Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy - High March School

HIGH MARCHCHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICYProcedure written by:People responsible for latestrevision:Mrs B Avery, Mrs S Cliffordand Mrs J StevensonMrs B Avery, Mrs S Cliffordand Mrs J StevensonPage number of any significantchanges in latest revision:This policy has beencompletely rewritten and soplease read every page.September 2014Date of latest circulation tostaff:Date of next review: September 2015Useful Websiteswww.highmarch.co.ukwww.education.gov.ukwww.isi.net

High MarchChild Protection and Safeguarding Policy1 Policy StatementThis policy is in accordance with Buckinghamshire’s locally agreed inter-agencyprocedures. The School also has regard to the guidance in Keeping Children Safein Education (KCSIE) 2014 and Statutory Framework for the Early YearsFoundation Stage 2014.1.1 This policy has been authorised by the Governors, is addressed to allmembers of staff and volunteers, is available to parents on request and ispublished on the School website. It applies wherever staff or volunteers areworking with pupils even where this is away from the School, for example atan activity centre or on an educational visit. The procedures and this policyare reviewed every year by the School Management Team and the GoverningBoard.1.2 ‘Staff’ includes permanent, temporary, supply and ancillary staff whetherteaching or non-teaching and volunteers in accordance with regulatorydefinitions from time to time.1.3 Every pupil should feel safe and protected from any form of abuse which, inthis policy, means any kind of neglect, non-accidental physical injury, sexualexploitation or emotional ill-treatment.1.4 High March is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share thiscommitment. The School will take all reasonable measures to:Ensure that we practise safer recruitment in checking the suitability of staffand volunteers (including staff employed by another organisation) to workwith children and young people in accordance with the guidance given inKeeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2014 and the RegulatoryRequirements of the Independent School Inspectorate, as set out in theHigh March Recruitment and Selection Policy.Ensure that we carry out all necessary checks on the suitability of peoplewho serve on the School's governing body who come into contact withpupils in accordance with the above regulations and guidance given inKCSIE and the Regulatory Requirements of the Independent SchoolInspectorate. Governors receive training in Child Protection.Ensure that where the School ceases to use the services of any person(whether employed, contracted, a volunteer or student) because thatperson was considered unsuitable to work with children, a detailed reportis made to the Disclosure and Barring Service within one month of theperson leaving the School.Ensure that where staff from another organisation are working with ourpupils on another site, we have received assurances that appropriate childprotection checks and procedures apply to those staff.2

Follow the local inter-agency procedures of the BuckinghamshireSafeguarding Children Board.Protect each pupil from any form of abuse, whether from an adult oranother pupil.Be alert to signs of abuse both in the School and from outside.Deal appropriately with every suspicion or complaint of abuse.Design and operate procedures which promote this policy.Design and operate procedures which, so far as possible, ensure thatteachers and others who are innocent are not prejudiced by falseallegations.Support a child who has been abused in accordance with his/her agreedChild Protection Plan.Be alert to the medical needs of children with medical conditions.Operate robust and sensible health and safety procedures.Take all practicable steps to ensure that School premises are secure.Operate clear and supportive policies on drugs, alcohol and substancemisuse.Consider and develop procedures to deal with any other safeguardingissues which may be specific to individual children in our School or in ourlocal area.Have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Children,Schools and Families (DCSF) in accordance with section 157 of theEducation Act 2002 and associated regulations.Ensure that all Child Protection Training required by statute to be providedto the Designated Person, the Deputy Designated Person, the Governorfor Child Protection and all staff (as defined from time to time) is providedin accordance with KCISE (as amended from time to time).1.5 All allegations and disclosures will be passed on to the Local AuthorityDesignated Officer without exception. The LADO can be contacted on 01296382070.Every complaint or suspicion of abuse from within or outside the School will betaken seriously and in all circumstances will be referred to an external agency suchas the Social Services Department of the local authority (SSD), the Child ProtectionUnit of the police (CPU) or the NSPCC.In cases of the possibility of abuse taking place with regards to any person who isnot a member of staff or pupil at the school, the matter will be referred by theDesignated Person to the First Response Team for Social Care, 0845 4600 001.The Out of Hours (Emergency Duty Team) can be contacted on 0800 999 767.3

Where the concerns involve the possibility of abuse being carried out by a pupil orpupils of the school, or where the concerns involve the possibility of a member ofstaff (voluntary, paid, part time or full time or external staff who work with pupils) ofthe school carrying out the abuse then the Local Authority Designated Officer(LADO) 01923 382070, will be informed. The out of office emergency number forconcerns about abuse in any form is 0800 999 767.All disclosures or suspicions of abuse will be reported within 24 hours.The School will ensure that any pupil currently on the Child Protection Register whois absent without explanation for two days is referred to Social Care.2 The Designated Person2.1 The School has appointed a senior member of staff with the necessary status andauthority as the Designated Person for Child Protection. Mrs Sue Clifford,Headmistress, 01494 675186 or mobile number 07725 567380 is responsiblefor matters relating to child protection and welfare. Mrs Clifford is also theDesignated Person for Child Protection in the EYFS. Parents are welcome toapproach the Designated Person if they have any concerns about the welfare ofany child in the school, whether these concerns relate to their own child or anyother. If preferred, parents may discuss concerns in private with the child’s classteacher who will notify the Designated Person in accordance with theseprocedures.2.2 The main responsibilities of the Designated Person, and in her absence theDeputy Designated Person, are: To be the first point of contact for parents, pupils, teaching and non-teachingstaff and external agencies in all matters of child protection. To co-ordinate the child protection procedures in the School. To maintain an ongoing training programme for all School employees. To monitor the keeping, confidentiality and storage of records in relation tochild protection. To liaise with the child protection officer appointed by the SSD (LocalAuthority Designated Officer). To keep parents informed of action to be taken under these procedures inrelation to their child in accordance with paragraph 6. I. To monitor records of pupils in the School on the Child Protection Register(CPR) to ensure that this is maintained and updated as notification isreceived. To liaise with other professionals to ensure that children on the CPR aremonitored. Where appropriate, to take part in the child protection conferences orreviews. To inform the SSD in writing when a child on the CPR moves to anotherschool and to inform the new school of the child's status on the CPR.2.3 The Designated Person will advise and act upon all suspicion, belief and evidenceof abuse reported to her. If the Headmistress is the subject of a complaint thismust be reported immediately to Mrs Belinda Avery, Director and the LinkGovernor for Child Protection - 07813 837225, who undertakes regular ChildProtection Training.4

2.4 If the Designated Person is unavailable her duties will be carried out by the twoDeputy Designated Persons, who have received appropriate training. At UpperSchool the Deputy Designated Person is Mrs Kate Stuhldreer, Deputy Head(Pastoral). At Junior House the Deputy Designated Person is Mrs MichelleHoniball, Head of Junior House. Both members of staff can be contacted on01494 675186.2.5 The Designated Person and the Deputy Designated Persons haveundertaken Child Protection Training and training in inter-agency workingand attend refresher training at two yearly intervals.2.6 All members of staff including part time and regular volunteers involved inregulated activity are trained by the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding inEducation team every three years, with annual updates in Child Protection,in order to know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse.3 AbuseWe recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence may find itdifficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth. We recognise that a childin these circumstances may feel helpless and humiliated. We recognise that achild may feel self-blame. We recognise that the school may provide the onlystability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in thesecircumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal toaggression or withdrawal.3.1 Types of Abuse:Physical Abuse - for example beating or punching.Emotional Abuse - for example rejection and denial of affection.Neglect - for example, failure to provide appropriate care including warmthor medical attention.Sexual Abuse - for example sexual assault or encouraging a child to viewpornographic material.4 Signs of AbusePossible signs of abuse include (but are not limited to):Signs of Physical Abuse The pupil says s/he has been abused or asks a question which gives riseto that inference. Injuries may include, fractures, grazes and cuts, burns (may be fromcigarettes or immersion). Injuries may be of different ages, there is no reasonable or consistentexplanation for a pupil's injury. The injury is unusual in kind or location. There have been a number of injuries. There is a pattern to the injuries. Injuries may be the result of heavy punishment e.g. severe bruises and/ ormultiple hand shaped marks. Complaints of soreness. The pupil is very wary of physical contact. The pupil's behaviour stands out from the group as either being extrememodel behaviour or extremely challenging behaviour; or there is a suddenchange in the pupil's behaviour.5

The pupil's development is delayed.The pupil loses or gains weight.The pupil is reluctant to go home, or has been openly rejected by his/ herparents or carers.The pupil has unexplained or regular absences.Signs of Neglect Neglected appearance. May be left unattended or abandoned. Unattended health and/ or medical needs. Failure to thrive and/or gain weight. Consistent hunger. Poor hygiene. Delayed development. Lethargic, tired, falls asleep.Signs of Emotional Abuse may be similar to the signs of neglect but may alsoinclude Often absent or late for school. Self-destructiveness. Hopelessness. Desperate attention seeker. Steals food.Signs of Sexual Abuse Sleeping and eating disturbances. Medical Problems such as pain, itching, urinary infection. Sexually transmitted disease. Pregnancy. Sexual knowledge or curiosity beyond child’s years. Underclothes- torn, stained or bloody. Difficulty in walking or sitting- genital injuries. Reports abuse. Fear of particular individuals. Sudden change of personality or school performance or self-esteem. Aggressive or unusually compliant behaviour. Truancy. Depressed, withdrawn, sad, listless, self-injury. Suicide attempts,overdoses. Running away. Guilt, shame, anger.Recognising Child AbuseThere are many ways in which child abuse may come to your notice:The child may tell you – see below.A child’s friend or relative may tell you.You may notice injuries.You may notice signs of neglect.The child may behave in a very sexually explicit manner.These are examples of signs that should cause concern:6

Unnaturally compliant to/fearful of parentsOver reaction to mistakesRunning away / fear of going home.Compulsive stealing, scavenging.Extremes of passivity or aggression.Self-harm.5 Duties of Employees, Governors and Volunteers5.1 Every employee and governor of the School as well as every volunteer inregulated activity who assists the School is under a general legal duty: To protect children from abuse. To be aware of the School's child protection procedures and to followthem. To know how to access and implement the procedures, independentlyif necessary. To keep a sufficient record of any significant complaint, conversationor event. To report any matters of concern to the Designated Person. To be aware and adhere to the School’s Code of Conduct for Staff andthe Recruitment and Selection Policy. To read Part 1 of KCSIE.5.2 Every employee is under a legal duty to undertake appropriate ChildProtection Training including refresher training at three-yearly intervals; thisincludes volunteers in regulated activity and part time staff. At High Marchstaff are given refresher training annually at the start of the calendar year. Aregister is taken and staff are issued with a certificate, a copy of which is kepton their confidential file in the Bursar’s Office. The register and trainingrecords are also kept and maintained by the CPD Co-ordinator.5.3 Induction- All new staff are given INSET training on Child Protection beforethey start working with the children, as part of the staff induction programme.This training will involve the Designated Person explaining the policy andprocedures of the School with regards to Child Protection. All new staff arealso required to either supply the School with a certificate showing that theirtraining in Child Protection is up to date or to complete the school onlinetraining module for Child Protection - NSPCC online course through Educare.5.4 The Directors of the School attend the child protection training every threeyears. Mrs B Avery, Child Protection Governor also undertakes regular SaferRecruitment Training along with the Designated Person and the Bursar inaccordance with KCSIE.Whistleblowing: All staff are required to report to the Headmistress or Mrs BelindaAvery, the Governor responsible for Child Protection, any concern or allegations aboutschool practices or the behaviour of colleagues which are likely to put pupils at riskof abuse or other serious harm. There will be no retribution or disciplinary action takenagainst a member of staff for making such a report provided that it is done in goodfaith.7

6 Procedures6.1 Initial complaint: A member of staff suspecting or hearing a complaint ofabuse: Must listen carefully to the child but not promise confidentiality. Must discuss the matter only with the Designated Person or DeputyDesignated Person in the absence of the former. Must listen carefully to the child and keep an open mind. Staff shouldnot take a decision as to whether or not the abuse has taken place. Must not ask any leading question, that is, any question whichsuggests its own answer. Must reassure the child, but not give a guarantee of absoluteconfidentiality. The member of staff should explain that they need topass the information to the Designated Person who will ensure that thecorrect action is taken. Must keep a sufficient written record of the conversation. The recordshould include the date, time and place of the conversation and theessence of what was said and done by whom and in whose presence.The record should be made as soon as possible after the conversationand in the child’s own words. The record should be signed by theperson making it and should use names, not initials. The record mustbe kept securely and handed to the Designated Person. Tell the child what will happen next.For further guidance regarding listening to a disclosure, see Appendix 1.6.2 Preserving evidence: All evidence, (for example, scribbled notes, andmobile phones containing text messages, clothing, and computers), must besafeguarded and preserved and this is kept in a locked cupboard in theHeadmistress’ office.6.3 Reporting: All suspicion or complaints of abuse must be reported to theDesignated Person or in her absence one of the Deputy Designated Persons.As the Designated Person is the Headmistress then any complaints aboutthe Head should be taken to the Governor responsible for childprotection, Mrs Belinda Avery, 07813 837225.6.4 Action by the Designated Person: The action to be taken will take intoaccount: The local inter-agency procedures of Buckinghamshire’s LocalSafeguarding Children Board. The nature and seriousness of the suspicion or complaint. A complaintinvolving a serious criminal offence will always be referred to the SSD orthe police without further investigation within the School. The wishes of the pupil who has complained, provided that the pupil isof sufficient understanding and maturity and properly informed.However, there may be times when the situation is so serious thatdecisions may need to be taken, after all appropriate consultation, thatoverride a pupil's wishes. The wishes of the complainant's parents, provided they have no interestwhich is in conflict with the pupil's best interests and that they areproperly informed. Again, it may be necessary, after all appropriateconsultation, to override parental wishes in some circumstances. If theDesignated Person is concerned that disclosing information to parents8

would put a child at risk, she will take further advice from the relevantprofessionals before making a decision to disclose.Duties of confidentiality, so far as applicable.The lawful rights and interests of the School community as a wholeincluding its employees and its insurers.6.5 If there is room for doubt as to whether a referral should be made, theDesignated Person may consult the First Response Team on 0845 4600 001the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 01296 382070, or otherappropriate professionals on a no names basis without identifying the family.However, as soon as sufficient concern exists that a child may be at risk ofsignificant harm, a referral will be made without delay. If the initial referral ismade by telephone, the Designated Person will confirm the referral in writing toSSD within 24 hours. If no response or acknowledgment is received within threeworking days, the Designated Person will contact Social Services again.6.6 External agencies: Whether or not the School decides to refer a particularcomplaint to the SSD or the police, the parents and pupil will be informed inwriting of their right to make their own complaint or referral to the SocialServices Department or the Child Protection Unit of the police and will beprovided with contact names, addresses and telephone numbers, asappropriate.6.7 Allegations against staff: The School has procedures for dealing withallegations against staff (and volunteers who work with children) that aim tostrike a balance between the need to protect children from abuse and the needto protect staff and volunteers from false or unfounded allegations. Theseprocedures follow the guidance in Part 4 of KCSIE.Suspension will not be an automatic response to an allegation. Fullconsideration will be given to all the options, subject to the need to ensure:The safety and welfare of the pupils or pupil concerned; andThe need for a full and fair investigation.Where an allegation or complaint is made against a member of staff or avolunteer, the matter should be reported immediately to the Headmistress.If after investigation these allegations are proved to be false no record will bekept on file.Where an allegation or complaint is made against the Headmistress, who is theDesignated Person, the person receiving the allegation should immediatelyinform the Governor responsible for child protection, Mrs Belinda Avery,07813 837225 or in her absence the Chairman of Governors, Mr ColinHayfield on 07545 563753, who would then follow the procedures as set out inthis policy, without notifying the Headmistress.Detailed guidance is given to staff to ensure that their behaviour and actions donot place pupils or themselves at risk of harm or of allegations of harm to a pupil.This guidance is contained in the Code of Conduct of Staff and the appendicesat the end of this policy on Physical Restraint.If the School ceases to use the services of a member of staff (or a governor orvolunteer) because they are unsuitable to work with children, a settlement9

agreement will not preclude a detailed report being made to the Disclosure andBarring Service within one month. Any such incidents will be followed by a reviewof the safeguarding procedures within the School, with a report being presentedto the Governors without delay.6.8 Allegations against pupils: A pupil or group of pupils against whom an allegationof abuse has been made may be suspended from the School during theinvestigation and the School's policy on Behaviour Management will apply. TheSchool will take advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) onthe investigation of such allegations and will take all appropriate action to ensurethe safety and welfare of all pupils involved including the pupil or pupils accused ofabuse. If it is necessary for a pupil to be interviewed by the police in relation toallegations of abuse, the School will ensure that, subject to the advice of the LADO,parents are informed as soon as possible and that the pupil is supported during theinterview by an appropriate adult.6.9 Suspected harm from outside the School: A member of staff who suspectsthat a pupil is suffering harm from outside the School should seek informationfrom the child with tact and sympathy using "open" and not leading questions. Asufficient record should be made of the conversation and the matter reported tothe Designated Person.6.10 Missing child procedures: All staff are informed of the separate procedure tobe used for searching for, and if necessary, reporting, any pupil missing fromschool. The procedure includes the requirement to record any incident, the actiontaken and the reasons given by the pupil for being missing. See the Missing Pupil,Security and Supervision Policy.6.11 Notification of Children Missing Education to the Local AuthorityIf a child of compulsory school age leaves High March without a confirmedalternative destination: After 10 days of absence preliminary checks will be carried out. Form CME4 and Checklist (Schools) will be completed and sent to theChildren Missing Education Officer at Buckinghamshire County Council. The forms can be found in the Buckinghamshire County Council Protocolon their website under the following link:http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/schools/support/children_missing_education.page The contact details for the above are telephone 01296 382835 and email:childrenmissingeducation@buckscc.gov.uk6.12 Informing parents: Parents will normally be kept informed as appropriate of anyaction to be taken under these procedures. However, there may becircumstances when the Designated Person will need to consult the LADO beforediscussing details with parents.6.13 Photography and filming of pupils: Please see Appendix 5. To safeguard theprivacy of the pupils it is our policy that photos and films of High March pupils willnot be published on social networking sites by parents, unless the photo or filmcontains only images of those parents’ own children, or unless it is on the School’sofficial pages on these sites and then only with the express permission of theHeadmistress. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites such asFacebook and Twitter and video sharing websites such as YouTube.7 Confidentiality and information sharing10

7.1 Confidentiality and information sharing: The School will keep all childprotection records confidential and locked in the cupboard in the Headmistress’office, allowing disclosure only to those who need to know the information in orderto safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The School will co-operate withpolice and social services to ensure that all relevant information is shared for thepurposes of child protection investigations under section 47 of the Children Act1989 in accordance with the requirements (KCSIE).The Designated Person will disclose any information about a pupil to othermembers of staff on a need to know basis only. All staff must be aware that theyhave a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies inorder to safeguard children. All staff must be aware that they cannot promisea child that they can keep anything a secret.8 Information referring particularly to EYFS8.1 Taking photos of children in EYFS for use in their profiles. Photos will only be takenby the Nursery staff and not by volunteers. School cameras or personal camerasapproved by the Headmistress will be used. These photos will be downloaded onto the school server and deleted after they have been used.8.2 Changing of children in EYFS. (For further information please see Appendices 2, 3and 4) The welfare of the child is paramount at all times; their privacy should berespected at all times when they are changing or being changed. All children areencouraged to become independent and to try to undress themselves. However, ifthe child requires help, staff will assist with changing clothes.9 Supporting StaffWe recognise that staff working in the School who have become involved witha child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm, may findthe situation stressful and upsetting. We will support such staff by providing anopportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Designated Person and toseek further support as appropriate.10 BullyingOur policy on bullying is set out in a separate Anti-Bullying Policy andacknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration underChild Protection procedures.11 Monitoring11.1 The Designated Person will monitor the operation of this policy and its proceduresand make an annual report to the Governors. The Child Protection Governor alsoreports to the Governors annually.11.2 The Governors will undertake an annual review of this policy and how their dutiesunder it have been discharged.11.3 The Governors will ensure that any deficiencies or weaknesses in regard to childprotection arrangements are remedied without delay.12 Contact numbers11

The Designated Child Protection Officer and Designated Child Protection Officer forEYFS is:Mrs Sue Clifford, Headmistress - 01494 675186 or 07725 567380,Email: head@highmarch.bucks.sch.ukThe Deputy Child Protection Officers are:Mrs Michelle Honiball, Head of Junior House, - 01494 675186 or 07852 560842,Email: mhoniball@highmarch.bucks.sch.ukMrs Kate Stuhldreer, Deputy Head (Pastoral) – 01494 675186 or 07929 568802,Email: kstuhldreer@highmarch.bucks.sch.ukThe Governor responsible for Child Protection is:Mrs Belinda Avery – 01494 673537 or 07813 837225,Email: averyhome@aol.comOther useful contact details are: For general child protection queries: First Response Team Phone: 0845 4600001 or 01296 383962 Email: cypfirstresponse@buckscc.gov.uk or securecypfirstresponse@buckscc.gcsx.gov.uk For allegations against staff: Bridget Day, Local Authority Designated Officerfor Child Protection, Bucks County Council. Phone: 01296 382070 Email:bday@buckscc.gov.uk Ms Coral McGookin, Business Manager, Buckinghamshire SafeguardingChildren Board. Phone: 01296-382537 Email: cmcgookin@buckscc.gov.ukSocial Care – Referral and Assessment. Area Office: High Wycombe. Tel:01494 475211. Out of hours service: Tel: 01494 675802. Enquiries – Tel:0845 3708090 Thames Valley Police – 08458 505 505 Thames Valley Police out of hours – 01965 291046 10.2 The following telephone numbers may be useful for pupils: Childline – 08001111 NSPCC – 0808 800 5000This policy is reviewed on an annual basis.12

APPENDIX 1Guidance on how to respond to a child wanting to talk about abuse:GENERAL POINTSShow acceptance of what the child says(however unlikely the story may sound).DON’T SAYWhy didn’t you tell anyone before?Keep calm.Look at the child directly.Be honest.Tell the child you will need to let someoneelse know – don’t promise confidentiality.I can’t believe it!Are you sure this is true?Why? How? When? Who? Where?Never make false promises.Even when a child has broken a rule, they are notto blame for the abuse.Never make statements such as “I amshocked, don’t tell anyone else”.Be aware that the child may have beenthreatened or bribed not to tell.CONCLUDINGNever push for information. If the child decides notto tell you after all, then accept that and let themknow that you are always ready to listen.Again reassure the child that they were right totell you and show acceptance.HELPFUL THINGS YOU MAY SAYI understand what you are saying.Let the child know what you are going to donext and that you will let them know whathappens.Contact the Designated Person for ChildProtection (the Headmistress).Thank you for telling me.It’s not your fault.I will help you.DisclosureDO the following Listen carefully Make accurate notes using the child’s own words Inform the Designated Person for Child Protection Tell the child they have done the right thing by telling youDON’T Ask leading questions Use your own words to describe events Investigate Promise confidentiality Discuss with anyone other than the Designated Person13Consider your own feelings and seek pastoralsupport if needed.

APPENDIX 2POLICY FOR PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CHILDREN (EYFS)At High March, we recognise that good practice within the Early Years FoundationStage (EYFS) should define when it is acceptable, or not, to have physical contact withchildren. As part of our aim to provide a caring and nurturing environment for ouryoung children, physical contact is both necessary and encouraged. However, it wouldbe easy for physical contact to be misconstrued by a pupil, parent or observer.Times when physical contact is acceptable There may be occasions where a distressed pupil needs comfort andreassurance which may include physical comforting such as a caring parentwould give. Examples of this would include when children are injured or unwell,missing a parent, upset about an incident in the classroom or playground, etc.It is perfectly normal for a child to receive a cuddle, an affectionate arm aroundthem or to sit on an adult’s lap at these times. Staff should use their discretionin such cases to ensure that what is normal and natural does not becomeunnecessary and unjustified contact, particularly with the same pupil over aperiod of time. Where a member of staff has particular concern about the needto provide this type of care and reassurance they should seek the advice of theHead of Junior House. Young children at High March can also thrive from some form of physical contactwhen they receive praise and encouragement. This is in the form of a cuddle orpat on the back that is carried out in the manner of a caring parent. Thesegestures are not excessive or exclusive and are offered to all children at thediscretion of each member of staff. It may also be necessary to have physical contact with a child who is reluctantto separate from their parent. This is always done with the permission of theparent and done in such a way to separate their child from their parent withoutcausing physical injury. Where a member of staff has particular concern aboutthe need to provide this type of support for a child regularly they should seekthe advice of the Head of Junior House. There may be occasions when it is necessary for staff to restrain a pupilphysically to prevent them from inflicting injury to others, self-injury, damagingproperty, or attempting to leave the premises. In such cases only the minimumforce necessary may be used and any action taken must be to restrain the pupil.Where an employee has taken action to restrain a pupil physically they shouldmake a written report of the incident to the Head of Junior House, who will inturn inform the parents of what action was taken and why. A Physical RestraintRecord Form can be found in Appendix 3 of the Child Protection andSafeguarding Policy. Some children may require intimate care, either as part of an on-going need orfor isolated incidents. Our procedure for this kind of physical contact is specifiedin Appendix 7 of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.Times when physical contact is not acceptableAny form of physical punishment of pupils is unlawful as is any form of physicalresponse to misbehaviour unless it is by way of restraint. It is particularly important thatstaff understand this, both to protect their own position and the overall reputation of theschool. Further information about not using corporal punishment is available in ourSafeguarding Children Policy.14

Record Form for Physical RestraintAPPENDIX 3Name of Pupil……………………………………………………………………………Class ……………………………….A description of the build-up to the event including the reason why restraint was used(e.g. to prevent injury to others, self-injury, damaging property, or an attempt to leavethe premises) and also including details of any adult witnesses (if applicable)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Describe how you went about restraining the child…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Name of member of staff…………………………………………Staff signature…………………………………….Date…………………………………………Witness signature (if applicable) ………………………………………………….Date …………………………………………..Head of Junior House signature………………………………………Date …………………………………………...Parent signature …........................................................Date ……………………15

APPENDIX 4INTIMATE CAREStaff who work within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) realise that theissue of intimate care is a sensitive one and will require staff to be respectful ofchildren's needs.Intimate care can be defined as care tasks of an intimate nature, associated withbodily functions, body products and personal hygiene which demand direct orindirect contact with or exposure of the genitals. Examples include care associatedwith continence as well as more ordinary tasks such as help with washing or bathing.When a child requires intimate care the assisting member of staff must informanother staff member of their intention to help the child.Children's dignity will be preserved and a high level of privacy, choice and controlwill be provided to them. Staff who provide intimate care to children have a highawareness of child protection issues. Staff behaviour is open to scrutiny and staffat High March work in partnership with parents/carers to provide continuity of careto children wherever possible.Staff address the issue of personal safety with the children as part of the EYFScurriculum. This is at a level that is appropriate to their developmental level anddegree of understanding.High March is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate careof children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. HighMarch recognises that there is a need to treat all children with respect when intimatecare is given. No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.OUR APPROACH TO BEST PRACTICEAll children who require intimate care are treated respectfully at all times; the child'swelfare and dignity is of paramount importance.Staff are given guidance at Induction on how intimate care is to be provided at HighMarch. Health and Safety training in moving and handling is provided as the needarises. Apparatus will be provided to assist with children who need specialarrangements following assessment from physiotherapist/ occupational therapist asrequired.There is careful communication with each child who needs help with intimate careto discuss the child’s needs and preferences. The child is aware of each procedurethat is carried out and the reasons for it.As a basic principle children will be supported to achieve the highest level ofautonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage eachchild to do as much for themselves as they can. This may mean, for example,giving the child responsibility for washing themselves. Individual intimate careplans may be drawn up for particular children as appropriate to suit thecircumstances of the child. These plans include a full risk assessment to addressissues such as moving and handling, personal safety of the child and the carer, andhealth.16

Each child's right to privacy will be respected. Careful consideration will be givento each child's situation to determine how many carers might need to be presentwhen a child needs help with intimate care. Our Safe Recruitment proceduresmean that it is acceptable for one adult to provide intimate care without thepresence of another adult but each situation will be determined individually.If a child makes an allegation against a member of staff, all necessary procedureswill be followed in accordance with the School’s Child Protection and SafeguardingPolicy.17

APPENDIX 5PHOTOGRAPHYIn the Foundation Stage photographs are often taken for recording our observations ofchildren. Throughout the School photographs are used for display purposes and onour website. Cameras owned by the School are used to take photographs of thechildren for these purposes.There are a number of school cameras that can be used to take photographs of thechildren for display and marketing purposes. Any member of staff wishing to use apersonal camera or phone should first seek permission from the Headmistress.If personal cameras are used then the photographs should only be used for schoolpurposes and should be deleted as soon as possible. Photographs should only bestored on the school network and should not be held on personal computers ordisplayed on social networking websites.Parents, guardians and other family members are welcome to take photographs atschool events or when accompanying trips, but are asked to use the followingguidelines to determine when photography is appropriate and which photographs totake:To safeguard the privacy of the pupils it is our policy that photos and filmsof High March pupils will not be published on to social networking sites byparents, unless the photo or film contains only images of those parents’own children, or unless it is on the School’s official pages on these sitesand then only with the express permission of the Headmistress. Thisincludes, but is not limited to, social networking sites such as Facebookand Twitter and video sharing websites such as YouTube.Be courteous and do not let your enthusiasm for photography spoil the eventfor others.Bear in mind that flash photography can distract small children when they needto concentrate on what they are doing. In view of this we respectfully requestthat no flash photography is used during a performance. We will always try toorganise an opportunity to take photographs at the end of a performance.18