[trustist-reviewer widget=”TR”]

Safeguarding children is a prime responsibility of everyone in Kalma Baby none more so than our teachers.  As a teacher it’s imperative that you research your local route to social services and how to report your concern’s to the local authority.

• All Children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential
• All Children have the right to be safeguarded from harm and exploitation whatever their:
• Race, religion, first language or ethnicity
• Gender or sexuality
• Age
• Health or Disability
• Location or Placement
• Any criminal behavior
• Political or immigration status
• Responsibility for protection of children must be shared because children are known to be safeguarded only when all relevant agencies and individuals accept responsibility and co-operate with one another
• Statements about or allegations of abuse or neglect made by children must always be taken seriously.

Any suspected abuse should be reported to the Manager in Charge of the setting or if no Manager is present it should be reported to Social Services.  If you are a Kalma Baby member you should inform Head Office of any reported incidents.  Any verbal reports should be backed up in writing/email within 48 hours.

Our Safeguarding officer is Rebecca Riley.

Referral to Social Care Services

When to refer

This procedure should be followed by all agencies and professionals when they are concerned that a child may be suffering or at risk of suffering, significant harm through abuse or neglect.  Any professional who has concerns about the welfare of a child should always refer her/his concerns to social care services in the Directorate of Children, Young People and Families.  This applies to children living away from home as well as those living with their parents.  It applies whether the concern relates to the actions of the child’s parents, relatives, carers or others.  It also applies when there are concerns about the welfare of an unborn child.

Discussing and recording concerns

If you have concerns about the welfare of a child, there should always be an opportunity to discuss then with colleagues, managers, a designated or named professional or other agencies – but:

Never delay action which is necessary for the immediate safety of a child

Always record the reasons for you concern in writing

At the close of any discussion always reach clear and explicit agreement about who will take what action or that no action will be taken

Whether or not further action is taken, always record in writing:

Any discussions about the child’s welfare and

Any agreements about possible action

Making the referral

If you remain concerned that a child may be suffering or may be at risk of suffering significant harm, report your concerns to social care services.  Do this on the same working day.  Outside of office hours you should contact the Out of Hours Duty Team.  If you have made a telephone referral to social care services you should confirm in writing within 24 hours, giving full information about the child and household and the reasons for your concerns.  When you make the referral you should state clearly the name, address and physical description of the child about whom you are concerned and the reasons for your concerns.  If there is any uncertainty about the identity of the child, you should draw attention to this.  When you contact social care services, you should state clearly:

What you are concerned about

Whether your concerns relate to the maltreatment of a child

How and why your concerns have arisen

Any relevant information you hold relating to the needs of the child and family and whether you feel that urgent action may be necessary to protect the child from harm (information was extracted from the link below http://southtynesidescb.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_referrals.html)