Ensuring there is a trained deputy DSL Ensuring all and volunteers are trained, and receive regular updates (see Lancashire LSCB Training Matrix and section 12.3 of this policy) in the definitions and signs of abuse, and are conversant with their safeguarding duties, and have sound knowledge of the referral process and always act in the BEST INTERESTS of the child Ensuring that there is a designated manager of allegations against staff, normally a member of the senior leadership team and that they implement the procedures within the Allegations against Staff Policy To ensure confidentiality protocols are respected and that information is shared with the relevant agencies and personnel To ensure safeguarding practices and procedures, prevent, protect and support children and young people from the risks of harm and potential abuse To ensure any child or young person who has been subject to harm or abuse receives the support required including hospital treatment To ensure the including agency staff and volunteers are aware of who the LADO at 01772 536 694, lead and deputy DSLs are and Acorn DSL (Graham McEwan) through, policy, induction, training, briefings and displays on notice boards 3.5 The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for: (The DSL should be a member of the senior leadership team, and should take lead responsibility for safeguarding) Ensuring that they, or their Deputy, is always be available to staff during school hours in term time Ensuring that if the school chooses to have a deputy DSL that they are trained to the same as the DSL. Ensuring that The DSL retains overall responsibility for safeguarding even when the activities associated with the role are delegated to deputies Ensuring that the LADO for Lancashire LSCB is informed of any allegations about staff members or other persons in a professional role at the earliest opportunity. Lancashire LADO’s are contactable via email: Tim.booth@lancashire.gov.uk or tel no: 01772 536 694 Ensuring that children and young people who are at risk of harm or who have been potentially abused are immediately protected and safe from harm or abuse (DSL to reinforce with all staff the difference between a concern and immediate danger or risk of harm) Ensuring they have details of the child’s social worker and the name of the virtual school head in the authority that looks after the child.
Very low self-esteem, with an inability to accept praise or to trust Lack of any sense of fun, over-serious or apathetic Excessive clingy or attention seeking behaviour Over-anxiety, either watchful and constantly checking or over-anxious to please Developmental delay, especially in speech Substantial failure to reach potential in learning, linked with lack of confidence, poor concentration and lack of pride in achievement Self-harming, compulsive rituals, stereotypic repetitive behaviour Unusual pattern of response to others showing emotions 4.5 Sexual abuse: involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. Signs and Symptoms of Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse often presents itself in a veiled way. Although some child victims have obvious genital injuries, a sexually transmitted disease or are pregnant, relatively few show such obvious signs. Recognition of sexual abuse generally follows either a direct statement from the child (or very occasionally from the abuser), or more often, suspicion based on the child's circumstances, behaviour, or physical symptoms or signs. The following list of commonly observed indicators is not exhaustive and there may be situations where none of them is present, even though a child is known to have been abused sexually. Equally, even if some are present it may also not be definitive of sexual abuse. These physical signs should alert professionals to the possibility of abuse. Suspicion increases where several features are present together. Physical manifestations: Sexually transmitted diseases Pregnancy (especially in younger girls or when identity of father is uncertain) Genital lacerations or bruising
Appendix 3: Signs of Abuse Physical Signs Changes in Behaviour Physical unexplained bruising, or injuries on any part of the body multiple bruises- in clusters, often on the upper arm, outside of the thigh cigarette burns human bite marks broken scalds, with upward splash marks, multiple burns with a clearly demarcated edge fear of parents being approached for an explanation aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts flinching when approached or touched reluctance to get changed, for example in hot weather depression withdrawn behaviour running away from home Emotional Speech disorders Delayed physical development Substance abuse Ulcers, severe allergies Failure to thrive Self-harm neurotic behaviour e.g. sulking, hair twisting, rocking being unable to play fear of making mistakes sudden speech disorders self-harm fear of parent being approached regarding their behaviour developmental delay in terms of emotional progress