Documenting safety and welfare issues

[TheOrigBrave]

I am a parent of a primary school child.

It is my understanding that if a child confides in a teacher, the teacher must document the discussion.

Is this also the case if the parent was present during that discussion?

Thank you

There are people in schools who’s job it is to do the documenting - the designated safeguarding lead. All staff have training but most of us just have it at a first level whilst the leads will attend more in depth training. Depending on the nature of the issue, we are sometimes asked to pass on information immediately without writing it down (and then may write it up later), or we may send an email with a lesser concern as a method of making sure there is a full picture. For one particular issue we are told to go straight to the Police, do not pass go, do not collect £200. A class teacher would not themselves usually compile a dossier of information on a child, although again depending on the problem, may make regular reports in writing or verbally to the lead person. If a parent has been involved in a discussion which is a safeguarding concern, that fact wouldn’t change anything in terms of the school’s reporting/documenting. It may speed up the process for the child - for example, if a child was considered at risk in some way and the parent knowing the schools had concerns made that risk worse. As a general rule, involving parents, at least initially, is a no-no because of potential problems for the child.

Thank you very much, that's useful.

What happened.
DS2 spoke about his concerns staying with his father (my ex) to a teacher he trusts.
Teacher spoke to head (who is the lead SG person). I don't know exactly what the teacher said.
Head said it wasn't a SG issue.
I need documentation that the conversation happened and what was said.

Should that have happened at the time. AIBU to ask for that?

FWIW, the teacher he spoke to was out of her depth. Without realising there is a court order in place stating when DS stays with his father, she said, in front of DS, that she would not send her son in those circumstances. Then trotted back and said there weren't SG issues.

Now, unless there are SG issues I'm on my own until we go back to Court (in process). It's OK, I know I am doing the right thing, but I really need something other than just what DS says to me. It took him ALOT of courage to talk to his teacher.

I believe there are SG issues. It's emotional abuse which (I know in my own bitter experience) is much harder to fight against than physical abuse.

nb the conversation between my son and the teacher I mean, not the one between teacher and head.

Assuming the courts orders reports, CAFCASS will want to speak to the school. The school will pass on what he has told them I’m sure. I am personally very aware of issues of this nature because I have been through it but some teachers don’t understand and do make silly comments - my children’s head told me she would never have allowed her child to see my ex. Very helpful. Not.

Thank you. I have received a letter from the teacher he spoke to, detailing what DS2 said to her. All good.