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3. Reporting and Managing Incidents
3.1 Unusual incidents
Any unusual incidents, no matter how small, should be reported on an Incident Report Form. This should include any events that occurred that were not planned for. This also includes any contact with a child that was not expected to occur e.g. one to one contact or contact that the parent has not given consent for. A written record should be made of what has happened as this will help to protect you if any allegations then arise. Any witnesses to the incident should be asked to sign the form. You should pay particular care to any incidents that could make you vulnerable if they were misinterpreted, e.g. a child gets wet and you need to change their clothes.
3.2 Handling disclosures
Disclosures refer to details of abuse that has occurred. If a child discloses information to you, you have a legal obligation to report it. You should not trivialise any information the child tells you nor pass judgement on the child. You should not press the child for evidence or cross-examine them. Explain to the child that other people may have to be told of the disclosure but confidentiality will be maintained on a need to know basis. It is not the responsibility of anyone working in the University to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities. A report should be written recording the details of the disclosure. This should be reported to the Social Services via the College Dean/Head of Service. Any information subsequently passed to the Social Services or the Police must be as helpful as possible, hence the necessity for making a detailed record at the time of the disclosure/concern.
Is it safe to take the child home? If possible, check with the child’s teacher, it may be that it is something they are already aware of. It is only safe to take the child home if the disclosure involves previously known abuse. If you feel you cannot return the child home you should call emergency social services (please keep your College Dean/Head of Service informed).
3.3 Inappropriate behaviour
You will be aware of what behaviour is acceptable or not and use your own judgement as a responsible adult. Remember that as the adult in charge, you become the child’s role model. Identify the inappropriate behaviour with the child and inform your colleagues so that all staff are aware of the child’s behaviour. Remember to be careful of what you say or do that could create a false impression or be misinterpreted.
All suspicious cases of poor practice should be reported to Social Services via the College Dean/Head of Service in the first instance.
