1.2 Explain The Importance Of Legislation Relevant To The Study

All people working with children should be familiar with and have a clear understanding of their settings policies and procedures so they know exactly who to turn to in any given situation.
If a Child makes an allegation of abuse to you, you must speak to the child calmly and explain to them that you are not able to keep the information to yourself, that you must take it to the person who is the designated safeguarding lead at your place of work. You must record everything that the child has said, using the language and words that they have used, not your own interpretation of what they have said, be specific with dates and times and sign it. You must then ensure it goes to the appropriate person and you must keep the information strictly confidential.
This may be the only input you have into the process or it may be at a later date that you are called upon to give evidence to support what has been recorded.
It will then be the responsibility of the safe guarding team to follow the correct procedures to make sure no harm or risk come to the child. If the child was making an allegation about somebody at home then social care would be contacted and they would follow certain procedures set down in their safeguarding policies.
Question: Question 16
Answer: Children have the right to be involved in decisions that are being made about them and should be kept fully informed of processes involving them, while also being allowed to express their own views and opinions.
Everything possible will be done to lessen the adverse effect an inquiry may have on a child and if possible a child will be allowed to remain at home with the family should the inquiry be about family. However this is not always able to happen and the welfare of the child is the priority. Parents and carers have the right to be kept informed throughout any process and to have their views heard and taken into consideration. If English is not their first language, or for the deaf they can have an interpreter made available to them before the investigation proceeds. They have the right to have all information gathered about their family held in the strictest confidence. Agencies will not share information with other people without their permission unless it is necessary for the safety and welfare of their child/children. They also have the right to seek legal advice if they feel it is
necessary.
Question: Question 17
Answer: Physical bullying; This can be anything that has physical contact between one individual to another and any form of violence or threats.
E.g. pushing, kicking, hitting, biting, poking, choking, slapping or pinching.
Verbal bullying: This is usually done to somebody by somebody that they know or have contact with them via friends or others. Verbal bullying is when somebody says something that is hurtful to another person to cause deliberate upset; this can include name calling, insults, and spreading rumours, persistent teasing, gossiping, and talking about someone behind their back, saying hurtful things about their appearance, race and colour.
Emotional bullying: This is usually done by somebody that is known to you or you have contact with via friends or others. When they verbally tell you things that make you feel bad about yourself, this can be by putting you down or making you scared. This may be done on purpose or without realising that they are doing or saying things that are making you feel bad about yourself.
Cyber bullying: This is the use of information and communication technology, such as mobile phones and the internet, deliberately to upset
someone.
It could be by one person or a group and it could be a person or people you may know or a random person/people that have gained access to your contact details. It is communication using ICT equipment, e-mails, social networking sites, chat rooms etc or mobile phones.
The potential effects on children and young adults that are bullied can be wide reaching and sometimes drastic but some examples could be:
Poor academic achievement.
Children/young people scared of walking to and from school.
Attempt suicide.
Truanting from school.
A child becomes withdrawn, lacks confidence and starts to stammer.
The child becomes distressed, anxious or depressed. The child crying more or suffers nightmares.
The child suffers bruising, cuts, scratches etc.
They show aggressive tendencies.
They might turn their anger inward becoming self destructive. Delayed development.
Low self esteem.
Lacks confidence.
Mental health problems in children.