CHILD PROTECTION
KC Under 17 Driving: Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedure (Updated March 2021)
KC Under 17 Driving and persons responsible, explicitly agree to the following Statement of Policy and Procedures in regard to Safeguarding
The relevant legalisation includes:
• Children Act 1989
• Every Child Matters 2003
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016
• The Care Act 2014
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2016
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
KC Under 17 Driving and persons responsible, are committed to safeguarding children (those under 18) and ‘adults with needs for care and support’, and protecting them from abuse when they are engaged in services organised and provided by us.
KC Under 17 Driving commits to ensure that all the Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) at our driving events are registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The DVSA takes steps to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with children, young people and 'adults with needs for care and support' through using safe recruitment and selection processes, this includes 'enhanced level' Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all those registering with them as Driving Instructors.
We understand that it is our responsibility to make sure that appropriate training takes place for staff and Driving Instructors in respect of safeguarding.
We also abide by the DVSA Code of Practice for ADIs: www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-instructor-code-of-practice.
Your Driving Instructor is aware that their language should be appropriate, and that they should not make offensive remarks, use inappropriate gestures, have inappropriate contact with their learners, use inappropriate material or inflict physical or violent abuse.
Any concerns should be reported to the Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer for KC Under 17 Driving and/or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and where deemed necessary, the police and other relevant authorities, pending further inquiries.
We confirm that we have at least one Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer responsible for raising concerns about abuse or suspected abuse towards a child or 'adult with needs for care and support' as appropriate.
The KC Under 17 Driving Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer is Catherine Caunter, who has a NNEB Diploma, has completed a basic child protection course and is a former social care worker.
What action will be taken by KC Under 17 Driving
We acknowledge our responsibility if we become aware of concerns about a child or 'adult with needs for care and support'. We will act in the best interests of the child or adult at all times, and will proactively seek to promote their welfare and protection.
Where KC Under 17 Driving has identified a potential safeguarding issue and needs to report this to a relevant authority or organisation, we will endeavour to keep the child or adult at risk informed, and also their family where relevant and appropriate.
KC Under 17 Driving will take any concern made by a young person, parent, relative, Driving Instructor or member of the public, seriously and sensitively, and will not tolerate harassment of a person who raises concerns.
We confirm that those raising a concern will be made aware that it will be shared with appropriate people who are in a position to help them but will be treated in confidence as far as possible.
Should the welfare of a child or 'adult with needs for care and support' appear to be at immediate risk, KC Under 17 Driving will take steps to protect those individuals. This may include removing the individual to the care of a safe person, contacting Social Services or the police and other relevant agencies / individuals.
We agree to make referrals, and retain records securely and appropriately in accordance with relevant legislation.
Staff and Driving Instructors will not discuss the concern except with the Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer.
All concerns and queries must be addressed to: Catherine Caunter, who is the Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer for KC Under 17 Driving.
Should your issue be with this person, then contact another Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer if available, or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Referral pathway for concerns
Local arrangements vary for receiving referrals. Some Local Authorities have arrangements in place to screen referrals via a multi agency safeguarding hub process, usually referred to as the ‘MASH’. When a referral is received, a professional judgment needs to be decided as to what type and level of help and support is needed. This should be recorded and fed back in writing to the referrer, and where appropriate, the child/vulnerable adult and their family if appropriate.
If KC Under 17 Driving has concerns about the welfare of a child or 'adult with needs for care and support' we will make a referral to the local authority children's or adult’s social care service.
KC Under 17 Driving is aware that referrals can also come from the child or adult themselves, professionals such as teachers, the police, Driving Instructors, GPs and health visitors as well as family members and members of the public.
Escalation
Multi-agency working to safeguard children from harm or adults at risk, is often complex and means that from time to time the judgement of staff from different professional backgrounds may differ, causing potential conflict. At no time must professional disagreement detract from ensuring a child or adult is safeguarded; their welfare and safety must remain paramount throughout.
If KC Under 17 Driving is unhappy that a referral isn’t being dealt with then we will follow it up and escalate it as necessary if we believe a child or vulnerable adult is still at risk.
Trafficking
Child trafficking is child abuse and KC Under 17 Driving completely condemns all forms of child trafficking. This form of abuse requires a child protection, multi-agency response in line with current legislation.
If we think a child may be in immediate danger, KC Under 17 Driving will contact the police on 999.
If KC Under 17 Driving has concerns about a child but they are not in immediate danger, we will share our concerns.
Part of our reporting may include:
• contacting the Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC)
• contacting the local child protection services
• contacting the police if there is immediate danger.
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking and ensuring they receive the appropriate protection and support.
The term ‘modern slavery‘ describes anyone forced into labour, owned or controlled by an ‘employer’, treated as a commodity (i.e. bought or sold) or physically constrained.
Human trafficking describes the practice of illegally transporting someone from one area or country to another, usually for the purposes of being sold into modern slavery. A person does not need to be taken out of their home country to be considered a victim of human trafficking.
KC Under 17 Driving condemns this type of abuse and will report any signs of it to help safeguard individuals.
Contact details
KC Under 17 Driving - Lead Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Catherine Caunter
07988 980592
NSPCC Helpline / Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC):
0808 800 5000
DVSA:
PO Box 349, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE12 2GN
KC Under 17 Driving will not tolerate any form of abuse to it’s customers or Driving Instructors, and will take appropriate measures to help safeguard vulnerable children and adults.