Recognising
The term for intended, non-accidental physical injury or cruelty to a child.
Physical Abuse
Do or Don't?
Keep a disclosure confidential between you and the child.
DON'T keep disclosures confidential.
Agreeing to keep a 'secret' cannot happen. A child may ask you, but you need to say ... "I might have to tell Mrs Corbishley, but you can trust me that I will keep you safe."
This keeps students safe, gives them trust in the adults at school and respects their privacy.
Report a child protection concern to a member of the DSL / DDSL team. Do not 'gossip' about the situation with other staff members or students.
True of False? Only teachers must report child protection concerns.
FALSE: All staff are mandatory reporters and should report any concerns to a DSL / DDSL.
Name of the document that contains important information about the updates to child protection and safeguarding.
KSCIE 2024
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse:
Not receiving medical attention, poor hygiene, stealing food or school supplies, frequent absences, limited parent communication
Neglect
Do or Don't?
After a disclosure, you should stay calm and listen without judgment.
DO stay calm and listen without judgment.
The step to take after "Reporting" a concern.
Record on CPOMS
True or False?
You are not allowed to hug a student who is crying.
FALSE.
You need to maintain appropriate physical boundaries at all times, and touch students - when necessary - only in ways that are appropriate, and in public and in a non-sexual way. If a child wants a hug, a reassuring touch, this is fine.
But remember to not put yourself in any compromising situations.
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse: Sexual behavior/knowledge inappropriate for a child’s age, trouble walking or sitting, complaints of genital pain.
Sexual Abuse
Do or Don't?
Log your concern about child protection on CPOMS before talking to a DSL / DDSL.
DON'T.
If there is a child protection concern, talk to a member of the DSL / DDSL team first. You can log your concern on CPOMS afterwards.
True or False?
Child protection concerns need to be reported to a DSL / DDSL within 48 hours.
FALSE.
KCSIE states within 24 hours, you must report a child protection concern. However, ASAP is always better.
Log on CPOMS on the day if it is child protection concern.
True or False?
Always be visible when working with students. Avoid being alone with students at school activities.
TRUE.
True or False? Sexual abuse can occur without physically touching the victim.
TRUE.
Examples: Exposure to sexually explicit material, communicating sexually explicit messages
Do or Don't?
Gather details and ask leading questions when you have a child protection concern.
DON'T.
Gathering details and asking too many questions can cause problems.
For example:
-A younger child could have trouble recalling events accurately during the investigation.
-Asking questions about a disturbing situation could exacerbate it or make it more difficult for the child to deal with.
The designated staff members who are the DSL / DDSLs.
DSL - Mrs Corbishley
DDSL - Rhianwen Murphy and Katie Twaite
True or False?
It is okay to engage in private communications with students (via text messaging, email, or any forms of electronic or social media).
FALSE.
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse:
Social withdrawal, loss of interest/enthusiasm, uncontrollable crying, fear of adults, recurrent somatic symptoms (i.e. headaches, etc.), chronic anxiety
Emotional Abuse
Do or Don't?
Before reporting, be sure to begin the investigation.
DON'T investigate.
Be sure to report to a member of the DSL / DDSL team. They follow the protocol and have education, training, and experience with child protection reports.
Asking too many questions of the child, peers, or family members could backfire.
For example, if the person who did the abuse finds out about the investigation too soon, they could manipulate the child into silence.
What is the preferred way to report a child protection concern?
A face-to-face conversation with a DSL / DDSL and then CPOMS record.
The name of the document that we all agreed to and signed to the risk of harm to students and that also protects staff.
Staff Handbook