Speculate or make assumptions Make negative comments about the alleged abuser Approach the alleged abuser unless they are the SDSO Make promises or to keep secrets Fail to take responsibility for reporting the concern 7. Recording Recording Information (see Appendix B) Information needs to be clearly recorded on form SG1/VA1. Initially the person who has the concern or receives the allegation will have a same day discussion with the SDSO. Recording will be done in conjunction the relevant Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer. The concern may need to be referred on to the Local Authority Designated Officer, Children’s Social Care/ EDT or the Police. Within UCLan the SDSO or PSL(O) undertakes this role. The Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer and PSL(O) considers (see Appendix A): What have we/the seen, heard and feel about this child? Is the child safe? Is this child at risk and, if so of what? How immediate is it? Is this child in need and, if so of what? Do I need to seek advice? Is the and/or likelihood of risk such that a (CA89 Section 47) child protection referral is needed (i.e. the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm)? Can the level(s) of risk/need be managed/met within the setting or by accessing universal services/without a referral to Children’s Social Care? What contextual information is available regarding the child, parents, family and environment? Does a CAF already exist and what is its status? What additional information might exist and is it appropriate for the setting or PSL(O) to access this? Have we recorded accurately and appropriately and made clear any ongoing plans, roles and responsibilities to staff within the setting? If we are not going to refer then what action is the Pre-school Centre going to take? All of the above is recorded on CP1/VA1. Accurate recording is essential, as there may be legal proceedings at a later date. Ideally, where the child has made a disclosure, a verbatim record of their account of what occurred in their own words should be recorded. Feedback to Staff That Report Concerns to the SDSO:
12. Review arrangements for the Pre-school Centre Safeguarding Policy and Procedures The Pre-school Centre’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures will be reviewed annually by the SDSO’s and any changes will be forwarded to the PSL(O) at UCLan. The PSL(O) will notify any changes to the Safeguarding Steering Group. Similarly UCLan Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults will be monitored and evaluated on an annual basis by the Principal Safeguarding Lead (Operational) and the Safeguarding Steering Group to ensure they remain up-to-date in terms of legislation, local and national guidance and also reflect learning from practice and any significant incident or concern. The Pre-school Centre will be advised of any central changes deemed necessary for their specific policy and procedures. The policy may be reviewed more frequently if there are significant changes in legislation and/or government guidance, the Pre-school Centre is required to do so by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Ofsted, or as a result of any other significant change or event. (Last reviewed on 24 May 2017 by Joint Officers in Charge, Saskia Gregory and Lisa Best and Dawn Judd, Uclan Safeguarding Consultant). Date for next review: 24 May 2018 (Reviewed --------------------------------)