pupils. If a member of staff needs to make telephone contact with parents of pupils’, a school telephone should be used. Staff should never store pupils’ or parents of pupils’ telephone numbers on their mobile phone, send to or accept from colleagues, pupils or parents of pupils’ texts or images that could be viewed as inappropriate. On some occasions, e.g. for school trips, staff will be required to carry a mobile phone, but this will only be used to make and receive school phone calls during the day. On residential trips when personal calls are necessary, they should not be made in the presence of pupils.
Mobile phone Cameras Cameras are an integral part of the new technological mobile phone. These cameras enable users to take high quality pictures. These can then be sent instantly to other mobile phones or e-mail addresses. They can be posted on the internet or in chat rooms. The new generation of mobile phones is equipped with still and video technology. There is the potential for camera mobile phones to be misused in schools. They can become an instrument of bullying or harassment directed against pupils and teachers. With regard to mobile phone cameras, a member of staff should never use their personal phone to photograph or video a pupil(s), nor allow themselves to be photographed or videoed by a pupil(s). Consequences of contravening this policy Staff should understand that failure to comply with the policy is likely to result in disciplinary action or, in certain circumstances, a child protection allegation. The latter might involve suspension from work pending a Police investigation. Any offence of this nature involving a pupil is likely to be viewed as a serious disciplinary offence up to and including dismissal.
Part of induction package for staff Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change) Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
PHYSICAL CONTACT, RESTRAINT AND SEARCHING PUPILS POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
INTRODUCTION
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School understand the difficulties surrounding this area of safeguarding and are committed to providing support and care to both the children and staff, in accordance with the ethos of the School, whilst understanding the need for sensitivity.
The Legal Framework
This policy is written in accordance with Section 193-196 of the Independent School Standards(April 2014) and DfE Guidance (July 2013) which includes the prohibition of using corporal punishment. This prohibition includes the administration of corporal punishment to a pupil during any activity, whether or not within the school premises. The prohibition applies to all members of staff including those acting in loco parentis, such as unpaid, volunteer supervisors.
Section 93 of the Education Inspection Act 2006 (Legislative links www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/40/contents ), states that ‘all members of staff at the school who are authorised by the Head, may use physical intervention to avert an immediate danger of personal injury to, or an immediate danger to the property of, a person (including the child themselves)’. Teachers’ powers under section 4 of the 1997 Act to restrain pupils from engaging in certain activities remain i.e. If committing any offence (or, for pupils under the age of criminal responsibility, what would be an offence for an older pupil). Causing personal injury to any person (including the pupil themselves). Causing damage to the property of any person (including the pupil’s own property). Prejudicing the maintenance of good order and discipline at the school, and among any pupils receiving education at the school, whether during a teaching session or otherwise.
There is no legal definition of reasonable force. The Criminal Law Act (1967) allows any individual to use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent an offence (eg, physical assault) being committed. Reasonable minimal force is therefore a matter of personal judgement. It is permissible: a) in order to alleviate the danger of another person being subject to assault and/or b) when a person is deliberately damaging property.
The use of any degree of force or restraint is unlawful if the circumstances do not warrant the use of physical force or if it is used as a punishment. The degree of force used must be in proportion to the circumstances of the incident, the potential consequences, and the age/size of the pupil.
The law demands that force should be used only when every other approach has been employed and all practical methods to de-escalate the situation have been attempted.
Where it is clear a member of staff has used disproportionate force, he/she may be liable to disciplinary, civil or criminal proceedings.
This Policy gives guidance to all staff on the circumstances in which ‘physical intervention’ is allowable.
Physical Restraint
In exceptional circumstances, where there is immediate risk of injury, a member of staff may need to take any necessary action that is consistent with the concept of ‘reasonable force’. Before intervening physically, staff should wherever practicable, tell the pupil who is misbehaving to stop, and explain what will happen if he or she does not. The staff member should continue to attempt to communicate with the pupil throughout the incident and should make it clear that physical contact or restraint will stop as soon as it ceases to be necessary. In such cases only the minimum force necessary will be used whilst maintaining a calm and measured approach.
Staff members of Lyonsdown School should not put themselves at risk of injury. In these circumstances, the teacher should remove the other pupils who may be at risk and seek assistance from a colleague or colleagues and if necessary telephone the Police. Staff should inform the pupil(s) that they have sent for help. Until assistance arrives, staff should continue to attempt to defuse the situation orally and try to prevent the situation from escalating.
Types of Incidents There are a wide variety of situations in which reasonable force might be appropriate, or necessary, to control or restrain a pupil. They will fall into three broad categories: where action is necessary in self-defense or because there is an imminent risk of injury where there is a developing risk of injury, or significant damage to property where a pupil is behaving in a way that is compromising good order and discipline.
Examples of situations that fall within one of the first two categories are: a pupil attacks a member of staff or another pupil; pupils are fighting; a pupil is engaged in, or is on the verge of committing deliberate damage or vandalism to property; a pupil is causing, or at risk of causing, injury or damage by accident, by rough play, or by misuse of dangerous materials or objects; a pupil is running in a corridor or on a stairway in a way in which he or she might have or cause an accident likely to injure him or herself or others; a pupil absconds from a class or tries to leave school (N.B. this will only apply if a pupil could be at risk if not kept in the classroom or at school).
Examples of situations that fall into the third category may include: a pupil persistently refuses to obey an order to leave a classroom; a pupil is behaving in a way that is seriously disrupting a lesson.
Physical intervention can take several forms. It might involve staff: physically interposing between pupils; blocking a pupil's path; holding; pushing; pulling; leading a pupil by the hand or arm; shepherding a pupil away by placing a hand in the centre of the back, or (in extreme circumstances) using more restrictive holds.
The range of interventions: how may pupils be or not be restrained?
In these and other circumstances, where there is an immediate risk of injury, a member of staff may need to take action that is consistent with the concept of ‘reasonable force’, for example to prevent a young pupil running off a pavement onto a busy road, or to prevent a pupil hitting someone, or throwing something. In the unlikely event of a staff member needing to use restrictive physical intervention, the following points should be noted: Restrictive physical intervention must be consistent with the concept of reasonable force; the circumstances must warrant the use of force; the degree of force employed must be in proportion to the circumstances of the incident and the minimum to achieve the desired result; avoid causing pain or injury; avoid holding or putting pressure on joints; in general hold long bones.; avoid holding a pupil by the neck or collar, or in a way that may restrict their ability to breathe; avoid slapping, punching or kicking the pupil; avoid tripping up a pupil; avoid holding or pulling a pupil by the hair or ear; avoid holding a pupil’s face must not be held face down on the ground or in any position that might increase the risk of suffocation.
In addition authorised staff, at the discretion of the Head, can use such force as is reasonable given the circumstances to conduct a search for the following prohibited items: knives and weapons; alcohol; illegal drugs; stolen items; tobacco; cigarette papers; fireworks; pornographic/ unsuitable images; any article that is likely to be used to commit an offence, cause personal injury or damage to property. (Section 5507B (5) Education Act 1996). Searches can also be made for electronic devices such as iPods, iPads and mobile phones (Education Act 2011) as they may contain inappropriate material and are therefore not allowed by pupils at Lyonsdown School.
Recording Incidents
Any member of staff involved in an incident requiring physical intervention must inform the Head and write a detailed report of the incident to help prevent any misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the situation. Planning for Incidents If the school is aware that a pupil is likely to behave in a way that may require physical control or restraint, it will plan how best to respond in the situation. The School will endeavor to: manage the pupil and situation by diffusing the situation; involve the parents to ensure that they are clear about the specific action the school may need to take; brief staff to ensure that they know exactly what action should be taken and where appropriate, provide training or guidance; ensure that additional support can be summoned if appropriate.
PHYSICAL CONTACT
Physical contact may be misconstrued by a pupil, parent or observer. Touching pupils, including well-intentioned gestures, can, if repeated regularly, lead to serious questions being raised.
Where physical contact may be acceptable There are occasions when physical contact with a pupil may be necessary, for example to demonstrate exercises or technique during PE lessons, during sports coaching or when providing first aid. Young children and children with special educational needs may need staff to provide physical help. There may be occasions where a distressed pupil needs comfort and reassurance, which may include physical comforting such as a caring parent would give. Staff should use their discretion in such cases to ensure that what is normal and natural does not become unnecessary and unjustified contact, particularly with the same pupil over a period of time. Staff should use their own professional judgement when they feel a pupil needs this kind of emotional support and should reflect the child’s needs, age and level of maturity. Where a member of staff has particular concern about the need to provide this type of care and reassurance they should seek the advice and guidance of the Head.
General Guidelines As a general principle staff must not make gratuitous physical contact with their pupils. It is particularly unwise to attribute touching to their teaching style or as a way of relating to pupils.
There may be some children for whom touching is particularly unwelcome. For example, some pupils may be particularly sensitive to physical contact because of their cultural background or special needs or because they have been abused. Where appropriate, staff should receive information on these children, whilst ensuring that all matters of confidentiality and sensitivity remain of paramount importance. In addition, there should be a common approach where staff and pupils are of different sexes. Physical contact with pupils becomes increasingly open to question as pupils reach and go through adolescence and staff should also bear in mind that even innocent and well-intentioned physical contact can sometimes be misconstrued.
This Policy is part of induction package for staff.
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change)
Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
MISSING CHILD POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
The safety and security of children in our care at School is absolutely paramount. Every care is taken to ensure that the children are accounted for at all times.
Procedures: Formal registration is taken in the morning at 9.10 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1.00pm (Pre-Reception). 8.50am and in the afternoon at 1.20 pm (for Reception, Years 1 and 2) and 8.50am and 1.40pm (for Years 3 to 6).
The staff maintain the appropriate high level of supervision throughout the day and are aware of the location of the children in their care at all times.
When on excursions outside the school premises, staff implement strategies to maximise the safety and security of the children in accordance with the school’s Health & Safety Policy and Educational Visits Policy.
At the end of their school day, when a child is not collected on time, after waiting with them for approximately 10 minutes, the member of staff responsible for releasing the child will accompany them to the office where parent/carers will be contacted. The child remains in the office with a member of staff until collected. If after an appropriate time, as decided by the school, the child has not been collected, social services will be contacted.
Missing Child As our school is highly secure it is unlikely that a child would go missing from the school premises. However, if there is a suspicion that this may have happened, the following procedure will be followed:
Staff will maintain the safety and well‐being of other children. A roll call will be taken. A member of the Senior Leadership Team will be informed and, along with at least one other member of staff, the school grounds and the area directly outside the school will be searched. If the child is not found after approximately 10 minutes, the School will contact the parents and then the Police. Once the Police arrive all relevant information about the child will be given. The police will then take over the search. If off-site, one teacher will remain with the group of children whilst the other teacher will search the immediate vicinity for the missing child. Help will be requested from the Administration at the trip venue (if applicable). If the child is not located within 5 minutes, parents and the Police will be notified. When the child is found the Head will establish a team and a full investigation will take place, which the Head will chair. The Chairman of the Governors will be informed and when formulated the recommendations of the investigation team will then be implemented into school policy.
Part of induction package for staff
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change) Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
INTIMATE CARE POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
Introduction The Governors and Staff at Lyonsdown School realise that the issue of intimate care is a difficult one and will require staff to be respectful of children's needs.
Intimate care can be defined as care tasks of an intimate nature, associated with bodily functions, body products and personal hygiene which demand direct or indirect contact with or exposure of the genitals. Examples include care associated with continence and menstrual Leadership as well as more ordinary tasks such as help with washing or bathing.
Children's dignity will be preserved and a high level of privacy, choice and control will be provided to them. Staff who provide intimate care to children will have a high awareness of child protection issues. Staff behaviour is open to scrutiny and staff at Lyonsdown School work in partnership with parents/carers to provide continuity of care to children/young people wherever possible.
Staff deliver a full personal safety curriculum, as part of Personal, Social, Health, Moral & Citizenship Education to all children as appropriate to their developmental level and degree of understanding. This work is shared with parents who are encouraged to reinforce the personal safety messages within the home.
Lyonsdown School is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate care of children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. Lyonsdown School recognises that there is a need to treat all children with respect when intimate care is given. No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.
Our approach to best practice All children who require intimate care are treated respectfully at all times; the child's welfare and dignity is of paramount importance and a care plan for the child will be established and maintained.
Staff who provide intimate care are trained to do so (including Safeguarding and Health and Safety training in moving and handling) and are fully aware of best practice. Apparatus will be provided to assist with children who need special arrangements following assessment from physiotherapist/ occupational therapist as required.
Staff will adapt their practice in relation to the needs of individual children taking into account developmental changes such as the onset of puberty and menstruation. Wherever possible staff whom are involved in the intimate care of children/young people will not usually be involved with the delivery of sex education to their children/young people as an additional safeguard to both staff and children/young people involved.
There is careful communication with each child who needs help with intimate care in line with their preferred means of communication (verbal, symbolic, etc.) to discuss the child’s needs and preferences. The child will be made aware of each procedure that is carried out and the reasons for it.
As a basic principle children will be supported to achieve the highest level of autonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage each child to do as much for themselves as they can. This may mean, for example, giving the child responsibility for washing themselves. Individual intimate care plans will be drawn up for particular children as appropriate to suit the circumstances of the child. These plans include a full risk assessment to address issues such as moving and handling, personal safety of the child and the carer and health.
Each child's right to privacy will be respected. Careful consideration will be given to each child's situation to determine how many carers might need to be present when a child needs help with intimate care. Where possible, one child will be cared for by one adult unless there is a sound reason for having two adults present. If this is the case, the reasons should be clearly documented. In cases of occasional personal hygiene issues, two members of staff should be present for reasons of safeguarding. The welfare officer will normally be one of the members of staff attending.
Wherever possible the same child will not be cared for by the same adult on a regular basis; there will be a rota of carers known to the child who will take turns in providing care. This will ensure, as far as possible, that over-familiar relationships are discouraged from developing, while at the same time guarding against the care being carried out by a succession of completely different carers.
Parents/carers will be involved with their child's intimate care arrangements on a regular basis; a clear account of the agreed arrangements will be recorded on the child's care plan. The needs and wishes of children and parents will be carefully considered alongside any possible constraints; e.g. staffing and equal opportunities legislation.
Each child/young person will have an assigned senior member of staff to act as an advocate to whom they will be able to communicate any issues or concerns that they may have about the quality of care they receive.
If a child becomes distressed or unhappy about being cared for by a particular member of staff, the matter will be looked into and outcomes recorded.
The protection of children Education Safeguarding Procedures and Inter-Agency Safeguarding procedures will be accessible to staff and adhered to.
Where appropriate, all children will be taught personal safety skills carefully matched to their level of development and understanding.
If a member of staff has any concerns about physical changes in a child's presentation, e.g. marks, bruises, soreness etc. s/he will immediately report concerns to the appropriate manager/designated person for child protection. A clear record of the concern will be completed and referred to social services and/or the Police if necessary. Parents will be asked for their consent or informed that a referral is necessary prior to it being made unless doing so is considered likely to place the child at greater risk of harm.
Parents/carers will be contacted at the earliest opportunity in order to reach a resolution. Staffing schedules will be altered until the issue(s) are resolved so that the child's needs remain paramount. Further advice will be taken from outside agencies if necessary.
If a child makes an allegation of abuse, procedures outlined in the Safeguarding Policy will be followed.
Part of induction package for staff.
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change)
Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
VISITING SPEAKER POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
We may invite speakers from our wider community to give talks to enrich our pupils’ experience of school, providing them with information that helps them make decisions at different phases of their education, widening their understanding of world and global issues and providing motivational inspiration through the sharing of a speaker's experience.
Our responsibility to our pupils is to ensure that they can critically assess the information they receive as to its value to themselves, and that the information is aligned to the ethos and values of the School and British Values.
The “Prevent” statutory guidance requires schools to have clear protocols for ensuring that any visiting speakers whether invited by staff or pupils, are suitable and appropriately supervised.
The protocols are: All visiting speakers to have a nominated point of contact at the school (the Organiser). All requests for outside speakers to require the prior approval of the Head as Designated Safeguarding Lead. Provision of an outline of what the speaker intends to cover in advance of their visit Conducting research on the person/organisation to establish whether they have demonstrated extreme views/actions. Maintaining a formal register of all visiting speakers evidencing the research into their backgrounds. (Attached). Refusal to allow people/organisations to use school premises if they have links to extreme groups or movements. Ensuring visiting speakers are accompanied at all times and are not left unsupervised with pupils at any point. Conducting a risk assessment in relation to the Prevent Duty.
Guidelines for Visiting Speakers As per the “Prevent” guidance visiting speakers should follow the guidelines below:
The presentation must not incite hatred, violence or call for the breaking of the law. The visiting speaker is not permitted to encourage, glorify or promote any acts of terrorism including individuals, groups or organisations that support such acts. The visiting speaker must not spread hatred and intolerance of any minority group/s in the community. The visiting speaker must seek to avoid insulting other faiths or groups, within a framework of positive debate and challenge. Visiting speakers are not permitted to raise or gather funds for any external organisation or cause without permission from the Head. School staff must interrupt and/or stop the presentation for any violation of this agreement.
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change) Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually
Prevent – Visiting Speaker Log (Academic Year)
Visiting Reason For Staff Present Date of Visiting Name of Visiting Educational Year Group Evidence of Research into Speaker’s Visiting with Visiting Speaker’s Visit Speaker Activity Involved Involved Visiting Speaker Organisation Speaker’s Visit Speaker
PARENT, CARER AND GUEST PHOTOGRAPHIC POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013).
To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
Taking photographs of your children in order to record their achievements as they progress through school is an established social practice. The Lyonsdown School Board of Governors understands the desire to take such photographs and many of the Board are current or ex-parents of Lyonsdown children themselves. The Board of Governors also understands that some parents do not want their child(ren) to be photographed or filmed and the school receives a number of specific instructions in this regard every year. With this in mind, The Board of Governors sets out the following policy statements, which apply to all Lyonsdown parents, carers and guests in relation to the photography of children and the use of such photographs.
Policy Statement Photographs or recordings during the course of school performances and events are not permitted and this will also avoid children being distracted and put off. Individuals seen taking photographs and/or recordings when not permitted may be asked to leave the performance or event and refused permission to attend in the future.
Every effort will be made to offer photography and recording opportunities at the end of some school performances or events. The school staff will provide guidance regarding the timing and procedures for permitted photography.
The uploading or distributing of photographs or recordings via the internet and social media is not permitted. This is to prevent children's details, whereabouts and images being available on the internet and to avoid any potential harm that could result.
The duty of parents and carers to safeguard their own children extends to all children at our school. If taking group photographs and recordings at the end of a performance, with school permission, photographers must ensure they also have the consent of parents and carers for all children in the photographs.
The school may employ from time to time a professional photographer to take both individual and group photographs, which are available for purchase by parents. These, or any other, photographs of a child, other than a parent’s or carer’s own child, must not be uploaded onto the Internet, including Facebook or any other form of social media, without the permission of all parents or carers of the children concerned.
Further to these policy statements above, it is expected that parents and carers will take responsibility for the actions of their children with respect to the publication of school photos and recordings on social media sites e.g. Instagram, Facebook. Additionally, as a reminder of this policy, notices will be posted at each event stating that photographs are not permitted during the performance/event but that opportunities may be offered at the end. The reminder will also be included in letters sent out announcing specific performances/events. See appendix 1.
The Board of Governors feels that this policy provides the necessary safeguarding for children and respects the wishes of those parents who do not want their children photographed whilst, at the same time, offers some flexibility to the school to enable parents and carers to take photographs where appropriate.
This policy will be reviewed regularly by the Governing Body within the agreed cycle of Policy Review.
Appendix 1
Lyonsdown Governors’ Reminder of Photographic Policy
To promote and ensure children's safety and to enable the school to comply with specific requests from parents that their child(ren) is/are not photographed, we respectfully request that parents refrain from:
- taking photographs or making recordings during school performances/events, which will also avoid children being distracted and put off
- uploading or distributing photographs or recordings via social media to prevent children's details, whereabouts and images being available on the internet and to avoid any potential harm that could result
If parents are seen taking photographs/recordings during school performances/events, the individual may be asked to leave and may be refused permission to attend future school events
Every effort will be made to offer opportunities for photographs at the end of school productions/events
The duty of parents to safeguard their own children extends to all children at our school. If taking group photographs at the end of a performance, with school permission, photographers must also ensure they have parental permission for all children in the photograph
E-SAFETY POLICY
The Governors and staff of Lyonsdown School believe that the School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment, which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. Whilst no longer a requirement, the school recognises the importance of the key elements for Every Child Matters: Change for Children and the outcomes outlined within it to help children achieve more. DfE (2013): To be Healthy To Stay Safe To Enjoy and Achieve To Make a Positive Contribution To Achieve Economic Well-being
Introduction Technology and communications are rapidly changing and becoming more sophisticated, with this change come new ways of being unsafe and feeling threatened. E- Safety has become a very important issue that is essential to address in school throughout different areas of the curriculum, to ensure that all children and adults remain safe and in control when using technology. E-Safety encompasses internet technologies and electronic communications such as mobile phones as well as collaboration tools and personal publishing. It highlights the need to educate pupils about the benefits and risks of using technology and provides safeguards and awareness for users to enable them to control their online experience. Aims We aim to help every pupil and adult to: · Feel safe and confident when using new technologies. · Know who to speak to when they feel unsafe. · Know how to report any abusive behaviour. · Know how to use the internet correctly, without misuse. · Stay in control and keep personal information private. · How to take the necessary measures to block and delete accounts, messages and people.
Users Pupils/ Students Pupils and students are responsible for: · Knowing and acting in accordance with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)( see Appendix three and four.) · Knowing the importance of reporting abuse, misuse or access to inappropriate materials and knowing how to report them. · Knowing that mobile phones, personal digital cameras and other hand held devices are not allowed in school and that out of school there is a danger that they may be used for cyberbullying. · Understanding that the E-Safety policy also covers their actions out of school, if related to their membership of the school and in regard to other pupils.
Staff and other adults Staff and other adults are responsible for: · Knowing and acting in accordance with the school’s AUPs (staff AUP see Appendix one, visitor AUP see Appendix two.) · Knowing how to deal with the reporting of abuse, misuse or access to inappropriate materials and knowing how to record such incidents. · Knowing the policy on mobile phones, digital cameras and other hand held devices and to understand how children/staff can use these for cyber-bullying. · To have a secure understanding of the E-Safety policy and to ensure it is rigorously embedded into all areas of the curriculum, including extra school activities. · Understanding that the E-Safety policy also covers their actions out of school, if related to their membership of the school and to members of the school community.
Parents/ Carers
Parents and carers have the responsibility to ensure that their children use the internet, mobile phones and other hand held devices correctly and do not misuse these technologies in respect of all aspects of school life and those connected to the whole school community. They must be aware of the schools AUP and agree to it. Parents also have the responsibility for the photography of children; ensuring it is for personal use only and not distributed via any form of social networking. Parents and Carers should behave in accordance with and without exception to the school’s photographic policy. Education All children will receive planned E-Safety lessons throughout Computing and/or P.S.H.M.E and Citizenship; these lessons will be regularly revisited to suit the new technologies in and out of school. They will also be taught how to evaluate and question the validity of the content they find online. Other opportunities will be taken to reinforce key messages including through the use of external speakers and parents will receive information via parents information sessions in this respect. All staff will receive regular training regarding E-Safety and an audit of their E-Safety needs will be carried out. All new staff will receive E-Safety training as part of the induction process, ensuring they are fully aware and understand the E-Safety policy and the AUP. The Computing Co-ordinator along with the school’s designated safeguarding persons will be able to attend regular updates as necessary with appropriate trainers and report back to staff any new issues that they need to be aware of. Guidance will be provided for any member of staff that seeks it. As part of regular governance training, E-Safety issues are covered. New governors are trained fully in respect of safeguarding policy and procedure as part of their induction. Teaching and Learning Why are new technologies and Internet use important? The Internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. The school has a duty to provide students with quality internet access as part of their learning experience. Internet use is part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils. Internet use will enhance learning The school Internet access will include appropriate filtering. Pupils will be taught what Internet use is acceptable and what is not and will be given clear objectives in this respect. Pupils will be educated in the effective use of the Internet for research, including the skills of effective knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation. Pupils will be taught how to evaluate Internet content The school will ensure users are aware that the copying and subsequent use of Internet derived materials by staff and pupils should comply with copyright law. Pupils should be taught to be critically aware of the materials they read and shown how to validate information before accepting its accuracy. This should always be reinforced by all teachers using such facilities as and when they use it.
Pupil will be taught how to stay e-safe Curriculum planning will include age appropriate opportunities to discuss and learn about the benefits and risks offered by new technologies, such as e-mail, mobile phones and social networking sites. Communication This is an area which is rapidly developing and will need to be constantly revisited as technology advances and changes. Lyonsdown School recognises that different communications can have the potential to enhance learning and therefore can be a powerful tool, but we are also aware of the risks that may come with these in regards to E-Safety. Children should understand the risks posed by adults or young people, who use the internet on social medial to bully, groom, abuse or radicalise other people, especially children, young and vulnerable adults. Below is a table which outlines how these communication devices are to be used by both staff and children at school. Some applications are permitted at certain times, but are strictly for education purposes. If there are any queries/ uncertainty please seek the guidance of the Computing Co-ordinator. E-mails at Lyonsdown School are only used by pupils for inspection purposes. Pupils may only use approved e-mail accounts on the school system. If, however, pupils do receive an offensive e-mail, they must immediately tell a teacher. Pupils must not reveal personal details of themselves or others in e-mail communication, or arrange to meet anyone without specific permission.
Staff & other adults Students / Pupils
Allowed Allowed Not Not Allow Allowed Only Not at Allowed allowed ed at allowed allowed certain unless certain with staff times in with given times permission Communication certain permission and Technologies places supervision not in for school EYFS purposes
Mobile phones may be brought to school
Use of mobile phones in lessons
Use of mobile phones in social time
Taking photos on personal mobile phones or other camera devices
Taking photos on a school camera or devices
Use of hand held devices eg PDAs, PSPs
Use of personal email addresses in school, or on school network
Use of school email for personal emails
Use of chat rooms / facilities
Use of instant messaging
Use of social networking sites
Use of blogs for school purposes
Digital Video and Images The developments of digital images and videos have significant benefits within the curriculum and enhance learning. Image and videos can either be taken by staff and pupils for educational purposes or downloaded from the internet to support learning in the classroom. However, staff and pupils need to be aware of the risks associated with sharing images, especially via the internet. Staff and pupils need to be aware that once an image/ video is posted on the internet that it will remain there forever. This could cause harm or embarrassment in the future. When using digital images, staff should inform and educate pupils about the risks associated with the taking, use, sharing, publication and distribution of images. They should recognise the risks attached to publishing their own images on the internet eg on social networking sites. Staff are allowed to take digital / video images to support educational purposes, but must follow school policy concerning the sharing, distribution and publication of those images found in this document and the school’s photographic policy. Those images should only be taken on school equipment; the personal equipment of staff should not be used for such purposes. Care should be taken that when capturing images/ videos that all pupils concerned are appropriately dressed and not participating in activities that could bring either the pupils or the school into disrepute. Pupils full names will not be used anywhere on the website or in blogs and particularly not associated with photographs on there. Written permission is provided for every child that starts the school to indicate whether the parent or carer allows their child to be photographed and to confirm they give permission for their child’s pictures to be published on the schools website. Separate permission is sought if new publicity material is being produced. Lyonsdown School will always comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 in regards to digital images and videos.
Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable Unsuitable Use, Sanctions and Reporting at certain for nominated and illegal times users
Users shall not child sexual abuse images visit Internet sites, make, promotion or conduct of illegal acts, e.g. under the post, download, child protection, obscenity, computer misuse and upload, data fraud legislation transfer, communicate or adult material that potentially breaches the Obscene pass on, Publications Act in the UK material, criminally racist material in UK remarks, proposals or pornography comments that contain or relate promotion of any kind of discrimination to: promotion of racial or religious hatred
threatening behaviour, including promotion of physical violence or mental harm
any other information which may be offensive to colleagues or breaches the integrity of the ethos of the school or brings the school into disrepute
Using school systems to run a private business
Use systems, applications, websites or other mechanisms that bypass the filtering or other safeguards employed by ISP or the school
Uploading, downloading or transmitting commercial software or any copyrighted materials belonging to third parties, without the necessary licensing permissions
Revealing or publicising confidential or proprietary information (eg financial / personal information, databases, computer / network access codes and passwords)
Creating or propagating computer viruses or other harmful files
Carrying out sustained or instantaneous high volume network traffic (downloading / uploading files) that causes network congestion and hinders others in their use of the internet
On-line gaming (educational)
On-line gaming (non educational)
On-line gambling
On-line shopping / commerce for personal reasons
File sharing for personal reasons
Use of social networking sites
Cyber bullying Cyberbullying – Understanding and addressing the issues While cyberbullying is likely to be low level in primary schools the age of pupils making proficient use of technology is ever decreasing. Therefore, the opportunities for pupils to bully or be bullied via technology, such as e-mail, texts or social networking sites, are becoming more frequent. As such, teaching pupils about appropriate behaviours when using technology provides a vital grounding for future use. Whilst not wanting to provoke unrecognized opportunities in pupils, consideration must be given to suitable teaching and procedures to address any issues of cyberbullying. As felt appropriate for the age and use of technology by the pupils: The school’s anti-bullying policy and/or P.S.H.M.E. and Citizenship will address cyberbullying. Cyberbullying will also be addressed in Computing, PHSME and other relevant lessons and is brought to life through activities. As with other whole-school policies, all staff and young people will be included and empowered to take part in the process. Pupils, parents/carers, staff and governors will all be made aware of the consequences of cyberbullying. Children and their parents/carers will be made aware of pupils’ rights and responsibilities in their use of new technologies, and what the sanctions are for misuse. Policy documentation on the school website is updated as required and such information is disseminated to parents. They will also be provided with the opportunity to find out more about cyberbullying through guidance from outside agencies (eg. E-safety seminars provided in school). Cyberbullying – How will risks be assessed? The school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure against cyberbullying whilst pupils are in its care. However, due to the global and connected nature of new technologies, it is not possible to guarantee that inappropriate use via a school computer will not occur. The school cannot accept liability for inappropriate use, or any consequences resulting outside of school. The school will proactively engage with all pupils, appropriate to age, in preventing cyberbullying by: understanding and talking about cyberbullying, e.g. inappropriate use of e-mail, text messages and social networking; keeping existing policies and practices up-to-date with new technologies; ensuring easy and comfortable procedures for reporting; promoting the positive use of technology; evaluating the impact of prevention activities.
Records of any incidents of reported cyberbullying will be kept and will be used to help to monitor the effectiveness of the school’s prevention activities. These will be kept in a confidential file in the Head’ study. How will cyberbullying reports/issues be handled? Complaints of cyberbullying will be dealt with by a member of the senior leadership team and the designated safeguarding person. Any complaint about staff misuse must be referred to the Head. Evidence of offending messages, pictures or online conversations will be kept, in order to demonstrate to others what is happening. It can be used by the school, internet service provider, mobile phone company, or the police, to investigate the cyberbullying. Parents/Carers and pupils will need to work in partnership with staff to resolve issues.
Social Networking Access to social networking sites will be blocked or filtered when possible, except those specifically purposed to support educationally approved practice.
Staff and pupils will be advised never to give out personal details of any kind which may identify them or their location.
Pupils and parents/carers will be advised that the use of social networking sites, outside school based controlled systems are inappropriate for primary aged pupils, unless strictly supervised.
Staff and parents/carers should only use social networking for personal use. They should not use it to cause harm or upset to any member of the school community or be detrimental to the school.
Staff and pupils should be advised not to publish specific and detailed private thoughts on social networking sites.
Staff and parents/carers should comply with the school’s photographic policy with regard to the publishing of photographs.
Web Publishing Public Web published content and the school web site The contact details on the website should be the school address, e-mail and telephone number. Staff or pupils’ personal information will not be published. The Head will take overall editorial responsibility of content published on the schools website and ensure that it is accurate and appropriate. The website should comply with the school’s guidelines for publications, including respect for intellectual property rights and copyright.
Web Publishing pupils’ images and work Pupils’ full names will not be used anywhere on the website, particularly in association with photographs. Written permission from parents/carers will be obtained before images of pupils are electronically published on the web.
Actions and Sanctions All users of the computers will be made aware of what is acceptable or not by the AUP. If unacceptable use is carried out the correct sanctions will be in place and the reporting of these offences is outlined in the Code of Conduct & Practice for Registered Teachers Guidelines for staff and in the Behaviour/Discipline & Sanctions Policy for pupils.
It is expected that all users will be responsible and safe users of computing, who understand the policy and work within it. However, at times an infringement of the policy may occur whether through carelessness or, very rarely, deliberately. If any apparent or actual misuse appears to involve illegal activity ie; • child sexual abuse images • adult material which potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act • criminally racist material • other criminal conduct, activity or materials the correct reporting procedure is in place, as in the safeguarding policy, and all staff are aware of who to speak to in the first instance. This being, speaking to the Computing Co-ordinator who will then investigate the matter. If the matter is of a serious nature then the designated safeguarding person will be informed, who will take the matter further. All children will be made aware of the importance to report any incident to an adult at school that they can trust. The following table indicates how different offences will be dealt with in regards to both pupils and staff. In all cases the designated safeguarding person with the Head when notified, will decide what action to take and whether the incident needs further action, e.g. reporting to police.
Students/Pupils Refer Refer to Refer to Refer to Inform Removal Warning Further to class Head (DPS) Police technical parents of sanctions, Incidents: teacher support / network / ultimately staff for carers internet exclusion action re access
filtering / rights security etc
Deliberately accessing or trying to access material that could be considered illegal (see list in earlier section on unsuitable / inappropriate activities).
Unauthorised use of non-educational sites during lessons
Unauthorised use of mobile phone / digital camera / other handheld device
Unauthorised use of social networking / instant messaging / personal email
Unauthorised downloading or uploading of files
Allowing others to access school network by sharing username and passwords
Attempting to access or accessing the school network, using another student’s / pupil’s account
Attempting to access or accessing the school network, using the account of a member of staff
Corrupting or destroying the data of other users
Sending an email, text or instant message that is regarded as offensive, harassment or of a bullying nature
Continued infringements of the above, following previous warnings or sanctions
Actions which could bring the school into disrepute or breach the integrity of the ethos of the school
Using proxy sites or other means to subvert the school’s filtering system
Accidentally accessing offensive or pornographic material and failing to report the incident
Deliberately accessing or trying to access offensive or pornographic material
Roles and Responsibilities All the adults that are involved in the life of the school community; whether governors, teaching staff, support staff, technicians or parents have roles and responsibilities that are associating with E-Safety as well as all pupils that come into contact with computers.
Governors The Governors are responsible for the approval of the E-Safety Policy and reviewing the effectiveness of it regularly. Regular meetings and information will be provided to the Governors so they are able to make the correct recommendations, they will also be able to carry out regular monitoring of E-Safety incident logs when required.
Head and Senior Leadership The Head is responsible for ensuring the safety, including E-Safety, of the members of the school community. Although the day to day managing of E-Safety will be delegated to the Computing Co-ordinator.
The Head and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for ensuring that all staff and the Computing Co- ordinator receive correct and suitable Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The Head and Senior Leadership Team will ensure that there is a system in place to monitor the usage of internet and other technologies and that the person who carries out the internal E-Safety monitoring receives support and is also monitored. This is to provide a safety net and also support to those who take on important monitoring roles.
The Head and Senior Leadership Team will ensure that they receive regular updates and reports from the Computing Co-ordinator.
The Head and another member of the Senior Leadership Team are to ensure they know the correct procedures that need to be followed when a serious allegation has been made by a child or one that is in regards to a member of a staff. See Safeguarding & Promoting the Welfare of Children Policy (Child Protection)
The Computing Co-ordinator The Computing Co-ordinator will take day to day responsibility for e-safety issues and has a leading role in establishing and reviewing the school E-Safety policies / documents.
The Computing Co-ordinator will ensure that all staff are aware of the procedures that need to be followed in the event of an e-safety incident taking place and will provide training and advice for all staff.
The Computing Co-ordinator will report any E-Safety incidents to the designated safeguarding person who will create a log of incidents to inform future e-safety developments.
The Governors will meet to discuss current issues, review incident logs and filtering / change control logs and reports regularly to Senior Leadership Team.
Technical Staff The Computing Co-ordinator in consultation with any external technical staff is responsible for ensuring: that the school’s computing infrastructure is secure and is not open to misuse or malicious attack. that by an appropriate use of passwords, users may only access the school’s networks through a properly enforced password protection policy. that he/she keeps up to date with relevant E-Safety technical information and guidance in order to carry out their role effectively. that any monitoring software/systems are implemented and up dated regularly.
Teaching and Support Staff Teaching and Support Staff are responsible for:
Ensuring they stay up to date with current E-Safety matters and policies and practice.
They read, understand and carry out the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). They report any misuse or problems to the Computing Co-ordinator/Designated Safeguarding Person/Head for further investigation. That any digital communications with pupils should be strictly professional and only carried out using school systems. That E-Safety issues are embedded throughout the curriculum. That pupils follow the AUP and E-Safety policy. Being are aware of E-Safety issues related to the use of mobile phones, cameras and hand held devices and that they monitor their use and implement current school policies with regard to these devices.
Designated Safeguarding Person The Designated Safeguarding Person needs to ensure that they are fully trained in E-Safety issues and are aware that serious child protection issues could occur due to:
Cyber- bullying Sharing of personal data Inappropriate online conduct with adults/ strangers Potential or actual incidents of grooming
Pupils/ Students Pupils and students are responsible for:
Knowing and acting accordingly to the school’s AUP. Knowing the importance of reporting abuse, misuse or access to inappropriate materials and know how to report them. Knowing the policy on mobile phones, digital cameras and other hand held devices and to realise these can be used for cyber-bullying. Understanding that the E-Safety policy also covers their actions out of school, if related to their membership of the school or members of the school community.
Parents/ Carers Parents and carers have the responsibility to ensure that their children use the internet and mobiles phones correctly and do not misuse these technologies, in accordance with the schools AUP which they should read and agree to.
Review Date: Spring Annually (or when any legal requirements change) Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/Child Protection – Ms Andrea Morley
Ratification responsibility of the Education Sub-Committee – Summer Annually Last ratified 3 May 2017
Appendix One ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Expectations of staff when using electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet and the use of mobile phones at Lyonsdown School
This policy should be read, understood and signed by all members of staff on an annual basis (in line with safeguarding updates).
This document has been developed to ensure staff within Lyonsdown School are aware of their professional responsibilities when using computing equipment and systems. All staff will follow the guidelines at all times. You are responsible for your behaviour and actions when carrying out any activity which involves using computing equipment and information systems, either within school or at other locations, such as home. Computing equipment and associated technologies include all facilities and resources used to access the school computing network and Internet as well as standalone devices with digital storage.
Staff must 1. Read the E-safety policy and associated appendices which can be found in the staff handbook.
2. Access the school computing systems using an individual username and password which must be kept secure. Staff should log out after a session and report any suspicion or evidence that there has been any breach of personal security in relation to access to the Internet or computing systems to the Computing Co-ordinator.
3. Not disclose any password or login name to anyone, other than the persons responsible for running and maintaining the system.
4. Keep school subscription website passwords for school purposes and usernames and passwords should be kept for school use only.
5. Use a discrete method to keep any reminders of school passwords if required.
6. Not allow any Web Browser to remember any school password which could allow others access in relation to data protection and security or to access a school subscription website.
7. Only use the Internet to look at material suitable to be seen by pupils. Staff should not search for any content that is illegal or that could be considered to be offensive by another user. Any such material encountered should be reported immediately to the Computing Co-ordinator.
8. Only use the Internet and school electronic equipment for school related business. If exceptions are required, please ask permission from the Computing Co-ordinator before proceeding.
9. Not disclose the home address/telephone number/email address of other colleagues or pupils unless they have prior permission to do so on each separate occasion.
10. Take reasonable precautions with any school devices whether on or off site (eg. cameras on school trips) in order to keep them securely. 11. Not use mobile phones or personal device during lessons or school duty/activity times and not in the presence of pupils.
12. Not use a mobile phone or personal device in EYFS at any time.
13. Never use a personal mobile phone or personal device to photograph, record or video a pupil.
14. Comply with the school’s Use of Mobile Phones and Electronic Communication, Photographic and E-safety Policies.
15. Not access social networking sites for personal use on school equipment.
16. Not use social media or a digital device in any way that could put a child or a member of staff at risk or that could be considered to be derogatory or slanderous in relation to the school.
17. Not send or use any personal photographs of pupils or teachers on the internet or any social media where non-members of staff have access, or in any digital form without permission from the Head, teachers and parents of the children unless it is for the official school website by agreement with the Head.
18. Ensure that when organizing any visitors or speakers to come into the school, they clarify with that visitor or speaker how any technology or electronic equipment may be used whilst on site. The staff member should have planning in place to cover any technology or electronic equipment requirements in consultation with the Computing co-ordinator. The staff member should ensure that the visitor understands and has signed the school Acceptable Use Agreement for Visitors which should be emailed or sent out for information to the visitor prior to their visit and completed and signed on arrival in the school office.
19. Inform the Computing Co-ordinator as soon as possible if there may be any problem or possible viruses or malware on the system.
20. Not download or install any material on school computers or electronic devices without permission from the Computing Co-ordinator. Staff should seek consent prior to the use of any new technologies (hardware, software or web-based services) within school.
21. Be aware that if you are working from a memory stick or other form of portable memory, it must be known to be virus or malware free before you use it with a school computer.
22. Not access other people’s files unless specific permission has been given.
23. Arrange for suitable supervision and monitoring of pupils in a class when using computing equipment and only allow children to use the Internet when there is a responsible adult present to supervise.
24. Model safe, responsible behaviour and best practice in respect of using computing and electrical equipment including acknowledging copyright of materials found on the Internet and promoting this behaviour with pupils.
25. Understand that school network or other school files, communications, email and Internet activity may be monitored and checked to protect their own and others’ safety and action may be taken if deemed necessary to safeguard them or others.
26. Be cautious when receiving emails from unknown or suspicious sources as they could contain viruses or malware that could infect the rest of the system. Delete them before opening if you are not sure they are safe. Be careful with opening any attachments or clicking on links in emails even from trusted senders.
27. Be cautious when using websites that contain links and adverts as they can include viruses and unwanted software or toolbars.
28. Not synchronise any school email account with a personally-owned handheld device. If this device were to be stolen or lost and hacked it would allow anyone access to that school email account.
29. Remember that if school equipment is used, it is for school related work only.
30. Remember that school laptops or other school digital devices should only be used as stand alone computers or connected to the school network and not be connected to other Internet providers in order to prevent virus (and other) attacks when not using the school network.
31. Remember to follow the guidelines for the use of these laptops and any other digital devices and to store them and return them as agreed with the Computing Co-ordinator.
32. Understand that staff and pupils choosing not to comply with these expectations will be warned and subsequently this may result in access to the Internet resources or computing equipment being denied and possible disciplinary action by the head.
LYONSDOWN SCHOOL STAFF USE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THAT RELATED TO COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET AND THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY As a member of staff and user of the Lyonsdown School network and/or computing equipment, I agree to comply with the rules of its use, as listed above. I have read and understood the above rules. Signed______Name in print______Date______
Appendix Two Lyonsdown School
Acceptable Use Agreement for Visitors Expectations of visitors when using electronic equipment including that related to computers, the Internet and the use of mobile phones.
To ensure that school visitors are fully aware of their responsibilities when using information or digital systems and when communicating with pupils, they are asked to sign this Acceptable Use Agreement. Visitors should consult the school’s Head if any further information or clarification is required. I will not use any personal device (including cameras and mobile phones) to capture images, videos or audio of pupils or to access social networking sites during my visit to the school.
I will not install any software (including mobile apps) onto any school device or system.
I will submit any device that may be used with the school computing system to be checked for viruses or any other checks that the school deems appropriate.
I will not browse, download, upload or distribute any material that could be considered offensive, illegal or discriminatory while in the school.
I will adhere to copyright and intellectual property laws and only use media which I own, have permission to use, or is copyright-free.
I will report any incidents of concern regarding children’s safeguarding whilst using technologies in the school to the Head.
I understand that I am not allowed to use the school computing system without permission and only for the purposes permitted by the Head and will have consulted the Computing Co-ordinator in regard to my intended use.
I have read, understood and accept the Lyonsdown School expectations of visitors when using electronic equipment including that related to computers, the Internet and the use of mobile phones Acceptable Use Agreement.
Name………………………………..Signed……………………………Date……………… . Times: start………………………………….End………………………………………………
Reason for Visit…………………………………………………………………………
Equipment used ……………………………………………………………......
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Appendix Three
Lyonsdown School Pupil Acceptable Use Policy Agreement for Reception
This is how we stay safe when we use computers:
I will ask a teacher or responsible adult if I want to use the computers or a digital device at school. I will only use activities that a teacher or responsible adult has told or allowed me to use. I will take care of the computer and other equipment including cameras. I will ask for help from a teacher or responsible adult if I am not sure what to do or if I think I have done something wrong. I will tell a teacher or responsible adult if I see something that upsets me on the screen. I know that if I break the rules I might not be allowed to use a computer.
Signed (child):…………………………………………… Class……………………………………………………….
Dear Reception Parents RE: Acceptable Use Policy for Reception Pupils Expectations of pupils when using electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet at Lyonsdown School
It is our school procedure to ensure that all children discuss careful use of the Internet and electronic equipment. In simple terms, they need to be aware that they must always follow instructions when using the computers at school and never open anything unless the teacher says it is alright. When given a task on a computer, they must attempt that task and not try to start another. If anything seems wrong or upsets them, they must tell the teacher. Please read through and discuss the pupil section above with your child and then they should write their own name if at all possible where it is asked for them to sign. If it is impossible for them to write their own name, please sign on their behalf and write on the form that you have had a basic discussion with your child. It is our school policy to ask for your permission for your child to use the Internet at school. As a parent or guardian, I have read though this electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and I give my permission for my child to use the Internet or World Wide Web at Lyonsdown School.
Signed (parent): …………………………………………..Date………………………………..
Appendix Four 3 Richmond Road, New Barnet Hertfordshire EN5 1SA
Tel: 020 8449 0225
Fax: 020 8441 4690
www.lyonsdownschool.co.uk LYONSDOWN
SCHOOL
2015
Dear Parents
You may be aware that we have Internet access in classrooms at Lyonsdown. The benefits of being able to access the Internet at school far outweigh any of the disadvantages and we have tried our best to make it a safe and informative environment for your child.
Computing now forms an integral part of the National Curriculum in most subjects, and the Internet is a necessary tool for research and activities. We have worked to develop good practice in using the Internet as a tool for teaching and learning.
We are using a filtering service along with Spyware, Sophos Antivirus, Anti-Cookie and Anti-Pop-up software. As you can appreciate there is still the possibility that something unsuitable may appear accidentally despite our best endeavours but we will continue to upgrade our filtering services over the years and also teach the children how to deal with such instances.
It is our school policy to ask for your permission for your child to use the Internet at school. Please could you read through the "Acceptable Use" form carefully with your child, explaining to them any parts that they may not understand and then sign it, together with your child, before returning it to school.
Please keep the "Home copy" in a safe place so you can refer to it later as your child develops.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Sally Everett (Computing Co-ordinator)
Proprietor: Lyonsdown School Trust Ltd. Registration No.: 1125436
HOME COPY TO REFER TO IN THE FUTURE- PLEASE KEEP AT HOME ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Expectations of pupils when using electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet at Lyonsdown School Please read and discuss this with your parent(s), sign it and return it to school.
At school pupils must: • Ask permission before accessing the Internet. • Only use the Internet when supervised by a teacher/teaching assistant. • Not access other people's files or folders. • Not give out any personal information (including home address or telephone number) or send/upload personal photographs on the Internet. • Not use or share images of others without their permission in the public domain or any social media. • Not press download if it appears on the screen at any time without the permission of the teacher in charge at the time. • Not upload to the Internet without the permission of the teacher in charge. • Not agree to web browsers remembering passwords on shared computers or devices. • Only follow the teacher's/teaching assistant's guidelines and not try to access any inappropriate material. • Be responsible for their behaviour and languagePupil on Agreementthe Internet and not use any bad or rude language. • Not usePupil's any type Name of social ______networking, chat sites or social message______boards at school. (PLEASE • Inform a teacher immediately if anything rude appears online. PRINT NAME) • Not open pop ups or advertisements if they appear. • UnderstandI have that read teachers and/or will discussed have access the aboveto pupils' rules. emails and any other related documents or files and mayAs checka user that of theschool Lyonsdown expectations School are being Network, met. I agree to comply with the rules of • Not makeits use arrangements as listed above. to meet anyone using the Internet. • Understand that any bad behaviour may result in access to the Internet resources being denied.
Signed by pupil ______Date ______Parent/Guardian Agreement
As a parent or guardian, I have read though this electronic equipment, including that related to computers and the Internet, Acceptable Use Policy and I give my permission for my child (child's name) to use the Internet, World Wide Web
and/or emails at Lyonsdown School. I understand that my child will be held accountable for his or her own actions. I also understand that some materials or behaviour on the Internet may be inappropriate and I accept responsibility, together with the school, for explaining to my child the expectations they are expected to follow when using the Internet and electronic equipment.
Signed by parent/guardian ______Date ______
PLEASE PRINT NAME______
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Expectations of pupils when using electronic equipment including that related to computers and the Internet at Lyonsdown School Please read and discuss this with your parent(s), sign it and return it to school.
At school pupils must: • Ask permission before accessing the Internet. • Only use the Internet when supervised by a teacher/teaching assistant. • Not access other people's files or folders. • Not give out any personal information (including home address or telephone number) or send/upload personal photographs on the Internet. • Not use or share images of others without their permission in the public domain or any social media. • Not press download if it appears on the screen at any time without the permission of the teacher in charge at the time. • Not upload to the Internet without the permission of the teacher in charge. • Not agree to web browsers remembering passwords on shared computers or devices. • Only follow the teacher's/teaching assistant's guidelines and not try to access any inappropriate material. • Be responsible for their behaviour and languagePupil on Agreement the Internet and not use any bad or rude language. • Not usePupil's any typeName of social______networking, chat sites or social message______boards at school. (PLEASE • Inform a teacher immediately if anything rude appears online. PRINT NAME) • Not open pop ups or advertisements if they appear. • UnderstandI have thatread teachers and/or discussedwill have access the above to pupils' rules. emails and any other related documents or files and mayAs a check user thatof the school Lyonsdown expectations School are Network,being met. I agree to comply with the rules of • Not makeits use arrangements as listed above. to meet anyone using the Internet. • Understand that any bad behaviour may result in access to the Internet resources being denied.
Signed by pupil ______Date ______Parent/Guardian Agreement
As a parent or guardian, I have read though this electronic equipment, including that related to computers and the Internet, Acceptable Use Policy and I give my permission for
my child ______(child's name) to use the Internet, World Wide Web
and/or emails at Lyonsdown School. I understand that my child will be held accountable for his or her own actions. I also understand that some materials or behaviour on the Internet may be inappropriate and I accept responsibility, together with the school, for explaining to my child the expectations they are expected to follow when using the Internet and electronic equipment.
Signed by parent/guardian ______Date ______
PLEASE PRINT NAME______