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Child Protection

The Safeguarding Role of School Governors

2012-2013

Therese Moran, Patricia O’Hare & Lorraine Therese Moran, Patricia O’Hare & Lorraine O’NeillO’Neill

Designated Officers for Child ProtectionDesignated Officers for Child ProtectionChild Protection Support Service for Schools Child Protection Support Service for Schools

(BELB)(BELB)

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Objectives - Strand 2 Training

Target Audience – Chair of Governors and Governors delegated to take the lead in Child Protection Issues

Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the impact of legislation and government policy in impact of legislation and government policy in relation to safeguarding and child protectionrelation to safeguarding and child protection

Recognise signs and symptoms of possible abuse Recognise signs and symptoms of possible abuse and understand the role of the Chair in relation to and understand the role of the Chair in relation to their statutory dutiestheir statutory duties

Be able to identify the quality assurance role of a Be able to identify the quality assurance role of a governor in overseeing the safeguarding and governor in overseeing the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils enrolled in a schoolwelfare of all pupils enrolled in a school

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Tuning-in to Child Protection

Myths and Realities DVD Clip

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Context in Northern Ireland – Facts and Figures

Approximately 431, 787 children and Young People in Approximately 431, 787 children and Young People in Northern Ireland – c. 25% of populationNorthern Ireland – c. 25% of population

2215 Children on the Child Protection Register (at 31 June 2215 Children on the Child Protection Register (at 31 June 2011 DHSSPS). Between June and September 2011 a further 2011 DHSSPS). Between June and September 2011 a further 1079 child protection referrals received by social services1079 child protection referrals received by social services

34 447 referrals made to social services during 2010-201134 447 referrals made to social services during 2010-2011 Of those – 3 840 were child protection investigations of which Of those – 3 840 were child protection investigations of which

810 were joint investigations with PSNI810 were joint investigations with PSNI 4447 recorded offences involved victims under 18 (at March 4447 recorded offences involved victims under 18 (at March

2011, PSNI)2011, PSNI) 1050 recorded sexual offences involved victims under 18 (at 1050 recorded sexual offences involved victims under 18 (at

March 2011 – increase of 46 since Mar 2010, PSNI)March 2011 – increase of 46 since Mar 2010, PSNI) 25 196 domestic violence call outs (April 2011-Mar2-12, 25 196 domestic violence call outs (April 2011-Mar2-12,

increase of 2 511, PSNI)increase of 2 511, PSNI) 90% of abused children know their abuser (Co-operating to 90% of abused children know their abuser (Co-operating to

Safeguard 2003 )Safeguard 2003 ) 1/3 children do not report abuse at the time, 1/3 never will1/3 children do not report abuse at the time, 1/3 never will

( NSPCC 2006)( NSPCC 2006)

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NI Assembly June 2009

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Emotional

CategoriesOf AbusePhysical

Sexual

Neglect

Recognising Child Abuse

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Personal hygiene issues

NeglectConstant tiredness

Failure/delay in seeking medical

attention

Care concerns

about hunger, clothing,

supervision

Recognition of Child Abuse

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Over-reaction to mistakes, unable to

accept praise

Emotional AbuseDevelopment

al delay

Self destructive tendencies, Risky

behaviours

Fear of new situations,

isolated

Recognition of Child Abuse

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Implausible or no explanations for injuries - significant bruising and

marking

Physical AbuseReluctance to go

home

Self destructive tendencies, Risky

behaviours

Minor repeated injuries

Recognition of Child Abuse

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Isolation, overly protective of siblings

Sexual AbusePromiscuit

y,Risky

behaviours

Reluctance to go home

Inappropriate sexualised behaviour & language

Physical injuries

Recognition of Child Abuse

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The Legal Context

United Nations Convention on the Rights United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991of the Child 1991

The Children (NI) Order 1995The Children (NI) Order 1995 Education & Libraries Order 2003 – Education & Libraries Order 2003 –

Welfare and Protection of PupilsWelfare and Protection of Pupils Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups ( NI ) Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups ( NI )

Order 2007 Order 2007 Sexual Offences Legislation 2003 & 2008Sexual Offences Legislation 2003 & 2008

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Article 3Article 3

Right to have his/her welfare considered Right to have his/her welfare considered paramount in all decisions taken about paramount in all decisions taken about him/herhim/her

Article 12Article 12

Right to be heardRight to be heard Article 19Article 19

Right to be protected from abuse and Right to be protected from abuse and neglectneglect

UN Convention of the Rights of the Child

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Parental responsibility

Paramountcy

Partnership

Prevention Protection

Children (NI) Order 1995

No Delay Principle

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Statutory Duties Of School Governors in relation to safeguarding

Welfare and Protection of Pupils - Education Welfare and Protection of Pupils - Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 and Libraries (NI) Order 2003

A A dutyduty on the BOG to safeguard and promote the on the BOG to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in the care of their schoolwelfare of all children in the care of their school

A A duty duty on the BOG to ensure there is a child on the BOG to ensure there is a child protection policy at their school and that it is protection policy at their school and that it is implementedimplemented

A A dutyduty on all schools to address the issue of on all schools to address the issue of bullying through their discipline policiesbullying through their discipline policies

A A dutyduty to consult with pupils and parents to consult with pupils and parents

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Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007

Access NI Access NI

Creation of the Independent Creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) Safeguarding Authority (ISA)

Creates 2 Barring ListsCreates 2 Barring Lists

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Sexual Offences Legislation

2003 Sexual Offences Act New criminal offence of abuse of trustNew criminal offence of abuse of trust New offence of meeting a child following New offence of meeting a child following

sexual groomingsexual grooming

2008 Sexual Offences (NI) Lowers age of consent to 16Lowers age of consent to 16 Sexual activity of 13 yr olds & under Sexual activity of 13 yr olds & under

should be reported to Social Services should be reported to Social Services DepartmentDepartment

Under 13 is rapeUnder 13 is rape

PROTECTION of FREEDOMS ACT

May 2012

DBA – Disclosure & Barring Arrangements (10 Sept 2012)

Changes to pre-employment vetting checks for volunteers working in schools

DE website – Circular 2012/1917

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DE Circulars in relation to safeguarding

Circular 99/10Circular 99/10Guidance for schools on child protection policy and proceduresGuidance for schools on child protection policy and procedures

Circular 03/13Circular 03/13Guidance for schools on the Welfare and Protection of Pupils Guidance for schools on the Welfare and Protection of Pupils Education and Libraries ( NI ) Order 2003Education and Libraries ( NI ) Order 2003

Circular 06/06Circular 06/06Guidance on safer recruitment practices for education Guidance on safer recruitment practices for education authoritiesauthorities

Circular 06/07Circular 06/07Guidance for schools on the employment of substitute teachersGuidance for schools on the employment of substitute teachers

Circular 06/08Circular 06/08Guidance for schools on the requirement for child protection Guidance for schools on the requirement for child protection training in relation to interviewing and selection panelstraining in relation to interviewing and selection panels

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DE Circulars (cont’d)

Circular 06/09Circular 06/09Guidance on the vetting of paid and unpaid staffGuidance on the vetting of paid and unpaid staff

Circular 06/25 Circular 06/25 Guidance on the requirement for vetting of school governorsGuidance on the requirement for vetting of school governors

Circular 07/01 Acceptable use of the internet and digital Circular 07/01 Acceptable use of the internet and digital technologies in schoolstechnologies in schools

Circular 08/03 Pre-employment checking of persons to work in Circular 08/03 Pre-employment checking of persons to work in schools – new arrangements schools – new arrangements

Circular 08/10 Employment of Substitute Teachers – Northern Circular 08/10 Employment of Substitute Teachers – Northern Ireland Substitute Teachers’ Register (substitute teachers must Ireland Substitute Teachers’ Register (substitute teachers must be booked online via NISTR)be booked online via NISTR)

Circular 10/01 Guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Circular 10/01 Guidance on Relationships and Sexuality EducationEducation

Circular 11/07 Pupil Attendance: Absence Recording by SchoolsCircular 11/07 Pupil Attendance: Absence Recording by Schools Circular 11/22 Internet Safety. Addendum to 07/01Circular 11/22 Internet Safety. Addendum to 07/01

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TEA/COFFEE BREAK

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The best interests of children are of primary The best interests of children are of primary consideration and you should ensure that consideration and you should ensure that the necessary safeguarding measures are the necessary safeguarding measures are in place to make all pupils feel safe and in place to make all pupils feel safe and protected in your school environmentprotected in your school environment

The safeguarding role must be integrated The safeguarding role must be integrated into other areas of responsibility; Pastoral into other areas of responsibility; Pastoral Care Policies, Staff Training, Recruitment Care Policies, Staff Training, Recruitment and Selection requirementsand Selection requirements

School Governors – Safeguarding Role

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School Governors – Safeguarding Responsibilities

Create a safeguarding ethosCreate a safeguarding ethos Promote safeguarding as a shared responsibility of Promote safeguarding as a shared responsibility of

the Governors / Principal / DT / DDTthe Governors / Principal / DT / DDT Ensure there is a current Child Protection Policy Ensure there is a current Child Protection Policy

that is annually reviewed in the light of an audit of that is annually reviewed in the light of an audit of compliance with statutory requirements and compliance with statutory requirements and published guidance (DE and DHSSPS)published guidance (DE and DHSSPS)

Parents & pupils receive a copy of CP policy & Parents & pupils receive a copy of CP policy & complaints procedures every 2 yearscomplaints procedures every 2 years

Ensure that the prevention of bullying is Ensure that the prevention of bullying is specifically addressed specifically addressed

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Ensure Ensure That you (as a governor) have undertaken the That you (as a governor) have undertaken the

appropriate Strand 1,2,or 3 training in relation to appropriate Strand 1,2,or 3 training in relation to child protectionchild protection

That you receive an Annual Child Protection reportThat you receive an Annual Child Protection report That recruitment, selection and vetting procedures That recruitment, selection and vetting procedures

are being adhered toare being adhered to That there is a confidential child protection That there is a confidential child protection

recording and storage system in placerecording and storage system in place That there is a robust Code of Conduct for all That there is a robust Code of Conduct for all

adults working within the school – this must adults working within the school – this must include volunteers, sport coaches, extended school include volunteers, sport coaches, extended school personnel etcpersonnel etc

School GovernorsSafeguarding Responsibilities

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Case Study - DVD

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Role of the Chairperson of Governors

Complaints and allegations

Where a complaint is made against the Where a complaint is made against the Principal the Chair of Governors assumes Principal the Chair of Governors assumes

responsibility for managing the responsibility for managing the complaint/allegationcomplaint/allegation

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Role of Chairperson – Handling Complaints or allegations

Establish the facts (clarification process eg: Establish the facts (clarification process eg: liaise with DT, written records, meeting liaise with DT, written records, meeting with complainant etc)with complainant etc)

Seek advice from the ELB Designated Seek advice from the ELB Designated Officer and refer to Social Services under Officer and refer to Social Services under child protection procedures where child protection procedures where appropriate appropriate

Seek advice from the HR Manager and Seek advice from the HR Manager and consider if disciplinary procedures applyconsider if disciplinary procedures apply

Assess appropriateness of precautionary Assess appropriateness of precautionary suspension / removal from direct contact suspension / removal from direct contact dutiesduties

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Role of School Principal

To ensure a Designated and Deputy Designated To ensure a Designated and Deputy Designated teacher for Child Protection are in place and that they teacher for Child Protection are in place and that they attend appropriate trainingattend appropriate training

To ensure that parents and pupils receive a copy of To ensure that parents and pupils receive a copy of the school’s Child Protection policy and complaints the school’s Child Protection policy and complaints procedure every 2 yearsprocedure every 2 years

As secretary to the Governors, to ensure Child As secretary to the Governors, to ensure Child Protection is on the agenda for Board of Governor Protection is on the agenda for Board of Governor meetings at least once annuallymeetings at least once annually

To ensure that all paid and voluntary staff are vettedTo ensure that all paid and voluntary staff are vetted To take the lead in following procedures in relation to To take the lead in following procedures in relation to

a complaint against a member of staffa complaint against a member of staff To keep the governors informed of any changes in To keep the governors informed of any changes in

guidance, procedure or legislation guidance, procedure or legislation

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Role of the Designated Teacher

Responsible for raising awareness of the child protection Responsible for raising awareness of the child protection policy and procedures with teaching and support staffpolicy and procedures with teaching and support staff

Responsible for managing the Child Protection concerns of Responsible for managing the Child Protection concerns of any member of teaching and support staff including all any member of teaching and support staff including all record keeping.record keeping.

Collaborate with the school principal in making referrals to Collaborate with the school principal in making referrals to Social Services or PSNI Child Abuse Investigation Unit Social Services or PSNI Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) (CAIU)

Responsible for liaising with the Designated OfficerResponsible for liaising with the Designated Officer Responsible for notifying the Chair of Governors in Responsible for notifying the Chair of Governors in

Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained SchoolsVoluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Schools Responsible for reporting to the Board of GovernorsResponsible for reporting to the Board of Governors Responsible for promoting a Safeguarding Ethos within the Responsible for promoting a Safeguarding Ethos within the

school school Taking the lead in the development of the school’s Child Taking the lead in the development of the school’s Child

Protection PolicyProtection Policy Induction of beginning teachers and all new members of Induction of beginning teachers and all new members of

staffstaff

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A Child Protection policy…….

School Safeguarding Ethos

Definitions of Abuse

Signs and symptoms Confidentiality

Role of DT Who is DT/DDT? Child Protection procedures

FlowchartsCode Of Conduct

Recording/ Reporting Process Safe Handling/ Images / Intimate care etc

Ref: Anti-Bullying policy Volunteers

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Role of the CPSSS

Designated Officers

Provide advice, guidance and support to Provide advice, guidance and support to designated teachers with all aspects of their designated teachers with all aspects of their role role

Operate a telephone Help LineOperate a telephone Help Line Have responsibility for the delivery of training Have responsibility for the delivery of training

to all DTs / Governors / Principals / beginning to all DTs / Governors / Principals / beginning teachers / other Board Servicesteachers / other Board Services

Collaborate with Human Resources regarding Collaborate with Human Resources regarding Child Protection complaints against Education Child Protection complaints against Education & Library Board employees& Library Board employees

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Role of the ETI

All school inspections will have an All school inspections will have an element of pastoral careelement of pastoral care

The Chairperson will be notified when The Chairperson will be notified when an inspection is to take placean inspection is to take place

Governors will meet with ETI on the Governors will meet with ETI on the first day of inspectionfirst day of inspection

ETI will discuss the school’s systems ETI will discuss the school’s systems and processes relating to child and processes relating to child protectionprotection

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Quality Assurance

Governors’ Checklist This provides a sound basis for This provides a sound basis for

auditing your schools safeguarding auditing your schools safeguarding arrangements and it can be used arrangements and it can be used on an annual basis as part of the on an annual basis as part of the school’s development plan school’s development plan

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Resources for School Governors in relation to Safeguarding

To support the guidance in Circular 99/10 the DE To support the guidance in Circular 99/10 the DE developed the Pastoral Care in Schools: Child developed the Pastoral Care in Schools: Child Protection resources ( booklet and video ). This Protection resources ( booklet and video ). This provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of child protection necessary for Principals and school child protection necessary for Principals and school governors to fulfil their safeguarding governors to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilitiesresponsibilities

The Child Protection Support Service for Schools The Child Protection Support Service for Schools (CPSSS) has developed a specific Handbook for all (CPSSS) has developed a specific Handbook for all School Governors in relation to their safeguarding School Governors in relation to their safeguarding roleroleBoth resources are available on the DE website Both resources are available on the DE website www.deni.gov.uk

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Plenary

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Thank You for Attending