GHS PASTORAL CPD
SAFEGUARDING AND MANAGING DISCLOSURES
As a teacher or member of staff, the safeguarding of all pupils is our highest priority. Every member of our school community has a role to play in ensuring school is a safe place and one in which we promote the welfare of all children. Strong pastoral care is of paramount importance. Through regular safeguarding training, staff should be confident in identifying concerns, know how to share information and report their concern and take prompt action in accordance with the policy. Staff should have read both the school policy and Keeping Children Safe in Education Part One - the links of which are below. The policy includes contact details for members of staff inside school, within United Learning and external helplines and details of when and why these might be used.
Key points to remember:
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Any concern about a pupil should be recorded using the pupil information system. The system alerts the relevant members of staff to be able to deal with your concern.
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Never promise confidentiality. A disclosure of any sort must always be passed on to a safeguarding member of staff.
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During a disclosure, listen carefully and avoid using leading questions.
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When possible, write down exactly what has been said. If you can't do this during the disclosure, do so immediately afterwards - and make this a priority - including as much detail as possible. Never paraphrase what has been said to you - this is of particular importance with Junior School children.
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Never think 'what if I'm wrong' - always consider 'what if I'm right'. Maintain the mantra 'it could happen here'.
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Please also consider your own emotional needs. Managing a disclosure may be difficult. If need be, ask for further support.
