The NSPCC[1] lists abuse in these areas:
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Child sexual exploitation
- Child trafficking
- Criminal exploitation and gangs
- Domestic abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Grooming
- Neglect
- Non-recent abuse
- Online abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
If a child makes a disclosure to you:
- Reassure the child that telling someone was the right thing to do.
- If possible, ensure you are not alone with the child.
- Let the child tell you their whole story. Don’t quiz them but ensure you have a clear understanding of what they are telling you.
- Tell them that you now have to do what you can to keep them (or the child who is the subject of the allegation) safe.
- Tell the child what you are going to do and who you need to tell.
- As soon as is appropriate make notes of the conversation.
- Ask the child what they would like to happen as a result of telling you, but don’t make any promises you cannot keep.
- Give the child the ChildLine phone number 0800 1111
- As soon as is appropriate, urgently report to:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead, Rebecca Ledgard, 07377 437 502 rebecca@excathedra.co.uk
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Gemma King, 07985 646 921 gemma@excathedra.co.uk
- General Manager, Peter Trethewey, 07870 213 204 peter@excathedra.co.uk
- Trustee with designated responsibility for Safeguarding, John Clemson clemsonjf@gmail.com
- You may then be advised to contact Birmingham City Council Children’s Advice and Support Service (CASS) M-F 9-5pm 0121 303 1888 or 0121 675 4806 (out of hours)
- And when hosted by another organisation (school or hospital) the host’s Designated Safeguarding Officer.
- NSPCC HELPLINE 0808 800 5000
If the child needs urgent medical attention or is in immediate danger call the emergency services: 999
If you have a concern about a child urgently, report to Rebecca Ledgard, or if unavailable then Gemma King, or John Clemson – contact details above.
Always consider the 6 principles of Safeguarding:
- Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent
- Prevention: It is better to take action before harm occurs
- Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
- Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need.
- Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
- Accountability: Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice
Latest review: June 2024