Ridgway School

Suspected Abuse or Neglect Policy

Desired outcome

Ridgway School provides a safe physical and emotional environment for all students by ensuring the welfare and well-being of students is maintained at all times.

Guidelines

To provide direction to the Principal when applying this policy, the Board expects:

1. All staff are aware of the nature and implications of abuse or neglect.

2. All staff are well equipped to identify signs of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect, and how to act if abuse or neglect is suspected.

3. If a teacher suspects abuse or neglect, that this should be discussed in the first instance with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

4. An environment is established where students feel comfortable raising concerns with teachers.

5. Suspected abuse or neglect is taken seriously and all concerns are responded to promptly.

6. Parents/caregivers will, in general, be informed of the school’s concerns, except where it is believed that the child’s welfare is likely to be threatened.

7. All information/discussion on any suspected or actual abuse or neglect will be recorded and kept confidential, except where a decision is made that it needs to be provided to another agency or individual to ensure the safety and privacy of the student is maintained at all times.

8. Any decisions about whether to involve external agencies (e.g. CYFS, Police, family doctor) will be made by the Principal.

Supporting documents

NAG 5
Flowchart of actions

Date approved by Board [insert date]

Board Chair [insert name]