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��Child Protection and Safeguarding Training for North Ayrshire’s Children��August 2023 – June 2024 ��

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Many families will be under extra stress during the current period of austerity and increased poverty and there are real concerns that vulnerable children may be at even higher risk.

All North Ayrshire staff have an essential role to play a part to keep our children safe from harm. It’s more important than ever that we all keep our eyes and ears open.

If you see or hear something that doesn’t sound right, take action. If you’re at all concerned about a child’s welfare, do something – doing nothing is not an option. Everyone can help keep children safe.

What do we do?

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child or young person, please contact:

01294 310300 (Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 4:45pm and Friday 9.00am to 4:30pm)
Out of hours service on 0800 328 7758
If the child is in immediate danger contact the police by telephoning 101 or in an emergency 999

Worried about a child?

DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION

YOU MUST FOLLOW North Ayrshire Council Child Protection GUIDANCE that is to follow:

Talk to your establishment CP Co-ordinator or Childcare Hub Manager/Supervisor if you have concerns.

A few cases from the past . Warning these are graphic and staff to be warned before sharing.

Maria Colwell's death sparked a national outcry

Tragically, she couldn't be saved and was declared dead on January 7, 1973. Maria's death became a watershed moment for child safety in the UK- triggering major changes to how the authorities tackle child abuse. It emerged in her final 15 months, neighbours and teachers had repeatedly shared their concerns at Marie's wellbeing to social services. At the time of her death, she was under the supervision of the local authority in Brighton, who had visited her home on more than 50 separate occasions.

�Victoria Climbié was tied up and made to sleep in a bathtub. She was tied up for 24 hours a day and forced to sleep in a bin liner filled with her own excrement in a bath tub after the severity of her injuries rendered her incontinent. Victoria was also branded "Satan", burned with cigarettes and a hot tap, made to eat food like a dog and hit with bike chains, hammers, coat hangers and shoes.

Concerns were first raised in July 1999 when her babysitter's daughter suspected she was suffering from non-accidental injuries. She was taken to hospital but a doctor accepted Kouao's lies that Victoria was scratching at scabies sores. Medics did alert child protection authorities as a precaution but social workers cancelled a home visit. Eventually, Kouao stopped taking Victoria to hospital and instead turned to churches for her injuries - claiming the youngster had "demons" inside her. During this time, she called Haringey social services and said Manning had been sexually abusing Victoria before withdrawing the claim the next day. Social workers visited the home three times but after getting no answer, wrongly assumed Kouao had moved to France. They closed the case on February 25, 2000 - the day Victoria died. The girl was rushed to hospital suffering from hypothermia, weighing just three stone and 10 pounds and suffering 128 injuries. She died soon after and Manning and Kouao were caged for life after being convicted of murder. A public inquiry became the first in Britain to use special wide-ranging powers to look at everything from the role of social services to police child protection arrangements. It found there 12 occasions when the system could have intervened and potentially saved Victoria's life.

Baby P

Arguably one of the notorious child abuse deaths, Peter Connelly died in London aged just 17 months old after suffering more than 50 injuries. During an eight-month campaign of cruelty, he was seen 60 times by healthcare professionals and social workers.

Daniel Pelka – top middle picture

On March 3, 2012, four-year-old Daniel died after being severely battered by his mum Magdalena Łuczak and her partner Mariusz Krężołek. The pair had starved and tortured the little boy at their Coventry home - with his weight plummeting to just 1st 9lbs at the time of his death. Daniel had also suffered 22 different injuries - including ten to his head - and a fatal brain injury. It later emerged the youngster was locked in a room and forbidden to use the toilet by his captors. Daniel was also force-fed salt and made to perform squats as punishments. Łuczak claimed she was forbidden from feeding her son by Krężołek, who had tried to drown Daniel in a bath of cold water. A review into his death found police had been called 26 times to the family home following domestic violence and alcohol abuse incidents. Social workers easily accepted Łuczak's excuses for his injuries and a probe launched after Daniel broke his arm was closed in June 2011. Teachers began noticing the seriously underweight boy was stealing fruit from other pupils and eating food which had been thrown in the bin. A school nurse also noticed lumps on his head and finger marks around his throat and he had stopped interacting with fellow pupils. His weight by this point had dropped to under 2 stone and he had been force-fed salt by his evil captors. In his final hours, Daniel was left to die alone in a filthy box room after being bludgeoned.

Poppi Worthington died aged just 13 months. A sickening catalogue of abuse suffered by Poppi in her short life included horrific internal injuries, a broken leg, "significant" bleeding "caused by penetration and bruises to her throat. In January 2018, a coroner ruled that she was sexually assaulted before suffocating on a double bed. The tot's DNA was found on her dad's genitals, but a flawed police investigation failed to place him under arrest for eight months. Poppi's heartbroken mum wept as she revealed she heard her daughter scream out on the night of her death. Moments later, Worthington ran down the stairs with the lifeless tot in his arms after she suffered "significant" bleeding.

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

Tragic Arthur, six, was tortured to death by his dad Thomas Hughes and stepmum Emma Tustin after months of horrific abuse. He was segregated for 14 hours a day and forced to sleep on the floor in a brutal struggle that matched the “medical definition of child torture”. Arthur was also poisoned with so much salt he was too weak to even put up a fight against his torturers' horrific abuse. On June 16 2020, Tustin repeatedly smashed the youngster's head against a hard surface causing him to collapse. He died in hospital the next day from a "head trauma inflicted on him by an adult" consistent with being "vigorously shaken and his head banged repeatedly against a hard surface". Arthur's frail and skeletal body was covered with 130 bruises and he suffered 93 different areas of injury - including on his head, arms, legs, feet and torso. Chillingly, Arthur's final months on earth were captured in harrowing audio clips and recordings made by Tustin and Hughes. Arthur could be heard wailing in one 23-second recording "no one loves me" and "no one is going to feed me". Shockingly, the couple's months of abuse slipped under the net after Hughes and Tustin used lockdown to pull the wool over the eyes of the authorities.

Key to not letting it happen is to follow procedure.

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Role of CP Co-ordinator – National Guidance 2021

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Child’s Rights and Pupil Voice

Each child has a right to be treated as an individual.

We want to recognise, respect and promote children’s rights. These include rights to be treated fairly, to be heard and to be as healthy as possible.

In North Ayrshire there will be greater emphasis on including children’s views within the whole CP process and through “Signs of Safety “

More will be shared on this throughout session 23/24

Every child who can form a view on matters affecting them has the right to express those views if they so wish. Those views should be given due weight in accordance with a child’s age and maturity. Any intervention by a public authority in the life of a child must be properly justified.

Connections between safety and rights are further illustrated in ‘The Promise.’

Children must be heard in decision-making that affects them. Children feel safe when the relationships which they need are recognised, nurtured , supported and sustained.

The UNCRC (Article 23) protects the rights of disabled children and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the UK Government in 2009, states that in order for disabled children to be able to realise the rights mentioned above, they need to be provided with disability and age-appropriate assistance.

If a child has learning disabilities or needs additional support with communication, consideration must be given to the best way to involve the child.

The child’s experience, views and needs are central within child protection processes. Talking with and listening to children means attention not only to their words, but also to their experience, needs, wishes and feelings. Listening includes attention to non-verbal communication, and to physical and behavioural responses to their care and environment. Understanding communication involves consideration of the timing and context of expressed words and feelings.

Children should be involved in decision-making in ways that are attuned to the needs and understanding of each child.

In North Ayrshire there will be greater emphasis on including children’s views within the whole CP process and through “Signs of Safety “ more will be shared on this throughout session 23/24

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Child Protection Data- Headlines

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North Ayrshire is home to around 134,000 people, of which just under 25,000 (18%) are young people under the age of 18.

According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020, 41% of North Ayrshire’s residents (almost 56,000 people) live in areas identified as amongst the most deprived in Scotland, compared to 20% of the population of the country.

NAC CP Register for 2022- 23 Data for the last quarter ending March 31^st 2023

Analysis and Commentary

· At the end of the period, there were 74 children on the CP Register. These children relate to 48 separate family groups

· The map shows where across the 6 localities in North Ayrshire these families reside.

· Most families on the CP register live in Irvine (50%) or the Three Towns (23%).

· The table in the top left expresses the number of children on the register in each area as a rate of children who live in the area. Although numbers are small, you can see Irvine, Kilwinning and Three Towns have a higher rate than Scotland as a whole, while Arran, Garnock Valley and North Coast are below the national level.

Key Message

- Irvine has the largest proportion of children on the CP register at 50%.

Proportionately Irvine, 3 Towns and Kilwinning have a higher rate of children on the CP register than Scotland as a whole

• ‘Emotional Abuse’ and ‘Domestic Abuse’ were the 2 most common concerns identified at the end of session 2022-23

• ‘Child Placing Themselves at Risk’, ‘Domestic Abuse’, ‘Parental Drug Use’, ‘Physical Abuse’ and ‘Sexual Abuse’ were all higher this last quarter 2023 than last year.

• On a slightly more positive note ‘Neglect’, ‘Non-Engaging Family’, ‘Parental Alcohol Use’ and ‘Parental Mental Health Problems’ were all lower this quarter than last year but are still concerning.

Key Message - Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse the most common risk indicators for children newly registered

Child Placing Themselves at Risk, Domestic Abuse, Parental Drug Use, Physical Abuse and Sexual Abuse were all higher this last year.

Neglect, Non-Engaging Family, Parental Alcohol Use and Parental Mental Health Problems were all lower than last year.
There was a notable increase in physical abuse with parental drug use also being high.
There was an increase in sexual abuse being reported and this may be due to an impact of the Child Sexual Abuse strategy which has increased awareness.
Parental alcohol use is down significantly from 49% to 16%, but parental drug use is up.

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Contextual Safeguarding: Child Protection approaches tend to focus on assessment and intervention with the children and families. These largely focus on the threat of, or actual harm, that children experience from family members or from others within the home or family environment. However, as children develop and mature towards adolescence they start to spend more time socialising independently and spend more time in environments and contexts outwith the family home. The relationships that are formed within these environments can determine the extent of safety and protection they experience, or indeed the extent of abuse and exploitation they experience outwith the home.

Where children experience harm outwith the family home it often occurs between peers or within shared social spaces such as schools, parks, youth clubs, public transport or on the streets.

Sometimes within these social spaces, cultures can develop so that attitudes linked to harmful behaviours can become the social norm, leaving these behaviours regarded as socially acceptable and unchallenged

Relationships formed with peers and adults can also lead to children being exploited criminally and sexually within the community and online.

When children are safe at home but facing abuse and harm in extra-familial settings, child protection procedures are generally not applied.

There is therefore a significant gap in how we respond in a formal multi-agency/partnership manner in order to keep these children safe.

Although these children will likely be referred to social work, the role of social work intervention is traditionally to improve outcomes through focusing on the individual child and their family. Where other people are causing the harm, and the spaces in which the harm is occurring are outwith the family home, this approach is unlikely to be effective.

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Contextual Safeguarding (Scotland) is described as: “an approach to understanding, and responding to, young people’s experiences of significant harm beyond their families. It recognises that the different relationships that young people form in their neighbourhoods, schools and online can feature violence and abuse. Parents and carers have little influence over these contexts and young people’s experiences of extra-familial abuse can undermine parent-child relationships.”

RSHP Relationships element becomes essential

In Scotland, Child Protection is located firmly within the context of GIRFEC. The Contextual Safeguarding approach is congruent with the GIRFEC practice model and can add dimension, understanding and tools for assessment, planning and partnership working. As well as being relevant to protection, contextual safeguarding is also relevant to preventative work. Preventative work could be achieved through the RSHP at a universal level. It is therefore essential to CP practices going forward that we put in place RSHP . The relationships element of this could be used to build resilience in CYP particularly in how they respond to such circumstances.

The embedding of a contextual safeguarding approach within existing policy and practice will assist with the calls of The Promise, with the upholding of children’s rights to be safe from abuse and exploitation (Articles 33-36)

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Protecting and Safeguarding

Click this on topic slides to return to this

main menu

All buttons marked with a must be completed by all staff/volunteers on the first day of term or their first day in the establishment via a in-person presentation and on each in-service day

Everyone’s Responsibility

Identification of Concerns

Responding & Reporting Disclosure/CP Concerns

Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 – Written Notification of Concern (WNoC)

National Guidance

What is Significant Harm?

Getting it right for every child

Minimising Risk/Early Years

Key Contacts

This PowerPoint will be used for the August 2023 refresh for all staff, including child minders, out of school staff, janitorial and catering staff and volunteers. The completion of the slides linked to the 9 initial buttons is compulsory for all staff on the first day of the school term (August in-service). A copy should be placed in the school’s shared drive/staff Child Protection & Safeguarding noticeboard, as well as being utilised as a resource to supplement training/ information sessions completed throughout the academic year and for new staff, volunteers and partners working within the establishment.

Click on the boxes to navigate your way through the presentation.

This PowerPoint is best used by clicking on the boxes/buttons on this and the next page to navigate content. Each box/button will take you to the relevant page within the PowerPoint and sometimes provide additional links to a website for further information.

The intention with this year’s Child Protection and Safeguarding presentation is to update and consolidate content from the last few years and to emphasise that our Child Protection procedures are robust, the responsibility of all and that our procedures apply regardless of the nature of the concern.

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Protecting and Safeguarding

Click this on topic slides to return to this sub menu

Priority should be given to these Child Protection issues

Suicide Prevention and Response

Child Sexual Abuse/Child Sexual Exploitation

TICC/Domestic Abuse

Abuse/Neglect

Poverty

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Online Safety

Anti-Bullying

Children with Disabilities

This PowerPoint will be used for the August 2023 refresh for all staff, including child minders, out of school staff, janitorial and catering staff and volunteers. The completion of the slides linked to the 9 initial buttons is compulsory for all staff on the first day of the school term (August in-service). A copy should be placed in the school’s shared drive/staff Child Protection & Safeguarding noticeboard, as well as being utilised as a resource to supplement training/ information sessions completed throughout the academic year and for new staff, volunteers and partners working within the establishment.

Click on the boxes to navigate your way through the presentation.

This PowerPoint is best used by clicking on the boxes/buttons on this and the next page to navigate content. Each box/button will take you to the relevant page within the PowerPoint and sometimes provide additional links to a website for further information.

The intention with this year’s Child Protection and Safeguarding presentation is to update and consolidate content from the last few years and to emphasise that our Child Protection procedures are robust, the responsibility of all and that our procedures apply regardless of the nature of the concern.

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Protecting and Safeguarding

The remainder of buttons should be completed during the academic session as directed by the Head of Establishment or CP Co-ordinator

Adult Support & Protection

Care Experienced (Looked After Children)

Child Trafficking

Children Missing from Education

CPC Training

FGM

Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage

Radicalisation and Extremism

Useful Documents & Websites

Click this on topic slides to return to this sub menu

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Safeguarding and Protecting is Everyone’s Responsibility

All staff working in and supporting Education must:

Be aware of arrangements for protecting children and adults
Be alert to children’s needs
Be clear about their own role in relation to safeguarding
Know who the Child Protection Co-ordinator is
Know if CP Co-ordinator/Head of Establishment/member of Senior Management Team is not available where to locate the emergency contact phone tree (Staff Child Protection & Safeguarding Noticeboard)
Know within Secondary schools who the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) trained member of staff is

See Communities and Education Directorate, Standard Circular L3: Protecting and Safeguarding North Ayrshire’s Children and establishment Child Protection Noticeboard

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Safeguarding and Protecting is Everyone’s Responsibility

Education staff can contact:

Philip Gosnay, Senior Manager for Child Protection – 07798 577355
Local Service Access Offices (see Slide 78)
01294 310300 (Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 4:45pm and Friday 9.00am to 4:30pm – office hours)
Out of hours service – 0800 328 7758
If the child is in immediate danger contact the police by telephoning 101 or in an emergency 999

The health visitor is not a CP coordinator for Education establishments

See Communities and Education Directorate, Standard Circular L3: Protecting and Safeguarding North Ayrshire’s Children and establishment Child Protection Noticeboard

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Teaching and Non Teaching Staff	Office Staff	Classroom Assistants	Educational Psychologists
Parents, Volunteers & Visitors	Childminders/ After-School Providers	Janitorial/Cleaning Staff	Catering Staff
Campus Police Officers	School Nurses	Drivers & Escorts	School Counsellors

Safeguarding and Protecting is Everyone’s Responsibility

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Identification of Concerns

Presentation/
behaviours of child/parent/
carer

Other agency

Expression of concern from parent/friend/
public

Patterns from chronology

Attendance/

Exclusions

Overheard

The child discloses

Observation

Identification of Concerns

Keeping a chronology is vital – your notes help build this – it is vital that your report ASAP and provide notes with dates and times.

By examining a Chronology it is possible to link patterns of behaviour and incidence – this can add up to child protection – without a shared knowledge and communication children are put at further risk of harm.

Child protection refers to the processes involved, where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of harm. Child Protection Guidance provides overall direction for agencies and professional disciplines where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of harm.

Public authorities should promote the upbringing of children by their families, in so far as is consistent with safeguarding and promoting the child’s welfare.

Child Protection Procedures are initiated when Police, Social Work or Health professionals determine that a child may have been abused or may be at risk of significant harm.

Child protection involves:

immediate action, if necessary, to prevent significant harm to a child
inter-agency investigation about the occurrence or probability of abuse or neglect, or of a criminal offence against a child. Investigation extends to other children affected by the same apparent risks as the child who is the subject of a referral
assessment and action to address the interaction of behaviour, relationships and conditions that may, in combination, cause or accelerate risks
focus within assessment, planning and action upon each child’s experience, needs and feelings
collaboration between agencies and persistent efforts to work in partnership with parents in planning and action to prevent harm or reduce risk of harm
recognition and support for the strengths, relationships and skills within the child and their world in order to form a plan that reduces risk and builds resilience.

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Responding to Disclosure/Allegations

Whoever receives the information from the child (or other person) should:

Let the child speak
Let them know you are listening carefully
Stay calm and not show disbelief or panic
Avoid expressing views on the matter
Take the allegation seriously, reassure the child and advise what you will do next.
Not guarantee confidentiality
Advise that they or the CP Co-ordinator will keep the child or young person informed
Avoid re traumatising a CYP by having them repeatedly re-telling their disclosure- once and noted is enough!

Advise they will remain available should the child wish to speak again. Ask how they feel and check if there is anything the child needs.

Report concerns immediately to Child Protection Co-ordinator or establishment Senior Management,
Record what the child has said in their own words and follow advice of CP Co-ordinator

Not discuss concern/disclosure with anyone other than Child Protection Co-ordinator or Senior Management Team

Do not question the child further – this is the responsibility of agencies trained to carry out investigative interviews of children. Questions inappropriately phrased could be thought to be suggestive and then lead to evidence being held as inadmissible in possible future criminal proceedings.

NEVER Carry out an investigation or gather any photographic evidence into the allegation –

this is not your role

Whoever receives the information from the child (or other person) should:

Let the child speak- tell me how you feel – tell me what happened. You are here to help them . Disclosure should be a one off and does not need repeating by the child to multiple staff member. 1^st staff member owns the concern!
Let them know you are listening carefully
Stay calm and not show disbelief or panic
Avoid expressing views on the matter
Take the allegation seriously, reassure the child and advise what you will do next.
Not guarantee confidentiality
Advise that they or the CP Co-ordinator will keep the child or young person informed

Advise they will remain available should the child wish to speak again. Ask how they feel and check if there is anything the child needs.

Report concerns immediately to Child Protection Co-ordinator or establishment Senior Management, or in their absence, Cluster Senior Manager or Head of Service.
Philip Gosnay, Senior Manager, Child Protection – 07798577355
Record what the child has said in their own words and follow advice of your CP Co-ordinator

Do not discuss concern/disclosure with anyone other than Child Protection Co-ordinator or Senior Management Team

Do not question the child further – this is the responsibility of agencies trained to carry out investigative interviews of children. Questions inappropriately phrased could be thought to be suggestive and then lead to evidence being held as inadmissible in possible future criminal proceedings.

NEVER Carry out an investigation or gather any photographic evidence into the allegation – this is not your role… Let Social work deal with it – although others can be a source of advice – the first port of call for a CP is Social Work. They take action and this is logged in the WNoC. This comes into HQ and further info made be sought after the WNOC is received.

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Reporting Disclosure/CP Concerns

All instances of disclosure/CP or safeguarding concerns should be reported to the establishment's Child Protection Co-ordinator without delay.

If the Child Protection Co-ordinator or Head Teacher/Head of Centre is not available, seek advice from a Senior Manager or the Head of Service (Education) as a matter of urgency. Please refer to the Phone Tree within this presentation and on the establishment CP noticeboard.

The welfare of the child and young person is paramount

The disclosure/allegation of abuse or concern should be reported to the establishment’s Child Protection Coordinator without delay.

In all instances of disclosure, the Child Protection Co-ordinator should:

Follow the guidance contained in Appendix 1 – Flow Chart for Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures.
Open a confidential Child Protection and Safeguarding 7-Part File.
Record the timing of the reported concerns from the staff member.
Listen carefully to the child, identify and respond to the child’s immediate needs as sensitively as possible.
Seek the child’s views and check how they are feeling. Always record what they say in their own words and record in section 7 of the child’s Child Protection and Safeguarding 7-Part File.
Make a decision as to whether the child is in need of protection.
If child is in need of protection, follow guidance in Appendix 3 – Checklist – Telephone Notification of Concern to Social Services and submit Appendix 4 – Written Notification of Concern form following guidance noted on Appendices 3 and 4
Copy all Child Protection Written Notification of Concerns to Caroline Amos (Head of Service), Philip Gosnay (Senior Manager) and Angela Feeney.
All Safeguarding/Welfare Written Notification of Concern forms should be forwarded to Philip Gosnay (Senior Manager) and Angela Feeney and followed up by the Child Protection Co-ordinator.

Where the Head of the Establishment is not the Child Protection Co-ordinator, the Head of Establishment should be copied into all communication, relating to the Child Protection/Safeguarding Notification of Concerns.

Ensure the child is advised of any action taken and provide the child with information about other sources of support eg Childline, Social Services, NSPCC as appropriate.
Support the staff member who raised the concerns by sensitive debriefing and ensuring they are kept informed of decisions made and actions taken as appropriate. A follow up check in should also be arranged in consultation with the staff member, and if necessary, information in relation to accessing supports such as Occupational Health provided.
Ensure information is recorded and stored securely in the confidential Child Protection and Safeguarding 7-Part File and reference is made to the submission of Appendix 4 – Child Protection Written Notification of Concern (WNoC) as a significant event within Pastoral Notes/AYRshare (where the record exists).
Add date and type of notification to Appendix 5a – Child Protection Written Notification of Concern Record – which should be located inside front cover of Child Protection and Safeguarding 7-Part File.
Do not upload the Written Notification of Concern form to the pupil’s wellbeing application or AYRshare record, store securely in Child Protection and Safeguarding 7-Part File.

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G3 (L3) – Appendix 3 and Appendix 4

Appendix 3 is a systematic step walk through and is there to ensure all steps are taken in accordance with policy. It is designed to help the thought process given that CP is traumatic not only for the child but also for the CP Co-ordinator – when trauma occurs it is often our higher order thought processes that are affected. Have it on your wall/desk, computer desktop or your phone…for ease of access.

Appendix 4 – this is the Written Notification of Concern – there has been a tendency to perhaps go straight to this but Appendix 3 is equally important.

If child is in need of protection, follow guidance in Appendix 3 – Checklist – Telephone Notification of Concern to Social Services and submit Appendix 4 – Written Notification of Concern form following guidance noted on Appendices 3 and 4
Copy all Child Protection Written Notification of Concerns to Caroline Amos (Head of Service), Philip Gosnay (Senior Manager) and Angela Feeney.
All Safeguarding/Welfare Written Notification of Concern forms should be forwarded to Philip Gosnay (Senior Manager) and Angela Feeney and followed up by the Child Protection Co-ordinator.

The completed Checklist – Telephone Notification of Concern to Social Services (Appendix 3) and Written Notification of Concern form (Appendix 4) should be stored in the child’s Child Protection 7-Part File within the Child Protection Co-ordinators notes section and not be uploaded to AYRshare or SEEMiS.

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What children and

young people need from us

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If you believe the child or young person may be having suicidal thoughts or has a plan to complete suicide:

Contact the Child Protection Co-ordinator or if not available a member of the Senior Management team, who will liaise with the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) trained member of staff (secondary schools) and take advice from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
In line with current training, the Child Protection Co-ordinator or the ASIST trained member of staff will ask the young person if they have a plan to complete suicide and to support the young person and help disable a plan, if one is place.

Immediate Concerns - Suicidal Ideation

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The Child Protection Co-ordinator will confirm with the person the child disclosed to and the child, how that person will remain in the process and where possible how they can continue to support the child or young person.
Standard Child Protection and Safeguarding processes will be followed in line with Standard Circular G3.

Please refer to flow chart on your staff noticeboard

At all times, the safety and wellbeing of the young person will remain the priority.

Immediate Concerns - Suicidal Ideation

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Suicide Prevention Safety Planning and Risk Assessment Flowchart

Whilst any concerns relating to Suicide Prevention should be reported to the Child Protection Co-ordinator and Head of Establishment immediately and the agreed CP processes followed, if the member of staff who the child or young person discloses to feels confident and comfortable, they should ask the child or young person if they have a plan to complete suicide. Following this the member of staff should refer to the CP Co-ordinator as above who will work with young person, partners, to assess risk and create a safety plan.
If at any point the staff member is concerned a child or young person is in imminent danger, contact Emergency Services on 999

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Suicide Prevention – Conversation Guidance

North Ayrshire Council has revised their processes for informing the Named Person following a child or young person’s attendance at Emergency Department with suicidal intent or attempt. The Named Person Service will notify education establishments in the event of an attendance and the child or young person will have the opportunity to meet with a member of staff from Service Access and CAMHS.

Conversation Guidance has been produced to assist education staff to support pupils. This can be accessed through the Suicide Prevention Tab on the Glow blog.

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Suicide Prevention – Self Harm

Self Harm refers to self-poisoning or self-injury, irrespective of the apparent purpose of the act. Self-harm is generally a way of coping with overwhelming emotional distress.

If there are concerns that abuse or neglect are associated with self-harm, Child Protection processes should be followed.

If a child or young person discloses self-harm or you suspect self-harm, then your school nurse or the local Penumbra self-harm service can provide support.

North Ayrshire Self Harm Project – Penumbra – http://www.penumbra.org.uk/service-locations/west-area-services/ayrshire/self-harm-services/

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Youth Suicide Prevention Taskforce

The Young People’s Suicide Taskforce is a multi-agency group, including education, who meet monthly, they focus on suicide prevention activities, bereavement support and actions in the event of a youth suicide.

Please click on the link below for a short, narrated presentation on the work of the group - here

Alternatively it can be found in the Suicide Prevention tab on the MHWB glow Education Staff Glow blog

Suicide Prevention and Supports

To ensure everyone understands the processes around supporting young people who present with suicide ideation and/or a plan to complete suicide, a short life working group developed a flow chart which should be displayed on the establishments CP & Safeguarding noticeboard. This was issued to CP Co-ordinators in August 2019.

Suicide Prevention Response Toolkit:

To get to the GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile for this document

Log into Glow - https://www.rmunify.com/

Click on the 'temple' shaped icon on left hand side of screen

GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile is on the third row – click on this

Find 'Safeguarding and Child Protection (GIRFEC bird) - tile number 1 on top row - click on this

First column 'Suicide and Prevention Response’

Glow Blog

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/na/mhwbnac/suicide-prevention/staff-information-and-guidance/

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

All staff should be aware the impact societal factors can have on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. These include but are not limited to:

Poverty
Poor parental/family wellbeing
Geographical/social isolation
Self and familial use of drugs and alcohol
Gender based Violence
Child protection procedures can increase anxiety in children and young people therefore support and approach are crucial

Where adults are vulnerable, consideration should be given to making a referral to the Adult Protection Team

Suicide Prevention and Supports

To ensure everyone understands the processes around supporting young people who present with suicide ideation and/or a plan to complete suicide, a short life working group developed a flow chart which should be displayed on the establishments CP & Safeguarding noticeboard. This was issued to CP Co-ordinators in August 2019.

Suicide Prevention Response Toolkit:

To get to the GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile for this document

Log into Glow - https://www.rmunify.com/

Click on the 'temple' shaped icon on left hand side of screen

GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile is on the third row – click on this

Find 'Safeguarding and Child Protection (GIRFEC bird) - tile number 1 on top row - click on this

First column 'Suicide and Prevention Response’

Glow Blog

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/na/mhwbnac/suicide-prevention/staff-information-and-guidance/

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Children and young people experiencing mental health problems

Children can experience a range of mental health illnesses but most will recover from this and experience good wellbeing. When required, service and support is vital; local training and policy should raise awareness about such issues.
Contributory factors to poor mental health include neglect; domestic abuse; substance use; bereavement; bullying; discrimination; poverty; caring responsibilities etc.
Children and young people experiencing poor mental health may be a risk to themselves and others. Support and intervention are key in preventing this.

Suicide Prevention and Supports

To ensure everyone understands the processes around supporting young people who present with suicide ideation and/or a plan to complete suicide, a short life working group developed a flow chart which should be displayed on the establishments CP & Safeguarding noticeboard. This was issued to CP Co-ordinators in August 2019.

Suicide Prevention Response Toolkit:

To get to the GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile for this document

Log into Glow - https://www.rmunify.com/

Click on the 'temple' shaped icon on left hand side of screen

GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile is on the third row – click on this

Find 'Safeguarding and Child Protection (GIRFEC bird) - tile number 1 on top row - click on this

First column 'Suicide and Prevention Response’

Connecting with Mental Health https://glowscotland.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/sites/NorthAyrshireCouncil/StaffArea/ConnectingWithMentalHealth/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B4719761E-99F7-4E05-BC32-7BA1BFE7AD7E%7D&file=SV%20Taskforce%20Short%20presentation%20%20SOUND.pptx&action=edit&mobileredirect=true

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Children and young people experiencing mental health problems

GIRFEC approach should be utilised in supporting mental wellbeing; services made available when required and those with a duty of care should be able to signpost to support.
CP practitioners should be trauma informed and intervene at the earliest opportunity. Collaboration and a multi-agency approach should take place when a child is at significant risk of harm.
Impact of transitions should be considered: school; Care Experienced; criminal justice processes; LGBTQ+; phases of recovery.
Those who experience childhood trauma may parent children early and experience poor mental health in adulthood.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children may be at risk of poor mental health.
Third sector and community support is critical.

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National Guidance for Child Protection 2021

Child protection’ means protecting a child from child abuse or neglect. Abuse or neglect need not have taken place; it is sufficient for a risk assessment to have identified a likelihood or risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect in order for the family to receive support from services to prevent abuse or neglect.

Child protection is closely linked to the risk of ‘significant harm’. ‘Significant Harm’ is a complex matter and subject to professional judgement based on a multi-agency assessment of the circumstances of the child and their family. Where there are concerns about harm, abuse or neglect, these must be shared with the relevant agencies so that they can decide together whether the harm is, or is likely to be, significant.

Standard processes (L3) should be followed for all CP and Welfare/ Safeguarding concerns.

Click on the image for link to document

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Procedures and guidance cannot in themselves protect children; a competent, skilled and confident workforce, together with a vigilant public, can.

Child protection is a complex system requiring the interaction of services, the public, children and families.

For the system to work effectively, it is essential that everyone understands the contribution they can make and how those contributions work together to provide the best outcomes for children.

Everyone working with children needs to appreciate the important role they can play, by remaining vigilant and providing robust support for child protection and safeguarding.

National Guidance for Child Protection 2021

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What is Significant Harm in Child Protection? �

Significant harm can result from a specific incident, a series of incidents or an accumulation of concerns or events over a period of time that interrupt, change or damage a child's physical and psychological development.

It is essential that when considering the presence or likelihood of significant harm that the impact (or potential impact) on the child takes priority.

Key professionals will take a number of things into account when exercising their professional judgement.

There is no absolute criteria for judging what constitutes significant harm, talking to other agencies and sharing/gathering information will be a priority.

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Getting it right for every child in North Ayrshire

The Getting it right for every child in North Ayrshire Glow tile contains separate areas for Safeguarding and Child Protection, Named Person Service and Wellbeing Assessment and Plans and provides links to GIRFEC North Ayrshire and GIRFEC Pan Ayrshire websites

The process remains the same but is subject to review by the PAN AYRSHIRE GIRFEC GROUP

The Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) policy and practice model is a practical expression of the Scottish Government’s commitment to implementation of the United Nation’s Convention on Rights of the Child (UNCRC) now receiving Royal Ascent into Scot’s Domestic Law. Rights must now be recognised in law – article 12 is particularly important – CYP must be involved in decisions that affect them. Policy is being updated by Scottish Government. Children’s rights are a theme running through all the Children’s Services Improvement Plan for North Ayrshire and are a key priority for development.

The Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach promotes and supports multi-agency planning to be provided in the way which best safeguards, supports and promotes the wellbeing of children, and ensures that any action to meet needs is taken at the earliest appropriate time to prevent acute needs arising.

To get to the GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile:

Log into Glow - https://www.rmunify.com/

Click on the 'temple' shaped icon on left hand side of screen

GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile is on the third row – click on this

Find 'Safeguarding and Child Protection (GIRFEC bird) - tile number 1 on top row - click on this

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Wellbeing Concerns

Getting it right for every child Pathway

Named Person 0-5
Lead Professional
National Practice Model
Holistic Assessment of Need/Staged Intervention
Wellbeing Plan
Multi Agency Discussions (TAC)

Early & Effective Intervention

Chronologies – SEEMiS and AYRshare

Named Person

0-5 – Health Visitor/Family Nurse Practitioner

5-18 – Head Teacher/PT Pastoral Support

Getting It Right for every Child provides us with the 8 Wellbeing indicators which allow the assessment of Wellbeing. Safeguarding should be viewed as part of a continuum from Wellbeing through to safeguarding and Welfare and finally Child Protection. Whilst it is hoped that most children will not require protection, early and effective support can promote safeguarding at any point along this continuum. The Pan Ayrshire infographic and supporting documents provide a framework to support children and young people with identified wellbeing needs.

All staff should complete the GIRFEC online module located on the Pan Ayrshire GIRFEC website.

Overarching Principles and Legislation

Every child and young person in Scotland is on a journey through life: experiencing rapid development and change as they make the transition from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.

As they progress, some may have temporary difficulties, some may live with challenges that distract them on their journey and some may experience more complex issues. No matter where they live or whatever their needs, children and families should know where they can find help, what support might be available and whether that help is right for them.

We all want our children and young people to be fully supported as they grow and develop to be:

These eight wellbeing indicators, sometimes known as SHANARRI, will help all those that come into contact with children to identify areas of concern or vulnerability.

All services should ensure that they have a shared understanding of the eight well-being indicators.

Getting it right for every child means that all practitioners who come into contact with children and/or their parents and carers in the course of their work need to cooperate together to meet children and young people’s needs.

�To assist practitioners to do this, a common set of principles and values has been developed which apply across all aspects of working with children and young people. Developed from knowledge, research and experience, they reflect the rights of children expressed in the ‘United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’ (1989) and build on the Scottish ‘Children’s Charter’ (2004). They are reflected in legislation, standards, procedures and professional expertise. The Principles and values can be found in the GIRFEC Guide below. Click on the image or follow the ‘url’ in the footnote.

Pan Ayrshire GIRFEC Website - http://girfec-ayrshire.co.uk/practitioners/practitioner-downloads/

The principles of Getting it Right for every child should be followed whenever any support is being given to any child or young person and everything should be done to ensure that we seek the views of those children and young people; their carers or parents; and that we share appropriate and proportionate information with the child’s named person and lead professional. The GIRFEC Practice model (Appendix 1) should be used to provide support at the right time; by the right person with the appropriate skills and resources. For more information please see the Pan Ayrshire Web site for further guidance documents.

The Children and Young People Act (Scotland) Act 2014, highlights the need for a ‘named person’ for every child, and a ‘Child’s Plan’ for every child that needs one.

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Named Person Service

North Ayrshire Named Person Service has produced a Named Person Service – Service Directory for Named Persons and Lead Professionals. The aim of the Directory is to provide NP/LPs with guidance on a variety of services both local and national which can be accessed to support children, young people and families.

The Service Directory is available online at:

Glow/GIRFEC – www.rmunify.com/

(click on Named Person Service tile – you will find a link to the NPS Directory (middle of screen). Or you can request a copy by email namedpersonservice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Vulnerable Children and Young People

North Ayrshire Child Protection Committee’s Getting It Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire , should be made available to all staff via the Child Protection Co-ordinator and CP noticeboards.

EXAMPLES FROM INDEX
Section 1 – Primary Guidance
Children and young people who run away, or go missing
Children and young people who are trafficked in the UK
Children and young people who parents are in prison
Section 2 – Brief Guidance and Signposting
Children and young people who may be seeking or refuge or asylum
Children and young people who are affected by their own misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
Children and young people who are affected by parental drug and/or alcohol misuse

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Children with Disabilities

Staff should be alert to the range of possible Child Protection and Safeguarding issues and risks associated with this group of vulnerable children and young people.

Disabled children are children first and foremost and have an equal right to be safe.
Children with communication impairments, behavioural disorders, learning disabilities and sensory impairments may be additionally vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
Some disabled children require specific assistance and communication support so that they can share their experience and participate.
Incidence of abuse of disabled children is likely to be under reported.

Disabled children is a broad term – may be applied to children with a broad range of physical, emotional, developmental, learning, communication and healthcare needs. The term is applicable when these needs have a substantial and long-term impact on the child’s ability to engage fully in day to day activities. These difficulties are not always assessed or diagnosed.

The experience of each child must be central. Their voice and feelings must be heard when decisions are being made about them. Some children require specific support so that they can share their experience and views and special care should be given to ensure attunement to their experience, and to ensure their wellbeing and safety

Some people may find it hard to believe that disabled people are at risk of abuse

Invisibility of abuse is more likely when children are afraid, isolated or do not understand what is happening, and also when those around are not responsive to their distress

A child’s dependency on support: communication, mobility, manual handling, intimate care, feeding and/or invasive health procedures:

A child’s understanding of abusive behaviour and ability to resist
Availability of sex education and support for understanding
A child’s experience of asserting choice
Availability of a trusted person within or outside the family
Availability of advocacy and communication
Fear of abusers, of rejection or blame
Additional vulnerability to online abuse
Attachment history, including significant losses, disruptions and trauma
Neglectful response to the child relating to parent or carer needs or cultural attitudes

Some disabled children may behave harmfully to others: limited understanding of boundaries/reduced self-control may partly explain this.

Training about the susceptibility of disabled children to abuse is essential in order to build awareness and confidence among staff. This includes staff such as bus drivers, care assistants, escorts and personal assistants. Some roles will require additional training eg those involved in child protection investigations should understand indicators of concern; consideration of a child’s wishes, feelings support and communication needs

Significant transitions can be periods of heightened vulnerability and need to be planned jointly with parents to ensure risks are reduced

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Children with Disabilities

Interacting factors:

Barriers to effective protection can occur at any stage in support and child protection processes:

When nobody listens to the child and those who know the child best
If the child’s communications and reactions are not understood
When there is a lack of curiosity, competence and confidence in exploring reasons for distress or signs of maltreatment
When there is a lack of practitioner awareness of the impact of neglect
When there are delays or fragmentation in assessment and sharing of information, or the coordination and planning of assessment and support

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Care Experienced Children and Young People

Increased vulnerability, for example:

Children and Young People looked after away from home may be vulnerable in relation to exploitation and online safety.
Care Experienced Children and young people report that at times they may feel unsafe and may be at risk of misusing drugs, alcohol and self harming
We know through research that most neglect and abuse occurs in the home

Staff should be alert to the range of possible Child Protection and Safeguarding issues and risks associated with this group of vulnerable children and young people.

The Promise

The care review heard that Scotland needs to change how it cares for children.

The Promise supports shifts in policy, practice and culture so Scotland can

#KeepThePromise to care experienced infants, children, young people, adults and their families - that every child grows up loved, safe and respected, able to realise their full potential

How can education contribute to improved outcomes for care experienced children and young people in North Ayrshire?

Getting It Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire – https://glowscotland.sharepoint.com/sites/NorthAyrshireCouncil/StaffArea/GIRFEC/News%20Alert%20NPS/Vulnerable%20Children%20and%20Young%20People%20in%20North%20Ayrshire%20Aug%202018.pdf

Children and young people who are ‘looked after’ or ‘looked after and accommodated’ by a local authority (Page 56)

As at 31 January 2021, there were 531 Children Looked After by North Ayrshire, of which 158 children were looked after at home and 373 away from home.

6 Corporate Parent Duties

Be alert to matters which, or which might, adversely affect the wellbeing of children and young people
Assess the needs of those children and young people for services and support
Promote the interests of those children and young people,
Provide those children and young people with opportunities to participate in activities designed to promote their wellbeing,
Take such action as it considers appropriate to help those children and young people-

- to access opportunities

- to make use of services, and access support, which it provides

Take such other action as it considers appropriate for the purposes of improving the way in which it exercises it’s functions in relation to those children and young people.

https://www.carereview.scot/pledge/

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Minimising Risk

The My World Triangle and the Wellbeing Indicators serve as a starting point for considering what risks and vulnerabilities might be present in a child’s life.

The National Practice Model and Wellbeing Indicators provide the broad framework for identifying a child or young person’s needs.

They do so under eight headings, which should form the basis for planning around the child:

Safe

Healthy

Achieving

Nurtured

Active

Respected

Responsible

Included

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National Risk Framework

Assessment tools such as the National Risk Framework 2012 or North Ayrshire Practice Guidance 2013 should be used by Named Persons and CP Co-ordinators to help assess both risk and protective factors

The GIRFEC National Practice Model and Risk Assessment

The Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach is the key thread running through policy and practice affecting children, young people and their families in Scotland. At its heart is the National Practice Model, which provides the foundation for identifying concerns, assessing needs and initial risks and making plans for children in ALL situations. It helpfully provides a shared language and a common understanding and approach for all practitioners across all services. This single system of planning for a child should be used in every case. All agencies, thus, need to use and contribute to the model in a way that reflects their core responsibilities; this includes all adult services.

To fully assess a child’s circumstances when a concern has been identified the National Practice Model combines a number of useful tools for practitioners addressing the needs of children and young people: the Well-being Wheel, My World Triangle and Resilience/Vulnerability Matrix. f

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Minimising and Responding to Risk in Relation to Staff

If any member of staff receives information or hears an allegation of abuse or inappropriate conduct made against another member of staff, the head of establishment must be informed immediately. The head of establishment will notify their cluster Senior Manager and Head of Service.

All staff should consider the appropriateness of their own and their colleagues’ behaviour. Staff and pupils alike should feel confident in openly discussing behaviour which they do not like.

All staff should ensure they read Standard Circular L3 at least annually and fully familiarise themselves with the content.

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Responding to Allegation - Early Years Processes

Within Early Years establishments/classes, the Early Learning & Childcare Co-ordinator/Senior Manager/HoS must be notified of the allegation immediately. Childminders and Private & Voluntary Providers should contact the owner/manager and follow their own investigative and disciplinary procedures. Lorraine Dobbs, Early Learning & Childcare Team should be notified and will pass on information to the appropriate Senior Manager and HoS. Following discussion, notification of the allegation should be made to the Police and the Care Inspectorate must be informed by phone and electronic reporting. Policy and procedures then must be followed, for example Staff Discipline Policy and Procedures – Disciplinary Code Policy and Procedure – Teachers and Associated Professionals

*Please refer to Standard Circular L3 (August 2021) and Appendix 8 for further guidance (CP Noticeboard). This appendix has been agreed by the Care Inspectorate (May 2019).

Please ensure the dignity and respect of all staff is maintained throughout this whole process (refer to North Ayrshire’s Dignity and Respect Policy and Procedures HR Policy & Procedure: Dignity & Respect at Work and confidentiality rules are adhered to.

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Early Years Classes and Centres – Extension of Hours�Child Protection and Safeguarding Processes

Term-time/when in the building

Head Teacher of establishment/Child Protection Co-ordinator or in their absence, most Senior member of staff

Agreed procedures should be followed for all Child Protection, or Safeguarding/Welfare matters, in line with Standard Circular L3 and process maps provided.

Advice can be sought from Education Officers/Senior Manager or Head of Service within or outwith normal working hours or call Education Headquarters (01294 324443). Please refer to Phone Tree on CP Noticeboard. Lorraine Dobbs, Early Learning & Childcare Team, should be notified of all CP concerns from Funded Providers. Proportionate information should be shared securely with the CP Co-ordinator for any siblings

The CP Co-ordinator should keep the Named Person (0-5) updated with regards to any concerns

Non term-time or outwith school hours (when Head Teacher/Child Protection Co-ordinator is not in building)

Early Years Manager/Senior will assume the role of CP Co-ordinator within the Early Years Class or Centre in Head of Establishment’s absence
Funded Provider Pre-School Centres – Manager/HOC will assume the role of CP Co-ordinator at all times. Contact arrangements should be shared with all staff and displayed within the establishment.

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Physical
Emotional
Neglect
Sexual

Abuse/Neglect

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting, or by failing to act to prevent, significant harm to the child.

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger.

Always take into consideration that:

Children’s circumstances are unique.
Neglect and abuse cuts across all sectors of society.
Statistically, neglect can be linked to parents who are experiencing or have experienced particular challenges.
Not all children of parents who experience additional issues will be neglected or abused

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Think of any changes in behaviour you might see in a child or young person which may concern you.

Try to think of changes under these headings:

Physical
Emotional/Verbal
Neglect
Sexual

What do you notice?

What should we be aware of?

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Physical

Unexplained Injuries and Burns

Untreated Injuries

Chronic Running Away

Dressing to Impress

Symbols/Tattoos

Refusal to discuss injuries

Changing Friends

Weight loss/gain

Change in appearance

Fear of returning home

Hair style/piercings, etc

Changing Names

Distracted

Withdrawal from physical contact

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Emotional/Verbal

Change in behaviour

Change in language – tone

Crying/upset

Say a friend has a problem

Anger

Rocking

Distracted

Self harming

Drug/Alcohol Abuse

More Outgoing than before

Over reaction to mistakes

Sudden speech disorders

Low self-esteem

“scripted language”

Treatment of others

Compulsive stealing

Low level disruption

Becoming withdrawn

References to “them” “these people” “they

Topics of conversation

Refusal to discuss obvious injuries/behaviour

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Poor personal hygiene

Emaciation

Inappropriate clothing for climate

No/limited social relationships

Constant tiredness

Ill-fitting/worn clothing

Hunger

Low self esteem

Lack of routine

Neglect

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Have unexplained sources of money

Inappropriate clothing for climate

Say a friend has a problem

Low self esteem

Behave in a sexually inappropriate way

Have urinary infections, bleeding and soreness

Cry hysterically at ‘nappy changing’ time

Sexual

Sexual activity that does not involve mutual consent by the individual involved or where their relationship includes an imbalance of power for example due to age, intellectual ability, race or physical strength
Where the behaviour has the potential to cause physical and or emotional harm

Sexual Abuse

Child Sexual Exploitation

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Children and young people experiencing mental health problems

Children can experience a range of mental health illnesses but most will recover from this and experience good wellbeing. When required, service and support is vital; local training and policy should raise awareness about such issues.
Contributory factors to poor mental health include neglect; domestic abuse; substance use; bereavement; bullying; discrimination; poverty; caring responsibilities etc.
Children and young people experiencing poor mental health may be a risk to themselves and others. Support and intervention are key in preventing this.

Suicide Prevention and Supports

To ensure everyone understands the processes around supporting young people who present with suicide ideation and/or a plan to complete suicide, a short life working group developed a flow chart which should be displayed on the establishments CP & Safeguarding noticeboard. This was issued to CP Co-ordinators in August 2019.

Suicide Prevention Response Toolkit:

To get to the GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile for this document

Log into Glow - https://www.rmunify.com/

Click on the 'temple' shaped icon on left hand side of screen

GIRFEC in North Ayrshire Tile is on the third row – click on this

Find 'Safeguarding and Child Protection (GIRFEC bird) - tile number 1 on top row - click on this

First column 'Suicide and Prevention Response’

Connecting with Mental Health https://glowscotland.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/sites/NorthAyrshireCouncil/StaffArea/ConnectingWithMentalHealth/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B4719761E-99F7-4E05-BC32-7BA1BFE7AD7E%7D&file=SV%20Taskforce%20Short%20presentation%20%20SOUND.pptx&action=edit&mobileredirect=true

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North Ayrshire’s Child Sexual Abuse Strategy raises awareness of Child Sexual Abuse as an overarching concern. CSE is a part of this and can be recognised as a form of child sexual abuse in which a person(s), of any age takes advantage of a power imbalance to force or entice a child into engaging in sexual activity in return for something received by the child, this could be money, gifts or personal attention.

Also like other forms of sexual abuse, CSE:

Is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse;
Can involve coerced and/or enticement based methods of compliance;
Can still be abuse even if it is claimed the child consented or assented – where the age of the child means they cannot legally give consent or the circumstances mean that agreement is not freely given.

If CSE is disclosed or suspected Child Protection processes should be followed immediately

Child Sexual Exploitation - What is CSE?

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Stages of Grooming

Targeting

Friendship

Special Friendship

Abuse

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Vulnerability Factors

Having older boyfriends/girlfriends

Disengagement from Education

Associating with other young people involved in exploitation

Disrupted family life and violence

History of missing episodes

Hanging out in areas know to be risky

Substance, drug, alcohol misuse

Looked after and accommodated

History of abuse and disadvantage

Experience of bullying

Poor health and well-being

Problematic parenting, lack of or no adult guidance/

supervision

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Risk Indicators – Know the Signs

Staying out late/missing episodes

Multiple callers

High number of sexual partners

Unexplained amounts of money/gifts

Use of mobile phones

Expressions of despair

Disclosure followed by withdrawal allegation

Living independently at a young age

Peers involved in CSE

Substance, drug, alcohol misuse

Use of the internet that causes concern

Lack of positive relationship with nurturing adult

STIs

Truancy/exclusion

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Child Sexual Exploitation

Additional resources for display on CP/Safeguarding noticeboard or to assist in curricular planning

Supporting Children and Young People - Child Sexual Exploitation – http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/young-people/supporting-children-and-young-people/child-sexual-exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation Definition and Summary – http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00508567.pdf

Child Sexual Exploitation Definition and Practitioner Briefing Paper – http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00508563.pdf

Offence of meeting a child following certain preliminary contact (any child under 16):

Essentially an offence of “grooming”. Covers an individual travelling (in UK or abroad) to engage in unlawful sexual activity with, or in the presence, of a child; following prior contact or communication.25

Barnardos CSE – https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/our_work/sexual_exploitation.htm

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Children Who Display Sexually

Harmful Behaviours

Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is defined as ‘sexual behaviour(s) expressed by children and young people under the age of 18 years that are developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful towards self or others and/or may be abusive towards another child or young person or adult’ (Hackett, 2014).

Children’s sexual behaviour may be described on a continuum ranging from normal to uncommon behaviours, including serious sexual violence.

The Brook Traffic Light Toolkit is a useful tool which can help differentiate any behaviours witnessed.

A half hour free training session can be organised by contacting Eilidh James.

More information on contextualised safeguarding will follow –see slides 7-11

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Poverty

Most families experiencing Poverty provide safe and loving homes. However, research shows that there is a "strong association between families’ socio-economic circumstances and the chances that their children will experience child abuse and neglect" (JRF 2016)
Practitioners should be careful not to stigmatise families through highlighting the impact of Poverty in families.
Poverty intersects with other stressors upon families, including disability, ill health, poor housing, barriers to employment and racial discrimination
Poverty must never be a reason for removal of children from the care of their family.
Migrant families face a high risk of poverty and destitution
The My World Triangle prompts practical consideration of material barriers to wellbeing for each child
Some instances of material affluence can also mask emotional neglect and abuse
Actions to prevent and mitigate Child Poverty at local level are likely to have a direct and indirect impact on child wellbeing, safety and protection
Therefore there must be significant, on-going and persistent commitment to ending Poverty and mitigating its impacts for Scotland’s children, families and communities

Child Poverty Analysis

Poverty in North Ayrshire – what do we know? High levels of inequality exist in North Ayrshire, particularly poverty and the associated effects this has. North Ayrshire is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland. Deprivation levels are significantly higher than the Scottish average. The latest 2020 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) highlighted continuing levels of deprivation in North Ayrshire. 52 of our 186 SIMD data zones now fall within the 15% most deprived in Scotland. 39,139 people live within these deprived areas representing 28.8% of North Ayrshire’s population, significantly above the Scottish average.

https://cpag.org.uk/news-blogs/news-listings/official-child-poverty-statistics-%C2%A0nearly-quarter-scotland%E2%80%99s-children-still

NAC child poverty report and action plan 2022/23

https://northayrshire.community/nachildpoverty2022/50334/

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Children Missing from Education

CME processes should be followed by the Head of Establishment or CP Co-ordinator.

If a child is absent and there are no CP/Safeguarding concerns, standard Attendance processes should be followed for up to 4 weeks.

If there are any CP/Safeguarding concerns in relation to the child and/or family these processes should be followed immediately.

Staff should ensure that they share any CME concerns with the CP Co-ordinator.

The welfare of the child and young person is paramount

CP Co-ordinators will follow the Guidance in Standard Circular A16 and accompanying process maps and complete standard templates/appendices. These templates will then be emailed securely to the CME mailbox. The Senior Manager with responsibility for CME will acknowledge receipt and follow up with the referrer.

During holiday periods, CME notifications from other authorities will be directed to nominated person covering (or Philip Gosnay/Cluster Senior Manager during October/Easter breaks). If agreed with Head Teacher, nominated staff member can make decisions on outcome. For any CMEs relating to pupils within North Ayrshire schools, normal CME processes should be followed.

Getting It Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire –https://glowscotland.sharepoint.com/sites/NorthAyrshireCouncil/StaffArea/GIRFEC/News%20Alert%20NPS/Vulnerable%20Children%20and%20Young%20People%20in%20North%20Ayrshire%20Aug%202018.pdf

Children and young people who run away or go missing (Page 17)

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Adult Support & Protection

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 introduced legislation for adults (over the age of 16 years) to prevent them from being harmed.

All staff have a legal responsibility to make an Adult Support and Protection referral for any adult they come across in the course of their work, for whom they have concerns.

The legislation enables organisations to work together to support and protect an adult at risk of harm. The harm can come from another person or can be self-harm or self-neglect. The adult's wishes are central to the ASP Process. All types of harm are covered by the Act; physical harm, psychological harm, sexual harm, financial harm etc.

If you have a concern about an adult, don't ignore it – you have a legal duty to take action – speak to the establishment CP Co-ordinator without delay. The CP Co-ordinator will complete and submit Appendix 13 – Multi-Agency Adult Protection/Adult Concern Referral Form or access the form (AP1) via the North Ayrshire Council website –www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adults-and-older-people/adult-support-and-protection.aspx

The person who is being harmed or neglected may not be able to report it themselves. Everyone has the right to be safe and free from harm. Additional information is available on the North Ayrshire Council website.

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Trauma Informed Contact and Care (TICC) and MAASH/MADART MARAC Notifications

A Police and Education Early Intervention partnership which supports children and young people exposed to domestic abuse

Information will be passed to the CP Co-ordinator via the Named Person Service detailing information relating to a domestic violence incident that a young person has been exposed to in the last *24 hours – the CP Co-ordinator should share with the NP.
The information given to schools allows the provision of immediate early support depending on the wellbeing needs and wishes of the child.

*MADART Notifications may not be sent within 24 hours

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What happens after this email is received?

Named Person/Child Protection Co-ordinator should:

Follow the GIRFEC Child’s Pathway
Consider your knowledge of the family and any additional information you have
Take account of the child's views, and if appropriate talk to the child and/or parent/carer and offer support
Record information in Pastoral Notes and in the AYRshare chronology, if appropriate
If required carry out a wellbeing assessment and follow Team Around the Child Processes

Information regarding the incident will continue to be shared

with Social Work by the Police

If significant concerns arise, then follow Child Protection Procedures

Trauma Informed Contact and Care (TICC) and MAASH/MADART Notifications

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�

“Safelives highlight that every year, nearly 130,000 people in Scotland experience domestic abuse. There are over 9,000 people at risk of being murdered or seriously harmed; over 12,000 children live in these households. For every person being abused, there is someone else responsible for that abuse: the perpetrator. Domestic abuse affects us all; it thrives on being hidden behind closed doors. �“We must make it everybody’s business.”

MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

“Safelives highlight that every year, nearly 130,000 people in Scotland experience domestic abuse. There are over 9,000 people at risk of being murdered or seriously harmed; over 12,000 children live in these households. For every person being abused, there is someone else responsible for that abuse: the perpetrator. Domestic abuse affects us all; it thrives on being hidden behind closed doors.

“We must make it everybody’s business.”

A MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a local meeting where representatives from statutory and non-statutory agencies meet to discuss individuals at high risk of serious harm or murder as a result of domestic abuse.

The meeting provides a safe environment for agencies to share relevant and proportionate information about current risk, after which agencies agree actions to reduce risk and increase safety. The primary focus of the MARAC is to safeguard the adult victim and in education’s case any children or young people affected by extreme domestic abuse. Schools are contacted 10 days in advance to submit relevant information on the wellbeing of any associated CYP. Follow up actions are then reported to school contacts (CP coordinator ) in order that suggested safeguarding measures can be put in place

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Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018

The Domestic Abuse Scotland Act makes any abuse towards a partner, whether, psychological or physical a criminal offence. It redefines Domestic Abuse as a course of behaviour towards a partner intended to cause them harm, or which is reckless as to whether it causes it harm.

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Domestic Abuse is any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship:

Offences cover behaviour likely to cause a partner or ex-partner to suffer physical or psychological harm (including fear, alarm and distress)

Children are harmed by experiencing behaviour that is:

Intimidating and degrading
Threatening
Exposing of intimate information
Accusing and blaming coercive and controlling behaviour is also harmful
Chronic trauma can disrupt attachment, achievement, concentration and wider relationships
The traumatic impact of domestic abuse is often masked and emerges indirectly in anxious or troubled behaviours – a trauma-informed approach is required by practitioners
Young people may experience abuse and coercive control in their own relationships outside of the family home
This is often unrecognised and not disclosed
Social media and digital technology may also be used to perpetrate abuse

Domestic Abuse – Impact on Children

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Domestic Abuse – Impact on Children

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Online Safety

The National Action Plan on Internet Safety for Children and Young People (April 2017) provides guidance around appropriate training, support and information to ensure children and young people are protected, safe and supported in the online world. In addition, the aim of the plan is to assist children and young people to be able to enjoy the internet, show resilience and take advantage of the opportunities it has to offer.

��

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Online Safety

Experiences and Outcomes which have a stronger focus on Digital Literacy and incorporate internet safety and cyber resilience were published for the Technologies area of Curriculum for Excellence in March 2017 and are promoted by Digital Literacy Co-ordinators and CP Co-ordinators in all establishments

How you can be involved and contribute to the safety of children and young people online within North Ayrshire?

CEOP Curricular Links

CEOP Training – Ambassadors

Communication Strategy

Teaching staff – Links

The Pledge

Online Safety Events

CPC Training Calendar

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Online Safety

Professionals involved in assessment and planning should develop a knowledge of online risks, the impact of technology on the lives of children and young people and the use of technology by parents and carers which may impact on children. They should consider the place of technology within the child’s world, with a view to working together on plans relevant to the situation.

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Online Safety

North Ayrshire Pupil Definition:

Being switched on when using websites and social media and being able to use them confidently, happily and safely.

Children and young people in North Ayrshire have created a Pledge which all pupils have signed up to:

National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 definition:

Online child abuse is any type of abuse that occurs in the digital environment and the internet, facilitated through technology and devices such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, gaming devices and other online-enabled devices.

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Anti-Bullying

A culture that encourages respect, values opinions, celebrates differences and promotes positive relationships will make it all the more difficult for bullying behaviour to flourish or be tolerated.

It is the on-going aim to reduce and eradicate bullying behaviour by:

Raising awareness of bullying behaviour
Creating and supporting a culture of respect, care and consideration of others
Ensuring that all staff, pupils, parents and carers are aware of school procedures and strategies on dealing with instances of bullying
Having built in monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that procedures are being consistently applied.

Standard Circular G07 Anti Bullying Polcy

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Respect for All and North Ayrshire’s response policy Bullying: It’s Never Acceptable (in partnership with respectme – Scotland’s anti bullying service) provides an overarching framework and context for all anti-bullying work to be undertaken in all our schools and establishments. The policy aims to build capacity, resilience and skills in children and young people, and all those who play a role in their lives, to prevent and deal with bullying. It utilises the skills built in nurture and restorative practice and the associated appendices provide comprehensive strategies for responding to bullying behaviours.

Respect Me guidance - http://respectme.org.uk/

APPENDIX 24

1.0 Introduction

Recording and Monitoring of Bullying Incidents in Schools (RAMBUS)

1.1 This guidance to be read in conjunction with “Respect for All (2017)” and North Ayrshire Council’s Anti-bullying Policy; “Bullying. It’s Never Acceptable (2018)

1.2 There is an expectation that all schools adopt the approach outlined within this guidance (in the case of North Ayrshire this is from June 2019)

1.3 North Ayrshire recognises that bullying behaviour may be a result of prejudice that relates to perceived or actual differences. This can lead to behaviour and language that manifests as racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia or prejudice and discrimination towards disability or faith. It can also be based on characteristics unique to a child or young person’s identity or circumstance. There is therefore a need to address the root cause of prejudice as well as respond to incidents as they arise.

1.4 The existence of bullying and harassment in schools impacts upon a wide range of children and young people’s human rights

1.5 Environments that promote respect, celebrate difference and promote positive relationships and behaviour are less likely to see bullying as acceptable behaviour. Implementing preventative strategies should result in an overall reduction in bullying incidents.(see NAC Promoting Positive Relationships Policy)

1.6 Information gathered at a local level may be used by the Scottish Government, working in partnership with Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES), teaching unions and other stakeholder bodies to support self-evaluation and improvement and inform future policy and practice.

1.7 The Bullying and Equalities Module within the SEEMiS system has been updated and is identified as the process in NAC to record and monitor bullying incidents.

1.8 ‘How Good is Our School 4’ includes a safeguarding quality indicator and specific quality indicator on ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. Together with “How Good Is OUR School Part 2” these support schools to effectively evaluate their own practice and support through self- evaluation and improvement in child protection and anti bullying approaches.

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Child Trafficking

“The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purposes of exploitation”. Palermo Protocol

Trafficking is where children and young people tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes and are moved or transported and then exploited, forced to work or sold. Children are trafficked for:

Sexual exploitation
Benefit fraud
Forced marriage
Domestic slavery like cleaning, cooking and childcare
Coerced labour in factories or agriculture
Committing crimes, like begging, theft, working on cannabis farms or moving drugs

Trafficked children experience many types of abuse and neglect. Traffickers use physical, sexual and emotional abuse as a form of control. Children and young people are also likely to be physically and emotionally neglected and may be sexually exploited

Always take timely and decisive action due to the risk of the child being moved.

Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire 2018

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Female Genital Mutilation

The World Health Organisation defines FGM as all procedures that involves partial or total removal of the female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs.

FGM is a violation of human rights

The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) made it a criminal offence to have FGM carried out in Scotland and abroad. (The Scottish National Action Plan to Prevent and Eradicate FGM; Equally Safe – Scotland's for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls)

Women and young girls may be trafficked outwith the UK to have the procedure.

There is growing evidence that female genital mutilation is being arranged in Scotland/the UK.

School summer holidays emerge as a particular time of risk as it is thought that the girls and young women will heal and recover for the procedure in time to return to education.

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Female Genital Mutilation

All staff should be particularly vigilant in relation to parents informing the establishment of planned absences over a number of weeks. Any information should be passed to the Head of Establishment or CP Co-ordinator immediately.

FGM is a violation of the rights of the child. The practice is illegal in the UK and will cause severe physical and psychological trauma to victims both in the short and long term. 137,000 women and young girls are affected in the UK

FGM is a CHILD PROTECTION issue – follow Child Protection processes immediately.

Office staff in school who deal with attendance should be aware of the necessity to report any concerns to the CP Co-ordinator immediately.

For further information :Female genital mutilation | FORWARD (forwarduk.org.uk)

www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk

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Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage

Honour Based Abuse includes practices used to control behaviour within families, communities, or other social groups, to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or ‘honour’. Such abuse can occur, for example, when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed or may potentially shame the family and/or community by breaking their honour code. This abuse can take many forms, including threatening behaviour, emotional blackmail, assault, rape, abduction, forced marriage, confinement and ‘honour killing’.

A Forced Marriage is a marriage conducted without the full and free consent of both parties, and where duress is a factor. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional abuse. A forced marriage is different from an ‘arranged marriage’.

https://young.scot/get-informed/thatsnotok-honour-based-abuse/

https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-guidance-child-protection-scotland-2021/documents/

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Children at Risk

Those who might identify as LGBT and disabled children may be at increased risk of forced marriage. For LGBT people this is seen as a way of ensuring that their LGBT identity is not made public. Forced marriages are also seen as a way of ensuring that someone who needs care has a spouse who can provide this care. Furthermore, immigration can be an aggravating factor towards forced marriage: by arranging a marriage of a UK citizen with someone from overseas, the overseas spouse is guaranteed an easier entry into the UK. An estimated 80% of forced marriage victims are girls and women. HBA support work is mainly conducted by women’s organisations. However, boys, especially those who might identify as gay, bi-sexual or transgender are also affected by forced marriage, domestic abuse, coercive control and other forms of HBA. Practitioners should be aware that forced marriage is not restricted to any particular ethnic or religious community.

https://young.scot/get-informed/thatsnotok-honour-based-abuse/

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Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage

Most Forced Marriage or HBA victims are female, although boys who identify as gay, bi-sexual or transgender are also affected.

Forced Marriage and HBA is both a child and adult protection matter. Child Protection processes should be followed up to the age of 18.

The consequences of Forced Marriage can be devastating for the whole family, but especially to the young people affected. They may become estranged from their families and wider communities, lose out on educational opportunities, or become victims of domestic abuse. Rates of suicide and self-harm within forced marriages are high.

Potential indicators of honour-based abuse and forced marriages include:

concerns voiced by child or person in child’s network about going overseas ‘to visit relatives’ or attend a wedding
concerns expressed about a dowry being collected (usually jewellery, clothing, other material possessions)
a girl undergoing or at risk of undergoing FGM as part of her ‘preparation’ for the marriage

Child Protection procedures should be followed

https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-guidance-child-protection-scotland-2021/documents/

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Education concerns:

absence, or persistent absence, from education
request for extended leave of absence and failure to return from visits of country of origin
decline in behaviour, engagement, performance or punctuality
being withdrawn from school by those with parental responsibility
being prevented from attending extra-curricular activities
being prevented from going onto further/higher education
sudden changes in appearance or behaviour (especially young girls changing their dress code dramatically to adopt culturally/religiously appropriate clothing)

Health concerns:

self-harm
attempted suicide
depression
eating disorders accompanied to doctors or clinics and prevented from speaking to health practitioners in confidence
experience of female genital mutilation (FGM)

Police concerns:

reports of domestic abuse, harassment or breaches of the peace at the family home •
threats to kill and attempts to kill or harm the potential victim or another family member (emotional blackmail)
truancy or persistent absence from school

Approach. Direct engagement with the family is not advised, as it may aggravate and expedite the risk of a child being taken abroad for a marriage. It is always advisable to contact a specialist organisation or community advisor for support.

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PREVENT is part of CONTEST, the government counter-terrorism strategy, it is designed to tackle the problem of terrorism at its roots, preventing people from supporting terrorism or becoming involved in terrorism themselves.

PREVENT is essentially about recognising when individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable, are being exploited, and responding effectively in partnership with other statutory agencies when concerns arise.

There is no single profile of a person who is likely to become involved in extremism or radicalisation. Also, there is no universally accepted view of why vulnerable individuals might become involved in such activities.

Radicalisation and Extremism refers to a number of areas. For example:

Sectarianism
Terrorism
The Far Right
Animal Rights

For further details on PREVENT please contact your CP Coordinator

Radicalisation and Extremism

Extreme Dialogue for PREVENT Scotland – https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Documents/ExtremeDialogue.pdf

Raising a concern – Notice, Check, Share

Don’t rely on others. You must report any concerns you have. This is a safeguarding issue and CP procedures should be followed except in the case of an emergency when the Police should be contacted immediately.

http://naconnects.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/documents/32808-6pp-x-3rd-A4-NAC-Safety-Leaflet-24-May-2017.pdf

Ayrshire Council - Prevent Strategy – Stop Press – 9 June 2017

http://naconnects.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/documents/Stop-press-Prevent-strategy-briefing-v2-9-June-17.pdf

Preventing vulnerable people being drawn into terrorism

The purpose of this stop press is to let you know what you can do to prevent vulnerable people being drawn into terrorism.

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act came into force in July 2015, placing a duty on a number of specified authorities to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

The authorities identified as having a role in protecting vulnerable people include the NHS, the local authorities, further and higher education establishments, prisons and the police. It is important to recognise that for most of these authorities, work to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism forms part of their normal work to protect vulnerable children and adults, and existing procedures are applied.

So, in the same way that we might raise concerns about children who may be vulnerable to neglect, or someone who could be vulnerable to abuse in the home, we need to know how to identify concerns that people

might be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. We need to know who to tell, so that the appropriate care, advice and support can be considered. In doing this, we can help prevent people from being exploited by those who would seek to harm us through terrorism and violent extremism.

This briefing introduces the Prevent strategy and answers any questions about what it means for you.

What is the Prevent strategy?

The Prevent strategy aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It is about preventative action, and is very much focused on the early stages where a crime has not yet been committed.

Working together to achieve the healthiest

life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran

What is the threat?

Prevent involves all kinds of terrorist threat to the UK, including organisations originating in Syria, Iraq and Northern Ireland, and also

right wing extremist organisations who pose a threat to our safety and security.

Motivations are varied and many usually relate to particular ideologies, some further examples include:

• political movements;

• religious beliefs;

• animal rights groups;

• environmental issues; and

• economic issues.

Why do people get involved in terrorism or violent extremism?

There is no single profile for a person who is likely to become radicalised or move to support extremism. However, here are some

signs that may indicate vulnerability to terrorist ideologies – for example:

• a lack of identity or belonging/identify crisis;

• insecurity;

• defending a culture, way of life or beliefs; and

• being pressured or bullied.

Those who radicalise others into believing terrorist or violent extremist ideologies often target vulnerable people who are led into believing that violence or criminality can earn respect, right a wrong or glorify a cause.

Spotting the signs

There is no checklist that we can give you to help you make decisions about whether a staff member, patient, client, student or visitor has been or is being radicalised.

There is no single profile to determine who is likely to become involved in terrorism

or violent extremism and the process of radicalisation. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and situation.

However, signs that an individual may be being radicalised could be:

• becoming focussed on extremist activities;

• becoming withdrawn and stopping participating in their usual activities;

• expressing feelings of anger, grievance or injustice;

• going missing from their home, school or care setting;

• a new group of friends who you have concerns about using language that supports ‘us and them’ thinking;

• possessing or searching for extremist literature online; or

• changes in an individual’s appearance or behaviour.

As a member of staff, you are required to use your existing skills and professional judgement in determining the significance of any changes. However, we recognise that in large organisations, staff have different levels and types of interaction with others.

In some areas, staff will have professional duties in relation to safeguarding members of the public – in other areas, much less so. If you work in an area where you are already skilled in safeguarding, you will receive additional training to help you spot the signs of vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism. For others, the focus is on being aware that if you see something that is of concern, you know who you can contact in your organisation for advice and guidance. This is so that you can pass on your concern if this is necessary and be confident that you have done the right thing. It also ensures that others in the organisation, who are suitably trained, can exercise professional judgement so that cases that need to be taken forward are dealt with appropriately. Concerns could relate to people in your community, members of the public you have some dealings with as part of your work, or members of staff.

Raising a concern – Notice, Check, Share

Don’t rely on others. You must report any concerns you have.

http://naconnects.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/documents/32808-6pp-x-3rd-A4-NAC-Safety-Leaflet-24-May-2017.pdf

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Scottish Government National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 uses terminology Vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism.

This places an obligation on local authorities to ensure that a panel of persons is in place for its area to assess the extent to which identified individuals are vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and, where appropriate, arrange for support to be provided.

Revised HM Government Guidance (2021) is available for Scotland - Prevent Multi-Agency Panel Duty Guidance: Protecting people vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

Public sector frontline staff identified as a key group in the identification and referral of individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism as a consequence of radicalisation.

All should have undertaken the relevant training to ensure they understand Prevent, the Prevent Multiple Agency Panel (PMAP) process, the radicalisation process and how to intervene to prevent someone from being drawn into terrorism.

Radicalisation and Extremism

Revised HM Government Guidance (2021) is available for Scotland (Prevent Multi-Agency Panel Duty Guidance: Protecting people vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism(publishing.service.gov.uk). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/964230/6.6467_HO_PMAP-Duty-Guidance-Scotland.pdf (new)

Extreme Dialogue for PREVENT Scotland – https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Documents/ExtremeDialogue.pdf

Revised Prevent duty guidance: for Scotland - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (new)

Raising a concern – Notice, Check, Share

Don’t rely on others. You must report any concerns you have. This is a safeguarding issue and CP procedures should be followed except in the case of an emergency when the Police should be contacted immediately.

Preventing vulnerable people being drawn into terrorism

The purpose of this stop press is to let you know what you can do to prevent vulnerable people being drawn into terrorism.

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act came into force in July 2015, placing a duty on a number of specified authorities to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

The authorities identified as having a role in protecting vulnerable people include the NHS, the local authorities, further and higher education establishments, prisons and the police. It is important to recognise that for most of these authorities, work to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism forms part of their normal work to protect vulnerable children and adults, and existing procedures are applied.

So, in the same way that we might raise concerns about children who may be vulnerable to neglect, or someone who could be vulnerable to abuse in the home, we need to know how to identify concerns that people might be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. We need to know who to tell, so that the appropriate care, advice and support can be considered. In doing this, we can help prevent people from being exploited by those who would seek to harm us through terrorism and violent extremism.

This briefing introduces the Prevent strategy and answers any questions about what it means for you.

What is the Prevent strategy?

The Prevent strategy aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It is about preventative action, and is very much focused on the early stages where a crime has not yet been committed.

Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran

What is the threat?

Prevent involves all kinds of terrorist threat to the UK, including organisations originating in Syria, Iraq and Northern Ireland, and also right wing extremist organisations who pose a threat to our safety and security. Motivations are varied and many usually relate to particular ideologies, some further examples include:

• political movements;

• religious beliefs;

• animal rights groups;

• environmental issues; and

• economic issues.

Why do people get involved in terrorism or violent extremism?

There is no single profile for a person who is likely to become radicalised or move to support extremism. However, here are some signs that may indicate vulnerability to terrorist ideologies – for example:

• a lack of identity or belonging/identify crisis;

• insecurity;

• defending a culture, way of life or beliefs; and

• being pressured or bullied.

Those who radicalise others into believing terrorist or violent extremist ideologies often target vulnerable people who are led into believing that violence or criminality can earn respect, right a wrong or glorify a cause.

Spotting the signs

There is no checklist that we can give you to help you make decisions about whether a staff member, patient, client, student or visitor has been or is being radicalised. There is no single profile to determine who is likely to become involved in terrorism or violent extremism and the process of radicalisation. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and situation.

However, signs that an individual may be being radicalised could be:

• becoming focussed on extremist activities;

• becoming withdrawn and stopping participating in their usual activities;

• expressing feelings of anger, grievance or injustice;

• going missing from their home, school or care setting;

• a new group of friends who you have concerns about using language that supports ‘us and them’ thinking;

• possessing or searching for extremist literature online; or

• changes in an individual’s appearance or behaviour.

As a member of staff, you are required to use your existing skills and professional judgement in determining the significance of any changes. However, we recognise that in large organisations, staff have different levels and types of interaction with others.

In some areas, staff will have professional duties in relation to safeguarding members of the public – in other areas, much less so. If you work in an area where you are already skilled in safeguarding, you will receive additional training to help you spot the signs of vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism. For others, the focus is on being aware that if you see something that is of concern, you know who you can contact in your organisation for advice and guidance. This is so that you can pass on your concern if this is necessary and be confident that you have done the right thing. It also ensures that others in the organisation, who are suitably trained, can exercise professional judgement so that cases that need to be taken forward are dealt with appropriately. Concerns could relate to people in your community, members of the public you have some dealings with as part of your work, or members of staff.

Raising a concern – Notice, Check, Share

Don’t rely on others. You must report any concerns you have.

Safeguarding - Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism – https://education.gov.scot/improvement/learning-resources/safeguarding-prevent-in-education/#:~:text=Simply%20put%2C%20Prevent%20is%20about,form%20of%20safeguarding%20from%20harm.

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The Vulnerability Assessment Framework involves three dimensions:

Engagement with a group, cause or ideology.
Intent to cause harm.

3. Capability to cause harm

Radicalisation and Extremism

The Prevent strategy, published by the UK Government in 2011, is part of our overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. The Prevent strategy has 3 specific strategic objectives:

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it.
Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support.
Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address.

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Summary – Responding to Child Protection & Safeguarding Concerns

Where there is concern about child protection or safeguarding (child abuse, neglect or exploitation) you should:

Discuss your concerns with the Child Protection Co-ordinator (or member of Senior Management Team) immediately. The CP Co-ordinator will decide on an appropriate course of action.
Establish with the CP Co-ordinator when and how concerns should be recorded/shared, including, if and when, following consultation with Social Work, if this information can be shared with parents/carers.
Ensure you are clear with regards to the establishment policy and procedures.
Formalise with the Child Protection Co-ordinator what further support the child is likely to need and how best this can be met.

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Protecting and Safeguarding North Ayrshire’s Children

Standard Circular G3: Protecting and Safeguarding North Ayrshire’s Children provides guidance for policy and practice within all Education establishments to secure the care and wellbeing of all children and young people and to ensure an appropriate response when concerns are identified.

All staff are required to be familiar with SC L3 and to follow the procedures and guidelines it contains. (A copy of this policy can be found on the Staff CP Notice Board within all establishments).

Nothing essentially

new in this!

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Key Agency Contacts

SERVICE ACCESS TEAMS If you are concerned about a child it is important that this information gets to the right people as soon as possible. The best people to contact are the social services team for the area in which the child lives. If you are not sure which area the child lives, then contact Irvine Social Services. If you are trying to contact Social Services out of office hours, then telephone: 0800 328 7758
Arran Area Office	For Arran	01770 600742	RSArran@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Irvine Area Office	For Irvine and Kilwinning	01294 310300	RSIrvine@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Kilbirnie Area Office	For Garnock Valley	01505 684551	RSKilbirnie@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Largs Area Office	For North Coast	01475 687592	serviceaccess@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Three Towns Area Office	For Stevenson, Saltcoats and Ardrossan	01294 310005	RS3Towns@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Police Scotland at any police office or

by calling 101 or 999 in case of emergency

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Education Contacts (5-18)

During Office Hours and Outwith

Name		Telephone	Email
Andrew McClelland *	Mobile	07834813874
Chief Education Officer	Office	01294 324416 (C unninghame House)	andrewmcclelland@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Philip Gosnay *	Mobile	07798 577355
Senior Manager (Inclusion)	Office	01294 324740 (Cunninghame House)	philipgosnay@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Gail Nowek	Mobile
Principal Psychologist	Office	01294 324589 (Cunninghame House)	gailnowek@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

* Key Contacts for Child Protection

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Name		Telephone	Email
Fiona Hopkins	Mobile	07800744391
Senior Manager (Early Years)	Office	01294 324500 07800744391 (Cunninghame House)	fionahopkins@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Lorraine Dobbs *	Mobile	07712 288893
Early Learning and Childcare Co-ordinator	Office	01294 317261 (Cunninghame House)	lorrainedobbs@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

* Key Contacts for Child Protection

Education Contacts (Early Years)

During Office Hours and Outwith

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Useful Documents and Websites

North Ayrshire Child Protection Committee www.childprotectionnorthayrshire.info

Barnardos – www.barnardos.org.uk
CEOP – www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Female Genital Mutilation – www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm
National Child Protection Guidance 2021– here
National Risk Framework – www.gov.scot/Resource/0040/00408604.pdf
Pan Ayrshire GIRFEC – www.girfec-ayrshire.co.uk/
Shakti Women’s Aid – www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk
UNICEF – UN Rights of the Child – www.unicef.org/crc/

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CPC Training

Additional Training is available to all staff via the CPC training calendar that can be accessed via the CPC website. Staff should seek permission from their line manager when applying for courses http://childprotectionnorthayrshire.info/cpc/training/

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Child Protection Annual Presentation

TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE TRAINING RECORD

TO BE UPDATED