Page 23 - Group Leader Handbook

Safeguarding—Responding to Disclosures

 Remember to note what is said and how it is said
Concerns about Students
NOTE: It is not the role of a staff member to investigate any

Adults can play a vital role in helping students in need. Con-

concerns – they should report them to the Centre Manager/

cerns may come to the attention of adults in a variety of ways, DL
e.g. through observation of behaviour or injuries or disclosure.
The concern may not be related to Churchill House itself -it Concerns Involving Members of Staff or Group Leaders

could be caused by the student’s personal/family situation or
bullying – but staff should still report the concern anyway. Any concerns that involve allegations against an adult should
be referred immediately to the Designated Staff (Centre Man-
Concerns could be raised by: ager) or the Designated Lead (Head Office). Upon a report of
 Changes in student behaviour, or behaviour in certain an allegation The Designated Staff should:
circumstances  Make sure the child is safe – away from harm and in a
 Absenteeism (NB: it’s important to record attendance/ safe environment.
illness thoroughly)  Liaise with the Designated Lead and obtain all infor-
 Withdrawal  mation on the allegation.
Investigate the concern and assess the information
 Shying away from others carefully and quickly asking for further information if
 Physical signs of harm appropriate.
 Students being flirtatious with adults, rather than other  Whilst the investigation is underway, Gross Misconduct
students, or seeking physical contact rules apply. The adult may be suspended, during which
time they will be paid as normal. However, they will be
 Seeing the student in suspicious situations, particularly asked to leave the site and find alternative accommo-
those involving adults dation until the investigations are completed. If the
 The student acting suspiciously with regard to notes or investigation is proved to be just, the Local Safeguard-
text messages. Often this means being noticeably se- ing Children Board (LSCB) will be called and the Police.
cretive about their mobile phone/tablet  Should the allegation be of a physical nature, a Body
map form should be completed (see Appendix C)
 Information heard/overheard, either from the student, Advice from both authorities will be followed.
their friends or their Group Leader
Any adult who has a concern about a student, however insig- Concerns Involving an Under 18 year old student

nificant this might appear to be, should discuss with the

If a student under the age of 18 is accused of inappropriate

Centre Manager or the Designated Lead as soon as possible.

behaviour or abuse, the allegation with be investigated as
Remember that there might be several small clues that, to-

gether, point to abuse, which your information could be the soon as the Designated Staff has been informed. The DS shall:
key to. More serious concerns must be reported immediately  Ensure the child (victim) is safe. Stay calm. Support the

to ensure that any appropriate action can be carried out as victim.

early as possible.  Inform the Designated Lead in Head Office
 Speak to the child/adult reporting the allegation. If a
Responding to Student Disclosures child, speak to them with a member of staff. Record
If a student makes a disclosure of abuse to you, you should: the information and wherever possible ensure that the
written record is made by the child making the allega-
 Listen to what is said; allow the student to make the tion.
disclosure at their own pace and in their own way  Should the allegation be of a physical nature, a body
 Avoid interrupting except to clarify what is being said map form should be completed
 Keep your response short, simple and gentle - Avoid  DL to contact local authorities and follow guidance
making comments or judgement about what they are given by local authorities.
telling you
Recording
 Only ask questions if you need to clarify something;
Incidents or behavioural changes that give cause for concern
don’t ask leading questions or probe for information
that is not volunteered should be recorded on a Child Protection Report form, copies

of which are available from the Centre Manager. It is im-

 Reassure the student that they have been heard and portant that records are factual and reflect the words used by
explain what will happen next the student. Opinion should not be given unless there is some
 Do not promise to keep any secrets evidence base which can be quoted. Records must be signed

 Inform the Centre Manager immediately and dated with timings if appropriate. It is important to re-
member that any issues are confidential and other people

 Record the conversation in writing on a Child Protec- should only be informed on a ‘need to know’ basis.
tion Report form as soon as possible. Do not ask the
child to make any written declarations.
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