The child centred approach to safeguarding means that the child is involved in the process, meetings and asked their opinions. Their views and feelings are taken on, and sometimes challenged, as they would an adult. This means children develop the ability to discuss their views openly and with confidence. With regards to safeguarding this means recording any allegations made in the same way you would if they were made by an adult. My setting is very clear in its guidelines regarding how to record disclosures from children and young adults.
The student is not to be lead in anyway during a disclosure. The staff member should listen and not interrupt but if the opportunity arises they should reassure the student they have done the right thing. The staff member should not promise to keep the information confidential and explain to the student that for their safety they have to report the allegation to the Safeguarding Children and Young People Team as it is a legal duty. The staff member should simply establish the fact before passing them on. It is important at this stage to accept what the student is saying and once you’re clear that there is a real issue raise it with the Child Protection Officer. Our setting provides a form to fill out for this type of situation on which to record the conversation and any visible injuries on the student that may be relevant.
Any allegation that is passed on will need to be investigated and challenged as part of the process. Appropriate support for the student is provided during this process to ensure they feel supported throughout the process.
Explain the importance of having this procedure in place.
It is important that all staff members understand how to deal with any disclosure made for the emotionally and