MANAGING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN
Bolton’s “First steps” flowchart (see below) is displayed around our building and will be followed in the event that there is an allegation about a member of staff, supply teacher, volunteer or contractor.
We will not wait to act if a student is at risk of significant harm, we will immediately contact the Police or Integrated Front Door.
We will also contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Staff who are the subject of an allegation
When an allegation is made against a member of our team, set procedures must be followed. Staff who are the subject of an allegation have the right to have their case dealt with fairly, quickly and consistently and to be kept informed of its progress. Suspension is not mandatory, nor is it automatic but, in some cases, staff may be suspended where this is deemed to be the best way to ensure that students are protected. Arrangements will also be made to support the member of staff against whom an allegation has been made.
A tracking form has been devised to record allegations of professional abuse. The form also allows for the recording of outcomes and lessons learned.
Transferable risk
Where a member of staff or volunteer is involved in an incident outside of work which did not involve children but could have an impact on their suitability to work with children, we will consider what triggered these actions and could a student trigger the same reaction, therefore being put at risk.
Allegations against staff will be reported to the head teacher. Allegations against the headteacher will be reported to the chair of governors.
Low Level concerns
We promote an open and transparent culture in which all concerns about all adults working in or on behalf of St. Peter’s CE Primary, Farnworth, (including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors) are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
What is a Low Level Concern?
The term ‘low-level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant. A low-level concern is any concern – no matter how small, and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ – that an adult working in or on behalf of the school or college may have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work and does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO.
Low level concerns will be reported to the headteacher or DSL. The Headteacher will always be made aware and make the final decision on how to respond. Consultation will be made with the LADO if it is unclear if it is a low level concern or the concern meets the harm threshold. Any repeated concerns or allegations which do not meet the harm threshold which have all be found to be false, unfounded, unsubstantiated or malicious will not be included in any reference. Substantiated safeguarding allegations that meet the harm threshold will be included in references.
See Part Four, section two of KCSiE.
More information on Managing Allegations can be found here.
For further information on managing allegations against staff contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Lisa Kelly – LADO@bolton.gov.uk
