If there is already a social worker assigned to this case -for safeguarding reasons, the social worker should be contacted. The pupil (subject to their age and understanding) and the parents will be told that a referral is being made, unless to do so would increase the risk to the child. Escalation/Professional Disagreement If the situation does not appear to be improving the school will press for reconsideration and if necessary follow WDSCB professional disagreement procedure. Any member of staff can refer to other agencies in exceptional circumstances i.e. in an emergency or when there is a genuine concern that action has not been taken. The DSL will fully participate in multi-agency work and meetings. Reports for meetings will be shared with parents, unless there is good reason not to and reports will be sent to the appropriate meeting chair if the DSL cannot attend in person. Referral to Police If a criminal offence occurs it will be necessary to contact the police on 101 or 999 as appropriate. If we believe a child is being radicalised we will refer to the Prevent police officer. Confidentiality and sharing information Staff will only discuss concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Headteacher or chair of governors (depending on who is the subject of the concern). That person will then decide who else needs to have the information and they will disseminate it on a basis. ‘need-to-know’ We will normally seek to discuss any concerns about a pupil with their parents. This must be handled sensitively and the DSL will be in the most informed position to make contact with the parent in the event of a concern, suspicion or disclosure. However, if we believe that notifying parents could increase the risk to the child or exacerbate the problem, advice will first be sought from Social Care Direct. The Seven Golden Rules for Safeguarding Information Sharing 2015 Data Protection/Human rights laws are not a barrier. Be open and honest. (unless unsafe or inappropriate) Seek advice. (anonymise if necessary) Share with consent if appropriate. Consider safety and wellbeing. Necessary, proportionate, relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and secure. Keep a record of decision and reason for it.
If there is already a social worker assigned to this case -for safeguarding reasons, the social worker should be contacted. The pupil (subject to their age and understanding) and the parents will be told that a referral is being made, unless to do so would increase the risk to the child. Escalation/Professional Disagreement If the situation does not appear to be improving the school will press for reconsideration and if necessary follow WDSCB professional disagreement procedure. Any member of staff can refer to other agencies in exceptional circumstances i.e. in an emergency or when there is a genuine concern that action has not been taken. The DSL will fully participate in multi-agency work and meetings. Reports for meetings will be shared with parents, unless there is good reason not to and reports will be sent to the appropriate meeting chair if the DSL cannot attend in person. Referral to Police If a criminal offence occurs it will be necessary to contact the police on 101 or 999 as appropriate. If we believe a child is being radicalised we will refer to the Prevent police officer. Confidentiality and sharing information Staff will only discuss concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Headteacher or chair of governors (depending on who is the subject of the concern). That person will then decide who else needs to have the information and they will disseminate it on a ‘need-to-know’ basis. We will normally seek to discuss any concerns about a pupil with their parents. This must be handled sensitively and the DSL will be in the most informed position to make contact with the parent in the event of a concern, suspicion or disclosure. However, if we believe that notifying parents could increase the risk to the child or exacerbate the problem, advice will first be sought from Social Care Direct. The Seven Golden Rules for Safeguarding Information Sharing 2015 Data Protection/Human rights laws are not a barrier. Be open and honest. (unless unsafe or inappropriate) Seek advice. (anonymise if necessary) Share with consent if appropriate. Consider safety and wellbeing. Necessary, proportionate, relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and secure. Keep a record of decision and reason for it.
2_SAFEGUARDING_PRACTICE_GUIDANCE_1819.docx