SAFEGUARDING AIDE MEMOIRE FOR ALL STAFF

It is everyones responsibility to identify concerns about a students maltreatment or welfare and where
necessary to share information so that appropriate action can be taken without delay

Introduction
The term safeguarding covers the arrangements that are designed to promote the well-being, as well as actions that
may be necessary to deal with abuse or maltreatment. This aide memoire is focused on the 4 Rs, which are:
recognising safeguarding issues; responding to what you have seen, heard or been told; recording the information you
gather; and ensuring that your concern is referred to the right person. This aide memoire summarises the key issues, but
all staff must still read and understand the EFC Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults and 14-16 Safeguarding
Policies and (as a minimum) Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Recognise
There are four main forms of abuse, but any unexplained change in a students behaviour and/or actions that are
inappropriate can be a cause for concern. Equally, any instance of parental or carer disinterest in a students well-being,
reluctance to explain anything out-of-the-ordinary and/or aggressive behaviour can also be reasons to be concerned.
The points below are not exhaustive and you will need to consider what you have seen, heard or has been disclosed to
you within the context of what you know about the student and their family. This will help you to avoid making
assumptions or jumping to any inappropriate conclusions.

Physical any unexplained Emotional any change in mood or behavior such as:
bruises or cuts aggression
burns or scars withdrawn
repeated injury anxiety or low self-esteem
Sexual Neglect*
sexual displays of affection hunger
genital pain or wetting a dirty or disheveled appearance
inappropriate comments (student or parents/carers) untreated medical conditions
* Some apparent signs of neglect such as clothing being in a poor condition - can be linked to low income, rather than neglect. Where this is the
case, it may be appropriate to help in other ways, such as by sign-posting students for financial support from the EFC One Stop team.

Respond
NEVER ignore what you have seen, heard or been told about
Always maintain confidentiality
Gather further information by asking open questions, such as Tell me more about.
Reassure the student that they are not to blame
Avoid saying anything judgemental
Never promise to keep a secret, as information may need to be shared with other people and organisations
Seek advice if you are not sure about how to proceed

Record
Your concerns on the Safeguarding Referral Form
Stick to the facts and record as much direct speech as possible
Avoid recording anything that could be described as your opinion

Refer
To Kerry Green, Head of Learner Support Services and Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Or Shaun Clifford, Learning Director C and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DDSO).