Cause for Concern
If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please record your concern, and any observations or conversation heard, and report to a DSL as soon as possible the same day. Do NOT conduct your own investigation. Please refer to our Traffic Light System displayed around the school and summarised below.
If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that she/he is a danger to children) then you should report this in the first instance to the Headteacher in confidence (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) - who will consider what action to take.
| LISTEN |
LISTEN to the child
Take what they saying SERIOUSLY
GIVE them time - don't rush them
STAY calm and don't get too involved
DON'T keep secrets |
| EXPLAIN |
REASSURE the child by explaining that they are doing 'the right thing'
EXPLAIN what will happen next
ACKNOWLEDGE that they are not to blame
DON'T make promises |
| PASS ON, RECORD |
RECORD what has been said or observed ASAP
Using a log of cause for concern form, ensuring you leave an accurate account
PASS on what has been said or observed to the Designated Safeguarding Leads ASAP |
