Affordable Health Initiative
Handling Safeguarding Concerns
Schools which are running the Affordable Health Initiative (AHI) health promoting school model must comply with the AHI CIO safeguarding policy, which is independently tested by way of periodic inspection and publicly reported for each school. However, AHI appreciates that, from time to time, a cause for complaint may arise. AHI CIO always takes seriously and considers carefully any complaint referred to Trustees. Our response and the scope and limits of our powers are determined by policies. This document outlines best practice for recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns and disclosures, including abuse. We offer clear guidance here about how we address complaints, and how we expect anyone working on behalf of AHI CIO to address concerns.
AHI CIO takes complaints very seriously: Upon receipt of a complaint, AHI CIO shall acknowledge it within three working weeks. The school will be informed unless there is potential of significant harm to an individual. Once a school has been informed of a complaint, we may request further information from the designated safeguarding lead, or other responsible person (as appropriate). Therefore, confidentiality cannot, be guaranteed. The matters raised will then be considered by the Trustees of AHI CIO. Where clear evidence is presented that suggests that a school has failed to comply with the safeguarding policy, then the AHI CIO Chair may contact the Headteacher to request an explanation. Upon receipt of this, the Trustees may then offer a determination and constructive advice which will be communicated in writing to the Head teacher and also the complainant. In the event of an unsatisfactory response by the school, the involvement of the school in the AHI programme may be reconsidered by the AHI CIO Board and, in serious cases, suspended or terminated. In all cases, the judgement of the AHI CIO Board is final. However, AHI CIO cannot become involved in disputes between the school and its individual students, or parents or staff. These are matters for the Head of the School. Such complaints should be dealt with by following the channels outlined in the school’s complaints policy. When documented complaints relating to breaches of the AHI CIO Code of Ethical Practice, Code of Good Governance and safeguarding policies are received, AHI CIO will give them due consideration.
AHI CIO´s judgement upon where it considers matters of standards, policy and procedure to end, and individual disputes to begin, is final. Furthermore, while we always seek positive and constructive resolution to any complaint, all correspondence from AHI CIO to a complainant or to a Headteacher must remain confidential and may be quoted or shared only with prior written permission from the AHI CIO chair.
Dealing with Concerns or Disclosures
It can be very hard for children and young people to speak out about abuse and other safeguarding issues. Often, children fear there may be negative consequences if they tell anyone what is happening to them. Some may delay telling someone about what is happening to them for a long time, while others never tell anyone, even if they want to do so. It is vital that children and young people are able to speak out and that whoever they tell takes them seriously and acts on what they have been told. Even if a child doesn’t tell someone verbally about what’s happened to them, there may be other indicators that something is wrong. People who work with children need to be able to recognise the signs and know how to respond appropriately.
There can be a range of possible ways in which a concern might arise during school activities. They are:
a candidate’s script or coursework
student-teacher or other-adult relationship
abuse at home
indications of self-harm
behaviour between older and younger students
social media
Things to look out for as signs of a possible issue include:
threats or accounts, direct or inferred, of self-inflicted harm
threats or accounts, direct or inferred, of harm to others
indications that the individual is being physically, sexually or emotionally threatened or harmed by others
indications that the individual is being bullied or taken advantage of
use of indecent or violent images
indications that individual(s) are being radicalised or aiming to radicalise others.
These signs could take the form of answers to questions, other narrative on a question paper, graphic drawings, emails or any other form of correspondence. References to previous incidents or experiences, as well as immediate issues, should be highlighted to the Safeguarding Leader or a Deputy Safeguarding Lead. If a concern arises as the result of any written communication the course of action should be the same. Do not contact the candidate or try to intervene yourself. Refer the documentation to the school Safeguarding Lead.
If an activity you are running or watching gives you cause for concern, you will need to consider whether to stop the assessment prior to completion. No activity should continue that might be seen as raising safeguarding issues or putting anyone at risk of harm or abuse. You must raise your concerns immediately with the Safeguarding Lead. He/she will deal with the matter in accordance with the AHI CIO’s Safeguarding Policy, school rules and local legal requirements. You must immediately notify the Safeguarding Leader if a concern arises during a visit to a school where the visitor is in direct contact with children.
Responding to abuse or other safeguarding issues
All allegations or suspicions of abuse, mistreatment or other safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and treated in accordance with safeguarding procedures. In a situation where a child discloses abuse or any other issue related to safeguarding, there are a number of steps that should be taken.
Listen carefully to the child. Avoid commenting on the matter or showing reactions like shock or disbelief which could cause the child to retract or stop talking.
Let them know they’ve done the right thing. Reassurance can make a big impact on a child who may have been keeping the abuse secret.
Tell them it’s not their fault. Abuse is never the child’s fault and they need to know this.
Say you will take them seriously. A child could keep abuse secret in fear they won’t be taken seriously. They’ve spoken out because they want help and trust that someone will listen to and support them.
Don’t talk to the alleged perpetrator. Confronting the alleged perpetrator about what the child’s told you could make the situation a lot worse for the child.
Explain what you will do next. If age appropriate, explain to the child that this will need to be reported to someone who will be able to help. It is unlikely to be possible to keep the disclosure confidential if the child is to be kept safe in future, but reassure them that you will do everything you can to help.
Do not delay reporting the issue to the Safeguarding Leader. The sooner the abuse is reported after the child discloses the better. Report as soon as possible to your nominated child protection lead so details are fresh in the mind and action can be taken quickly.
Making notes
It is very important to keep accurate and detailed notes on any concerns you have about a child as soon as the issue arises. You must share these with Safeguarding Lead.
Your notes should include:
the child’s details (name, age, address);
what the child said or did to generate the concern (if the child made a verbal disclosure, write down their exact words);
any information the child has given you about the alleged perpetrator.
Assessing Disclosures
As stated above, it is vital that any child who is trying to disclose mistreatment, abuse or any safeguarding issue feels that they are being heard and taken seriously. However, there can be a risk of being unfair if a child’s account without thoroughly investigating the situation. This means it is important to maintain an unbiased approach when responding to disclosures and to follow your local procedures so as to ensure that each case is treated in a fair and transparent manner and that the child gets the protection and support that they need.