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Document Sample
Child Protection
Newsletter
THE CHILD PROTECTION NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED BY THE
CHILDREN’S SAFEGUARDS TEAM AND ISSUED TO SCHOOLS,
CHILDREN’S CENTRES AND LOCAL AUTHORITY STAFF THREE
TIMES EACH ACADEMIC YEAR
ISSUE NO. 47 – FEBRUARY 2012
INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE
o Central Referral Unit
o e-Safety
o KSCB Thresholds Audit
o New District Safeguarding groups
o Child Protection Conference Audit
o Training
Child Protection Referrals
Further to the letter from the Director of Children’s Specialist Services that was
attached to the last Newsletter (Issue 46) you are reminded of the changes to the
referral system to ensure that these are incorporated into your schools’ safeguarding
processes.
Designated staff can continue to use the Area Children’s Officers (Safeguarding) for
consultations within their own agency when concerns for a child become apparent.
However formal consultations with Children’s Specialist Services (logged with
reference number) are no longer provided by the local Duty Initial Assessment
Teams. All consultations are now undertaken by the Central Referral Unit based at
Kroner House Ashford who can be contacted by telephone on 08458 247102
You are also reminded that where a new concern arises for a child who is Looked
After by KCC or is currently open to children’s social services a referral should be
made to the child’s allocated social worker in the District.
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If the child is known and open to the Children’s Disability Team the referral should in
these circumstances be made to the allocated CDT social worker who will ensure that
a manager is consulted and a strategy meeting is convened within the District where
applicable.
These changes make it imperative that all schools retain accurate and up to date
child protection records retained securely by the DCPC on the status of individual
children where appropriate as schools will clearly need to be aware if the child’s case
is still open to children’s social services before making the referral.
Any new concern or disclosure from a child living in Kent or a LAC placed in Kent by
another local authority that meets the child protection threshold should be referred,
using the inter-agency referral form (IARF) to the Central Referral Unit via post,
FAX: 01732 221645 or e-mail to central.duty@kent.gov.uk. Please be aware that
schools do not currently have secure e-mail facility but this is something that the local
authority is looking into as a matter of urgency.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding these changes to the consultation and
referral process please contact your Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) in the first
instance (contact details attached). When in doubt – consult.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) Appeal
We would like to bring this CEOP appeal to your attention. This concerns an
investigation that has been coordinated by CEOP, working with the authorities in the
UK, Kuwait and its representatives in the UK, as well as a number of other law
enforcement agencies around the world. It relates to an offender living outside the UK
who hacks into the online accounts of children and young people, threatening and
forcing them to perform sexual acts on web cam. CEOP believes this activity has
been going on since 2008 and some young people in Kent are known to have been
affected. It is believed that there could be a large number of other young people
across the UK who may have been involved.
Children and young people who think they may have been targeted are being
encouraged to call an NSPCC helpline that has been set up - 0800 614 458 - where
they can speak to specialist NSPCC staff, all of whom are fully briefed in relation to
the investigation. For more information regarding this concern, please read the full
press release from CEOP here: http://tinyurl.com/CEOPappeal
As a general response to this situation it is strongly recommended that all schools
and settings revisit their current e-Safety practice to ensure that children, young
people and their families are aware of how to protect themselves online and also how
to report any concerns they may have. To support schools with this a template letter
for parents was sent out via the e-Bulletin on the 13th December 2011. We would
urge all schools to send out the letter to parents if they have not already done so. This
can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/kenttemplateletter
e-Safety and Safeguarding
While some e-Safety incidents occur outside the physical school boundaries, it is
important that schools and settings recognise the important role they play in helping
children and young people to learn how to keep safe online and in supporting parents
and carers in this. In response to concerns about the practice in some schools that
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have come to the attention of the e-safety Officer, we are recommending that all
school review their current practices.
You are reminded that as part of your safeguarding obligations the following e-Safety
measures should be in place
● e-Safety should NOT be viewed as an ICT issue and should be established as
part of the wider Safeguarding agenda.
● Schools and settings must have a clear and up-to-date e-Safety policy which
should be communicated to the whole school community. The e-Safety Policy
should highlight how to report an incident and how e-Safety is approached and
managed across the school.
● The school should have a designated e-Safety lead or coordinator. It is
recommended that this person is the DCPC or has relevant Child Protection
training. It is also recommended that this person is a member of the school
Senior Leadership Team due to some of the requirements and expectations of
the role
● There should be an Acceptable Use Policy (reviewed and up-dated regularly)
in place which sets out the e-Safety ethos and expectations for all members of
the school community.
● e-Safety should be taught to all pupils in the school appropriate to their needs
and ability, on a regular basis, across the curriculum and across the key
stages. e-Safety must not be viewed as a “one-off” session which can be
delivered by outside speakers as it is essential the school takes ownership of
the issues.
● Children’s parents/carers must be engaged with as developing a consistent
message to e-Safety is beneficial to children.
● All members of staff should receive up-to-date and appropriate training around
protecting both themselves and children and young people online.
● Schools and settings, led by the SLT and Governing Body, should monitor,
revisit and revise their e-Safety practise on a regular basis.
Specific training is available through CPD Online to support schools and settings in
ensuring that e-Safety is developed and embedded across the establishment in
accordance with Ofsted recommendations and good practice. Please contact the e-
Safety Officer, Rebecca Avery, esafetyofficer@kent.gov.uk (01622 221469) if you
would like to discuss any questions or aspect of e-Safety practice.
Guardian Article: “Teachers warned over befriending pupils on Facebook”
A recent article printed by the Guardian has highlighted an increase in the number of
teachers accused of misconduct which involved social media tools. An analysis of
disciplinary cases brought to the General Teaching Council (GTC) in 2011 found that
more than 1 in 10 school teachers accused of misconduct last year had used social
networking sites or email to develop inappropriate relationships with pupils.
The GTC heard 336 cases of "unacceptable professional conduct" last year and
Facebook, Twitter, online chatrooms and emails were used to befriend children in 43
of the cases. 18 teachers were given prohibition orders and struck off, while 14 were
suspended. Transcripts of Facebook messages and internet chatlogs were used as
evidence against the teachers, many of whom had told pupils to keep quiet about the
communication. 7 of the 43 cases in which the internet was a feature involved emails
alone, rather than social media.
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The full article can be read at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jan/23/teacher-misconduct-cases-
facebook?CMP=twt_fd
Schools need to ensure that they have an up-to-date, clear and robust Acceptable
Use Policy (AUP) which is communicated to all members of staff. Schools should also
ensure that all members of staff (not just teachers) receive up-to-date and relevant
training on a regular basis around e-Safety and protecting their professional
reputation online. Schools must be aware they cannot “ban” staff from using social
networking sites in their own personal time; however they can put in place appropriate
guidance and boundaries around staff interaction with pupils and parents and provide
guidance regarding appropriate professional practices online in order to help staff to
protect their professional status.
To support schools with this, the Kent e-Safety Strategy Group has published (on
6.2.12) the “Staff ICT Acceptable Use Policy Template” which has been developed to
enable schools to create an AUP which is appropriate to the schools e-Safety ethos.
The template has been produced by schools, child protection officers, multi-agency
children’s workforce professionals and Kent Police to help schools write their own
AUP and provides schools with a range of statements which can then be adapted by
the school for a variety of different audiences and according to their individual
requirements and systems.
To download the Staff ICT Acceptable Use Policy Template 2012, please visit
www.kenttrustweb.org.uk?esafety
Kent Safeguarding Children Board Audit of referrals
This was the first of two audits commissioned by the KSCB in August 2011 and
undertaken in November 2011. It arose from the findings of the Ofsted Inspection of
Children’s Social Services in 2010 that a high number of inappropriate referrals were
being made to CSS and the apparent lack of clarity around the thresholds for CSS
services.
The audit was therefore part of the Kent Safeguarding Improvement plan with the
specific purpose of examining whether multi agency understanding of the eligibility
criteria and thresholds for referral to Children’s Social Services had improved as a
result of the implementation of the Kent and Medway Inter Agency threshold for
children in need. The audit also served to consider the use of the Common
Assessment Framework and TAC processes.
The audit was co-ordinated by an Independent consultant. The process involved a
multi agency review of 10 cases from each of the 12 Kent Districts. 31 cases
consisted of referrals from Education Services, Schools and Early Year Providers with
the remainder from Health, Police and other sources. Members of the Children’s
Safeguards Unit undertook the audits of the education files. Colleagues from CSS
audited their responses in all of the cases.
Multi agency Focus Group meetings also took place in each of the three Kent areas.
We are extremely grateful to colleagues who contributed to this either by providing us
with school safeguarding records or by taking part in the focus Group meetings.
The summary report of this audit can be accessed at www.kscb.org.uk enable you to
read this in its entirety. The findings include:
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35% of referrals were assessed to be inappropriate. In some cases this was
due to the issue relating to the sibling of the named child
46% of referrals were re-referrals and the level of these was highest in East
Kent
50% of referrals were made with parental consent
10% of referrals evidenced that the child’s view had been sought despite only
20% being deemed too young to give this
Agencies had limited knowledge about the CSS response to referrals because
of poor feedback from District Teams
Dissatisfaction around Outcomes was recorded in only 4 cases with 3 of these
involving more Senior staff in the resolution of disagreements
There was limited evidence of the use of CAF. It was felt a CAF should have
been completed prior to referral in14% of cases
The use of the Inter Agency Referral Form for referrals was variable. The audit
methodology however did not lend itself to consider this specifically
Lack of clarity about what constitutes a consultation
The Children’s Officers undertaking the audit of Education referrals made the
following observations of practice
There were several cases where the quality of the referral and practice were
rated as “excellent”. These referrals gave succinct, relevant information, risk
and need assessments were clear and appropriate documentation from the
school’s safeguarding file was attached as evidence of the concerns
A number of the IARFs audited gave inadequate information i.e. while details
of the referring “incident” were clear, there was little contextual information
relating to the child, parenting capacity and environmental issues
Very few IARFs contained a professional analysis of the risks to the child as a
result of the referral information
Very few referrals gave a professional view of what the child / family required
from CSS
Very few referrals provided additional supporting information e.g. detailed
safeguarding records, chronologies
As a result of this Audit, the KSCB are considering the need for further multi-agency
training in the use of the Eligibility Criteria. The CSU will continue to ensure that all
DCPC training includes the use of the Eligibility & threshold criteria and how effective
referrals can be made. You are also reminded that the CSU has produced Guidelines
for record keeping and these provide clear advice on how effective recording systems
can be established in schools. If in doubt about any aspect of the referral process
please consult with us.
Kent Safeguarding Children Board Audit of Child Protection Plans
The second audit being undertaken by the Kent Safeguarding Child Board as part of
the Improvement Plan is being undertaken over the period of February and March
2012. The purpose of this review is to examine multi agency working with regard to
child protection conferences and child protection plans. The focus will be on the
quality of:
Reports provided by all agencies to child protection conferences
The functioning of the child protection conference
The quality of the child protection plan
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The review comprises three components; questionnaires for parents / young people
and professionals to establish their experiences of the CP conference and an audit of
all relevant paperwork relating to 10% of all conferences that were held in February
2012.
You may therefore be asked to contribute to this Audit either by completing a
questionnaire or by providing information held in the school safeguarding records if
necessary.
District Child Protection Partnerships (DCPPs)
You may be aware that the local safeguarding groups have been disbanded and local
district groups are being formed. These will be known as District Child Protection
Partnerships (DCPPs) and are active sub-groups of the Kent Safeguarding Children
Board.
Their purpose is to consider local need and priorities and provide a forum for practice
issues and difficulties to be shared and resolved. They further provide a two-way flow
of information to the Kent Safeguarding Board.
Headteacher representation on the Groups is being addressed in each of the Areas. If
you would like further information please contact your Area Children’s Officer.
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Education Safeguarding Team Contacts – January 2012
Head Office – Sessions House
Kel Arthur Office: 01622 696 366
Education Safeguarding Manager Mobile: 07786 191 359 kel.arthur@kent.gov.uk
Sue Urwin Office: 01622 696 366
Room Children’s Officer (Care Standards) Mobile: 07717 716 861
2.64 susan.urwin@kent.gov.uk
Mike O’Connell Office: 01622 696 366
Children’s Officer (Training and Mobile: 07740 183807
Development) mike.o’connell@kent.gov.uk
Rebecca Avery (e-Safety Officer) Office: 01622 221469 or 01622 696 366
Room
Mobile: 07789968705
2.66
esafetyofficer@kent.gov.uk
Kay Ashman Admin Assistant Office: 01622 696 366
Room
(Wed, Thurs am and Fri) kay.ashman@kent.gov.uk
2.67
Donagh Druse Admin Assistant donagh.druse@kent.gov.uk
Urgent child protection issue outside of office hours,
Call the Kent Contact and Assessment Services
Out of Hours Number: 08458 247100
West Kent – Kings Hill
Gravesham, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells
Helen Windiate Office: 01732 525035
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07740 183798
helen.windiate@kent.gov.uk
Claire Ray Office: 01732 525381
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07920 108828
claire.ray@kent.gov.uk
Linda Funnell Office: 01732 525097
Administrative Assistant linda.funnell@kent.gov.uk
East Kent – Clover House
Swale, Canterbury, Thanet, Deal, Sandwich
Elaine Coutts (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs) Office: 01227 284682
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07786 191601
elaine.coutts@kent.gov.uk
Jinder Kaur Office: 01227 284684
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07545 423450
jinderpal.kaur@kent.gov.uk
Katie Agnew Office: 01227 284556
Administrative Assistant (P/T) katie.agnew@kent.gov.uk
Mid Kent – Kroner House
Maidstone, Ashford, Shepway, Dover
Kate Davis (Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri) Office: 01233 898696
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07740 183797
kate.davis@kent.gov.uk
Angela Chapman (Mon, Wed, Thurs) Office: 01233 652 149
Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mobile: 07717 895731
angela.chapman@kent.gov.uk
Jane Francis (not Tues) Office: 01233 898696
Administrative Assistant jane.francis@kent.gov.uk
NB: Situations involving allegations against members of staff must be discussed with
one of the above prior to any action being taken.
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Contact Addresses
Head Office – Sessions House
Kel Arthur: Education Safeguarding Manager
Sessions House, Mike O’Connell: Children’s Officer (Training & Development)
County Hall
Sue Urwin: Children’s Officer (Care Standards)
Maidstone
Rebecca Avery (e-Safety Officer)
ME14 1XQ
Administrative Assistants
Kay Ashman (part-time) & Donagh Druse (Temporary)
West Kent – Kings Hill
Commercial Services Helen Windiate: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) West Kent
Building, 30 Gibson
Drive Claire Ray: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) West Kent
Kings Hill
West Malling Linda Funnell: Administrative Assistant – West Kent
ME19 4QG
East Kent – Clover House
Clover House Elaine Coutts: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) East Kent
John Wilson Business
Park Jinder Kaur: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) East Kent
Thanet Way
Whitstable Katie Agnew: Administrative Assistant (P/T) – East Kent
Kent
CT5 3QZ
Mid Kent – Kroner House
Kroner House Kate Davis: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mid Kent
Eurogate Business Park
Ashford Angela Chapman: Area Children’s Officer (Safeguarding) Mid Kent
Kent
TN24 8XU Jane Francis: Administrative Assistant (P/T) – Mid Kent
Safeguarding http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/Children/safeguards_home.cfm
e-safety www.kenttrustweb.org.uk?esafety
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