The Next Step

If you have cause for concern through observation or disclosure, you must pass this information on immediately in writing to a designated person. You will need to record:

• Where you were
• Time
• Name of child
• What they said
• Injuries seen and a description
• Was anyone else present during the disclosure?
• Who are you passing information to?
• Your name, job title and the date
• Finally, sign your statement

If a child makes a disclosure

Do

• Stay calm and be patient
• Listen carefully
• Explain why you cannot keep what you are told to yourself and what you will do next
• Reassure the child that they are doing the right thing in telling you
• Ask the child if there is anything else they want to say or anyone else they want to speak to

If a child makes a disclosure

Do not

• Interpret what you have heard
• Ask leading questions
• Express an opinion

The Prevent duty:

As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of protection. Children at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views. School staff should use their professional judgement in identifying children who might be at risk of radicalisation and act proportionately.

In order for schools to fulfil the Prevent duty, it is essential that staff are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know how to use the usual logging concern procedure. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of the schools’ wider safeguarding duties and is similar in nature to protecting children from other harm (e.g. drugs, gangs, neglect, sexual exploitation) whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences

Your record may be used as evidence in court, therefore this means that your written information must be factual and not your opinion

You will find the relevant safeguarding forms to record this information in the staff room, or ask a member of the administrative / office team

Confidentiality and records — Child Protection information will only be shared with those who need it in order to ensure the safety of the children concerned