PART 5Policies, records, complaints and notifications
Policies for the protection of children34
1
The registered person must prepare and implement a policy which—
a
is intended to safeguard children accommodated in the children’s home from abuse or neglect; and
b
sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect.
2
The procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect must, in particular—
a
provide for liaison and co-operation with any local authority which are, or may be, making a child protection enquiry in relation to a child accommodated in the home;
b
provide for the prompt referral of an allegation about current or ongoing abuse or neglect in relation to a child to the placing authority and, if different, the local authority in whose area the home is located;
c
provide for the prompt referral of an allegation about past abuse or neglect in relation to a child to the placing authority and, if different, the local authority in whose area the alleged abuse or neglect occurred;
d
provide for records to be kept of an allegation of abuse or neglect, and the action taken in response;
e
describe the measures which may be necessary to protect children following an allegation of abuse or neglect; and
f
describe how and to whom staff are to report, without delay, any concern about abuse or neglect of a child.
3
The registered person must prepare and implement a policy for the prevention of bullying in the home, which must in particular set out the procedure for dealing with an allegation of bullying.
4
The registered person must prepare and implement a policy (“the missing child policy”) setting out—
a
the steps taken, and to be taken, to prevent children from being absent without permission; and
b
the procedures to be followed, and the roles and responsibilities of persons working at the home, in relation to a child who is, or has been, so absent.
5
Before implementing, or making an amendment which the registered person considers to be substantive to, the missing child policy, the registered person must—
a
consult, and take into account the views of, each relevant person; and
b
have regard to any relevant local authority or police protocols on missing children.
6
The registered person must keep under review and, as necessary, revise the home’s child protection policies.