Safeguarding Children Policy Manchester

Safeguarding children policy

Statement

Children have a right to protection from being hurt, and from violence, abuse and neglect (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19)

Most injuries to children are accidental and can be simply explained.  Bruises, scrapes and cuts are part of the normal rough and tumble of a young child’s life.

There are, however, some children who suffer injuries that are not accidental.  The tuition staff have a duty to report any serious concerns they may have about a child to the Manager at Young Einstein Manchester, Mariam Bham. Staff are aware of the sensitivity of this issue and of the confidentiality involved.

The tuition staff’s duty must be to support the family but above all, to ensure the protection of the child at all times.

Manchester Social Services supplies support for families whose children are in need of safeguarding to promote their welfare and upbringing.

All staff should be aware of the possible indications of abuse and neglect and the procedure for dealing with suspected cases.  A staff guidance pack has been produced to support this.

Referrals of child abuse

If a child arrives at tuition with injuries the staff should:

• Ensure immediate medical attention, if necessary
• Ask the parent/carer how the injuries occurred (explanations, however puzzling, should be accepted and accusations must not be made)
• Make a written record by completing an incident form kept in a folder at the Young Einstein reception desk, including diagrams of observations and explanations given – have a witness wherever possible.  This recording of information is to ensure that reasonably full and clear information is obtained in order to be able to make an appropriate referral if necessary
• If there is a real concern that the injuries have been caused by assault or a failure to protect the child, the manager or person in charge must be notified immediately.  The person in charge will then contact the Children’s Social Work Services on 0161 234 3330 during office hours, or by email at mscb@manchester.gov.uk.The Out of Hours the Emergency Duty Team (social work) can be contacted on 0161 234 5001 or you can also contact the Police by telephoning: 999.

Suspicion of abuse

• If through conversation or other contact with a child, a staff member has reason to suspect physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect, they should do the following:
• Listen to what the child says.  Be comforting and sympathetic.  Ensure that the child feels as little responsibility as possible.
• It is particularly important not to make any suggestion to the child regarding how the incident may have happened, therefore do not question the child, except to clarify what he/she is saying.
• Write down exactly what the child says, what actions concern you and what you have said in response. Sign and date it.
• Do not make assumptions about what the allegations might concern.  If a member of staff is involved, appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the safety of the child and other children.

• Inform the manager, or person in charge, of your suspicions so that, if deemed appropriate, they can contact the Children’s Social Work Services on 0161 234 3330 during office hours, or by email mscb@manchester.gov.uk. The Out of Hours the Emergency Duty Team (social work) can be contacted on 0161 234 5001 or you can also contact the Police by telephoning: 999.
• Once a child is referred an assessment will be made of the child’s needs.

If a staff member has reported a concern about a child which the senior tuition team decide not to refer at this stage, it is the responsibility of any member of staff unhappy with this decision to make their own referral.

Allegations against a member of staff

To protect the children, all staff who work in the tuition are required to have completed a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB/DBS) check.  It is our practice for those staff waiting for their check to clear and other tuition visitors/helpers to always be supervised and never left alone with the children.

If a member of staff suspects a colleague of abusing a child they must report it to the manager or person in charge immediately.  The member of staff concerned would be suspended from duties immediately, pending a full enquiry.

Any member of staff who has had an allegation made against them should be aware that they can contact Ofsted – Tel: 0300 123 1231, who will be able to offer them support and advice.

Subsequent action

Following any referral of abuse, enquiries will be undertaken by Social Services and possibly the Police.  Staff may be required to provide statements and attend an initial Child Protection Conference.

Ofsted would be informed of any action taken.

Procedure for dealing with irate parents

In the unlikely event that a parent starts to act in an aggressive or abusive way at the tuition, the member of staff should direct the parent away from the children and into a private area.  If the area is out of view, a second member of staff should be in attendance.  The staff should act in a calm and professional way and ask the parent to calm down, whilst making it clear that we can not tolerate aggressive or abusive language or behaviour.  Once the parent calms down, the member of staff should then listen to their concerns and respond appropriately.

Confidentiality

The tuition has a right to share any information regarding child protection with other childcare professionals.  All information will be kept confidential.

Named Person

We have a named person for Safeguarding Children in the tuition and this person will attend all training and relevant meetings available to gain information with regard to up-to-date issues.  This information will be used to support the tuition team.  In addition to the named person, the Franchise Manager for Young Einstein has the appropriate knowledge of referral procedures.

The current named person for Safeguarding Children is Mariam Bham

This policy was reviewed in September 2016.