Safeguarding

Staff and volunteers in the school have a duty to report concerns about a child, whether this means the child may be in need of additional support or help of some kind or whether it is thought that a child may have been abused or be at risk of abuse.

There are 4 categories of abuse:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Emotional
• Neglect

In some cases the school is obliged to refer children to Early Help of the Social Services Department, for children to be assessed for their needs or if an investigation into possible child abuse is required. In many cases there will already have been discussions between school staff and the parents of the child, and the situation and concerns will not be a surprise to the parents. However, parents may not be told that the school has referred their child to Early Help or the Social Services Department if it is thought that this might put the child at risk. The Social Services Department tries to carry out its enquiries in a sensitive fashion. It has to gather information and generally it can be open with parents about the steps being taken.

If school staff need to express concerns about a child or refer a child to Early Help or the Social Services Department, it is understood that this can cause distress or anger for the child’s parents. It is important that all parties (including parents and school staff) try to discuss these matters as calmly and sensibly as possible.