“Safeguarding…is an issue addressed not only with increasing sureness by those responsible for keeping children and learners safe, but one felt keenly by those most vulnerable to harm and neglect.’1
SECTION 1
1. Introduction
1.1 Talk With Us LLP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for therapists, students and parents promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well‐being of others. Talk With Us LLP recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers or others (including the parents or carers of other pupils) who may wish to harm students and will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks.
1.2 Talk With Us LLP’s Child Protection Policy is consistent with statutory guidance HM Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated December 2020) and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (KCSiE).
1.3 Identified staff and volunteers must read Part One of DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 or Annex A as decided by the Director of Education and Head of People.
1.4 All staff, supply therapists and volunteers who work directly with children must have a full and active understanding of KCSiE 2022 Part One.
1.5 All identified therapists including locum therapists and volunteers will be safely recruited in-line with all legal requirements as outlined in KCSiE 2022 Part Three: Safer Recruitment, and our Trustee will ensure Talk With Us LLP creates a culture that is safe and safeguards the welfare of children. We will adopt robust recruitment procedures that deter and prevent people who are unsuitable to work with children from applying for or securing employment, or volunteering opportunities in our school/college.
1.6 The policy is applicable to all activities undertaken by clients and adults.
1.7 Child Protection and Safeguarding will operate in conjunction with other policies.
2. Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all therapists, clients and adults are clear about the actions necessary with regard to child protection issues.
3. Aims
3.1 The aims of this policy are:
• To establish and maintain a safe environment which promotes self‐confidence, where clients feel secure and valued, can learn and develop, are encouraged to talk and are listened to, and to provide the students under our care with relevant information, skills and attitudes to help them recognise and stay safe from abuse and harm.
• To ensure that all therapists are trained and supported t
“Safeguarding…is an issue addressed not only with increasing sureness by those responsible for keeping children and learners safe, but one felt keenly by those most vulnerable to harm and neglect.’1
SECTION 1
1. Introduction
1.1 Talk With Us LLP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for therapists, students and parents promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well‐being of others. Talk With Us LLP recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers or others (including the parents or carers of other pupils) who may wish to harm students and will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks.
1.2 Talk With Us LLP’s Child Protection Policy is consistent with statutory guidance HM Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated December 2020) and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (KCSiE).
1.3 Identified staff and volunteers must read Part One of DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 or Annex A as decided by the Director of Education and Head of People.
1.4 All staff, supply therapists and volunteers who work directly with children must have a full and active understanding of KCSiE 2022 Part One.
1.5 All identified therapists including locum therapists and volunteers will be safely recruited in-line with all legal requirements as outlined in KCSiE 2022 Part Three: Safer Recruitment, and our Trustee will ensure Talk With Us LLP creates a culture that is safe and safeguards the welfare of children. We will adopt robust recruitment procedures that deter and prevent people who are unsuitable to work with children from applying for or securing employment, or volunteering opportunities in our school/college.
1.6 The policy is applicable to all activities undertaken by clients and adults.
1.7 Child Protection and Safeguarding will operate in conjunction with other policies.
2. Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all therapists, clients and adults are clear about the actions necessary with regard to child protection issues.
3. Aims
3.1 The aims of this policy are:
• To establish and maintain a safe environment which promotes self‐confidence, where clients feel secure and valued, can learn and develop, are encouraged to talk and are listened to, and to provide the students under our care with relevant information, skills and attitudes to help them recognise and stay safe from abuse and harm.
• To ensure that all therapists are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection concerns and that they understand the procedures which must be followed.
• To provide a framework, together with other organisations where appropriate, for supporting students who may have been abused or identified as at risk from abuse.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 All adults working with Talk With Us LLP (including volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Person with responsibility for child protection (known as the Child Protection Officer or CPO).
4.2 The CPO for all areas is Hannah Feldman (Partner) in whose absence, Naomi Nissim (Partner), will deputise.
4.3 There is a Child Safeguarding Team made up of:
The CPO, Hannah Feldman (Level 3)
Naomi Nissim (Level 3)
Ashleigh Ibrahim (Level 3)
Deborah Cuby (Level 2)
4.4 The role of the CPO is as follows:
• dissemination of policy and good practice to all therapists;
• acting in a consultative role for all therapists including de‐briefing for therapists following referral as necessary;
• ensuring that new therapists receive induction about CP procedures;
• maintaining records of who and who has not received child protection training in the LLP as a whole;
• maintenance of a central record of any clients who are the subject of Child Protection Plans and any children deemed to be in need;
• Ensuring that child welfare records are kept separately from education records and keeping written records of all relevant conversations and meetings;
• referral and liaison role with social care and other agencies;
• attendance at multi‐agency meetings and providing written contributions where requested;
• following procedures in cases where there are allegations made against a therapist.
5. Sharing of Information
5.1 Sharing information with other professionals is essential for the purposes of safeguarding children, as often it is only when information from different sources is put together that risks can be properly identified. All therapists must be clear about when to share information to help prevent tragedy or help keep a child safe or promote a child’s welfare. In cases of doubt, the CPO should be consulted.
6. Records
6.1 Child Protection records are kept securely and separately from children’s educational records. All such records would be marked ‘Strictly Confidential’.
7. Complaints & monitoring
7.1 All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the Partnerships’ Complaints Procedure Policy. THE CPO will consider safeguarding issues and their implications for this policy on an annual basis. For this item, the CPO will report upon levels of child protection referrals made during the past year, training undertaken by therapists and any changes in legislation or national/local guidance. Otherwise, this policy will be reviewed each year and updated as necessary. Any deficiencies or weaknesses in this policy which are identified at any time will be remedied without delay.
SECTION 2: CHILD SAFETY AND THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
The following measures are designed to protect the welfare of all pupils:
8. Therapists Code of conduct
8.1 All therapists and volunteers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils and their families. Students will be treated with respect and dignity. Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and students, therapists and volunteers are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation. Where incidents occur, which might otherwise be misconstrued, or where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own or others’ safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the school SENCO, Head Teacher, CPO, school CPO and parents. Other than in cases of emergency, first aid will only be administered by qualified first aiders of the school.
8.2 For their own safety and protection, therapists should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with pupils. Therapists and volunteers should also be alert to the possible risks which might arise from contact with pupils outside of their schools. Home visits to pupils should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Partners. Visits by pupils to the homes of therapists should only occur with the knowledge and approval of the Partners (see Appendix 2 Therapists alone with pupils).
9. Staff training
9.1 In‐service and in-house training on safeguarding issues will be organised on an annual basis. All newly recruited therapists and volunteers will be informed of this policy. The CPO will attend refresher training at least every two years.
10. Staff Recruitment
10.1 Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited to Talk With US LLP will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks (as appropriate). References will be verified, memberships to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) will be checked and Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) undertaken.
10.2 All therapists will be positively vetted and Talk With Us LLP will report the misconduct of locum therapists to the agency concerned. Therapists joining the Partnership on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy.
11. Volunteers
11.1 Any person /organisation engaged by Talk With Us LLP to work in a voluntary capacity with students will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Disclosure and Barring Service. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established therapist and will be subject to the same code of conduct as therapists. Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of pupils.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 In the day to day running of the Partnership, normal rules of confidentiality are carefully observed. In the area of Child Protection, however, no absolute guarantee of confidentiality can be given to anyone expressing concern about her/his own or another person’s well‐being. While every effort is made to respect a desire for confidentiality, serious concerns about a student’s welfare could make it necessary to pass on certain information to the appropriate authorities. It would, however, be normal for the person raising concerns to be told that information was to be passed on, before this actually happened. In the event of this the CPO and school CPO must be advised.
SECTION 3
13. Actions to be taken in specific cases that cause concern.
13.1 Concerns may arise in various circumstances:
i. A therapist may have suspicions arising from observation of the student’s appearance, behaviour, or things the child has said.
ii. A student may tell a therapist that abuse has taken place, or that she/he feels unsafe.
iii. A third party may express concern to a therapist. This could be another pupil, a member of the school staff, a parent or guardian, or a member of the public.
iv. An anonymous allegation may be received.
v. The Partnership might also be asked to cooperate in a child abuse investigation initiated outside of the company.
14. Therapist’s Response
14.1 Talk With US LLP recognises that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, work or other children. The Partnership has a strong commitment to the individual school’s anti‐bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate child on child behaviour and sexual activity within a Child Protection context.
If a pupil discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a household which is affected by family violence, this should be referred to the CPO and school CPO as a safeguarding issue.
14.2 Summarised below are the actions therapists should take under the above circumstances. Guidelines for the handling of such situations are contained in Section 4.
14.3 i. & ii. A therapist suspects abuse or a client tells of abuse
Suspicions may be aroused by the presence of indicators of abuse (See Section 4), by a feeling, based on knowledge of the client, that there is something wrong, or by a combination of factors. It would normally be appropriate for a therapist to enquire casually of a pupil about how an obvious injury was sustained, or why the pupil appears upset.
Staff should: Observe, Record and Report Observation carefully as well as the pupil’s behaviour and demeanour. This involves Recording in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. This should be done as soon as possible, certainly on the same day, using the Disclosure form, signed and dated. A copy can be seen at the end of this policy. Reporting their suspicions as soon as possible to the CPO and the school SENCO or CPO. It may be that a child, in speaking about difficult or possibly threatening circumstances, asks for a promise of confidentiality. No promise of confidentiality should ever be given.
iii. A third party expresses concern
A therapist to whom a third-party expresses concern should: Observe the behaviour or demeanour of the person expressing concern, if this is done in person. Record in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. Actual words used should be used where possible. Report the matter immediately to the CPO or School SENCO / CPO. The person expressing concern may seek a promise of confidentiality from the member of staff. No such promise should be given. The information disclosed may be such that it must be passed on to protect the child. While it may be possible to protect the identity of the person expressing concern, it will be easier to take action to protect the child if that person is prepared to be identified. If legal proceedings follow, it may be necessary to disclose the person’s identity. Where concerns are expressed by another client/ adult, it should be remembered that reporting suspicions of abuse may be traumatic for a child, and support for the concerned pupil is advisable.
iv. An anonymous allegation is received
Therapists receiving anonymous allegations about actual or possible child abuse should: Record in writing the words used, as far as possible, if the allegation is by phone, or keep the piece of paper, where it is in writing. Report the matter immediately to CPO or school CPO.
v. We are asked to cooperate with a Child Protection investigation initiated outside the Partnership.
The CPO will co‐operate with any action required by Talk With Us LLP in liaison with the appropriate outside agencies and school CPO. Therapists will be informed of the situation on a “need to know” basis.
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 therapist with concerns should press for reconsideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point. (page 6 Keeping Children Safe in Education April 2014)
15. Timing
15.1 In all cases, reports should be made, where at all possible, the same day that concerns arise, and within 24 hours at most. The therapist should prepare, sign and date a statement of what has been reported, when, and to whom. Information about the allegation should NEVER be shared with any person other than the CPO or School CPO. In all cases where there has been disclosure or suspicion of abuse, a referral to the appropriate authorities will be made within 24 hours.
16. Referral procedures
Step 1: Report to CPO When an individual concern or incident is brought to the notice of the CPO, the CPO and school CPO will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the CPO and the therapist reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the school CPO and/or the other members of the Team.
Step 2: Parents contacted – The parent/carer will normally be contacted before a referral is made to the appropriate Borough’s Young People and Families Team. However, if the concern involves alleged or suspected sexual abuse or the CPO has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the child or therapist, nothing will be said ahead of the referral.
• In circumstances where a pupil has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency medical assistance. If a pupil is thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, intoxication, substance abuse, mental illness or threats to remove the pupil during the School day, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested.
• Where a student sustains a physical injury or is distressed as a result of reported chastisement, or alleges that they have been chastised by the use of an implement or substance, this will immediately be reported for investigation.
Step 3 Referrals Referrals to the appropriate LA’s Children Young People and Families will be confirmed in writing together with the partnership of the School’s CPO, using the on‐line Inter‐agency Referral Form and copied to the relevant Local Authority’s Lead Officer. Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of pupils who are the subjects of Child Protection Plans and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to their allocated Social Worker (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LA Lead Officer).
SECTION 4
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST THERAPISTS
1. Any allegation against a therapist or volunteer must be taken very seriously, and dealt with swiftly. Whatever their provenance, such allegations must be immediately brought to the attention of the CPO.
2. After establishing the facts, the CPO would consider all aspects of the situation, inform the Team and school CPO and possibly consult informally with the relevant LA Children Young People and Families team, RCSLT, HCPC and/or the police. If the police decided there was a case to answer, there would be a precautionary suspension served on the therapist, who would be asked to leave the premises immediately, without any access to company documents, and asked not to communicate with any clients until the matter was fully investigated. The therapist would be told that information had been received by the company which might suggest an allegation of child abuse, but no further details would be given at that stage.
3. The parents or guardians of the client concerned would be notified that an allegation had been made by the child, although no details would be given initially. Details of the allegation, including the identity of the therapist involved, would not be disclosed until specific legal advice had been taken.
4. If the therapist against whom the allegation is made is the CPO, the Management Team must be immediately informed and they will take charge of handling the matter from that point on. In such a situation, independent advice will be taken at the earliest possible opportunity. Where there is a high possibility that there may be a case to answer, it is very important that the Partnership is seen to have acted promptly and without prejudice to any therapist. Clear knowledge of these procedures is important for therapists, who should be aware of the Partnership’s position in the circumstances outlined. A report will be made to the RCSLT and HCPC, within one month of their leaving their post, concerning any person (whether contracted, a volunteer or student) whose services are no longer used because he or she is considered unsuitable to work with children.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years.
o respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection concerns and that they understand the procedures which must be followed.
• To provide a framework, together with other organisations where appropriate, for supporting students who may have been abused or identified as at risk from abuse.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 All adults working with Talk With Us LLP (including volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Person with responsibility for child protection (known as the Child Protection Officer or CPO).
4.2 The CPO for all areas is Hannah Feldman (Partner) in whose absence, Naomi Nissim (Partner), will deputise.
4.3 There is a Child Safeguarding Team made up of:
The CPO, Hannah Feldman (Level 3)
Naomi Nissim (Level 3)
Ashleigh Ibrahim (Level 3)
Deborah Cuby (Level 2)
4.4 The role of the CPO is as follows:
• dissemination of policy and good practice to all therapists;
• acting in a consultative role for all therapists including de‐briefing for therapists following referral as necessary;
• ensuring that new therapists receive induction about CP procedures;
• maintaining records of who and who has not received child protection training in the LLP as a whole;
• maintenance of a central record of any clients who are the subject of Child Protection Plans and any children deemed to be in need;
• Ensuring that child welfare records are kept separately from education records and keeping written records of all relevant conversations and meetings;
• referral and liaison role with social care and other agencies;
• attendance at multi‐agency meetings and providing written contributions where requested;
• following procedures in cases where there are allegations made against a therapist.
5. Sharing of Information
5.1 Sharing information with other professionals is essential for the purposes of safeguarding children, as often it is only when information from different sources is put together that risks can be properly identified. All therapists must be clear about when to share information to help prevent tragedy or help keep a child safe or promote a child’s welfare. In cases of doubt, the CPO should be consulted.
6. Records
6.1 Child Protection records are kept securely and separately from children’s educational records. All such records would be marked ‘Strictly Confidential’.
7. Complaints & monitoring
7.1 All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the Partnerships’ Complaints Procedure Policy. THE CPO will consider safeguarding issues and their implications for this policy on an annual basis. For this item, the CPO will report upon levels of child protection referrals made during the past year, training undertaken by therapists and any changes in legislation or national/local guidance. Otherwise, this policy will be reviewed each year and updated as necessary. Any deficiencies or weaknesses in this policy which are identified at any time will be remedied without delay.
SECTION 2: CHILD SAFETY AND THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
The following measures are designed to protect the welfare of all pupils:
8. Therapists Code of conduct
8.1 All therapists and volunteers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils and their families. Students will be treated with respect and dignity. Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and students, therapists and volunteers are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation. Where incidents occur, which might otherwise be misconstrued, or where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own or others’ safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the school SENCO, Head Teacher, CPO, school CPO and parents. Other than in cases of emergency, first aid will only be administered by qualified first aiders of the school.
8.2 For their own safety and protection, therapists should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with pupils. Therapists and volunteers should also be alert to the possible risks which might arise from contact with pupils outside of their schools. Home visits to pupils should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Partners. Visits by pupils to the homes of therapists should only occur with the knowledge and approval of the Partners (see Appendix 2 Therapists alone with pupils).
9. Staff training
9.1 In‐service and in-house training on safeguarding issues will be organised on an annual basis. All newly recruited therapists and volunteers will be informed of this policy. The CPO will attend refresher training at least every two years.
10. Staff Recruitment
10.1 Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited to Talk With US LLP will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks (as appropriate). References will be verified, memberships to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) will be checked and Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) undertaken.
10.2 All therapists will be positively vetted and Talk With Us LLP will report the misconduct of locum therapists to the agency concerned. Therapists joining the Partnership on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy.
11. Volunteers
11.1 Any person /organisation engaged by Talk With Us LLP to work in a voluntary capacity with students will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Disclosure and Barri
“Safeguarding…is an issue addressed not only with increasing sureness by those responsible for keeping children and learners safe, but one felt keenly by those most vulnerable to harm and neglect.’1
SECTION 1
1. Introduction
1.1 Talk With Us LLP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for therapists, students and parents promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well‐being of others. Talk With Us LLP recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers or others (including the parents or carers of other pupils) who may wish to harm students and will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks.
1.2 Talk With Us LLP’s Child Protection Policy is consistent with statutory guidance HM Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated December 2020) and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (KCSiE).
1.3 Identified staff and volunteers must read Part One of DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 or Annex A as decided by the Director of Education and Head of People.
1.4 All staff, supply therapists and volunteers who work directly with children must have a full and active understanding of KCSiE 2022 Part One.
1.5 All identified therapists including locum therapists and volunteers will be safely recruited in-line with all legal requirements as outlined in KCSiE 2022 Part Three: Safer Recruitment, and our Trustee will ensure Talk With Us LLP creates a culture that is safe and safeguards the welfare of children. We will adopt robust recruitment procedures that deter and prevent people who are unsuitable to work with children from applying for or securing employment, or volunteering opportunities in our school/college.
1.6 The policy is applicable to all activities undertaken by clients and adults.
1.7 Child Protection and Safeguarding will operate in conjunction with other policies.
2. Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all therapists, clients and adults are clear about the actions necessary with regard to child protection issues.
3. Aims
3.1 The aims of this policy are:
• To establish and maintain a safe environment which promotes self‐confidence, where clients feel secure and valued, can learn and develop, are encouraged to talk and are listened to, and to provide the students under our care with relevant information, skills and attitudes to help them recognise and stay safe from abuse and harm.
• To ensure that all therapists are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection concerns and that they understand the procedures which must be followed.
• To provide a framework, together with other organisations where appropriate, for supporting students who may have been abused or identified as at risk from abuse.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 All adults working with Talk With Us LLP (including volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Person with responsibility for child protection (known as the Child Protection Officer or CPO).
4.2 The CPO for all areas is Hannah Feldman (Partner) in whose absence, Naomi Nissim (Partner), will deputise.
4.3 There is a Child Safeguarding Team made up of:
The CPO, Hannah Feldman (Level 3)
Naomi Nissim (Level 3)
Ashleigh Ibrahim (Level 3)
Deborah Cuby (Level 2)
4.4 The role of the CPO is as follows:
• dissemination of policy and good practice to all therapists;
• acting in a consultative role for all therapists including de‐briefing for therapists following referral as necessary;
• ensuring that new therapists receive induction about CP procedures;
• maintaining records of who and who has not received child protection training in the LLP as a whole;
• maintenance of a central record of any clients who are the subject of Child Protection Plans and any children deemed to be in need;
• Ensuring that child welfare records are kept separately from education records and keeping written records of all relevant conversations and meetings;
• referral and liaison role with social care and other agencies;
• attendance at multi‐agency meetings and providing written contributions where requested;
• following procedures in cases where there are allegations made against a therapist.
5. Sharing of Information
5.1 Sharing information with other professionals is essential for the purposes of safeguarding children, as often it is only when information from different sources is put together that risks can be properly identified. All therapists must be clear about when to share information to help prevent tragedy or help keep a child safe or promote a child’s welfare. In cases of doubt, the CPO should be consulted.
6. Records
6.1 Child Protection records are kept securely and separately from children’s educational records. All such records would be marked ‘Strictly Confidential’.
7. Complaints & monitoring
7.1 All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under the Partnerships’ Complaints Procedure Policy. THE CPO will consider safeguarding issues and their implications for this policy on an annual basis. For this item, the CPO will report upon levels of child protection referrals made during the past year, training undertaken by therapists and any changes in legislation or national/local guidance. Otherwise, this policy will be reviewed each year and updated as necessary. Any deficiencies or weaknesses in this policy which are identified at any time will be remedied without delay.
SECTION 2: CHILD SAFETY AND THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
The following measures are designed to protect the welfare of all pupils:
8. Therapists Code of conduct
8.1 All therapists and volunteers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils and their families. Students will be treated with respect and dignity. Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and students, therapists and volunteers are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation. Where incidents occur, which might otherwise be misconstrued, or where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a student for their own or others’ safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the school SENCO, Head Teacher, CPO, school CPO and parents. Other than in cases of emergency, first aid will only be administered by qualified first aiders of the school.
8.2 For their own safety and protection, therapists should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with pupils. Therapists and volunteers should also be alert to the possible risks which might arise from contact with pupils outside of their schools. Home visits to pupils should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Partners. Visits by pupils to the homes of therapists should only occur with the knowledge and approval of the Partners (see Appendix 2 Therapists alone with pupils).
9. Staff training
9.1 In‐service and in-house training on safeguarding issues will be organised on an annual basis. All newly recruited therapists and volunteers will be informed of this policy. The CPO will attend refresher training at least every two years.
10. Staff Recruitment
10.1 Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited to Talk With US LLP will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks (as appropriate). References will be verified, memberships to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) will be checked and Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) undertaken.
10.2 All therapists will be positively vetted and Talk With Us LLP will report the misconduct of locum therapists to the agency concerned. Therapists joining the Partnership on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy.
11. Volunteers
11.1 Any person /organisation engaged by Talk With Us LLP to work in a voluntary capacity with students will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures and Disclosure and Barring Service. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established therapist and will be subject to the same code of conduct as therapists. Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of pupils.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 In the day to day running of the Partnership, normal rules of confidentiality are carefully observed. In the area of Child Protection, however, no absolute guarantee of confidentiality can be given to anyone expressing concern about her/his own or another person’s well‐being. While every effort is made to respect a desire for confidentiality, serious concerns about a student’s welfare could make it necessary to pass on certain information to the appropriate authorities. It would, however, be normal for the person raising concerns to be told that information was to be passed on, before this actually happened. In the event of this the CPO and school CPO must be advised.
SECTION 3
13. Actions to be taken in specific cases that cause concern.
13.1 Concerns may arise in various circumstances:
i. A therapist may have suspicions arising from observation of the student’s appearance, behaviour, or things the child has said.
ii. A student may tell a therapist that abuse has taken place, or that she/he feels unsafe.
iii. A third party may express concern to a therapist. This could be another pupil, a member of the school staff, a parent or guardian, or a member of the public.
iv. An anonymous allegation may be received.
v. The Partnership might also be asked to cooperate in a child abuse investigation initiated outside of the company.
14. Therapist’s Response
14.1 Talk With US LLP recognises that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, work or other children. The Partnership has a strong commitment to the individual school’s anti‐bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate child on child behaviour and sexual activity within a Child Protection context.
If a pupil discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a household which is affected by family violence, this should be referred to the CPO and school CPO as a safeguarding issue.
14.2 Summarised below are the actions therapists should take under the above circumstances. Guidelines for the handling of such situations are contained in Section 4.
14.3 i. & ii. A therapist suspects abuse or a client tells of abuse
Suspicions may be aroused by the presence of indicators of abuse (See Section 4), by a feeling, based on knowledge of the client, that there is something wrong, or by a combination of factors. It would normally be appropriate for a therapist to enquire casually of a pupil about how an obvious injury was sustained, or why the pupil appears upset.
Staff should: Observe, Record and Report Observation carefully as well as the pupil’s behaviour and demeanour. This involves Recording in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. This should be done as soon as possible, certainly on the same day, using the Disclosure form, signed and dated. A copy can be seen at the end of this policy. Reporting their suspicions as soon as possible to the CPO and the school SENCO or CPO. It may be that a child, in speaking about difficult or possibly threatening circumstances, asks for a promise of confidentiality. No promise of confidentiality should ever be given.
iii. A third party expresses concern
A therapist to whom a third-party expresses concern should: Observe the behaviour or demeanour of the person expressing concern, if this is done in person. Record in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. Actual words used should be used where possible. Report the matter immediately to the CPO or School SENCO / CPO. The person expressing concern may seek a promise of confidentiality from the member of staff. No such promise should be given. The information disclosed may be such that it must be passed on to protect the child. While it may be possible to protect the identity of the person expressing concern, it will be easier to take action to protect the child if that person is prepared to be identified. If legal proceedings follow, it may be necessary to disclose the person’s identity. Where concerns are expressed by another client/ adult, it should be remembered that reporting suspicions of abuse may be traumatic for a child, and support for the concerned pupil is advisable.
iv. An anonymous allegation is received
Therapists receiving anonymous allegations about actual or possible child abuse should: Record in writing the words used, as far as possible, if the allegation is by phone, or keep the piece of paper, where it is in writing. Report the matter immediately to CPO or school CPO.
v. We are asked to cooperate with a Child Protection investigation initiated outside the Partnership.
The CPO will co‐operate with any action required by Talk With Us LLP in liaison with the appropriate outside agencies and school CPO. Therapists will be informed of the situation on a “need to know” basis.
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 therapist with concerns should press for reconsideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point. (page 6 Keeping Children Safe in Education April 2014)
15. Timing
15.1 In all cases, reports should be made, where at all possible, the same day that concerns arise, and within 24 hours at most. The therapist should prepare, sign and date a statement of what has been reported, when, and to whom. Information about the allegation should NEVER be shared with any person other than the CPO or School CPO. In all cases where there has been disclosure or suspicion of abuse, a referral to the appropriate authorities will be made within 24 hours.
16. Referral procedures
Step 1: Report to CPO When an individual concern or incident is brought to the notice of the CPO, the CPO and school CPO will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the CPO and the therapist reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the school CPO and/or the other members of the Team.
Step 2: Parents contacted – The parent/carer will normally be contacted before a referral is made to the appropriate Borough’s Young People and Families Team. However, if the concern involves alleged or suspected sexual abuse or the CPO has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the child or therapist, nothing will be said ahead of the referral.
• In circumstances where a pupil has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency medical assistance. If a pupil is thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, intoxication, substance abuse, mental illness or threats to remove the pupil during the School day, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested.
• Where a student sustains a physical injury or is distressed as a result of reported chastisement, or alleges that they have been chastised by the use of an implement or substance, this will immediately be reported for investigation.
Step 3 Referrals Referrals to the appropriate LA’s Children Young People and Families will be confirmed in writing together with the partnership of the School’s CPO, using the on‐line Inter‐agency Referral Form and copied to the relevant Local Authority’s Lead Officer. Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of pupils who are the subjects of Child Protection Plans and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to their allocated Social Worker (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LA Lead Officer).
SECTION 4
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST THERAPISTS
1. Any allegation against a therapist or volunteer must be taken very seriously, and dealt with swiftly. Whatever their provenance, such allegations must be immediately brought to the attention of the CPO.
2. After establishing the facts, the CPO would consider all aspects of the situation, inform the Team and school CPO and possibly consult informally with the relevant LA Children Young People and Families team, RCSLT, HCPC and/or the police. If the police decided there was a case to answer, there would be a precautionary suspension served on the therapist, who would be asked to leave the premises immediately, without any access to company documents, and asked not to communicate with any clients until the matter was fully investigated. The therapist would be told that information had been received by the company which might suggest an allegation of child abuse, but no further details would be given at that stage.
3. The parents or guardians of the client concerned would be notified that an allegation had been made by the child, although no details would be given initially. Details of the allegation, including the identity of the therapist involved, would not be disclosed until specific legal advice had been taken.
4. If the therapist against whom the allegation is made is the CPO, the Management Team must be immediately informed and they will take charge of handling the matter from that point on. In such a situation, independent advice will be taken at the earliest possible opportunity. Where there is a high possibility that there may be a case to answer, it is very important that the Partnership is seen to have acted promptly and without prejudice to any therapist. Clear knowledge of these procedures is important for therapists, who should be aware of the Partnership’s position in the circumstances outlined. A report will be made to the RCSLT and HCPC, within one month of their leaving their post, concerning any person (whether contracted, a volunteer or student) whose services are no longer used because he or she is considered unsuitable to work with children.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years.
ng Service. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established therapist and will be subject to the same code of conduct as therapists. Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of pupils.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 In the day to day running of the Partnership, normal rules of confidentiality are carefully observed. In the area of Child Protection, however, no absolute guarantee of confidentiality can be given to anyone expressing concern about her/his own or another person’s well‐being. While every effort is made to respect a desire for confidentiality, serious concerns about a student’s welfare could make it necessary to pass on certain information to the appropriate authorities. It would, however, be normal for the person raising concerns to be told that information was to be passed on, before this actually happened. In the event of this the CPO and school CPO must be advised.
SECTION 3
13. Actions to be taken in specific cases that cause concern.
13.1 Concerns may arise in various circumstances:
i. A therapist may have suspicions arising from observation of the student’s appearance, behaviour, or things the child has said.
ii. A student may tell a therapist that abuse has taken place, or that she/he feels unsafe.
iii. A third party may express concern to a therapist. This could be another pupil, a member of the school staff, a parent or guardian, or a member of the public.
iv. An anonymous allegation may be received.
v. The Partnership might also be asked to cooperate in a child abuse investigation initiated outside of the company.
14. Therapist’s Response
14.1 Talk With US LLP recognises that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour, work or other children. The Partnership has a strong commitment to the individual school’s anti‐bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and inappropriate child on child behaviour and sexual activity within a Child Protection context.
If a pupil discloses that they have witnessed domestic violence or it is suspected that they may be living in a household which is affected by family violence, this should be referred to the CPO and school CPO as a safeguarding issue.
14.2 Summarised below are the actions therapists should take under the above circumstances. Guidelines for the handling of such situations are contained in Section 4.
14.3 i. & ii. A therapist suspects abuse or a client tells of abuse
Suspicions may be aroused by the presence of indicators of abuse (See Section 4), by a feeling, based on knowledge of the client, that there is something wrong, or by a combination of factors. It would normally be appropriate for a therapist to enquire casually of a pupil about how an obvious injury was sustained, or why the pupil appears upset.
Staff should: Observe, Record and Report Observation carefully as well as the pupil’s behaviour and demeanour. This involves Recording in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. This should be done as soon as possible, certainly on the same day, using the Disclosure form, signed and dated. A copy can be seen at the end of this policy. Reporting their suspicions as soon as possible to the CPO and the school SENCO or CPO. It may be that a child, in speaking about difficult or possibly threatening circumstances, asks for a promise of confidentiality. No promise of confidentiality should ever be given.
iii. A third party expresses concern
A therapist to whom a third-party expresses concern should: Observe the behaviour or demeanour of the person expressing concern, if this is done in person. Record in detail what they have seen and heard and when they did so. Actual words used should be used where possible. Report the matter immediately to the CPO or School SENCO / CPO. The person expressing concern may seek a promise of confidentiality from the member of staff. No such promise should be given. The information disclosed may be such that it must be passed on to protect the child. While it may be possible to protect the identity of the person expressing concern, it will be easier to take action to protect the child if that person is prepared to be identified. If legal proceedings follow, it may be necessary to disclose the person’s identity. Where concerns are expressed by another client/ adult, it should be remembered that reporting suspicions of abuse may be traumatic for a child, and support for the concerned pupil is advisable.
iv. An anonymous allegation is received
Therapists receiving anonymous allegations about actual or possible child abuse should: Record in writing the words used, as far as possible, if the allegation is by phone, or keep the piece of paper, where it is in writing. Report the matter immediately to CPO or school CPO.
v. We are asked to cooperate with a Child Protection investigation initiated outside the Partnership.
The CPO will co‐operate with any action required by Talk With Us LLP in liaison with the appropriate outside agencies and school CPO. Therapists will be informed of the situation on a “need to know” basis.
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 therapist with concerns should press for reconsideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point. (page 6 Keeping Children Safe in Education April 2014)
15. Timing
15.1 In all cases, reports should be made, where at all possible, the same day that concerns arise, and within 24 hours at most. The therapist should prepare, sign and date a statement of what has been reported, when, and to whom. Information about the allegation should NEVER be shared with any person other than the CPO or School CPO. In all cases where there has been disclosure or suspicion of abuse, a referral to the appropriate authorities will be made within 24 hours.
16. Referral procedures
Step 1: Report to CPO When an individual concern or incident is brought to the notice of the CPO, the CPO and school CPO will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the CPO and the therapist reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the school CPO and/or the other members of the Team.
Step 2: Parents contacted – The parent/carer will normally be contacted before a referral is made to the appropriate Borough’s Young People and Families Team. However, if the concern involves alleged or suspected sexual abuse or the CPO has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the child or therapist, nothing will be said ahead of the referral.
• In circumstances where a pupil has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency medical assistance. If a pupil is thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, intoxication, substance abuse, mental illness or threats to remove the pupil during the School day, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested.
• Where a student sustains a physical injury or is distressed as a result of reported chastisement, or alleges that they have been chastised by the use of an implement or substance, this will immediately be reported for investigation.
Step 3 Referrals Referrals to the appropriate LA’s Children Young People and Families will be confirmed in writing together with the partnership of the School’s CPO, using the on‐line Inter‐agency Referral Form and copied to the relevant Local Authority’s Lead Officer. Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of pupils who are the subjects of Child Protection Plans and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to their allocated Social Worker (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LA Lead Officer).
SECTION 4
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST THERAPISTS
1. Any allegation against a therapist or volunteer must be taken very seriously, and dealt with swiftly. Whatever their provenance, such allegations must be immediately brought to the attention of the CPO.
2. After establishing the facts, the CPO would consider all aspects of the situation, inform the Team and school CPO and possibly consult informally with the relevant LA Children Young People and Families team, RCSLT, HCPC and/or the police. If the police decided there was a case to answer, there would be a precautionary suspension served on the therapist, who would be asked to leave the premises immediately, without any access to company documents, and asked not to communicate with any clients until the matter was fully investigated. The therapist would be told that information had been received by the company which might suggest an allegation of child abuse, but no further details would be given at that stage.
3. The parents or guardians of the client concerned would be notified that an allegation had been made by the child, although no details would be given initially. Details of the allegation, including the identity of the therapist involved, would not be disclosed until specific legal advice had been taken.
4. If the therapist against whom the allegation is made is the CPO, the Management Team must be immediately informed and they will take charge of handling the matter from that point on. In such a situation, independent advice will be taken at the earliest possible opportunity. Where there is a high possibility that there may be a case to answer, it is very important that the Partnership is seen to have acted promptly and without prejudice to any therapist. Clear knowledge of these procedures is important for therapists, who should be aware of the Partnership’s position in the circumstances outlined. A report will be made to the RCSLT and HCPC, within one month of their leaving their post, concerning any person (whether contracted, a volunteer or student) whose services are no longer used because he or she is considered unsuitable to work with children.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years.