WORKING WITH OTHER AGENCIES
SOCIAL CARE
Social Workers have a central role within the local authorities duty to promote, support and safeguard the wellbeing of all children in their area, and, insofar as is consistent with that duty, to promote the upbringing of children by their families by providing a range and level of services appropriate to children’s wellbeing needs.
The Local Authority has a duty to make enquiries under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 if they “have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm”. This investigation is carried out by a social worker and at times a joint assessment takes place with other professionals such as Police.
School can discuss concerns with duty social workers in the Children’s Hub for further advice and support.
LOCAL AUTHORITY DESIGNATED OFFICER (LADO)
If there are allegations against a member of staff, these must be reported immediately to the Headteacher. Where necessary, the LADO must be contacted as soon as possible or within one working day in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed, 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 may pose a risk of harm to children.
The LADO for Sunderland LA is Danielle Rose.
The LADO is responsible for:
- Providing advice, information and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations around allegations and concerns regarding paid and unpaid workers.
- Managing and overseeing individual cases from all partner agencies.
- Ensuring the child’s voice is heard and that they are safeguarded.
- Ensuring there is a consistent, fair and thorough process for all adults working with children and young people against whom an allegation is made.
- Monitoring the progress of cases to ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible.
- Recommending a referral and chairing the strategy meeting in cases where the allegation requires investigation by police and/or social care.
PLACE2BE
Benedict Biscop C.E. Academy are a rights respecting school and advocate that all children have a right to be heard. In order to support children to have a voice and ensure they are heard and listened to, school have worked with Place2Be to develop a supportive service in school called Room to Talk.
Room to Talk is a safe place for children to talk to a trusted adult about any difficulties they may be experiencing. Children are encouraged to find their own solutions and the adult’s role is to facilitate rather than to find an answer for child.
Children may access Room to Talk through self-referral or through staff signposting:
Children identifying themselves
Children have the opportunity to request a slot to talk with a member of the Room to Talk team about what they choose. This could be as individuals or as a small group.
As part of this initiative, children may talk about things that we need to discuss with yourselves. If this is the case we will contact you. However, if this becomes a disclosure, under Keeping Children Safe In Education guidance we may need to share information with the Academy’s designated safeguarding leads and policies will need to be followed.
Please note that this is NOT a counselling service but an opportunity for children to have access to designated support if they feel it is needed. This is in line with our school’s focus on supporting children to be resilient and mentally healthy and safe.
Children identified by class teachers
If a teacher has noticed anything in particular with a child in their class (for example, a dramatic change in behaviour/upset), they are able to request that the child has the opportunity to come talk to a member of staff on the Room to Talk team.
KIDSAFE
As part of our Personal Development curriculum [which follows statutory RHE guidance], our school follows the KIDSAFE safeguarding programme. This is a comprehensive, age-appropriate safeguarding programme with detailed lesson plans and training for facilitators, covering appropriate relationships, consent and consistent language [such as ‘trusted adult’].
WINN
WWIN are an independent registered charity that provide specialist domestic abuse services across Wearside. They provide a wide range of direct services to address the needs of adults, children, family members, friends and communities.
