IRSC GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

The guidance documents on this page have been drafted by the National Network of Investigation and Referral Support Coordinators. The documents are © Copyright — IRSC Network 2005

Extracts from these documents may be reproduced without permission for non-commercial and training purposes provided that the IRSC Network is acknowledged as the source.

You may use the documents for other purposes provided you obtain written permission from the IRSC Network (See contacts)

Tool for reviewing arrangements for Safeguarding and Child Protection in LEAs. This document has been written to assist LEAs in reviewing arrangements for carrying out their functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced this new duty for LEAs, which was enacted in June 2004. The guidance 'Safeguarding Children in Education', DfES September 2004, outlines the arrangements that need to be in place to meet those duties.

Annual Report to the Governing Body on safeguarding children. This guidance aims to enable the creation of a a report for the Governing Body on safeguarding practice that enables it to monitor compliance with the requirements of 'Safeguarding Children in Education'. It also aims to help create a document that can be forwarded to the Safeguarding team of the LEA so that safeguarding practices in schools can be monitored and areas for support identified.

Designated Senior Person Information Pack. This pack has been produced for those newly appointed as the Senior Designated Person for Child Protection within a school. It provides signposts to the available advice and information needed when beginning this role, or perhaps when the member of staff is thinking about taking the role on. This pack does not replace the required training that must be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity.

A Self Review Tool for Safeguarding and Child Protection In Schools. This document has been written to assist Governing Bodies and Headteachers in reviewing arrangements for carrying out their functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced this new duty for governing bodies which was enacted in June 2004.

The guidance 'Safeguarding Children in Education', published in September 2004 outlines the arrangements that need to be in place to meet those duties (Reference should be made to 'Safeguarding Children in Education', DfES September 2004 http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrderingDownl oad/DfES-0027-2004.pdf )

Guidance for Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings

This document seeks to ensure that the duty of care towards pupils and staff is promoted by raising awareness of illegal, unsafe and unwise behaviour. It is hoped that it will also assist staff to monitor their own standards and practice. It also supports employers in giving a clear message that unlawful or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated and that where appropriate, legal or disciplinary action is likely to follow.

Managing the Aftermath of Unfounded and Unsubstantiated Allegations

This document is aimed primarily at LEA officers to advise Headteachers, Governors and managers who are faced with a child protection allegation against a member of staff.

Staff Subject to Allegations — Thresholds for and Alternatives to Suspension

This advice is aimed primarily at LEA officers to advise Headteachers, Governors and managers who are faced with child protection allegations against staff. This document sets out guidance on the use of suspension and considers a range of suitable, safe alternatives.

Definitions and Thresholds for Managing Allegations Against Education Staff

This guidance aims to assist LEA Lead Officers, Headteachers, Governors and Service Managers to interpret the current law and guidance and help ensure that all complaints and allegations against staff, where there is a child welfare concern, are dealt with appropriately.

Guidance for education staff facing an allegation of abuse

Central Staff Guidance and Leaflet

Schools Staff Guidance and Leaflet

These guidelines have been written in order to assist staff facing an allegation of abuse by providing an explanation of the process that will be followed and offering information about appropriate support and guidance. Separate guidance documents have been issued for school staff and central staff.

Allegations Against Staff in Education: Guidance for Staff Contributing to Strategy Discussions

This guidance and accompanying leaflet have been provided to enable education staff to make a full and informed contribution to strategy discussions i.e. those multi-agency discussions, convened by Social Services, to agree appropriate action where:

there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm, and/or
an allegation against a member of staff has been made