Part 4 - Allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff including supply teachers and visitors.

Managing allegations against staff (and other professionals)

4.1

The setting has robust policies and procedures on managing allegations against staff (for childminders - this includes themselves) supply staff, volunteers, visitors, and other adults that work directly with children (including foster carers)

RED

The setting has procedures around managing allegations about staff but these are not localised and are not widely understood by members of staff. 

There is no reference to low level concerns in the setting's code of conduct. 

AMBER

Designated safeguarding leads, headteachers/principals and governing bodies are aware of local procedures around how allegations made against teachers and other staff members are managed.

There are clear references and practices that incorporate expectations for supply staff/contractors. 

There is clear reference to a low level concerns process. The setting has appropriate capacity to take proportionate action without compromising a statutory process. This can include undertaking an effective fact-finding investigation and accessing appropriate HR Advice.

There is evidence that relevant staff know when and how to contact the LADO how to seek advice and guidance when the harm test has been met. 

There setting has appropriate record keeping of concerns about professionals/staff (separate to the child’s file) of where concerns about professionals are stored.

GREEN - in addition to the AMBER

There have been attempts to quality assure the effectiveness of culture within the setting. E.g, walk throughs and mystery shops with staff.

The setting uses a variety of evidence is supported from CCTV and knowledge of systems available.

Governance reviews procedures around :

• timeliness of referral, proportionality, quality of paperwork (statements) on a termly basis. This can be done in partnership with HR. 
• Wider cultures are evaluated and fedback into the safer working practice development.

There is evidence of a second opinion being obtained when there maybe professional disagreements.

4.2

The setting has capacity to undertake or commission a formal investigation when required.

RED

There are limited resources and capacity for the setting to undertake an investigation when formally requested to.

AMBER

Appropriate members of the senior leadership team and the governing body/proprietor or equivalent have had training in how to undertake an internal investigation (e.g. at the request of the LADO or due to a complaint).

GREEN - in addition to the AMBER

There are many appropriate colleagues either on the governance, senior leadership team and or trust leadership who can undertake a formal investigation if directed to.