Managing allegations

MANAGING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN

Bolton’s “First steps” flowchart (below) is displayed around our building and will be followed in the event that there is an allegation about a member of staff.  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 head teacher will be reported to the chair of governors.

Low Level concerns

Low level concerns will be reported to the HT, who will record this. These will kept separate to personnel files and will not be shared or transferred unless further concerns are raised which would require consultation with the LADO.  See Part Four, section two of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 KCSiE.

More information on Managing Allegations can be found here.

The LADO referral form can be found here.

Greater Manchester Safeguarding Board 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 – 01204 337474 [email protected]