Different Forms of Child Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns 4

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION, VALUES AND COMMUNITY LINKS

Safeguarding Policy

Policy Date: August 2015

To be reviewed: May 2016 Safeguarding Policy

Contents Introduction...... 3

Overview...... 3

Aims...... 4

Different Forms of Child Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns...... 4

The Role of the Governing Body...... 5

Role of the Designated Senior Person (DSP)...... 5

Role of the School and Staff...... 6

Supporting Students...... 6

School Procedure regarding the Protection of Children...... 7

School procedure regarding allegations of abuse made against a member of staff...... 7

Statutory Notifications...... 8

Records/Confidentiality...... 8

Staff Training, Induction and Awareness...... 9

Volunteers...... 9

Safer Recruitment...... 10

Staff Code of Conduct...... 10

Physical Contact and Use of Reasonable Force...... 11

First Aid and Intimate Care...... 11

Changing for P.E. lessons...... 11

Site Security...... 12

Definitions and Categories of Child Abuse...... 12

Neglect...... 12

Physical Abuse...... 12

Sexual Abuse...... 13

Emotional Abuse...... 14

2 Safeguarding Policy

Other Safeguarding areas...... 14

Child Missing from Education…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

Child Missing from Home/Care………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

Bullying (including Cyber Bullying)...... 14

Domestic Violence...... 15

Child Sexual Exploitation...... 15

Forced Marriages...... 15

Drugs Abuse...... 16

Fabricated or Induced Illness...... 16

Gangs and Youth Violence...... 16

Gender Based Violence...... 16

Sexting...... 16

Female Genital Mutilation...... 16

Allegations of Abuse Against Other Students ...... 17

Minimising the risk of safeguarding concerns towards pupils from other students...... 18

Faith Abuse...... 19

Radicalisation...... 19

Prevention...... 19

Policy Adoption, Monitoring and Review…………………………………………………………………………………………20

Other related policies...... 20

Useful Documents/Links...... 20

Contact Details...... 21

FLOW CHARTS 2 - REFFERAL...... 22

FLOW CHARTS 3 - URGENT ACTION TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN...... 23

FLOW CHARTS 4 - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE STRATEGY DISCUSSION?...... 24

FLOW CHARTS 5 - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CHILD PROTECTION CONFERENCE INCLUDING THE REVIEW PROCESS?...... 25

In the Name of Allah the Most Kind, Most Merciful

Introduction The staff and the members of the Governing Body of Al Risalah School are committed to ensuring that all our students are offered a learning environment which is safe and secure.

Our school’s Safeguarding Policy is based on the DfE document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education July 2015 (KCSIE 2015)’ and guidance from Wandsworth Local Safeguarding Children Board. It also has regard to DfE guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2015.

Al-Risalah School ensures staff are aware of the safeguarding policies and procedures the school has in place; they should know how to recognise and report signs of abuse and neglect, and update their child protection training regularly.

This policy is subject to regular review and update, and will be formally reviewed at least annually by the Governing Body in line with Government guidance.

The school strives to ensure that staff members should always think "it could happen here" where safeguarding is concerned.

There are five main elements to our policy:

1 Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop. 2 Ensuring safe recruitment practices are always followed. 3 Raising awareness of Child Protection issues amongst all stakeholders 4 Developing and implementing robust procedures for identifying and reporting cases of safeguarding concerns. 5 Supporting pupils who have been abused in accordance with child protection procedures

Overview  Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.  Where a child is suffering significant harm, or is likely to do so, action should be taken to protect that child.  Action should also be taken to promote the welfare of a child in need of additional support, even if they are not suffering harm or are at immediate risk  The School has a dedicated Child Protection Officer (CPO) and a deputy Officer. This Policy will be reviewed regularly and should be read in line with government guidelines.  This policy has used the flowcharts as recommended by the government which may be updated from time to time.  This policy will be available on the school website and made available to parents upon request.

 To support the student’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.  To raise the awareness of staff of the need to safeguard students and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.  To provide a systematic means of monitoring students known or thought to be at risk of harm.  To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff.  To develop a structured procedure which will be followed in cases of suspected abuse.  To develop and promote effective working relationships with other selected organisations, especially the Police and Social Care  To ensure that all adults, whether staff or volunteers who have frequent access to students have current DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) checks, have their identity verified by original documentation and also that references are checked in line with Safe Recruitment Policies.

Different Forms of Child Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns Staff should look out for the following issues and concerns:

 Emotional abuse  Physical abuse  Sexual abuse  Neglect  Child missing from education  Child missing from home/care  Bullying including Cyber Bullying  Domestic Violence  Child Sexual Exploitation  Forced Marriages  Drugs Abuse  Fabricated or Induced Illness  Gangs and Youth Violence  Gender Based Violence/violence against women and girls  Mental Health  Private Fostering  Sexting  Teenage Relationship Abuse  Trafficking  Female Genital Mutilation  Faith Abuse  Preventing Radicalisation

The Role of the Governing Body The Governing Body will:

 ensure that they comply with their duties under legislation and have regard to the DFE guidance to ensure that the policies, procedures and training are effective and comply with the law at all times.  ensure that the school contributes to inter-agency working in line with statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.  ensure that their safeguarding arrangements take into account the procedures and practice of the local authority as part of the inter-agency safeguarding procedures set up by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). Section 10 of the Children Act 2004 requires a local authority to make arrangements to promote co-operation between itself and its relevant partners and other organisations who are engaged in activities relating to children. Under section 14B of the Children Act 2004 the LSCB can require a school or college to supply information in order to perform its functions; this must be complied with.  ensure a member of the governing body, usually the chair, is nominated to liaise with the local authority and/or partner agencies on issues of child protection and in the event of allegations of abuse made against the headteacher, the Director or proprietor is to liaise .  ensure that an effective child protection policy is in place together with a staff behaviour policy (code of conduct). Both should be provided to all staff – including temporary staff and volunteers on induction.  ensure that the policies and procedures adopted by governing body, particularly concerning referrals of cases of suspected abuse and neglect, are followed by all staff.  ensure a designated senior staff person is appointed to the role of designated safeguarding lead  ensure a sound curriculum is in place to raise safeguarding awareness  ensure a robust safer recruitment practice is followed in line with the recommended practice  ensure procedures are in place to manage allegations and for making complaints

The Governor with special responsibility for safeguarding/child protection will liaise with the Designated Person on matters relating to safeguarding/ child protection issues and participate in the annual review of the policy.

Role of the Designated Senior Person (DSP) The role of the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection is in line with the responsibilities as set out at Appendix 3 of the DfE Guidance outlined above (KCSIE 2015). These are as follows:

 Referrals, training and raising awareness.  Is the focus person and local ‘expert’ for school staff, and others, who have concerns about an individual child’s safety or well-being and is the first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing C.P. investigations.  Co-ordinates the school’s representation at CP conferences and the submission of written reports for conferences (a meeting of all relevant agencies).  Seeking advice from Wandsworth Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) for Child Protection at once and/or consulting with Social Care to decide on referrals (imperatively referrals must be made within 24 hours of a disclosure or allegation of an abuse).

Role of the School and Staff  Every adult (permanent employee, supply and volunteer) at Al-Risalah who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children and to provide a safe environment in which all children can learn.

 All staff members need to remain vigilant and have a responsibility to identify concerns early and provide help for children to prevent concerns from escalating. This also includes children who are likely to suffer any harm. In such cases staff have a responsibility to act in line with the school policy of reporting all such concerns and support the DSP and other external agencies.

 When concerns are noted Al-Risalah School will liaise with other stakeholders. LSCB, social care, the police, health services and other services which promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. The school’s designated senior person (DSP) is responsible to liaise closely with these services.

 If staff are not satisfied with the action taken or still have concern they should speak directly to children’s social care.

 If 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 staff member with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point.

 Training will be provided to all members of staff by the school’s lead designated senior person and regularly updated. The training will support all staff members of understanding the importance of safeguarding at Al-Risalah and outline procedures and systems to be used in cases where any issues arise. This will include child protection, behaviour management system, Health and safety, code of conduct and the procedures within the school with regards to these matters. The school will ensure that safeguarding is included as part of Al- Risalah’s robust induction process for all new staff members and volunteers. The training and induction will bring awareness of the following:

 Make aware of the signs of abuse and neglect so that they are able to identify cases of children who may be in need of help or protection. Knowing what to look for is vital to the early identification of abuse and neglect. If staff members are unsure they should always speak to children’s social care.

 Remain constantly vigilant as if it could happen any time to one our children at Al-Risalah. If any concerns are noted then they act in the best interest and welfare of the child.

Supporting Students

We recognise that a student who is abused or witnesses violence may find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth, may feel helpless and humiliated.

We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a student in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn behaviour.

We will support all students by: 7 Safeguarding Policy

 Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness whilst not condoning aggression or bullying  Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment  Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children  Notifying the Social Care Department of the Local Authority as soon as here is a significant concern.

School Procedure regarding the Protection of Children Key consideration: The confidentiality, care and welfare of the child are of paramount importance.

Any staff member, who has reason to suspect that a child has been ill-treated, injured or is at risk for whatever reason should immediately inform the DSP. The DSP will instruct the adult to document everything that has been said or observed. Based on the information shared the DSP will act by:

a) Considering it as a safeguarding concern and liaise with external agencies b) Seek advice from external agencies if unsure c) Ensure that further monitoring of the child will take place.

Where there are any doubts as to the seriousness of this concern or disagreement between the DSP and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the LSCB/ social services.

In circumstances where a child has a suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency assistance. If a pupil is thought to be at immediate risk (because of parental violence or intoxication, for example) urgent Police intervention will be requested. Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of children who are subject to a Child Protection Plan and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to Social Care (and confirmed in writing). In all cases of injury to a child consideration will always be given as to whether an urgent paediatric medical assessment is required to document injuries or to protect any forensic evidence.

Where it is suspected that a child may be at risk of significant harm, nothing will be said to the child’s parent/carer without the approval of the LSCB.

School procedure regarding allegations of abuse made against a member of staff  Al Risalah School takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Mechanisms are in place for pupils, parents/carers and staff to share any concerns that they might have about the actions of any member of our school staff. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the LSCB.

 Allegations against staff who is no longer employed or is historical will be referred to the police

 Serious allegations requiring immediate intervention will be referred to the Police and social services.

 The following definitions will be used to determine the outcome of allegations:  Substantiated  Malicious 8 Safeguarding Policy

 False  Unsubstantiated

 All allegations will be dealt with in line with Part 4 of KCSIE 2015 p40-50.

 The school will comply with its duty of care towards the staff member during this period

 The school will refer to the DBS, any member of staff who has been disciplined, dismissed, is currently under investigation or left prior to the end of an investigation for causing any form of safeguarding concern to a child.

Statutory Notifications  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.

 Any allegation made against a teacher will be referred to the Local Authority Officer (LSCB) within 24 hours of the allegation being made. The school will follow the advice from the LSCB at every stage until the case is resolved. The same will apply for the Nursery.

 The school has a legal duty to refer to the DBS anyone who has harmed, or poses a risk of harm, to a child, or if there is reason to believe the member of staff has committed one of a number of listed offences, and who has been removed from working (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity, or would have been removed had they not left. The DBS will consider whether to bar the person. Referrals should be made as soon as possible after the individual has left the school.

 Where a teacher’s employer, including an agency, ceases to use the services of a teacher because of serious misconduct, or would have dismissed them had they not left first, they must consider whether to refer the case to the Secretary of State, as required by sections 141D and 141E of the Education Act 2002.The Secretary of State may investigate the case and if s/he finds there is a case to answer, must then decide whether to make a prohibition order in respect of the person.

 Referrals must be made in writing to the social services and/or police within 24 hours of an incident or disclosure. Advice must be sought from these authorities on the telephone at once.

 Any unexplained absence of a child who has a Child Protection Plan must be notified to his social worker and the LSCB, preferably within the first day of absence, and no later than the second day of absence.

Records/Confidentiality  Accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents or CP concerns relating to individual children.

 Child protection records are not available to pupils or parents.

 CP records are kept by the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection, separately from educational records, and can only be accessed by the Designated Senior Person, their Deputy and senior managers of the school as appropriate.

 Where a child moves from Al Risalah School any CP records or files will be forwarded to any receiving school within five days of that new provision being confirmed. The CP file will be sent separately from the pupil file.

Staff Training, Induction and Awareness

All staff including long term supply will be offered training which is updated regularly in safeguarding/child protection by Wandsworth Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Whole school in-service training will be organised for staff and governors regularly in line with all the latest updates.

The Designated Safeguarding Person will attend Wandsworth LA and other training courses as necessary and the appropriate inter-agency training organised by organisations such as the Wandsworth Safeguarding Children Board at least every two years. The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Person will also be given the opportunity to attend these courses. The Designated Safeguarding Governor will receive the relevant training for this role.

Supply staff and volunteers will be given a copy of a summary sheet on arrival that includes a summary of procedures regarding safeguarding children and procedures for recording and reporting concerns. This is the responsibility of the Office manager and clerical staff who receive supply staff and volunteers on their arrival at the school office.

All staff will be given a thorough induction on safeguarding arrangements before they commence work. Safeguarding arrangements will be reviewed collectively annually with all staff

Volunteers In line with the guidance on safer recruitment from the DfE and the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), it will be necessary for any parent/carer/governor or other person who works in our school unsupervised on a regular basis to be DBS checked, plus a check of the Children’s barred List; as this will fall under the definition of Regulated Activity- (work that a barred person must not do. Work is only considered to be Regulated Activity where it is carried out unsupervised at least once per week or more often, or on four or more days in a thirty day period, or overnight). These checks are required to be updated regularly and at least every three years for good practice, as they are for permanent members of staff.

Volunteers will work under the direct management of an established staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of our school. Al Risalah School will provide volunteers with appropriate induction and volunteers will have a ‘job description’ pertaining to the volunteering role they are to perform.

All staff, including volunteers, will be inducted which will include the provision of schools policies and procedures, this will include temporary staff.

Safer Recruitment

The arrangements for recruiting all staff to our school will follow the DfE guidance KCSIE 2015 and school policy for safer recruitment. This will mean that all staff will be subject to reference and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a Single Central Record (SCR) will be kept of all vetting checks, which will also include verification of identity, any relevant qualifications and permission to work for non-EU nationals and overseas checks for any staff who have spent some time abroad (this includes EU nationals). Teachers will be checked against the DfE’s Prohibitions Order List. The SCR will include the date these checks were made.

If an adult harms aa child or poses a risk to a child the school will refer the adult staff to the DBS , according to the requirements set out in the link of the KCSIE document (paragraph 81)

All staff, including teaching and childcare/support staff, will be checked against the DBS’s Children’s List (DfE’s List 99) prior to their appointment as part of the vetting process, and a separate DBS Children’s list check will be made where a DBS check has been applied for but not returned by the start date for all staff working unsupervised in regulated activity.

Al Risalah School will only use employment agencies that positively vet their supply staff and confirm in writing that DfE/DBS compliant checks have been carried out. Staff joining our school on a permanent or temporary basis will be informed of the Safeguarding/CP policy and the school’s safeguarding arrangements as part of induction. This will include the document Keeping Children Safe in Education (summary version).

Staff Code of Conduct

All staff members (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils and their families.

The school’s Staff Code of Conduct has regard to DFE Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People and Teachers’ Standards 2015.

As part of the code- all staff must be aware that a child under the age of 13 years is not legally capable of consenting to sexual activity and so sexual activity with a child under 13 is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act. Such activity will be taken to indicate that that child/ren are at risk of significant harm and must be referred accordingly in line with the agreed procedures as set out in the London Child Protection Procedures. Sexual activity with a child under 16 is also an offence but may possibly be less serious than that of a child under 13, especially where children are of a similar age and there is no power imbalance, coercion, or disinhibiter such as alcohol or drugs involved. However serious consideration will always need be given as to whether to refer where cases of sexually active children become known or are disclosed; as per the London Child Protection Procedures. In all cases you must discuss your concerns or share your knowledge with our Designated Safeguarding Person for Child protection for consideration of a referral to Social Care.

In light of the above all staff must recognise that sexual abuse of children may equally be perpetrated by other children and must not be treated with any less rigour in such cases.

Physical Contact and Use of Reasonable Force

Physical intervention by staff must only ever be used as a last resort, and that at all times it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person.

We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a student may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.

Please refer to the DfE Guidance on The Use of Reasonable Force (July 2015) and our separate policy named Use of Reasonable Force.

First Aid and Intimate Care

First Aid should only be administered by qualified first aiders, including Paediatric First Aid trained staff in our early years phase. If it is necessary for the child to remove clothing for this treatment, there should be wherever possible another adult present. If a child needs help with toileting or washing after soiling themselves, another adult should be present or within earshot. When children are admitted to our school, parents/carers will be asked to give permission for changing their wet or soiled clothes in school.

Where a child may require regular, intimate care e.g. nappy or incontinence pad changing parents/carers will be asked to sign a form giving their permission. Likewise, staff involved in the intimate care will be asked to sign a form indicating their willingness to be involved in the intimate care required. If a member of staff is providing any form of intimate care, another member of staff will, as far as possible, be present. As far as is practically possible, children will be asked whether they would like an adult of the same sex to be present.

Refer to our separate policy on First Aid & Intimate Care.

Changing for P.E. lessons

Our children change for P.E in school. For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution when children are changing or when they are alone with pupils.

In situations where they are alone with pupils, School staff should be alert to the possible risks that might arise from contact with pupils both inside and more so outside of school.

The Head Teacher/DSP should always be made aware of any such contact.

Site Security

All visitors to the school must sign in and receive a visitor’s pass/badge. They are then required to sit in the reception area and must not have access to any part of the school unless given express permission by the Head Teacher.

Any member of staff on seeing an unauthorised person in the school is required to enquire after their intentions. 12 Safeguarding Policy

The mosque is separate from the school and with no access during the school hours of 7.45am – 4.00pm. On Fridays (Jummah) the school hall is used by the mosque from 12.00pm – 2.00pm. The students are escorted, seated and supervised by all staff.

Definitions and Categories of Child Abuse

Neglect Definition: persistent or severe neglect, or the failure to protect a child from exposure to any kind of danger, including cold or starvation, or extreme failure to carry out important aspects of care, resulting in the significant impairment of the child’s health or development, including non-organic failure to thrive,

May include: 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 (growth and intellect) such as failing to provide adequate food, shelter (including keeping children safe), clothing, or neglect of or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.

May be recognised by: Being constantly hungry; constantly tired; have a poor state of clothing; be emaciated; have untreated medical problems; be frequently late or have poor or non-attendance at school; have low self-esteem; display neurotic behaviour and/or have poor social relationships, have poor personal hygiene. A neglected child may also be apathetic, fail to thrive, be left with or in the care of adult’s under the influence of alcohol or drug misuse, or be left home alone.

Physical Abuse Definition: actual or likely physical injury to a child, or failure to prevent physical (or suffering) to a child including deliberate poisoning, suffocation and Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy.

May include: Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child including the deliberate fabrication or causation of illness in a child (now known as Fabrication or Induced Illness FII).

May be recognised by: Physical injury such as bruising, bite marks, burns and scalds, fractures but also by aggressive behaviour or learning difficulties due to neurological damage. It may also be an indicator of concern where a parent gives an explanation inconsistent with the injury or gives several different explanations for the injury. Other indicators of physical abuse may include flinching or cowering and accounts of how injuries have happened may be vague to inconsistent or are unexplained. Children may wear inappropriate clothing to cover marks or injuries and/or may be reluctant to go home.

It is not uncommon for children to have accidental bruises but bruising on the face, around the eyes, around the mouth, behind the ears or consistent with a grab or have the shape of an object (e.g. brush, slipper, belt, hand etc.) must be considered as possible indicators of harm as should multiple or repeated bruising to an area such as the head or an area unlikely to be bruised accidently.

It is not appropriate for any member of staff to undress, photograph or body map any child in an attempt to see physical injury; this is the role of child protection and investigating agencies.

Sexual Abuse Definition: actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child or adolescent. The child may be dependent and or developmentally immature.

May Include:

 Involving or forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. Such activities may involve sexual acts (penetrative or non-penetrative) or

 involving children in watching or taking part in pornographic material or

 encourage children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

May be recognised by:

1. Inappropriate sexualised conduct

2. age inappropriate sexualised play or conversation

3. sexually harmful behaviour – contact or non-contact, self-harm, eating disorders, continual, inappropriate or excessive masturbation

4. anxiousness or unwillingness to remove clothes – sports / PE etc.

5. pain or itching in genital area

6. blood on underclothes

7. bruising in genital region and / or inner thighs etc.

A sexually abused child may also be recognised by disturbed behaviour such as sadness, depression or loss of self-esteem. Disclosure of sexual abuse must be taken seriously as it is recognised that children are frequently scared to disclose due to guilt or fear and often children have taken great courage to disclose – therefore it is important not to minimise or give your own view or interpretation of their account.

Emotional Abuse Definition: actual or likely severe adverse effect on the emotional and behavioural development of a child caused by persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or rejection.

Categories of Child Abuse

May Include:

 The persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development, mental health, behaviour and self- esteem. This may be caused by conveying to children that they are worthless, unloved or 14 Safeguarding Policy

unvalued or by developmentally inappropriate expectations being made or by causing children to frequently feel frightened or the exploitation or corruption of children.

May be recognised by:

 Developmental delay  attachment issues  aggressive behaviour  appeasing behaviour  watchfulness or stillness, low self-esteem, withdrawn or a loner, or  having difficulty in forming relationships.  Persistent negative comments to the child by a parent or professional may be an indicator, equally making inappropriate or inconsistent expectations of a child especially in relation to their age.

Note: Emotional abuse may be difficult to recognise as signs are usually behavioural rather than physical. Signs of emotional abuse may be associated or similar to other forms of abuse so presence of emotional abuse may indicate other abuse is prevalent as well.

Other Safeguarding areas Child missing from education  All children of compulsory school age are entitled to a full time education  A child missing from school is a potential indicator of abuse or neglect particularly if it is repeated.  Staff should be alert of possible signs particularly if travelling to areas of conflict  The school will liaise closely with the social services and the LA where a child goes missing or is no longer the school register  Please see the Attendance Policy

Child missing from home/care

Bullying (including Cyber Bullying) Bullying is a specific form of abuse which may be prevalent in schools and is defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time where it is difficult for the victims to defend themselves. The extent of bullying can include

 emotional and / or physical harm to such a degree that it constitutes significant harm, as set out in the definitions above, due to the extent to which it affects the health or development of the child subject to the bullying behaviour.

 Bullying may also be perpetrated within digital or ICT based environments, sometimes known as Cyber-Bullying, and may include ‘Sexting’; which must be treated as seriously as any other form of bullying and dealt with accordingly. Please, additionally, see our Acceptable Use Policy

It must be noted that bullying may also constitute criminal behaviour and therefore certain instances of bullying may need to be reported to the police.

Please refer to the Anti-Bullying Policy for further information.

Domestic Violence We recognise that Domestic Violence (DV) usually impacts on all aspects of a child’s life only varying according to the child’s resilience or otherwise to his or her particular circumstances. We also recognise that even where the child is not the direct target of the DV the harm caused to the child/ren can be significant through emotional and physical abuse and often neglect as the victim’s capacity to parent effectively and protect their child/ren is diminished through a preoccupation with their own survival at the expense of an awareness of the effect that the abusive relationship is having on their child/ren

At Al Risalah School we will be alert to the possibility of Domestic Violence and allow an opportunity for the abused partner (predominantly the woman but not exclusively so) to disclose. We will treat that disclosure sensitively and refer the matter to Social Care where there is a child or children at risk of significant harm and/or neglect.

We also recognise that other practices are defined as Domestic Violence, such as Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.

Child Sexual Exploitation Child sexual exploitation is a form of child abuse which involves children and young people (male and female, of a range of ethnic origins and ages, in some cases as young as 10) receiving something in exchange for sexual activity. What marks out exploitation is an imbalance of power in the relationship.

Perpetrators of child sexual exploitation are found in all parts of the country and are not restricted to particular ethnic groups.

Sexual exploitation involves varying degrees of coercion, intimidation or inticement, including unwanted pressure from peers to have sex , sexual bullying including cyber bullying and grooming.

Forced Marriages In Al Risalah School we recognise forced marriage as an abuse of human rights and a form of domestic abuse and, where it affects children and young people, child abuse.

Forced marriage, as distinct from arranged marriage, is conducted without consent and under duress. We therefore accept that coercion and duress may be perpetrated by partners but also by extended family members and that this constitutes Domestic Violence, in line with the Government’s definition of domestic violence and is closely linked to Honour Based Violence.

In cases of forced marriage we will follow the guidance as set out in the London Child Protection Procedures as a child who is being forced into marriage is at risk of significant harm through physical, sexual and emotional abuse. If any member of staff receives a disclosure or is aware that a Forced Marriage is about to happen this must be disclosed to the Designated Safeguarding Person for Child Protection without delay so that the appropriate referrals may be made and/or protective measures may be put in place, especially as the child/ren may be taken out of the country.

Drugs Abuse School will take appropriate steps to ensure students are safeguarded from illegal use of drugs.

Fabricated or Induced Illness LSCB advice will be sought where any concerns of this complex concern is noted.

Gangs and Youth Violence Al-Risalah will ensure that all pupils are safe from gangs and youth violence. This will be supported by the schools Behaviour policy including Anti bullying and the school curriculum in general.

Gender Based Violenc/ Violence against women and girls The school will proactively look out for signs and ensure a sound PSHE curriculum is in place to support its learners.

Sexting This is about E safety and how children should be aware of the dangers.

Female Genital Mutilation FGM is defined by the World Health Organisation as: all procedures (not therapeutic or essential surgical operations) which involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to female genital organs for non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is considered as a cultural norm by some communities and some also consider FGM necessary for religious reasons. We will always challenge such abusive cultural norms as the welfare and safety of the child is always paramount.

In any event it is illegal to subject any child to FGM or to take a child abroad to undergo FGM.

If any member of staff receives a disclosure or is aware that a FGM is about to happen this must be disclosed to the Designated Safeguarding Person for Child Protection without delay so that the appropriate referrals are made and/or protective measures may be put in place, especially as the child/children may be taken out of the country.

ALL STAFF will follow the procedures for dealing with cases of FGM as set out in the KCSIE July 2015 by immediately referring it to the police as well the Social services. All staff will be made aware of the latest requirements of reporting FGM concerns.

From a Child Protection perspective a child for whom FGM is planned is at risk of significant harm through physical and emotional abuse, it may also be considered as sexual abuse.

Typical identifiers are:

 Family comes from a community known to practice FGM  Family / child talks about a long holiday  Family / child may ask to be excused from PE / swimming on return  Family / child may confide that she is going to a ‘special ceremony’ when on holiday  Female child is known to have a mother that has been subject to FGM  Female child is known to have a sister that has already undergone FGM

Equally the child may be aware of what is going to happen and make disclosure or seek help.

Allegations of abuse against other children

At Al-Risalah School we believe that all children have a right to attend school and learn in a safe environment. Children should be free from harm by adults in the school and other students. We recognise that some students will sometimes negatively affect the learning and wellbeing of others and their behaviour will be dealt with under the school’s Behaviour for Learning Policy.

Occasionally, allegations may be made against students by others in the school, which are of a safeguarding nature. Safeguarding issues raised in this way may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. It is likely that to be considered a safeguarding allegation against a pupil, some of the following features will be found.

The allegation: o is made against an older pupil and refers to their behaviour towards a younger pupil or a more vulnerable pupil o is of a serious nature, possibly including a criminal offence o raises risk factors for other pupils in the school o indicates that other pupils may have been affected by this student o indicates that young people outside the school may be affected by this student

Examples of safeguarding issues against a student could include:  Physical Abuse violence, particularly pre-planned forcing others to use drugs or alcohol  Emotional Abuse blackmail or extortion threats and intimidation  Sexual Abuse indecent exposure, indecent touching or serious sexual assaults forcing others to watch pornography or take part in sexting  Sexual Exploitation encouraging other children to attend inappropriate parties photographing or videoing other children performing indecent acts

In areas where gangs are prevalent, older students may attempt to recruit younger pupils using any or all of the above methods. Young people suffering from sexual exploitation themselves may be forced to recruit other young people under threat of violence.

Minimising the risk of safeguarding concerns towards pupils from other students

On occasion, some students will present a safeguarding risk to other students. The school should be informed that the young person raises safeguarding concerns, for example, they are coming back into school following a period in custody or they have experienced serious abuse themselves. 18 Safeguarding Policy

These students will need an individual risk management plan to ensure that other pupils are kept safe and they themselves are not laid open to malicious allegations. There is a need to balance the tension between privacy and safeguarding.

Procedure

 When an allegation is made by a pupil against another student, members of staff should consider whether the complaint raises a safeguarding concern. If there is a safeguarding concern the Designated Safeguarding Person(DSP) should be informed.  A factual record should be made of the allegation, but no attempt at this stage should be made to investigate the circumstances.  The DSP should contact social services to discuss the case. It is possible that social services are already aware of safeguarding concerns around this young person. The DSP will follow through the outcomes of the discussion and make a social services referral where appropriate.  The DSP will make a record of the concern, the discussion and any outcome and keep a copy in the files of both pupils’ files.  If the allegation indicates a potential criminal offence has taken place, the police should be contacted at the earliest opportunity and parents informed (of both the student being complained about and the alleged victim).  It may be appropriate to exclude the pupil being complained about for a period of time according to the school’s behaviour policy and procedures.  Where neither social services nor the police accept the complaint, a thorough school investigation should take place into the matter using the school’s usual disciplinary procedures.  In situations where the school considers a safeguarding risk is present, a risk assessment should be prepared along with a preventative, supervision plan.  The plan should be monitored and a date set for a follow-up evaluation with everyone concerned.

Faith Abuse This is about keeping children safe from some faith practices that could bring harm to the children. Eg. Jinn/ Spirit removal https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175437/Action _Plan_-_Abuse_linked_to_Faith_or_Belief.pdf

Preventing Radicalisation Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. It can happen in many different ways and forms. This could be noticed through using language of hatred, religious intolerance, disrespecting views of others as well as other factors.

This is about the school proactively looking out for signs that children are not exposed to extremism and are given opportunities to become well rounded citizens of the UK and that they have the

19 Safeguarding Policy knowledge and skills to keep safe from websites through which some individuals or groups of people seek to radicalise their views.

As part of our PREVENT training, we need to follow the NOTICE>CHECK>SHARE approach that if any student is at risk of being radicalised this needs to be reported to the Safeguarding Officer or senior member of staff (Head of Department). https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/118194/chann el-guidance.pdf

As part of establishing a robust Safeguarding culture the school will ensure the following :

 All staff have been offered the latest Prevent training  Building resilience within pupils against radicalisation  E- safety policy, awareness and training for staff, pupils and parents  Establishing strong partnership with local Prevent lead  Organise workshops and sessions for pupils through the local Prevent coordinator  Develop a risk Assessment to ensure pupils are not vulnerable to radicalism  Develop a rich curriculum to cater for the needs of pupils for life in modern Britain

Prevention The school recognises the importance of developing pupils’ awareness of behaviour that is unacceptable towards them and others, and how they can help keep themselves and others safe. The school takes seriously its duty of pastoral care and will be proactive in seeking to prevent children becoming the victims of any form of safeguarding abuse.

The School will therefore:

 Establish and maintain an ethos where students feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to.  Ensure that all students know there is an adult whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.  Work in partnership with parents, providing child protection awareness and support in line with current guidance.

Also, as part of developing a healthy, safer lifestyle, pupils are taught to, for example:

 safely explore their own and others’ attitudes  recognise and manage risks in different situations and how to behave responsibly  judge what kind of physical contact is acceptable and unacceptable  recognise when pressure from others (including people they know) threatens their personal safety and well-being and develop effective ways of resisting pressure; including knowing when and where to get help  use assertiveness techniques to resist unhelpful pressure  E- and Internet Safety

Policy Adoption, Monitoring and Review The safeguarding Policy will be considered and adopted by the Governing body in line with their overall duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Parents will be issued with a hard copy of this policy on request. This policy will also be made available to parents via the school website.

In Al Risalah School the Headteacher will actively evaluate the effectiveness of this policy by monitoring the staff group’s understanding and application of the procedures within this policy as their overall duty to safeguard children. The Governing Body will monitor the effectiveness of this policy as part of their monitoring role and being a critical friend.

Update and review of this policy will take place at least once a year to take into account any new legislation, procedures, staff changes etc.

Other related policies  Anti-bullying  E-safety  Behaviour  School Visitor Policy  Equal Opportunities  Attendance  School Trips Provision  The Use of Photographs and Videos in School  Use of Reasonable Force  Staff Code of Conduct  Intimate Care  Safer Recruitment Policy

Useful Documents/Links https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/447595/KCSIE_ July_2015.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/447596/KCSIE_Part_1_J uly_2015.pdf

Keeping children safe in education: information for all school and college staff (15 page summary) http://www.londoncp.co.uk/index.html

This policy was agreed by the Board of Governors on 28 August 2015 and will be reviewed in May 201 6

Contact Details The Designated Senior Person for Secondary Staff with CP responsibility is: Shenaz Randeree

Phone 020 8767 6057 email [email protected]

The Designated Senior Person for Nursery Staff with CP responsibility is: Shazra Abassi

Phone 020 8767 0716 email [email protected]

The Nominated Governor with CP responsibility is: Maksud Gangat

Phone 07968 389490 email [email protected]

Wandsworth CYPS’ Named Person is: Stella Macaulay (Safeguarding Children Manager)

Phone: 020 8871 7961 email: [email protected]

FLOW CHARTS 2 - Referral

FLOW CHARTS 3 - URGENT ACTION TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN

FLOW CHARTS 4 - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE STRATEGY DISCUSSION?

FLOW CHARTS 5 - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CHILD PROTECTION CONFERENCE INCLUDING THE REVIEW PROCESS?