CHILD PROTETION AND SAFEGUARDING

A CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE

Adults looking after children or young people must be aware of the risk of abuse by adults or other young people. Child abuse can occur in all walks of life and Yangrima School do not consider in some way immune. We believe that all students have the right to be safeguarded from harm and exploitation regardless of:

• Race, religion, preferred language or ethnicity.
• Age, gender, sexuality or disability.

What happens if……?

If you suspect abuse, a young person confides in you, or a complaint is made to you about any adult or about yourself, it is your duty to report the concern.

If a young person tells you about abuse by someone else:

1. Always stop and listen straightaway.
2. If you can, write brief notes of what they are telling you while they are speaking and keep original notes, however rough they are. It is important that what you record is as factually accurate as possible and reports faithfully what the students discloses. The pupil’s own words must be recorded, not your version of them. Do not embellish or speculate. All notes must be signed, dated and timed.
3. Do not give a guarantee of confidentiality. Explain that you will have to report the matter to those who need to know but reassure the student that only those needing to know will be informed.
4. Do not ask leading questions. Keep your questions open (is there anything else you want to tell me?) and don’t interrogate. Leading questions may well compromise possible criminal procedures.
5. Immediately tell the Designated Child Protection Officer at Yangrima School and pass on your notes as soon as possible.

What happens if……?

If you have a concern about a young person’s safety and wellbeing:

1. Immediately tell the Designated Child Protection Officer at Yangrima School or the Principal if the abuse relates to a member of staff or a volunteer.
2. Write careful notes of what you might have heard, witnessed or been told. All notes must be signed, dated and timed. Never think abuse is impossible in Yangrima School or that an allegation against someone you know well and trust is bound to be wrong. Try to ensure no one, including yourself, is ever placed in a position which could compromise them or leave them open to allegations of abuse. Any adult has the right to report concerns or suspicions in confidence and free from harassment.