In this document children refers to 0-18yrs ( we refer specifically where appropriate to babies)
Vulnerable young adults (18-22yrs)

What is safeguarding?

The Government has defined the term ‘safeguarding children’ as:
‘The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.’

‘The Welfare of the child is paramount’

Rationale:

The Meriton is a unique provision in that it provides education and support for young women aged 13-22 who are either pregnant or mothers, whilst also providing an on site nursery for their children. We have a responsibility to ensure the protection and welfare of the students and also that of babies and toddlers in our care; this makes the Meriton policy on Safeguarding complex. We recognise that there may be a conflict of interest in some situations. Recognition is given to the importance of encouraging the development of the young women in ways that foster security, confidence, and independence whilst acknowledging the important role of each young woman in protecting their children.

Designated member of staff responsible for Safeguarding and Child Protection: Carol Bowery, Head teacher

Definition:

Children and young people may be abused physically, sexually, emotionally or they may also be neglected.  The Children Act, 1989 (updated in 2002) defines child abuse in the following way:  ‘the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm’. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or knowingly not preventing harm. Historical abuse must also be reported and treated in the same way as current abuse as the abuser may be harming other children.

Working together to Safeguard Children (guidelines)March 2010 set out how individuals and organisations should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  There is no education legislation in force at present that covers child protection in schools. Sections 27 and 47 of the Children Act 1989 placed duties on LEAs to provide assistance to Social Services Departments acting on behalf of children in need or investigating allegations of abuse.  www.swcpp.org.uk

Aims:

• To protect the welfare of all children including unborn children and vulnerable young adults.
• To provide a healthy and safe physical environment in order to promote well being
• To empower children and vulnerable young adults and enable them to develop the necessary skills to recognise, avoid and resist abuse in their lives and to protect their children.
• To foster an environment, in which every child and young adult feels valued and able to express their wishes and explore their feelings.
• To provide an environment which creates an atmosphere of acceptance and trust and to encourage the child and young adult towards a positive self-image.
• To raise awareness of the negative impact of domestic violence on babies children and vulnerable young adults
• To enable children and vulnerable young adults to make informed choices and decisions
• To ensure that all staff are fully informed and aware of Safeguarding issues and procedures.

Safeguarding Guidelines

• It is the responsibility of all adult members of the Meriton to set examples of tolerance, sensitivity, negotiation and to provide positive role models.
• Children and vulnerable young adults’ development should be supported in ways that will foster security and confidence.  The ethos and taught curriculum of the school should reflect this included in Childcare courses, PSHE, Law discussions, and Domestic Violence courses.
• It must be made explicit to all staff and students that certain behaviours towards babies children and vulnerable young adults are not acceptable. This includes smacking, verbal abuse, rough handling, and humiliation.
• All members of the staff team have a responsibility and duty to be alert to the possibility that a child or vulnerable young adult may have been, or may be at risk of being abused.
• All staff must understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of child protection procedures and cases of suspected or disclosed abuse.
• Disclosure, suspected abuse, parental complaints, and causes for concern must be recorded in a ‘matter of fact’ manner and reported immediately to the head teacher who has responsibility for child protection.  Whilst we are concerned for the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults, this would never interfere with our child protection duties towards the babies in our care.
• The children and vulnerable young adults’ right to confidentiality must be respected wherever possible; the head teacher keeps records secure.
• Staff are not expected to undertake Child Protection investigations. This is the role of Social Care.
• Disclosure will be handled sensitively and taken seriously. Reassurance will be given that staff will do their utmost to help however it is vital that the student/child knows that what they have said must be reported.

Procedures:

• If a member of staff has a concern about the treatment or welfare of a child this will be reported to the team leader/Head teacher (Designated Child protection Officer) immediately.
• The member of staff will complete an incident form stating full details of incident/concern, date, action taken and signature of the member of staff involved.
• If further action is required or clarification is needed the head teacher will talk to the child’s mother (and if appropriate the family) unless to do so would compromise the safety and well being of the child.
• Allegations against staff will be dealt with as specified in the complaints policy and in accordance with procedures laid out by Ofsted and the LA.

Further information:

• New staff will be informed of child protection procedures during their induction and training will be organised if required.
• The child protection policy will be reviewed annually and amended/updated if appropriate.
• Regular Child protection update training will be provided for all staff.
• Information from: https://www.swcpp.org.uk

May 2010