Element three - safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing

What are the 4 British values?

\*democracy

\*rule of law

\*respect and tolerance

\*individual liberty

What is democracy?

A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities. Making sure everyone has a voice and can express themselves freely.

What is rule of law?

The need for rules to make a happy, safe, secure environment. The idea that everyone should follow the laws to protect each other.

What is respect and tolerance?

Understanding that we don’t all share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others without imposing our own on others.

Individual liberty

The right to believe, act and express yourself freely.

What year is the Female Genital Mutilation Act?

2003

What is the purpose of the female genital mutilation act?

The act provides legal protection and safeguarding for victims of, or at risk of, FGM. It makes it a legal offence whether or it happens in the UK or not.

What are the warning signs of FGM?

\*excitement about going to a ‘special holiday home’

\*extended school absence which is repeated

\*withdrawn behaviour or anxiety

\*having difficulty walking, sitting or moving around

What does the health and safety at work act define?

\*employers’ responsibilities to protect the health, safety and welfare of the employees at work and members of the public

\*employees duties to protect themselves and each other

Under the health and safety at work act, those who work in schools and colleges have a responsibility for health and safety, what does this include?

\*reporting hazards

\*following the policies and procedures of the setting for health and safety

\*using safety equipment and PPE when needed

\*ensuring all materials, equipment and resources are safe

\*not harming themselves or others by their actions

What year is the Children’s Act?

2004

What is the purpose of the Children’s Act?

This act introduced measures to support multi-agencies working together to keep children safe.

Why was the Children’s Act 1989 amended in 2004 and 2006?

To reinforce the message that all organisations and professionals that work with children and young people have a duty help safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.

What does the childcare act outline?

The responsibilities of parents and all those who work with children and young people. It includes two sections: section 17 and section 47.

What does section 17 state?

Services must be put in place by local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need.

What does section 47 state?

The local authority has a duty to investigate instance where it has ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm’.

What year is the Safeguarding Vulnerable groups Act?

2006

What is the purpose of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act?

The act places a statutory duty on organisations to undertake suitability checks on all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults.

What are the requirements of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act?

A DBS check is now a legal requirement for those working with children and young people. It applies to the health and social care sectors as well as those working in education and early years.

What year is the Children and Families Act?

2014

What is the purpose of the Children and Families Act?

This act introduced new provisions to ensure the welfare of children and young people with SEND, including EHC plans.

What does the SEND Code of Practice do?

\*gives families and their children more control over welfare and decision making

\*establishes the requirement for an EHCP which sets out the SEN assessment and provision for children and young people under 25.

What is the purpose of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2015?

It places a duty on specified authorities to consider the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

What year is the Data Protection Act?

2018

What is the purpose of the Data Protection Act?

It defines responsibilities for using personal data, fairly, lawfully and responsibly.

What information does the Data Protection Act protect?

\*names, addresses, dates of birth

\*photographs

\*national insurance numbers and bank details of staff

\*information about medical conditions, needs or allergies

\*progress report on pupils/exam results

\*information on pupils needs and welfare including SEN assessments

\*information on the safeguarding of pupils

\*staff development reviews

The EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements relate to a wide range of topics which affect policies and procedures such as:

\*child protection (staff must look out for any areas of concern regarding a child)

\*suitable people (DBS checks)

\*staff qualifications, training, support and skills

\*key person (supporting individuals needs and welfare)

\*staff to child ratios

\*health and accidents (promoting good health and responding to illness)

\*managing children’s behaviour (corporal punishment shouldn’t be used or threatened)

\*safety and suitability of premises and environment

\*risk assessments

\*SEND

\*information and records

What year is the Prevent Duty Guidance?

2015

What is the prevent duty guidance?

It outlines all key areas that staff should be aware of in the context of safeguarding. It is an educators responsibility to ‘prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’.

Which two pieces of guidance are closely linked?

Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulations.

What year is the Data Protection Act?

2018

What does the Data Protection Act inform?

The policies and procedures which organisations must have around recording, storing and sharing information and keeping it safe. Everyone who uses personal data must follow a set of rules called ‘data protection principles’, these directly link to the first 7 principles of GDPR.

What does the Data Protection Act give individuals the right to?

Find out what information organisation stores about them about how this information is used.

What year is the General Data Protection Regulations?

2018

Under GDPR what are the 7 principles that individuals who use personal data must follow?

\*used fairly, lawfully and transparently

\*used only for the specific purpose

\*used in only a way which is limited to what is necessary

\*used in a way that is average and kept up to date where needed

\*not kept longer than necessary

\*handled securely and protected against unauthorised access

\*kept within the principles of GDPR

What year is the Supporting Pupils At School With Medical Conditions Guidance?

2015

Who is the Supporting Pupils At School With Medical Conditions Guidance specifically for?

Schools

What is the main point of the Supporting Pupils At School With Medical Conditions Guidance?

To ensure pupils with medical conditions are properly supported and cared for alongside their education.

What does the Supporting Pupils At School With Medical Conditions Guidance point out?

That these pupils may be vulnerable due to their conditions, and highlights that there may be social and emotional implications for them.

What should school’s safeguarding policies highlight?

Staff responsibilities and procedures for implementing and reviewing healthcare plans.

What year is the Working Together to Safeguarding Children Guidance?

2018

What does the Working Together to Safeguarding Children Guidance set out?

How different agencies such as healthcare professionals, adult social care and educational practitioners should work together in order to promote children and young people’s welfare. It puts the child/young person at the centre of all decisions that are made.

What does the Working Together to Safeguarding Children Guidance highlight?

The importance of early help

What year is the Multi-agency Statutory Guidance of Female Genital Mutilation?

2020

What does the the Multi-agency Statutory Guidance of Female Genital Mutilation provide?

Information guidance and support for all those who have a responsibility to safeguard girls from FGM.

What year is the Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance?

2022

Who does the Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance apply to?

All schools and colleges in England, and to maintained nursery schools.

What does the Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance provide details about?

Managing important issues like peer-on-peer abuse, child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation.

It has been found that children’s emotional health has a direct impact on what?

Their cognitive development and wellbeing.

What will give children/young people a greater ability to cope with and help with emotional health and wellbeing?

\*feeling loved, valued and protected

\*being part of a family, sense of belonging in a group

\*being in good health with a balanced diet and exercise

\*having freedom to play and enjoy themselves

\*being hopeful and optimistic

\*having a voice and sense of control over their own life

\*having resilience and the ability to problem solve

What are the 8 principles to support children’s emotional health and wellbeing published by Public Health England in 2015?

\*an ethos and environment that promotes respect and values diversity

\*curriculum, teaching and learning to promote resilience and support social and emotional learning

\*enabling student voice to influence decisions

\*staff development to support their own wellbeing and that of students

\*identifying need and monitoring impact of interventions

\*working with parents and carers

\*targeted support and appropriate referral

\*leadership and management that supports and champions efforts to promote emotional health

What does it mean if a child is at risk?

A child who is in a position of vulnerability to abuse or harm.

What does it mean if a child or young person is in need?

A person under 18 who needs extra support to improve their opportunities through the services of the local authority, whether this is due to their personal circumstances or medical or physical need

Give examples of children who might be in need…

\*children in social care

\*looked after children

\*children with disabilities

\*children with safeguarding and welfare needs

As an educator, by law you must report any concerns that a child is in need or at risk, how would your setting help you know what to do in these situations?

By receiving training in your organisations safeguarding or child protection policy at induction or through ongoing CPD.

What is a designated safeguarding lead?

The person in a school or early years setting who is responsible for all safeguarding issues.

What are the steps you should follow if you have a welfare concern?

\*why are you concerned?

\*immediately record your concerns

\*inform the DSL

Once you have discussed your concerns with your DSL, what will they do?

\*record decision making and action taken in the pupils child protection/safeguarding file

\*monitor the child

\*review and request further support

What are the two things you can do if you are not happy with the way a DSL has dealt with a situation?

Follow local escalation procedures or follow whistleblowing procedures.

What are the 7 categories that abuse is often put in?

\*physical

\*emotional

\*sexual

\*neglect

\*domestic

\*bullying/cyber bullying

\*child criminal exploitation

What is physical abuse?

When someone is physically hurt or harmed.

What is emotional abuse?

When someone is continually emotional mistreated.

What is sexual abuse?

When sexual activity is forced upon someone - including child sexual exploitation

What is neglect?

When a babies or child’s needs are persistently not met.

What is domestic abuse?

When there is violent behaviour within a relationship.

What is bullying and cyber bullying?

When someone is being mistreated in person and online by their peers.

What is child criminal exploitation?

When a child is trafficked or exploited and made to commit crimes (eg being part of a gang).

Name 3 individual factors on why a child may be more at risk of abuse…

\*physical or developmental disability

\*child has been impacted by an abusive relationship

\*lack of secure attachment with parent/carer

Why is a physical or developmental disability an individual factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

\*they may be unable to stop the abuse

\*they may have less of an understanding of what is happening

\*they may be less likely to tell others about the abuse

Why is a child being impacted by an abusive relationship an individual factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

If abuse is already in the child or young persons home, they will be more likely to suffer abuse themselves.

Why is having a lack of secure attachment with a parent/carer an individual factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

If a child or young person does not have have a secure, loving attachment with a parent or carer, this may increase the likelihood of abuse.

Name 5 parental factors on why a child may be more at risk of abuse…

\*parent has already abused a child/been abused

\*unrealistic expectations of parents/lack of skills

\*parental isolation

\*parental mental illness

\*parent is suffering with drug or alcohol addiction

Why is having a parent who has already abused a child/been abused themselves a parental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

Parents who have been abused themselves or who are already known to have abused a child may be more likely to abuse another child.

Why is having unrealistic expectations of parents/lack of skills a parental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

Because they may not know how to manage conflict situations or understand ways in which they can support their children more effectively.

Why is parental isolation a parental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

Parents who are mor socially isolated or who have limited support from family, friends or the local community may be more likely to abuse a child or young person.

Why is parental mental illness a parental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

If a parent has mental health issues, poor self-esteem or self-control this may increase the risk of abuse

Why is parents suffering with drug or alcohol addiction a parental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

Parents who are using drugs or alcohol are more likely to abuse their children.

Name 2 environmental factors on why a child may be more at risk of abuse…

\*overcrowding in the home, poverty or lack of opportunity to improve

\*domestic abuse

Why is overcrowding in the home, poverty or lack of opportunity to improve an environmental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

It is more likely to increase the stress levels in the house, which can lead to abuse.

Why is domestic violence an environmental factor on why a child may be more at risk of abuse?

Where there is already violence in the home, children and young people are likely to be subject to it themselves. In addition, children witnessing domestic violence is also a form of abuse.

How may an adult abuse a child’s trust?

\*take advantage of an individual

\*gain unauthorised access to private or sensitive information for their own or others advantage

\*manipulate an individual

\*use a position of trust to bully, humiliate or undermine

\*threaten punishment for non-compliance with unreasonable demands

Where can grooming take place?

Online or in person (with children it’s more likely to be in person).

What adults in a position of trust may groom a child?

Adults in the home, who work with the child or know them through the wider community.

How may interfamilial abuse occur?

It is carried out by a close family member or friend. A young child will trust those closest to them, and so is unlikely to talk about it as they will not know it is wrong.

How can abuse happen through the use of inappropriate games?

The groomer may tell a child they are going to play a game, which then ends up being something inappropriate.

How do groomers use online materials and communication?

They may target older children and send them materials or messages online, flattering them and building relationships through finding out more about them.

How do groomers use sexual behaviour of others/pornographic content?

They force children/young people to watch pornographic content of other people’s sexual behaviour.

Using threats of harm to the individual or family is a method of grooming, how does this occur?

Groomers sometimes use blackmail to control or intimidate children and young people, and to prevent them from telling others.

Name 4 signs of grooming or exploitation…

\*changes in typical behaviour

\*becoming withdrawn or isolated from peers and adults

\*inability to concentrate during activities or learning experiences

\*sexualised behaviour, language or an understanding of sex which is inappropiate for age

What is the appropriate action that should be taken when grooming or abuse is suspected?

\*following the safeguarding policies and procedures of the setting

\*report immediately to the settings DSL

\*remaining calm and professional if disclosures are made

\*maintaining accurate and coherent records and reports

\*sharing information only when required and maintains confidentiality

Name 4 things that may indicate an adult in a setting may have inappropriate relationships with children and young people…

\*being overly affectionate, giving gifts or showing favouritism to a particular child or young person

\*spending time alone with a child or young person

\*making friends with a child’s or young persons parents and/or visiting them at home

\*using private texts or social media to communicate with a child or young person

How should practitioners deal with suspected abuse in line with the settings codes of conduct?

\*observing and recording as appropriate

\*following organisational policies and procedures for child protection

\*following procedures set out by the local safeguarding partnership

\*following accurate lines of reporting in a timely manner

\*maintaining professional boundaries

\*contacting the police if a child or young person is in immediate danger

What effect may abuse have on educational attainment?

Abuse may cause brain development to be affected, lowering self-esteem and affecting their cognitive development. It is also likely to affect how well they can focus on what they are being taught. Children who are abused may have more absences or lateness, impacting attainment.

What effect may abuse have on attachments and relationships?

Children suffering from abuse are likely to be anxious and upset, and may withdraw from their relationships with others, not wanting to talk or spend time with them. They may distrust others and become isolated, which will affect their social and emotional developement.

How might children with SEND be affected by abuse?

They are more likely to find it more difficult to make progress due to distractions and anxieties. They may be unwilling or unable to talk about what has happened, or be unaware that they are suffering abuse.

How is physical health effected by abuse?

Appetite may be lost, affecting growth and physical development. Anyone who has been abused is also at higher risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes, malnutrition, poor lung function and vision and oral health problems.

Why may abuse cause self-harm, alcohol/drug misuse, aggression, risky or sexualised behaviour and criminality?

Children and young people are more likely to find ways of forgetting about what is happening to them, or try to get attention in another way.