Streetz Ahead

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Approved by: Olivia Wakeford & Elizabeth Lahav Date: September 2023
Last reviewed on: September 2023
Next review due by: September 2024

Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead Alan Harry harry@streetzahead.org
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Haringey Shauna McAllister shauna.mcallister@haringey.gov.uk lado@haringey.gov.uk

020 8489 2968
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Enfield Andreas Kyriacou Safeguardingservice@enfield.gov.uk 0208 379 2850
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Brent Mona Cook Family.frontdoor@brent.gov.uk

0208 937 2057 – LADO
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Barnet Sarah Marshall lado@brent.gov.uk

0208 359 4066
Haringey ●      Monday to Thursday 8:45 am to 5:00 pm;

Friday 8:45 am to 4:45 pm

020 8489 4470

●      Out of office hours, including weekends:

020 8489 0000

●      Do not use this number if a child needs immediate assistance from the Police or

Ambulance Services. In these cases, call 999
Enfield ●      Monday -Thursday 9 am – 5 pm and Friday 9 am – 4.45 pm

020 8379 5555

●      Emergency Duty Out of Hours Team from 5 pm – 9 am Monday – Thursday and from 4.45 pm on Fridays through to 9am the following Monday

020 8379 1000

Do not use this number if a child needs immediate assistance from the Police or Ambulance Services. In these cases, call 999
Brent ● Monday to Thursday 8:45 am to

5:00pm;

Friday 8:45 am to 4:45 pm
020 8937 4300

●      Out of office hours, including weekends:

020 8863 5250

●      Do not use this number if a child needs immediate assistance from the Police or Ambulance Services. In these cases, call 999
Barnet ●      Monday to Thursday 8:45 am to

5:00pm;

Friday 9:00 am to 5:15 pm

020 8359 4066

●      Out of office hours, including weekends:

0208 359 4066

●      Do not use this number if a child needs immediate assistance from the Police or Ambulance Services. In these cases, call 999
Making a MASH referral ● During your phone call (above) if you are a professional working with children you may be asked to complete a MASH

referral form within 24 hours. This should be emailed securely to:

mashreferral@Haringey.gcsx.gov.uk childrensMASH@enfield.gov.uk

Family.FrontDoor@brent.gov.uk

MASH@Barnet.gov.uk

Contents

Page no
What to do if you have a welfare concern flowchart 5
      1.    Introduction and Ethos 6
      2.   Definition of Safeguarding 7
      3.   Related safeguarding policies 8
4. Policy compliance, monitoring and review 8
      5.   Key responsibilities 8
      6.   Recognising indicators of abuse and neglect 10
      7.   Child protection procedures 11
      8.   Record keeping 12
      9.   Multi-Agency working 13
10. Confidentiality and information sharing 13
11. Complaints 13
12. Staff Induction, awareness and training 13
13. Safer working practice 14
14. Staff supervision and support 14
15. Safer recruitment 15
16. Allegations against members of staff and volunteers 15
17. Safeguarding children with special educational needs and disabilities 16
18. Child-on-child abuse 17
19. Gangs, country lines, serious violence, crime and exploitation 17
20.Mental Health 18
21. Online safety 18
22. Security 19
23. Media coverage
Appendix 1: Categories of Abuse 20
Appendix 2: National Support Organisations 22

1. Introduction and Ethos

  • Streetz Ahead recognises our statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and all those directly connected (staff, volunteers, trustees, leaders, parents, families and students) are an important part of the wider safeguarding system for children and have an essential role to play in making this community safe and secure.
  • Staff working with children at Streetz Ahead are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned.
  • Streetz Ahead believes that the best interests of children always come first. All children (defined as those up to the age of 18) have a right to be heard and to have their feelings taken into account and all children regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection.
  • Streetz Ahead recognises the importance of providing an ethos and environment within everything we do, that will help children to be safe and feel safe. At Streetz Ahead, children are respected and encouraged to talk openly. All our staff understand safe professional practice and adhere to our safeguarding policies.
  • Our core safeguarding principles are:
    • Prevention

▪     positive, supportive, safe culture, curriculum and pastoral opportunities for children, safer recruitment procedures.

  • Protection

▪     following the agreed procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and supported to recognise and respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns.

  • Support

▪ for all participants, parents/carers and staff, and where appropriate specific interventions are required for those who may be at risk of harm. o Working with parents/carers and other agencies

▪     to ensure timely, appropriate communications and actions are undertaken when safeguarding concerns arise.

  • Streetz Ahead expects that if any member of our community has a safeguarding concern about any child or adult, they should act immediately.
  • The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, including trustees, temporary or third-party agency staff and volunteers.

2. Definition of Safeguarding

  • In line with KCSIE 2020, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this policy as:
    • protecting children from maltreatment;
    • preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development; o ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
    • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
  • Streetz Ahead acknowledges that safeguarding includes a wide range of specific issues including (but not limited to): o Abuse and neglect
    • Bullying (including cyberbullying) o Children with family members in prison o   Children Missing Education (CME) o      Child missing from home or care o      Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
    • Child Criminal Exploitation o County Lines o         Domestic abuse o          Drugs and alcohol misuse o         Fabricated or induced illness o    Faith based abuse o       Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) o         Forced marriage o          Gangs and youth violence
    • Gender based abuse and violence against women and girls o Hate o       Homelessness o      Honour based abuse
    • Human trafficking and modern slavery o Mental health o          Missing children and adults o      Online safety o         Peer on peer abuse
    • Preventing radicalisation and extremism o Private fostering o          Relationship abuse o          Serious Violence
    • Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment o Upskirting
    • Youth produced sexual imagery or “Sexting”

3. Related Safeguarding Policies

  • This policy is one of a series in our integrated safeguarding portfolio and should be read and actioned in conjunction with the policies as listed below: oData protection and Information sharing oHealth and safety

4. Policy Compliance, Monitoring and Review

  • Streetz Ahead will review this policy at least annually. The policy will be revised following any national or local policy updates, any local child protection concerns and/or any changes to our procedures.
  • All staff (including temporary staff and volunteers) will be provided with a copy of this policy. This will be emailed to all staff and accessible on Google Drive.
  • Parents/carers can obtain a copy of the Child Protection Policy and other related policies on request. Additionally, our policies can be viewed via our website www.streetzahead.org.
  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead will ensure regular reporting on safeguarding activity and systems to the trustees. The governing body will not receive details of individual learner situations or identifying features of families as part of their oversight responsibility.

5. Key Responsibilities

  • Streetz Ahead are seeking a nominated trustee for safeguarding. The nominated trustee will support the DSL and have oversight in ensuring that Streetz Ahead have an effective policy which interlinks with other related policies; that locally agreed procedures are in place and being followed; and that the policies are reviewed at least annually and when required.
  • The trustees and leadership team will ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Lead are supported in their role.

5.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Streetz Ahead has appointed a member of staff, Bradley Blanchard, Schools Development Officer as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Additionally, the organisation has appointed Deputy DSL: Alan Harry, who will have delegated responsibilities and act in the DSLs absence.
  • The DSL has overall responsibility for the day to day oversight of safeguarding and child protection systems at Streetz Ahead. Whilst the activities of the DSL may be delegated to the deputy, the ultimate lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection remains with the DSL and this responsibility will not be delegated.
  • The DSL will undergo appropriate and specific training to provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out their role. Deputy DSLs are trained to the same standard as the DSL. The DSL and any deputy DSLs training will be updated formally every two years, but their knowledge and skills will be updated through a variety of methods at regular intervals and at least annually.
  • The DSL (and deputy) will be provided with sufficient time so they can provide appropriate support to staff and children regarding any new safeguarding and welfare concerns following Covid-19. This may include handling of referrals to integrated social care and working with other agencies where appropriate.
  • It is the role of the DSL to:
    • Act as the central contact point for all staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns o Maintain a confidential recording system for safeguarding and child protection concerns
    • Coordinate safeguarding action for individual children
    • Ensure that locally established procedures as put in place by the three safeguarding partners (Haringey/Enfield/Barnet/Brent LA), including referrals, are followed, as necessary.
    • Manage and monitor Streetz Ahead’s role in any multi-agency plan for a child.
    • Be available during term time (during work hours) for staff in the school to discuss any safeguarding concerns.
    • Ensure adequate and appropriate DSL cover arrangements in response to any closures and out of hours and/or out of term activities. o Ensure all staff access appropriate safeguarding training and relevant updates

5.2 Members of Staff

All members of staff have a responsibility to:

  • Provide a safe environment in which children can learn.
  • Be prepared to identify children who may benefit from early help.
  • Understand the early help process and their role in it.
  • Understand the Streetz Ahead safeguarding policies and systems.
  • Undertake regular and appropriate training which is regularly updated.
  • Be aware of the process of making referrals to children’s social care and statutory assessment under the Children Act 1989.
  • Know what to do if a child tells them that he or she is being abused or neglected and understand the impact abuse and neglect can have upon a child.
  • Be able to identify and act upon indicators that children are, or at risk of developing mental health issues.
  • Know how to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality.
  • Be aware of the indicators of abuse and neglect so that they can identify cases of children who may need help or protection.

5.3 Children and Young People

Children and young people (students) have a right to:

  • Feel safe, be listened to, and have their wishes and feelings taken into account.
  • Contribute to the development of Streetz Ahead safeguarding policies.
  • Receive help from a trusted adult.
  • Learn how to keep themselves safe, including online.

5.4 Parents and Carers

Parents/carers have a responsibility to:

  • Understand and adhere to the relevant policies and procedures.
  • Talk to their children about safeguarding issues with their children and support Streetz Ahead in their safeguarding approaches.
  • Identify behaviours which could indicate that their child is at risk of harm including online and seek help and support from the school or other agencies.

6. Recognising Indicators of Abuse and Neglect

  • All staff at Streetz Ahead are made aware of the definitions and indicators of abuse and neglect as identified by Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020.
  • Streetz Ahead recognises that when assessing whether a child may be suffering actual or potential harm there are four categories of abuse:
    • Physical abuse o Sexual abuse o         Emotional abuse
    • Neglect

.

  • All members of staff are expected to be aware of and follow this approach if they are concerned about a child:

‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’ 2015

  • Members of staff are aware that concerns may arise in many different contexts and can vary greatly in terms of their nature and seriousness. The indicators of child abuse and neglect can vary from child to child. Children develop and mature at different rates, so what appears to be worrying behaviour for a younger child might be normal for an older child.
  • It is important to recognise that indicators of abuse and neglect do not automatically mean a child is being abused; however all concerns should be taken seriously and explored by the DSL on a case by case basis.
  • Parental behaviors’ may also indicate child abuse or neglect, so staff should also be alert to parent-child interactions or concerning parental behaviours; this could include parents who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if there is a sudden change in their mental health.
  • Safeguarding incidents and/or behaviours can be associated with factors outside the School and/or can occur between children offsite. Children can be at risk of abuse or exploitation in situations outside their families. Extra-familial harms take a variety of different forms and children can be vulnerable to multiple harms including (but not limited to) sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and serious youth violence.
  • By understanding the indicators of abuse and neglect, we can respond to problems as early as possible and provide the right support and services for the child and their family.

7. Child Protection Procedures

  • Streetz Ahead recognises that some children have additional or complex needs and may require access to intensive or specialist services to support them.
  • Streetz Ahead adheres to the Haringey/Enfield/Barnet/Brent Safeguarding Children multi-agency partnership procedures (Local Authorities). More information about the LA procedures and additional guidance relating to specific safeguarding issues can be found here: https://www.londonscb.gov.uk/contacts/safeguarding-contacts/
  • All staff are aware of the process for making requests for support referrals for statutory assessments under the Children Act 1989, along with the role they might be expected to play in such assessments.
  • Streetz Ahead recognises that in situations where there are immediate child protection concerns identified in line with Support Level Guidance, it is NOT to investigate as a single agency but to act in line with LA guidance which may involve multi-agency decision making.
  • If a child is in immediate danger or is at risk of harm, a request for support should be made immediately to Integrated Children’s Services and/or the police in line with LA procedures.
  • The DSL may seek advice or guidance from a social worker at the LA’s Safeguarding

Team service who are the first point of contact for Integrated Children’s Services (ICS).

  • In the event of a request for support to the LA’s Safeguarding Team being necessary, parents/carers will be informed and consent to this will be sought by the DSL in line with guidance provided by the LA. o Parents/carers will be informed unless there is a valid reason not to do so, for example, if to do so would put a child at risk of harm or would undermine a criminal investigation.
  • If the DSL is not immediately available to discuss an urgent concern, staff can seek advice from the Deputy DSL. They may also seek advice from the LA’s Safeguarding Team. If anyone other than the DSL makes a referral to external services, they will inform the DSL as soon as possible.
  • The DSL will keep all early help cases under constant review and consideration will be given to a request for support to the LA’s Safeguarding Team if the situation does not appear to be improving or is getting worse.
  • If, after a request for support or any other planned external intervention, a child’s situation does not appear to be improving, the DSL will ensure their concerns have been addressed and, most importantly, that the child’s situation improves.
  • During the process of signing up to Streetz Ahead, parents and carers are given the opportunity to consent to allow Streetz Ahead to share any photos and videos taken during rehearsals, performances and any other Streetz Ahead events. This includes media coverage.

8. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns, discussions and decisions, and reasons for those decisions, will be recorded onto The Streetz Ahead Safeguarding Google Drive. All disclosures and safeguarding concerns will also be reported via email to

safeguarding@streetzahead.org. The DSL will get a notification of this and will respond ASAP. A body map will be completed if injuries have been observed. o  If members of staff are in any doubt about recording requirements, they should discuss their concerns with the DSL. o           The Streetz Ahead safeguarding concerns flowchart and contact information has been passed around to all staff.

  • Records will be completed as soon as possible after the incident/event, using the child’s words and will be signed and dated by the member of staff. If there is an immediate concern the member of staff should consult with a DSL before completing the form as reporting urgent concerns takes priority.
  • Safeguarding records are kept for individual children and are maintained separately from all other records relating to the child in the school. Safeguarding records are kept in accordance with data protection legislation and are retained centrally and securely by the DSL. Safeguarding records are shared with staff on a ‘need to know’ basis only.
  • All safeguarding records will be transferred in accordance with data protection legislation to the child’s school, under confidential and separate cover. These will be given to the DSL and a receipt of delivery will be obtained.

9. Multi-Agency Working

  • Streetz Ahead recognises and is committed to its responsibility to work within the Haringey LA multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. The leadership team and DSL will work to establish strong and co-operative local relationships with professionals in other agencies in line with statutory guidance.
  • Streetz Ahead recognises the importance of multi-agency working and is committed to working alongside partner agencies to provide a coordinated response to promote children’s welfare and protect them from harm.

        10.     Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • Streetz Ahead recognises our duty to share relevant information with appropriate agencies in matters relating to child protection at the earliest opportunity.
  • All staff must be aware that they cannot promise confidentiality in situations which might compromise a child’s safety or wellbeing.
  • The DSL will disclose information about a student on a ‘need to know’ basis.
  • All members of staff must be aware that whilst they have duties to keep any information confidential, they also have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies to safeguard children.
  • The Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR do not prevent the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children safe. Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare and protect the safety of children (KCSIE 2020).

11. Complaints

  • Streetz Ahead has a Complaints Procedure available to parents, students and members of staff and visitors who wish to report concerns. This can be found on our website https://www.streetzahead.org/complaints-procedure/
  • All reported concerns will be taken seriously and considered within the relevant and appropriate process. Anything that constitutes an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer will be dealt with by our DSL and relevant members of staff.

12.Staff Induction, Awareness and Training

All members of staff have been provided with a copy of part one of ‘Working together to safeguard children’ (2018) which covers safeguarding information for all staff.

o General Managers, Directors and DSLs will read the entire document. o  All members of staff will be advised to read the document. o       All members of staff have signed to confirm that they have read the Streetz Ahead safeguarding policy and the DSL has signed to confirm their understanding.

  • The DSL will ensure that all new staff and volunteers (including agency and third-party staff) receive child protection training to ensure they are aware of Streetz Ahead internal safeguarding processes as part of their induction.
  • All staff members (including agency and third-party staff) will receive appropriate child protection training to ensure they are aware of a range of safeguarding issues. This training will include online safety and will take place at least annually.
  • In addition to specific child protection training, all staff will receive regular safeguarding and child protection updates at least annually, to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively. This will be delivered via staff training.
  • All staff members (including agency and third-party staff) will be made aware of Streetz Ahead expectations regarding safe and professional practice via the staff code of conduct policy.
  • The DSL will provide an annual report to the trustees detailing safeguarding training undertaken by all staff and will maintain an up to date register of who has been trained.

13. Safer Working Practice

  • All staff will be made aware of the professional risks associated with the use of social media and electronic communication (such as email, mobile phones, texting, social networking). Staff will adhere to relevant policies.

        14.    Staff Supervision and Support

  • Any member of staff affected by issues arising from concerns for children’s welfare or safety can seek support from the DSL.
  • The induction process will include familiarisation with child protection responsibilities and procedures to be followed if members of staff have any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
  • Streetz Ahead will provide appropriate supervision and support for all members of staff to ensure that:
    • All staff are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
    • All staff are supported by the DSL in their safeguarding role. o All members of staff have regular reviews of their own practice to ensure they improve over time.
  • The DSL will also put staff in touch with outside agencies for professional support if they so wish.

15. Safer Recruitment

  • Streetz Ahead is committed to ensure that we develop a safe culture and that all steps are taken to recruit staff and volunteers who are safe to work with our students and staff.
  • Streetz Ahead will follow relevant guidance from The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • The trustees and leadership team are responsible for ensuring that the school follows safe recruitment processes outlined within guidance.
  • Streetz Ahead maintains an accurate Single Central Record (SCR) in line with statutory guidance.
  • We advise all staff to disclose any reason that may affect their suitability to work with children including convictions, cautions, court orders, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
  • We will ensure that all staff and volunteers have read the staff behaviour policy/code of conduct and understand that their behaviour and practice must be in line with it.
  • Streetz Ahead will conduct online searches (including publicly available social media searches) as part of our due diligence during the recruitment process.

        16.     Allegations Against Members of Staff and Volunteers

  • Streetz Ahead recognises that it is possible for any member of staff, including volunteers, trustees, contractors, agency and third party staff (including supply teachers) and visitors to behave in a way that:
    • Indicates they have harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; o Means they have committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; o behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to children; or
    • behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.
  • All staff and volunteers should feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and potential failures in the Streetz Ahead safeguarding regime. The leadership team and DSL at Streetz Ahead take all concerns or allegations received seriously.
  • Allegations should be referred immediately to the DSL or General Manager who will contact the Local AuthorityDesignated Officer (LADO) to agree further action to be taken in respect of the child and staff member.
  • In the event of allegations of abuse being made against the DSL or General Manager, staff are advised that allegations should be reported to the chair of trustees who will contact the LADO.
  • All staff and volunteers should feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and such concerns will always be taken seriously by the leadership team.
  • All members of staff are made aware of the Whistleblowing. It is a disciplinary offence not to report concerns about the conduct of a colleague that could place a child at risk.
  • Staff can access the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline if they do not feel able to raise concerns regarding child protection failures internally.
    • Staff can call 0800 028 0285 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Friday) or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
  • Streetz Ahead has a legal duty to refer to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) anyone who has harmed, or poses a risk of harm, to a child, or if there is reason to believe the member of staff has committed one of a number of listed offences, and who has been removed from working (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity, or would have been removed had they not left. The DBS will consider whether to bar the person.
    • If these circumstances arise in relation to a member of staff at Streetz Ahead, a referral will be made as soon as possible after the resignation or removal of the individual in accordance with advice from the LADO.

17.Safeguarding Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

  • Streetz Ahead acknowledges that children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities can face additional safeguarding challenges as they may have an impaired capacity to resist or avoid abuse.
  • Streetz Ahead will ensure that children with SEN and disabilities, specifically those with communication difficulties will be supported to ensure that their voice is heard and acted upon.
  • Members of staff are encouraged to be aware that children with SEN and disabilities can be disproportionately impacted by safeguarding concerns, such as bullying and exploitation.
  • All members of staff will be encouraged to appropriately explore possible indicators of abuse such as behaviour/mood change or injuries and not to assume that they are related to the child’s disability and be aware that children with SEN and disabilities may not always outwardly display indicators of abuse. To address these additional challenges, Streetz Ahead will always consider extra pastoral support for children with SEN and disabilities.

        18.     Child on child Abuse

  • All members of staff at Streetz Ahead recognise that children are capable of abusing their peers. Streetz Ahead believes that abuse is abuse and it will never be tolerated. All victims will be taken seriously and offered appropriate support, regardless of where the abuse takes place.
  • Streetz Ahead recognises that peer on peer abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to: o bullying (including cyberbullying)
    • physical abuse which can include hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm
    • sexual violence and sexual harassment
    • ‘upskirting’, which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or cause the victim humiliation, distress or alarm
    • sexting (also known as youth produced sexual imagery) o initiation/hazing type violence and rituals.
  • Staff and leadership are mindful that some child on child abuse issues may be affected by gender, age, ability and culture of those involved.
  • All allegations of peer on peer abuse will be recorded, investigated, and dealt with.

19. Gangs, County Lines, Serious violence, Crime and Exploitation

  • Streetz Ahead recognises the impact of gangs, county lines, serious violence, crime and exploitation. It is recognised that the initial response to child victims is important and that staff will take any allegation seriously and work in ways that support children and keep them safe.
  • All staff have been trained and recognise the need to be vigilant for the signs that may include, but not exclusively:
    • Unexplained gifts/new possessions – these can indicate children have been approached by/involved with individuals associated with criminal networks/gangs.
    • Children who go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late o Children who regularly miss school or education or do not take part in education o Change in friendships/relationships with others/groups
    • Children who associate with other young people involved in exploitation o Children who suffer from changes in emotional well-being o Significant decline in performance
    • Signs of self-harm/significant change in wellbeing o Signs of assault/unexplained injuries

        20.    Mental Health

  • All staff will be made aware that mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation. Staff are aware of how children’s experiences can impact on their mental health, behaviour and education.
  • Staff are well placed to observe children day-to-day and identify those whose behaviour suggests that they may be experiencing a mental health problem or be at risk of developing one.
  • If staff have a mental health concern about a child that is also a safeguarding concern, immediate action should be taken by speaking to the DSL or a deputy.

        21.    Online Safety

  • It is recognised by Streetz Ahead that the use of technology presents challenges and risks to children and adults both inside and outside of school. Streetz Ahead will empower, protect and educate the community in their use of technology and establish mechanisms to identify, intervene in, and escalate any incident where appropriate.
  • Streetz Ahead identifies that the breadth of issues classified within online safety is considerable, but can be categorised into three areas of risk: o content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful material; for example, pornography, fake news, racist or radical and extremist views;
    • contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users; for example, commercial advertising as well as adults posing as children or young adults; and
    • conduct: personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm; for example, making, sending and receiving explicit images, or online bullying.
  • The DSL has overall responsibility for online safeguarding within the organisation but will liaise as necessary with other members of staff.
  • As an organisation, we have been given permission by parents/carers to share pictures and videos of our participants online. This can only be done through the official Streetz Ahead social media pages and not through personal accounts. Anyone sharing images and videos on social media from events must have every child’s parent’s/carer’s permission before posting online. If permission is not granted, Streetz Ahead will contact the individual and instruct them to remove all pictures/videos immediately.

Where children are asked to learn online at home in response to a full or partial closure:

  • Streetz Ahead will ensure any remote sharing of information, communication and use of online learning tools and systems will be in line with privacy and data protection requirements.
  • All communication with students and parents/carers will take place using communication channels that have been provided or approved by the organisation; for example, email accounts and phone numbers and/or agreed systems e.g. Zoom ο Any pre-existing relationships or situations which mean this cannot be complied with will be discussed with the DSL.
  • Staff and students will be encouraged to report issues experienced at home and concerns will be responded to in line with our child protection and other relevant policies.
  • Parents/carers will be made aware of what their children are being asked to do online, including the sites they will be asked to access. Streetz Ahead will continue to be clear who from the organisation their child is going to be interacting with online.
  • Parents/carers will be encouraged to ensure children are appropriately supervised online and that appropriate parent controls are implemented at home.

        22.    Security

  • All members of staff have a responsibility for maintaining awareness of buildings and grounds security and for reporting concerns that may come to light. Staff will be expected to adhere to any safety arrangements implemented because of Covid-19 restrictions.
  • Appropriate checks will be undertaken in respect of visitors and volunteers when working alongside the organisation. Visitors will be expected to sign in and out via the general manager and to display a visitor’s badge whilst with us. Visitors will be expected to adhere to any safety arrangements implemented because of Covid-19 restrictions.
  • Any individual who is not known or identifiable on site should be challenged for clarification and reassurance.
  • Streetz Ahead will not accept the behaviour of any individual (parent or other) that threatens the organisation’s security or leads others (child or adult) to feel unsafe. Such behaviour will be treated as a serious concern and may result in a decision to refuse access for that individual to take part in future Streetz Ahead events.

Appendix 1: Categories of Abuse

All staff should be aware that abuse, neglect and safeguarding issues are rarely standalone events that can be covered by one definition or label. In most cases multiple issues will overlap with one another.

Abuse: a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. It should be noted that abuse can be carried out both on and offline and be perpetrated by men, women and children.

Sexual abuse: involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Signs that MAY INDICATE Sexual Abuse

  • Sudden changes in behaviour and performance
  • Displays of affection which are sexual and age inappropriate
  • Self-harm, self-mutilation or attempts at suicide Alluding to secrets which they cannot reveal
  • Tendency to cling or need constant reassurance
  • Regression to younger behaviour for example thumb sucking, playing with discarded toys, acting like a baby
  • Distrust of familiar adults e.g. anxiety of being left with relatives, a childminder or lodger
  • Unexplained gifts or money
  • Depression and withdrawal
  • Fear of undressing for PE
  • Sexually transmitted disease
  • Fire setting

Physical abuse: a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Signs that MAY INDICATE physical abuse

  • Bruises and abrasions around the face
  • Damage or injury around the mouth
  • Bi-lateral injuries such as two bruised eyes
  • Bruising to soft area of the face such as the cheeks
  • Fingertip bruising to the front or back of torso
  • Bite marks
  • Burns or scalds (unusual patterns and spread of injuries)
  • Deep contact burns such as cigarette burns
  • Injuries suggesting beatings (strap marks, welts)
  • Covering arms and legs even when hot
  • Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts.
  • Injuries need to be accounted for. Inadequate, inconsistent or excessively plausible explanations or a delay in seeking treatment should signal concern.

Emotional abuse: the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

Signs that MAY INDICATE emotional abuse

  • Over reaction to mistakes
  • Lack of self-confidence/esteem
  • Sudden speech disorders
  • Self-harming
  • Eating Disorders
  • Extremes of passivity and/or aggression
  • Compulsive stealing
  • Drug, alcohol, solvent abuse
  • Fear of parents being contacted
  • Unwillingness or inability to play
  • Excessive need for approval, attention and affection

Neglect: the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Signs that MAY INDICATE neglect.

  • Constant hunger
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Constant tiredness
  • Inadequate clothing
  • Frequent lateness or non-attendance
  • Untreated medical problems
  • Poor relationship with peers
  • Compulsive stealing and scavenging
  • Rocking, hair twisting and thumb sucking
  • Running away
  • Loss of weight or being constantly underweight
  • Low self esteem

Appendix 2: National Support Organisations

The following links may help DSLs provide further advice and support to their learners, staff and parents/carers.

Support for staff

Support for Learners

Support for adults

Support for Learning Disabilities

Domestic Abuse

Honour Based Abuse

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/496415/6_1639_HO_SP_FGM_mandatory_reporting_Fact_sheet_Web.pdf ● Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information: www.gov.uk/government/publications/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilati on-procedural-information

Contextual Safeguarding, Peer on Peer abuse, Sexual Exploitation and Criminal Exploitation:

Substance Misuse

  • We are with you (formerly Addaction):

www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/kent-for-young-people/

Mental Health

Online Safety

Radicalisation and hate