Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Bromley Reform Synagogue (BRS)

Date:

1 December 2022

Review date:

1 December 2023

Author:

Moira Murray

Policy Agreed by:

BRS Trustee Board

Contents

Contacts

Policy Statement

Aim and Purpose of Policy & Procedures

Page 3 – 4

What does Safeguarding Mean?

Why is it Important?

Page 4 – 5

How to recognise a Safeguarding Concern

Procedures: What to do?

Action by the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead

Page 5 – 7

Page 8 – 9

Safer Recruitment

Page 9

Consent for Photography/Video

Page 9 – 10

Managing Allegations

Page 10 – 11

Appendices:

Appendix 1

Definitions of Abuse

Appendix 2

BRS Safeguarding Referral From

Appendix 3

BRS Consent to Photography/video

Appendix 4

BRS Code of Conduct

Page 12 – 18

Page 19 – 21

Page 22

Page 23

Contacts:

Designated Safeguarding Children Lead

Name: Moira Murray

Contact: 07795973622

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Children Lead

Name: Michelle Brooks-Evans

Contact: 07956234309

Introduction:

Policy Statement: Our Values and Commitment to Safeguarding Children

BRS has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for children and young people, staff and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care.

BRS believes that children and young people have the right to be completely secure from both the fear and the reality of abuse and we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people in our care from harm.

The welfare of children and young people is paramount to our community, and it is for this reason that BRS has a robust Safeguarding Policy and Procedure, to which all those engaged in working with children and young people are required to adhere.

Aim and Purpose of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

It is important to remember that the vast majority of people who work and engage with children do not seek to do them harm. There are, however, some who have a different motivation for being involved with children.

It is for this reason it is essential that all staff, volunteers and Trustees at BRS are aware of our safeguarding policies and procedures and attend safeguarding training to enable understanding and awareness of how best children can be protected, and their wellbeing promoted. This can only be achieved if everyone plays their part and recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

It is therefore so important that if you are concerned about a child or if you witness inappropriate and/or harmful behaviour that you share your concerns with the BRS Designated Safeguarding Children Lead or the Deputy Safeguarding Children Lead. Do not keep such concerns to yourself.

BRS is committed to ensuring it meets its responsibilities in respect to safeguarding children and young people by treating any allegation seriously and sensitively.

BRS will not carry out any investigation itself into a suspected child abuse incident. On learning of a disclosure and/or allegation, the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead will contact Bromley Children’s Services to report such concerns.

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/children-families/reporting-child-abuse Telephone: Monday – Friday 0208 461 73737/7379

Out of Hours: 0300 3088671

The aim of this Policy is to provide clear, uncomplicated guidance so that all those involved in BRS activities:

have an understanding of what safeguarding means
to raise awareness of the importance of providing a safe environment for children attending BRS activities
to recognise a safeguarding concern
to know what to do if you are concerned about a child who may be at risk of harm
to ensure that you, yourself, are not placed in a vulnerable situation
to ensure that you look after yourself and seek support when needed.

2 What does the term Safeguarding mean?

The NSPCC defines safeguarding as “the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.”

A Child: in the UK a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18^th

What is the difference between Safeguarding and Child Protection?

Safeguarding means:

protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
preventing harm to children’s health or development
ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child. It is the responsibility of Local Authority Children’s Services and on occasions, the Police, to investigate, assess and take action to protect children who are at risk of abuse and harm.

How to recognise a safeguarding concern?

Appendix 1 has a detailed list of terms and definitions of the kind of abuse and safeguarding concerns that can arise concerning children. The list is not definitive and has been put together to provide guidance as to the type of safeguarding concerns that may occur during activities at BRS and in our community. It is unlikely you will encounter most of the abuse described in Appendix 1, but it is possible that you may come across some issues concerning the wellbeing of a child/children.

Procedures: What to do if you suspect, witness, or receive a disclosure of abuse:

The following principles govern any suspected, witnessed or reported case of abuse:

Safeguarding Concern for a Child or Young Person:

Where concerns that a child or young person may be subject to abuse comes to the attention of BRS staff, volunteer, Trustee or member of the congregation they will report such information to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead at the earliest opportunity, within 24 hours if at all possible.

Staff, volunteers and Trustees are encouraged and supported to trust their judgement. If they suspect abuse has, or is taking place, any concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead. Remember safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility and it is important to share any concern that a child or young person may be suffering abuse and/or neglect than to keep such concerns to yourself.

Witnessing Concerning behaviour:

If you witness inappropriate behaviour by an adult or another child or young person, for example physical, sexual, emotional abuse, bullying or grooming towards a child or young person, you must immediately report this to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Children Lead. Where a child or young person is in immediate danger or risk of harm seek assistance from another member of staff or volunteer to intervene to remove the child or young person from the situation. However, do not put yourself at risk, but seek help.

Disclosure of abuse:

If a child or young person discloses abuse, ensure that you are in a safe space to listen to the disclosure.

Explain that you cannot keep the information a secret and it will need to be shared with the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead, as it is possible that the child or other children/young people may be at risk of harm.
If the child or young person then decides that they do not wish to disclose the information, do not pressure them further but inform the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead about what happened.
If a child or young person accepts that the disclosure will need to be shared, ask if they would agree to go with you to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead to discuss their concerns. This will minimise the number of times the disclosure needs to be made, and limit the distress caused to the child or young person.

In light of the above, if a child or young person decides that they wish to disclose a concern to you:

Stay calm and reassure the child or young person that you are there to listen to them
You are glad they told you
That you believe what you are being told
That it is not the child or young person’s fault
That you will do your best to protect and support them.

Dealing with disclosure – the 4 Rs

Receive

Reassure

Record

Refer

Receive

Listen to what is being said, try not to display shock or disbelief
Accept what is being said but do not comment upon it
Do not ask leading questions i.e. “what did s/he do next?” (this assumes s/he did something) or “did s/he touch your private parts?” such questions may compromise any criminal investigation that may arise.

Reassure

Confirm with the child or young person that you have correctly understood what they have said.
Reassure the child or young person but only as far as is honest and reliable, for example, don’t make a promise you may not be able to keep, such as “I’ll stay with you” or “everything will be okay”
Don’t promise to keep whatever they tell you a secret, you have a duty to refer
Do reassure and alleviate guilt if the child or young person refers to it
Do not criticise or comment on the alleged abuse or the alleged perpetrator.

Record and Refer

As soon as possible, a full written record of all incidents needs to be made and maintained in the incident record folder, using the BRS safeguarding recording referral form (see Appendix 2). It is vital that all safeguarding concerns are recorded on the same day.
Record as much detail as possible including names, addresses and contact information
Write the nature of the allegation, do not include your own assumptions. Stick to what was actually said/shown/described by the child or young person
Note any observations on behaviour or emotional state or injuries and bruises
Note the time, location and date of the disclosure and sign the record
Do not investigate the matter yourself, merely receive information and be ready to refer
Pass this information and verbal account to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead as soon as possible. It is your duty to refer this information, you cannot keep a secret.
Looking after yourself: witnessing abusive behaviour and listening to a disclosure of abuse can be difficult and disturbing. If you have been affected by what you have seen or heard, please speak to the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead.

Where there is concern that a child or young person is at risk of harm or neglect, the need to make a written record should not delay referral or any other action.

Where a child or young person is at risk of immediate harm, dial 999 and ask for Police, and if appropriate seek immediate medical assistance.

Action Required by the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead

A key principle of safeguarding children is that the safety and welfare of the child or young person overrides all other considerations.

At all times, the safety, protection and interests of the child or young person concerned will take precedence. Staff and volunteers will work with and support parents and carers as far as they are legally able.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will record all the decisions, actions, monitoring or referrals and date and sign them.

Care will be demonstrated in distinguishing between fact and opinion when recording suspected incidents of abuse.

Where appropriate, professional advice will be sought from the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead as to whether a referral is required to Bromley Children’s Services and/or the Police.

All records will be kept in a locked and secure place and passed to relevant agencies by the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead. Any electronic records will be kept secure and where necessary ‘password’ protected. Access to such information should be limited to those who ‘need to know’, i.e. the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Children Lead, the Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding, and where appropriate the Rabbi.

Staff and volunteers will ensure that all concerns and allegations are treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

If an allegation is made against the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead, the BRS Education Committee Chairperson will be informed immediately. They will then assume responsibility for the situation.

It is essential that the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead manages all safeguarding issues to ensure:

Valuable information is collated and managed by one person
It is BRS raising the concern not the individual who witnessed the incident or to whom an allegation was disclosed. This avoids creating sensitive and difficult situations, especially with parents or within the tight knit community of BRS.
Confidentiality is maintained and others are only informed on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Statutory agencies have a single point of contact.
The BRS Safeguarding Trustee is made aware of any safeguarding incident immediately. BRS is a registered Charity and is required by the Charity Commission to be informed of any safeguarding concerns arising.
Similarly, the Board of Trustees is responsible for reporting a Serious Incident concerning safeguarding children to the Charity Commission.
Should an allegation come to the attention of the media, there is a single point of contact and an agreed response, in collaboration with statutory agencies and the Board of Trustees.

Safer Recruitment

Recruiting staff and volunteers

Having a wide range of safer recruitment practices in place will discourage those who have the potential to cause harm from seeking to work or volunteer for BRS. It is therefore important that all reasonable steps are taken to make sure that those who are recruited to work or volunteer are suitable and appropriate.

It is vital that staff and volunteers are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and in creating an environment where anyone feels able to raise a concern and feels supported in their safeguarding role.

It is therefore essential that:

Role description and application form are used when seeking to appoint volunteers.
The role takes account of what level of DBS check is required.
Two references for staff and volunteers are requested, which include questions about their suitability and ability to work with children and young people.
During interview ask about the person’s motivation to work or volunteer with children and young people and emphasise the commitment of BRS to ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Consent for photographs/images to be used by BRS

Before any photographs or videos can be taken with the intention of use by BRS, the consent from the parent/carer of a child, or where appropriate a young person themselves, if over 16, must be obtained. The purpose of using the photograph/video must be explained, and informed consent must be obtained from the subject. This is because if a photograph or video is to be used by BRS any risk to a child or young person needs to be taken into consideration. For example, if a parent has been subject to domestic abuse and their whereabouts, and that of their children needs to remain confidential, any information which may reveal their location cannot be put into the public arena.

The consent form and accompanying guidance must be use before any photographs or videos can be taken, displayed or uploaded onto the internet. See Appendix 3

Managing Allegations or Concerns against staff or volunteers

Any allegation or concern that a member of staff or volunteer at BRS has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or young person will be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively and promptly, regardless of where the alleged incident took place.

This may involve:

The police investigating a possible criminal offence.
Local Authority Children’s Services making enquiries and/or assessing whether a child or young person is in need of support.
A referral being made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in respect of a member of staff (and in some cases a volunteer).
Disciplinary procedures being invoked against the individual concerned.
If an individual resigns from their post or refuses to cooperate with the process, this will not prevent an allegation being followed up.
- If a member of staff or volunteer is accused of any form of child abuse, they will be interviewed immediately by the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead and another staff member. The person accused may choose to attend the interview accompanied by a friend or colleague. If the allegation is against the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead, that person will be interviewed by the BRS Education Committee Chairperson and another staff member. The person against whom the allegation is made will be informed of the allegation and will immediately be suspended on full pay, where appropriate, while an investigation is made. Where an individual is subject to a criminal investigation, this procedure will not be undertaken, prior to discussion with and the agreement of the Police.

‘Settlement agreements’ (where a person agrees to resign, and the employer agrees not to pursue disciplinary action) will not be implementedby BRS in cases of alleged abuse.

Confidentiality and Support

Every effort will be made to maintain the confidentiality of all parties while an allegation or concern is being investigated.

Support will be provided to the children and young people involved, their parents or carers, and individuals who have had an allegation made against them. This includes:

telling parents or carers and the employee or volunteer concerned about the allegation as soon as possible (as long as this does not place any children at further risk of harm or compromise any criminal investigation)
telling them how we are going to manage the allegation
keeping everyone informed about the progress and outcomes of the case.
- Legal Duty to refer unsuitable people to criminal records agencies

For BRS staff and volunteers who are involved in regulated activities or work with children, we have a legal duty to refer anyone who has either:

left BRS
or moved to a role which does not involve regulated activity, because they harmed or might have been at risk of harming a child.
- Regardless of whether the person was dismissed, moved roles, or left of their own accord, a referral needs to be made to the relevant disclosure and barring agency. Failure to do this is a criminal offence.

Regulated activity providers in England, Northern Irelandand Wales use the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to make referrals. Organisations in Scotland use Disclosure Scotland. Both agencies are aligned and recognise each other’s decisions. A person who is barred from working with children in one nation will be barred across the UK.

A report to other appropriate regulatory bodies might also be made. These could include:

regulators (for example the Charity Commission in England, Northern Irelandand Wales)
regulators for particular professions (for example the Teaching Regulation Agency in Englandand Wales or the General Teaching Council in Northern Ireland and Scotland).

For further information see:

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/managing-allegations-of-abuse

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Appendix 1

Definitions of Child Abuse:

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child/ young person. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent/carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child/ young person whom they are looking after. Self-harm also comes under the category of physical abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child/ young person such as to cause persistent adverse effects on the child/ young person’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child/ young person that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being posed on a child/ young person. It may involve causing a child/ young person to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children/ young people. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all forms of ill treatment of a child/ young person, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child/ young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child/ young person is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape) or non- penetrative acts. They may involve non-contact activities, such as involving children/ young people in looking at, or in the production of pornographic material or watching sexual activities or encouraging children/ young people to act in sexually inappropriate ways.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child/ young person’s basic physical and psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child/ young person’s health or development. It may involve a parent/ carer failing to provide adequate food, heating, shelter and clothing, failure to protect a child/ young person from physical harm or danger or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of or unresponsiveness to a child/ young person’s basic emotional needs.

These kinds of abuse and neglect can exist in isolation or together, in various combinations.

Signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect

The following list is not exhaustive. The abuse and neglect of children physically, emotionally and sexually can have various derogatory effects on children and be manifested in infinitely different ways. The following does, however, show some of the more common signs and indicate situations when more expert advice should be sought.

Neglect:

Physical and emotional neglect:

Nutritional neglect that can lead to significant harm/ non-organic failure to thrive.
Failure to seek medical care or follow medical advice, which endangers the child’s life or development.
Failure to protect a child from physical or social danger for example children being left at home alone or generally being inadequately supervised by an adult.
Lack of stimulation, social contact or education where development is severely impaired.
The demonstration of high levels of criticism and a low level of emotional warmth.
Failure to provide appropriate standards of personal hygiene, clothing and physical comfort in the home, which can lead to medical problems or illness.
Anxious or avoidant attachment behaviour sometimes demonstrated by infants who lack confidence to explore their surroundings and constantly clings to their care giver. Infants who roam around aimlessly and seem extremely wary of what is happening around them. Infants in a state of frozen watchfulness.

Physical Abuse:

Careful consideration should be given to bruises around the eyes; symmetrical bruises are rarely accidental, although they can occur in head injuries.

A simple bruise could be the result of an accident or abuse.

Most accidental falls produce one or two bruises, usually to the front of a child, as they tend to fall forward, there may be marks on the hands where they have tried to break their fall.

It is relatively uncommon for accidental bruising to occur on the back of a child, or on the mouth, cheeks, behind the ears, on the stomach, chest, under the arms, or on the neck, genital or rectal area.

The following injuries are likely to be an indication of non-accidental injury.

Bruising in or around the mouth, especially in small babies.
Grasp marks on limbs and chest of a small child.
Finger mark bruising i.e. 3 or 4 small bruises on one side of the face and one on the other.
Different aged bruising on the buttocks.
Bites- human bites are oval and crescent shape. If the distance is more than 3 cm across they are likely to have been caused by an adult or child with permanent teeth.
Burns and scolds with clear outlines or those with a uniform depth over a large area. Splash marks above a main burn. Small round burns that may be cigarette burns.
Fractures- the most common fractures are to the long bones i.e. Arms, legs and ribs. It is very rare for a child under one year to sustain a fracture accidentally.
Scars- children may have scars but notice should be given of an exceptionally large number of differing age scars, unusual shaped scars, or large scars from untreated burns or lacerations.

Some indicators of Physical Abuse:

There is a delay in reporting the accident or getting treatment.
There is a discrepancy between the history and the physical signs.
More than one history/different stories are given about how the injury was sustained.
There is a history of previous injuries to the same child or siblings.
Other signs of poor physical care are evident.
The family is known to be under severe social stress.
Families where there is high criticism/ low warmth.

Sexual Abuse:

Forms of sexual abuse vary from inappropriate touching to full penetration. Children may be involved in or exposed to pornographic material or watching sexual activity.

Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Abuse

Genital soreness, injuries or discomfort.
Sexually transmitted disease, urinary or vaginal infection.
Sexualised play or behaviour.
Wetting/soiling.

Children and young people aged twelve years or above may additionally exhibit:

Depression
Eating disorders
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Suicide attempts
Self mutilation
School/peer/relationship problems
Obsessional behaviour

Children or young people who have been sexually abused may go on to abuse others if they do not receive appropriate therapeutic help or treatment. Children may be sexually abused by adults, adolescents or other children.

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse occurs when a child’s need for love, security, praise and recognition is not met. Emotional abuse usually co-exists with other forms of abuse. Emotionally abusive behaviour towards a child may consist of a parent or carer:

Being verbally hostile
Exhibiting rejecting behaviour
Making continual threats
Preventing social contact
Making threats and using forms of punishment that may be psychologically damaging
Consistently undermining a child
Scape goating a child
Conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved and/or inadequate
Imposing developmentally inappropriate exceptions on a child.

Children who are suffering emotional abuse may exhibit the following, which must be considered in the context of the parent/child relationship:

Excessively clingy or attention seeking behaviour
Very low self esteem
Fearfulness or excessively withdrawn behaviour
Despondency
Constantly seeking to please
Lack of appropriate wariness with strangers/over readiness to relate to anyone
Excessive self criticism
Anxious attachment/insecurity
Eating disorders of various kinds
Various other mental health problems

Domestic Abuse: What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are, or who have been in a relationship, regardless of gender or sexuality.

It can include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse.

The exposure of children to domestic abuse between parents/carers or the partner of a parent/carer, is considered child abuse. Children can be directly involved in incidents of domestic abuse, or they may be harmed by seeing or hearing abuse happening. Children in homes where there is domestic abuse are often also at risk of other types of abuse or neglect.

If you are concerned that a parent/carer, or a young person at BRS is experiencing domestic abuse or discloses to you that they are being abused, it is essential that your first concern is for their welfare and the wellbeing of their child/children. As with any safeguarding concern, it is important to discuss the situation with the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead.

Remember, given that domestic abuse is considered to be abuse of a child/children, if requested by a parent or carer to keep any disclosure of domestic abuse confidential, you cannot agree to do so. It is important that you do not find yourself in a compromising situation where you feel that you cannot disclose important information concerning the safety of a child, because of a relationship that has been formed with a parent or carer. The welfare of a child needs to be recognised as being of paramount importance.

Grooming Behaviours:

Grooming is when a person builds a relationship with a child, young person or an adult who’s at risk so they can abuse them and manipulate them into doing things.

The abuse is usually sexual or financial, but it can also include other illegal acts.

Types of grooming:

Grooming can take place online or in person and it can happen over a short or long period of time – from days to years.

Online:

Groomers are good at lying about who they are, particularly online where they can create a false identity and pretend to be younger than they are.

People can be groomed online through:

social media networks
text messages and messaging apps, like WhatsApp
email
text, voice and video chats in forums, games and apps

In person:

A groomer can be a stranger or someone the victim already knows and trusts, for example through a friend or family, or at a club they go to.

Signs of grooming:

It can be difficult to tell if someone is being groomed – the signs aren’t always obvious and may be hidden.

Some signs to look out for:

Are they being secretive about how they’re spending their time?
Do they have an older boyfriend or girlfriend?
Do they have money or new things like clothes and mobile phones that they can’t or won’t explain?
Are they drinking or taking drugs?
Are they spending more or less time than usual online or on their devices?
Do they seem upset or withdrawn?
Are they using sexual language you wouldn’t expect them to know?
Are they spending more time away from home or going missing for periods of time?

A person won’t know they’re being groomed, they will trust their abuser who is giving them lots of attention and gifts. Also, their groomer may have warned them not to talk to anyone about it.

Report it

Grooming is an offence. If you suspect a person is being groomed, even if you’re not sure, please tell someone.

If you think you’re being groomed, you should tell someone

https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/gr/grooming/

BRS Anti-Bullying Policy

At BRS, we respect every child/young person’s need for, and rights to, an environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available.

We ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed on our website for all to see.

Bullying will not be accepted or condoned. All forms of bullying will be addressed. Bullying can include:

physical pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc

name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and emotional torment through ridicule, humiliation and the continual ignoring of individuals

sectarian/racial taunts, graffiti, gestures sexual comments and/or suggestions unwanted physical contact.

Bullying of children and young people online and on social media will not be tolerated.

Children from ethnic minorities, disabled children, young people who are gay or lesbian, or those with learning difficulties are more vulnerable to this form of abuse and may well be targeted.

Everybody has the responsibility to work together to stop bullying – the teacher/volunteer, the parent/guardian, the child/young person.

At BRS we are committed to the early identification of bullying and prompt, collective action to deal with it:

Children and/or parents should discuss any bullying with the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead to see what can be done to stop it happening.
A decision may be taken to make a referral to Children’s Services where there are concerns for a child or young person’s health and wellbeing.

Useful websites concerning antibullying:

Anti-bullying Alliance: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

Childline: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

Parentline Plus: https://www.parentline.ie/

Policy and practice will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing needs and changes adopted by other agencies (e.g. schools/clubs)

Support to the child/young person

Children/young people should know who will listen to and support them

Any advice and assistance should be given by an experienced coach/volunteer

Children/young people should have access to Helpline numbers

Children/young people should be told what is being recorded, in what context and why

Systems should be established to open the door to children/young people wishing to talk about bullying or any other issue that affects them. Barriers to talking need to be broken down to enable children/young people to approach adults.

Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and be supported, whether it’s the child/young person being bullied or the child/young person who is bullying

Any reported incident of bullying will be investigated objectively and will involve listening carefully to all those involved

Children/young people being bullied will be supported and assistance given to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment which allows their healthy development

Those who bully will be supported and encouraged to stop bullying. However, persistent bullying may result in exclusion from certain activities until the behaviour is under control.

Sanctions involving long periods of isolation, or which diminish and make individuals look or feel foolish in front of others, should be avoided.

Appendix 2

Bromley Reform Synagogue Safeguarding Children Referral Form

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM WITHIN 24 HOURS PROVIDING AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE

Name

Position: staff/volunteer

Contact details:

Mobile:

Email:

Nature of Safeguarding Concern:

· Sexual

· Physical

· Neglect

· Emotional/Spiritual

· Domestic Abuse

· Other

Please indicate (there may be more than one category of concern):

Date and time concern was disclosed or witnessed:

Details of the safeguarding concern/incident: please provide as much information as possible, including where known:

· Details of the victim/person disclosing the concern, including name, age, contact details

· Details of the concern: Listen to what the victim says and write this down. Do not ask leading questions

· The name of the alleged abuser

· Any other children/adults who may be at risk, or who may have experienced abuse

Action taken:

Reported to Designated Safeguarding Children Lead on:

Date:

Time:

Print Name:

Designation:

Signed:

Date and time:

For Use Only by the Designated Safeguarding Children Lead

Action Taken on receipt of referral:

Outcome:

Print Name:

Designation:

Signed:

Date and time:

Email address:

Mobile:

Appendix 3

Bromley Reform Synagogue Consent Form for Photographic Images/Video

In accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we will not permit photographs, video or other images of children/ young people or adults to be taken without consent. If the child is under 16, consent must be obtained from a parent/carer.

(If the child is over 16, it’s good practice to inform parents that photographs and/or videos of their child may be used if the child has given consent.)

BRS will take all steps to ensure these images are used solely for the purposes for which they are intended. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately, please inform us immediately.

Name of child

Age

Declaration of consent – child aged 16 or over
Please tick each box (or strike out what you do not consent to), then sign this form.
¨	I give permission for my photograph to be used within BRS for display purposes.
¨	I give permission for my photograph to be used within other printed publications.
¨	I give permission for my photograph to be used on BRS website.
¨	I give permission for my photograph to be used on BRS social media pages.
¨	I give permission for video of me to be used for training or analysis purposes.
¨	I confirm that I have read, or been made aware of, how these images or videos will be stored within BRS.
Signature		Today’s date
Declaration of consent – parent / carer of child under 16
Please tick each box (or strike out what you do not consent to), then sign this form.
¨	I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used within BRS for display purposes.
¨	I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used within other printed publications.
¨	I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used on BRS website.
¨	I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used on BRS social media pages.
¨	I give permission for video of my child to be used for training or analysis purposes.
¨	I confirm that I have read, or been made aware of, how these images or videos will be stored within BRS
Signature		Today’s date
Print name

Appendix 4

Code of Conduct to be updated and inserted