"Outstanding! Should be shown in every school in Britain" BiLLy CoNNoLLy
(From Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education HMSO 2006):
“All schools should have procedures for dealing with allegations, and all staff and volunteers should understand what to do if they receive an allegation against another member of staff, or if they, themselves, have concerns about the behaviour of another member of staff. The procedure should make it clear that all allegations should be reported straight away, normally to the head teacher or principal, and identify the person (often the chair of governors or proprietor) to whom reports should be made in the absence of the head teacher or principal or in cases where the head teacher or principal is the subject of the allegation or concern. Procedures should also include contact details for the designated local authority officer responsible for providing advice and monitoring cases”. (s5.2)
Where it is alleged that a teacher or member of staff (including a volunteer) in a school, F.E. College or other educational establishment has:
“behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates she/he is unsuitable to work with children the local authority designated officer (LADO) should be informed”. (s5.1 and 5.14).
The Guidance makes it clear that:
“it is important to ensure that even allegations that appear less serious are seen to be followed up and taken seriously, and that they are examined objectively by someone independent of the school or F.E. College concerned”. (s5.14).