Noughtcross Haus

Safeguarding Policy

At Noughtcross Haus, the safety and welfare of children in our care is our highest priority. We are dedicated to minimizing risks to children by fostering awareness and adhering to best practices. Our staff are equipped with the necessary safeguarding knowledge, qualifications, and training to identify signs of abuse and ensure the protection of children. We align our practices with the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures Manual, which outlines comprehensive information on identifying abuse and the appropriate responses.

Safeguarding Procedure

  1. Training and Awareness:
    • Key staff members will undergo regular Child Protection Training and are responsible for training assistants.
    • All staff are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
  2. Responding to Concerns:
  1. Any concerns about a child’s welfare will be discussed with parents at the earliest opportunity, except when this could place the child at greater risk.
  2. Concerns will be documented, and if necessary, referred to the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub (0114 273 4855).
  3. Parents will usually be informed of such referrals unless doing so could endanger the child.
  4. Handling Allegations:
  1. Allegations against staff or anyone involved with the care of children at Noughtcross Haus will be reported to the Sheffield Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) using the same contact details.
  2. Information will be shared only with those who need to know unless there is a concern about a child’s safety or the safety of others.
  3. Peer-to-Peer Abuse and Online Safety:
  4. We monitor for peer-to-peer abuse and take steps to educate children about online safety, supported by appropriate monitoring and parental controls.

Mobile Phones and Cameras

  • Personal devices such as mobile phones and tablets are not permitted for children to bring into Noughtcross Haus.
  • Parental consent will be obtained for taking and sharing photographs of children, with clear communication on how these images will be used.

Staff and Assistants

  • All staff and assistants at Noughtcross Haus are recruited through a safe and thorough vetting process, including references, employment history, qualifications, and DBS checks.
  • Only individuals with satisfactory DBS disclosures will be employed to work with children.
  • Staff maintain current knowledge of safeguarding issues and are supported in addressing any concerns regarding a child’s well-being.

Visitors and Volunteers

  • Visitors are occasionally allowed for specific purposes, such as training or volunteering. Their identities will be verified, and they will not be left unsupervised with children.
  • Volunteers must produce a valid DBS check; if unavailable, they will not be allowed to be alone with children.

The Prevent Duty

  • Noughtcross Haus is committed to protecting children from the risk of radicalization. We remain vigilant to changes in behaviour or circumstances that may suggest a child is at risk.
  • Concerns related to radicalization will be reported to the South Yorkshire Police Prevent Team via email ([email protected]) or by calling 101.

Disclosures, Recording, and Reporting

  • Any concerns regarding a child’s safety will be promptly reported to a designated safeguarding person and recorded accurately.
  • Disclosures will be handled with sensitivity, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and respected.
  • Records of disclosures will include the date, time, the child’s name, and the signature of the witness.
  • Disclosures may be direct (from the child) or indirect (through behaviour or role play), and children will not be questioned further but reassured that the information will be shared only with those who can help ensure their safety.

Noughtcross Haus is committed to acting promptly and effectively in all safeguarding matters, working in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals to protect children.

Child Protection Policy

This comprehensive Child Protection Policy and Procedure document outlines crucial safeguarding measures to ensure the well-being and protection of children and young people within an organization. Here’s a structured summary of its key elements:

Aims

  • The policy’s central aim is to prioritize the welfare of children, following the guidance provided in HM Government’s ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.’ It emphasizes the duty of all members, staff, and volunteers to implement this policy to protect children from abuse.

Definitions of Abuse

The policy identifies four categories of abuse as per the 1989 Children Act:

  1. Physical Abuse: Physical harm or the failure to prevent it.
  2. Sexual Abuse: Exploitation, including non-contact activities like involving children in the production of sexual images.
  3. Emotional Abuse: Persistent ill-treatment affecting emotional development, including exposure to domestic violence.
  4. Neglect: The failure to meet basic needs, leading to significant harm.

Additional Safeguarding Concerns

  • Historical Abuse: Past abuse disclosures must be treated with the same seriousness as current abuse.
  • Domestic Abuse: Staff should be vigilant and record concerns if children are exposed to violence at home.
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): It is illegal and must be reported if there are signs a girl is at risk.
  • Prevent Duty: Staff should identify children vulnerable to radicalization and refer concerns to appropriate authorities.

Confidentiality and Appropriate Disclosure

  • Confidentiality is essential, but not at the expense of a child’s welfare. Information must be securely stored and only shared with those who need to know, following legal obligations.

Recognizing and Responding to Abuse

  • Signs of Abuse: Staff should look out for behavioural changes, unexplained injuries, or inappropriate sexual behaviour.
  • If Abuse is Disclosed: Listen calmly, reassure the child, avoid leading questions, and record the disclosure accurately. Concerns should be reported to the Designated Senior for Child Protection or relevant agencies.
  • If Abuse is Suspected: Continue monitoring, record concerns, and discuss them with the designated staff member. If needed, inform the appropriate agency and, if safe, the child’s parents.

Emergency Situations

  • Immediate Danger: Contact police or emergency services. After addressing the immediate situation, contact the relevant child protection services.

Staff Behaviour and Allegations

  • Recognizing Inappropriate Behaviour: Staff should be aware of signs of inappropriate behaviour in colleagues, such as excessive attention to children or secretive actions.
  • Handling Allegations Against Staff: Report concerns to the Designated Safeguard Lead. If serious, contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day. The procedure includes possibly suspending the accused staff member from direct child contact pending investigation.

Support for Staff

  • The organization will support staff dealing with child protection issues and ensure proper assistance is given during investigations.

Recruitment and Employment

  • Vetting and DBS Checks: All staff and volunteers must undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and references must be taken before appointment.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Staff must update their status and declare any new convictions. Training in child protection is mandatory.

Use of Mobile Phones and Cameras

  • There is a separate policy governing the use of mobile phones and cameras to mitigate risks associated with their misuse.

Code of Conduct

  • All members must adhere to the organization’s policies, ensuring their behaviour is transparent and appropriate. This includes following specific guidelines and maintaining professional standards at all times.

This policy provides a clear framework to protect children, guide staff actions, and ensure a safe environment. Regular training and adherence to these procedures are crucial to maintaining the safeguarding standards set out in the document.