Child protection policy

[2boysnamedR]

Does anyone know what should happen if say for example a adult working in a children based work place threaten to hit a child? Is there a certain way these things legally need to be handled or can the work place say there is no evidence therefore no action will be taken?

Tell Ofsted everything.

Depends on the children based workplace, different rules in schools, play schemes, residential homes, voluntary projects etc. I'd expect there to be an investigation and the staff member to either be trained, reprimanded or warned depending on the circumstances.

As far as "there's no evidence" I think that would depend on the outcome of the investigation whether the staf member had followed usual protocols for staffing in their particular workplace (eg not being alone with a child in which case there would be a witness to the interaction).

Every organisation that deals with vulnerable people, children included must clearly state it's policies for handling these types of incidences. If it is a statutory provider, the LA will insist that the procedure is clearly written and followed. The organisation must make its "policies and procedures" available for all to access. The incident will be documented and how the investigation handled. It will remain "on file". The carers of the child have the right, as anyone does to contact the police. The organisation could, depending on the incident and normally would, to safeguard the staff member, as well as the child, tbh. It does depend on the details, though.

I am no expert on workplace child protection policy but i do know about child protection from the police/sw investigation side of things.

Although making threats is not good if it is an adult working with children there will be nothing to investigate as the child has not been physically harmed. The police will not be interested unless they have a crime to investigate.

It sounds to me like something a the workplace should deal with internally by talking to the member of staff involved to let them know this is unacceptable.

It might also depend on who witnessed this and what was actually said.

Do you have any more details of what happened?

Every place that deals with children or vulnerable adults will need a child protection policy which will have clear guidelines of what to do in such a situation. There will also be an appointed child protection officer so ask to talk to them, they need to remain impartial with the best interest of the child at the centre. I would go down this route first before involving ofsted.

Yes I agree that you should approach the centre first and ask to speak to the child protection officer or one of the managers.

Ask to see a copy of the child protection policy and follow procedures that are in place for investigation.

There is 'no evidence' unless there is either a witness or an admission of guilt. I've seen two teachers suspended whilst an investigation took place, both times totally unfounded, supported by CCTV that the incident never took place, but nonetheless both ended up full of anti-d's, one unable to return to work after break down over the stress of it all.

it was at independant sports club. I don't want to get into specifics as its the net. I went straight to the club. I was told that they belive it never happened, I had a meeting with them for about five minutes where the child protection person was there but they sat with their back to us (writting notes? I'm not sure). I haven't had their policy explained to me (they didn't mention a policy - I presume they must have one?) or what really was the point of calling the meeting. I was told that it can't be investigated as it would result in the person involved getting sacked which to me sounded strange. I would have thought there are steps to take in a investigation and the worse outcome is someone getting sacked? I don't know. My intention isn't for anyone to loose a job, just to know my child is safe. I don't really feel he is safe there now. They were very stern with me and my child and I feel uncomfortable asking to see their policy to make sure this has been at least noted down that I mentioned this. I really get the gist 'if you persue this, your ruining someones life'. So, not sure if these things are ever worth mentioning to anyone, and if I should get my son out of the club which he has been at for five years with no issue until now. I think that what I wanted them to do was reassure me my child is safe with them, but I came away feeling like I was in the wrong to raise it with them, I have wasted a lot of time and my son is a lier

They are being unreasonable. These policies exist to protect children! Clearly you are not in it to cause trouble! Ask for a copy of the policy as you are still not happy. Take time to read and then see what the procedure should be, it doesn't sound like they followed one. Sorry you've been made to feel crap, it's a horrible situation. No one will get sacked unless something has happened! You just have your sons best interest at heart. Regardless of what may or may not have happened, he had told you something and you need to follow it up. The club is being unprofessional by guilt tripping you.

If you are unhappy with the way they have handled it (and it sounds like you have been fobbed off) there is nothing to stop you reporting it yourself to your local safeguarding children's board and/or Ofsted. They are being ridiculous to say that the person will be sacked if they have to investigate. Advice from DfE guidance is that suspension (and therefore sacking) should be a last resort. It is perfectly possible to investigate whilst simply putting in place temporary measures to protect any children from potential harm until the facts are more clearly established i.e. not leaving member of staff alone with children. To be honest, if he/she did in all seriousness threaten to hit a child, they are not suitable to work with children.

I would also ask for a copy of their complaints policy as your concern has not been properly handled.