Part 4 - Allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff including supply teachers and visitors.

Managing allegations against staff (and other professionals)

4.1

The setting has robust policies and procedures on managing allegations against staff (for childminders - this includes themselves) supply staff, volunteers, visitors, and other adults that work directly with children (including foster carers)

The setting does not have clear procedures around managing allegations about staff.

There is a clear process of who is doing what and what evidence is gathered.

Designated safeguarding leads, headteachers/principals and governing bodies are aware of local procedures around how allegations made against teachers and other staff members are managed.

-          This includes the expectations to manage allegations for supply staff.

The setting has appropriate capacity to take proportionate action without compromising a statutory process. This can include undertaking an effective fact-finding investigation and accessing appropriate HR Advice.

There is evidence that relevant staff know when to contact the LADO how to seek advice and guidance.

There setting has a secure (separate to the child’s file) of where concerns about professionals are stored.

-          Mystery shop with staff.

-          Quality assurance of policies and procedures from governing body around timeliness of referral, proportionality, quality of paperwork (statements)

-          Quality of evidence is supported from CCTV and knowledge of systems available.

-          Wider cultures are evaluated and fedback into the safer working practice development.

-          There is evidence of a second opinion being obtained when there maybe professional disagreements.

4.2

The setting has capacity to undertake or commission a formal investigation when required.

There are limited resources and capacity for the setting to undertake an investigation when formally requested to.

Appropriate members of the senior leadership team and the governing body/proprietor or equivalent have had training in how to undertake an internal investigation (e.g. at the request of the LADO or due to a complaint).

There are many colleagues who can undertake a formal investigation if directed to.