Well done, you made the correct decision.
In your reflective activity, you should have covered these points:
- While you have now made the right decision, you made a mistake earlier when you simply told Heather to keep an eye on Daniel and let you know if he says anything else.
- In future, you need to take immediate action when you or others observe signs of harm, or when a child has told someone about harm.
- You recognise the signs that may indicate that a child or has been, or is in danger of being, harmed or abused.
- You monitor significant changes in a child’s emotional or physical health, personal appearance or behaviour.
- You have an understanding of legal requirements, local procedures and your own accountability where there are concerns that a child has been, or is in danger of being, harmed or abused.
- You have now shown that you know how to follow required procedures for reporting concerns about the welfare of a child and any actions, behaviours or situations that may lead to harm or abuse.
- You recognise and respect the roles and expertise of workers from other professions and work in partnership with them. You demonstrate understanding of the role of different agencies and the central place of multi-agency working in the safeguarding of children.
- You now recognise the importance of maintaining clear, accurate and up-to-date records in line with procedures relating to your work. You know you need to keep detailed, accurate, timed, dated and signed records about any changes, events or occurrences that cause concern.
- You recognise that you are responsible for the work you have delegated to others.
- You realise that you should continually reflect on your own behaviour and values to ensure they do not contribute to situations, actions or behaviour that may be harmful or abusive.
- In future, you should always ask for assistance if you don’t feel well-prepared to deal with a matter at work, or are unsure of how to proceed.
- You have now shown that you have the knowledge required to make good decisions. Next time you need to act sooner and with more confidence. Getting to know the SSSC Codes of Practice and National Occupational Standards on promoting the safeguarding of children and young people will help you to do this. It is important that you continually develop your own practice through reflection and learning.
When Heather first came to you for advice regarding what Daniel had told her, the right thing to do would have been to ask her to record exactly what Daniel said and to sensitively explore whether he has any other worries. You would then speak to Daniel’s mum to ask about circumstances at home. You would also share this information with your manager and make sure it is recorded.
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