SAFEGUARDING and CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

  1. Petersfield Tutors (hereafter referred to as PT) believes that every child and young person has at all times and in all situations, the right to feel safe and protected.
  2. Our aim is “To create an environment where children and young people feel safe, secure, are listened to, valued and respected. For the purposes of this policy PT consider anyone aged up to 18 years old (up to 25 years old if the young person has learning difficulties) to be covered by this child protection policy.
  3. PT and the people who work with us are an important part of the wider safeguarding system for children. This system is described in statutory guidance by the government -Working together to safeguard children.
  4. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.
  5. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
  6. PT tutors working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, tutors should always act in the best interests of the child.
  7. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of wider safeguarding duties. As with other safeguarding risks, PT tutors should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour, which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.
  8. If you have any concerns regarding a child protection incident or a child discloses any sensitive information to you then please contact Ganit Lev-Morgan or Catherine Murphy at PT immediately who will then take responsibility for any action taken. Should there be a child protection incident or a disclosure of abuse PT will follow our code of practice and procedures as outlined below.
    i) We will immediately suspend tuition if any information is disclosed to suggest that the PT Child Protection policy has been breached
    ii) Hampshire County Council Children’s Services will be informed and if appropriate the Police will be notified.
    iii) All information will remain strictly confidential and records will be kept to evidence how the complaint was dealt with and what action was taken.
  1. Tutors or parents can at any point contact Hampshire County Council Children’s Services on 0300 555 1384 or out of hours 0300 555 1373 if they have any child protection concerns.   https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/contacts

 

Reporting a possible concern.

  • If the risk of harm is high or there is a medical emergency report this immediately to emergency services on 999.
  • If a crime has been committed or is suspected report to the police.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns to Catherine Murphy or Ganit Lev-Morgan on 01730 858695 or in an emergency 07795 381633.
  • You may wish to discuss the concerns with the child’s parents or careers and/or the school the child attends unless you think that may put the child at risk. You can also always as the NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 for advice first.
  • If this is not appropriate report you concerns directly to Hampshire County Council Children’s Servies on 0300 555 1384 or out of hours 0300 555 1373. https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/contacts
    and they will decide whether to take further action.
  • If the person you report concerns to does not take it seriously, contact the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

REMEMBER – DO NOT KEEP YOUR CONCERNS TO YOURSELF – SHARE THE RELEVANT INVOMRAITON WITH THOSE WHOSE ROLE IT IS TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM HARM.

 

What to report and record.

 

Always make a record of your concerns, any action you have taken and who you have shared your concerns with, include the following:

  • Name, age, address of child.
  • Nature of concern – what the child said, what someone told you, signs of physical abuse, behavioural indicators etc.
  • Your name and role and if relevant the name of the person who told you.
  • When and where you were told.
  • What you said to the child about confidentiality and their response.
  • The name and address of any alleged abusers.
  • What the child said to you and what you said to the child.
  • What advice, if any, you have given the child.
  • Sign and date the record.

 

Remember:

  • DO NOT Agree to keep the information confidential
  • DO NOT lead the child or ask probing questions, allow them to share with you.
  • Be sympathetic and neutral, repeat back what the child has told you if you wish to clarify.

Updated by GLM and CM September 2024

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