1. Introduction Despite all efforts to recruit safely there will be occasions when allegations of abuse against children are raised. It is essential that any allegation of abuse made against a teacher or other member of staff or volunteer, including a governor of the school, is dealt with fairly, quickly and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for the child, and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation. This procedure is drawn up taking account of the following guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 London Protection Procedures 2016 (5th Edition, Part A, Section 7) Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016 (Part Two and Part Four) 2. Scope This procedure applies to all employees employed by schools and academies For academies, all reference to the Headteacher should, where appropriate, be replaced with Principal/Head of School, and all reference to the Governing Body should, where appropriate, be replaced with the Academy Trust. Where the Headteacher is the subject of the allegation or concern, all reference to Headteacher be replaced with Chair of Governors. This procedure should be used in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a teacher or other member of staff (including a volunteer) in a school has: Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they would pose a risk of harm to children These behaviours should be considered within the context of the four categories of abuse (i.e., physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect). These include concerns relating to inappropriate relationships between members of staff and children or young people, for example:- Having a sexual relationship with a child under 18 if in a position of trust in respect of that child, even if consensual (see ss 16-19 Sexual Offences Act 2003)
1. Introduction Despite all efforts to recruit safely there will be occasions when allegations of abuse against children are raised. It is essential that any allegation of abuse made against a teacher or other member of staff or volunteer, including a governor of the school, is dealt with fairly, quickly and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for the child, and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation. This procedure is drawn up taking account of the following guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 London Protection Procedures 2016 (5th Edition, Part A, Section 7) Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016 (Part Two and Part Four) 2. Scope This procedure applies to all employees employed by schools and academies For academies, all reference to the Headteacher should, where appropriate, be replaced with Principal/Head of School, and all reference to the Governing Body should, where appropriate, be replaced with the Academy Trust. Where the Headteacher is the subject of the allegation or concern, all reference to Headteacher be replaced with Chair of Governors. This procedure should be used in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a teacher or other member of staff (including a volunteer) in a school has: Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they would pose a risk of harm to children These behaviours should be considered within the context of the four categories of abuse (i.e., physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect). These include concerns relating to inappropriate relationships between members of staff and children or young people, for example:- Having a sexual relationship with a child under 18 if in a position of trust in respect of that child, even if consensual (see ss 16-19 Sexual Offences Act 2003)
Allegations%20policy%20March%202018.docx