- - not criticise the perpetrator, the student might have a relationship with - not criticise the perpetrator, the student might have a relationship with them
- - not promise confidentiality, reassure the student that they have done - not promise confidentiality, reassure the student that they have done the right thing, explain whom you will have to tell, a designated lead and why; and, depending on the student's age, what the next stage will be. It is important that you avoid making promises that you cannot keep such as "I'll stay with you all the time" or "it will be all right now".

##### Recording Information

- § some brief notes at the time or immediately afterwards; record the date, time, § some brief notes at the time or immediately afterwards; record the date, time, place and context of disclosure or concern. Record facts not assumption or interpretation and then log onto CPOMs.
- § it is observation of bruising or an injury record the areas on the body map on CPOMs. § it is observation of bruising or an injury record the areas on the body map on CPOMs. Do not take photographs.
- § the non-verbal behaviour and the key words in the language used by the student § the non-verbal behaviour and the key words in the language used by the student (try not to translate into "proper terms").
- § is important that the original notes are passed on to Mrs T Dale, Designated § is important that the original notes are passed on to Mrs T Dale, Designated Safeguarding Lead or Miss C Moore, MHWB Coordinator.

### Confidentiality

We should be honest with regards to the issue of confidentiality. If we see it is necessary for us to pass our concerns about a student on then we should discuss with the student:

- § we are going to talk to § we are going to talk to
- § we are going to tell them § we are going to tell them
- § we need to tell them § we need to tell them

We should never share information about a student without first telling them. Ideally we would receive their consent, though there are certain situations when information must always be shared with another member of staff and / or a parent.

It is always advisable to share disclosures with a colleague, usually the MHWB coordinator, Miss C Moore, Miss T Dale Safeguarding Officer or other Mental Health First Aiders. This helps to safeguard our own emotional wellbeing as we are not being solely responsible for the student, it ensures continuity of care in our absence and it provides an extra source of ideas and support. This should explained to the student and discuss with them who would be the most appropriate and helpful to share this information with.

Parents must always be informed. Students may choose to tell their parents themselves. If this is the case, the student should be given 24 hours to share this information before the school contacts parents. We should always give students the option of us informing parents for them or with them.

If a child gives us reason to believe that there may be underlying child protection issues, parents should not be informed, but the Designated Safeguarding Lead Mr JP McInerney must be informed immediately.

### Working with Parents

Parents are often very welcoming of support and information from the school about supporting their children’s emotional and mental health. In order to support parents we will:

7 | P a g e Mental Health and Well-Being Policy