Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
The Gentle Path Coaching believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to practice which protects them.
We recognise that:
· the welfare of the child/young person is paramount
· all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
· working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and their agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
The purpose of the policy:
To provide protection for the children and young people who receive The Gentle Path Coaching services, including the children of adult members or users.
To provide staff and volunteers with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
This policy applies to all staff, including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, agency staff, students or anyone working on behalf of The Gentle Path Coaching
It is NOT the responsibility of employees, volunteers or participants at The Gentle Path Coaching to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is, however, their responsibility to act if they have concerns about the welfare of a young person.
Definitions
A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children Act 1989).
Within this policy, any person under the age of 18 will be classed as a young person or people.
Safeguarding is defined as protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health and/or development, ensuring that children grow up in the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026).
This Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy forms part of a suite of documents and policies which relate to the safeguarding responsibilities of The Gentle Path Coaching.
In particular, this policy should be read in conjunction with the other organisational policies referenced throughout the document.
We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:
· valuing them, listening to and respecting them
· adopting child protection and safeguarding guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
· recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
· sharing information about child protection and safeguarding and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
· sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
· providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.
The Gentle Path Coaching acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, and complies with best practice and legal requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children;
have a positive experience at The Gentle Path Coaching in a safe and child-centred environment
are protected from abuse whilst participating in The Gentle Path Coaching sessions
The Gentle Path Coaching acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy The Gentle Path Coaching will;
promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in The Gentle Path Coaching. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
changes in legislation and/or government guidance
as required by the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership, Holistic Insurance and The Gentle Path Coaching
as a result of any other significant change or event.
What is child protection and what is safeguarding?
Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. It commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a young person regardless of their age, gender, race or ability. Child protection is the response to the different ways in which a young person’s or child’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health are damaged by the actions of another person.
Safeguarding refers to the steps taken to prevent harm or abuse to children from occurring.
The main types of abuse are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and bullying (which may or may not include aspects of the other forms of abuse). The abuser may be a family member, someone the young person encounters in residential care or in the community. Any individual could abuse or neglect a young person directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming the young person.
Abuse in all of its forms can affect a young person at any age. The effects can be so damaging that, if not treated, they may follow the individual into adulthood.
Young people with disabilities may be at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect themselves or adequately communicate that abuse has occurred.
The risks to children
Nearly every child grows up in a safe and happy environment, and it is important not to exaggerate or overestimate the dangers. Nevertheless, there are situations where children need protection, including:
· Sexual abuse
· Grooming
· Physical and emotional abuse
· Neglect
· Domestic violence
· Inappropriate supervision by staff or volunteers
· Bullying, cyberbullying, acts of violence and aggression within schools and groups
· Victimisation
· Self-harm
· Unsafe environments and activities
· Crime
· Exploitation
Types of Abuse
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.
Physical Abuse: A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
Sexual Abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Emotional Abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a Parent or Carer failing to:
· provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
· protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
· ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
· ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
· It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Bullying
The Anti-bullying Alliance defines bullying as:
The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.
Bullying may come from another young person or an adult. There are four main types of bullying. It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating from the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).
The Gentle Path Coaching will not tolerate the bullying of children either by adults or by other children. If any incident of child on child bullying should arise at a The Gentle Path Coaching workshop, those involved will be separated immediately and the parents of the child involved will be asked to deal with the matter. The Gentle Path Coaching will review all incidents of child on child bullying and assess the likely future risk to children. If necessary to support the welfare of children, The Gentle Path Coaching will consider removing the child from the designated programme and identifying appropriate next steps with the parents.
Managing behaviour and discipline
Adults supervising children at The Gentle Path Coaching events must never use any form of corporal punishment. In the event of reoccurring issues with behaviour The Gentle Path Coaching will work with parents to put in place appropriate strategies and support. In the situation where a child’s behaviour escalates to place themselves or others at risk, or to prevent serious damage to property, then the minimum necessary restraint may be used – but for that purpose only.
Indicators of Abuse
Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. Most people are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a young person is being abused may include one or more of the following:
· Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries.
· An injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent.
· The young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them.
· Another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person.
· Unexplained changes in a young person’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper.
· Inappropriate sexual awareness or engaging in sexually explicit behaviour.
· Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
· Difficulty in making friends.
· Being prevented from socialising with others.
· Displaying variations in eating patterns including over eating or loss of appetite.
· Losing weight for no apparent reason.
· Becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt.
· Over-tiredness.
· Suicidal threats or behaviours.
· Displaying frequent unexplained minor injuries.
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place.
Signs of bullying include:
· Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to participate in activities.
· Physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes.
· A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM refers to the practice of partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. It is used to control female sexuality and can cause severe long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health. It can be carried out on a girl when she is new born, during childhood or adolescence, before marriage or during pregnancy. There are no medical reasons for FGM, it is a religious, social or cultural practice and is illegal. Performing FGM is a criminal offence.
FGM is known to be practised in many countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The Home Office have identified girls from Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Nigeria, Eritrea, Yemen, Iraqi Kurdistan and Indonesia at most risk of FGM (HM Government 2016).
There are 4 types of FGM
- TYPE 1 – Clitoridectomy – Partial or total removal of the clitoris
- TYPE 2 – Excision – Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without the excision of the labia majora (the lips that surround the vagina)
- TYPE 3 – Infibulation – narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. Created by cutting and sewing the outer labia with or without the removal of the clitoris or inner labia
- TYPE 4 – Other – all other harmful procedures to the female genitals including pricking or cauterising the genital area, cutting the labia (vaginal lips), piercing, incising, scraping. Labia elongation (or labia stretching or pulling) involves stretching the labia using harnesses or weights
A child at risk of FGM may be unaware of what is happening. Indicators that a child may be at risk include:
· A long family holiday abroad or going to visit family at ‘home’
· Relatives visiting from abroad
· A special occasion, or ceremony to become ‘a woman’ or get ready for marriage
· A female relative being cut
· Unexpected, repeated or prolonged absences from school
Indicators that FGM has taken place may include:
· Females who have difficulty walking, standing or sitting
· Spending long periods of time in the toilet
· Female children who are withdrawn, anxious or depressed
· Unusual behaviours after an absence
· Being reluctant to be medically examined
· Being reluctant to be helped to use the bathroom/toileting
· Asking for help but not being explicit about the problem
· Severe pain
· Shock
· Bleeding
· Infections such as tetanus, HIV, Hepatitis B & C
· Organ damage
· Blood loss or infections
The details for the FGM helpline are – 0800 028 3550 – when a child is in immediate danger the police will be called immediately
Breast Ironing
Breast ironing is one of the five UN defined ‘forgotten crimes against women’. It is a practice performed, typically, on children aged 8-16 years and includes the use of tools such as spatulas, grinding stones, hot stones and hammers to delay the appearance of puberty. It originates from Cameroon but is also practised in nations such as Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Togo, Benin and Guinea. There are indications that the practice has spread to other parts of Central and West Africa and to diaspora communities, including in the UK.
Breast ironing is often carried out by a girl’s mother with the belief that she is:
· Protecting her daughter from sexual harassment or rape
· Preventing the risk of early pregnancy by removing signs of puberty
· Preventing her daughter from being forced into marriage so she can continue her education
Breast ironing is often a well-kept secret and can be difficult to identify. Signs can include:
· Unusual behaviour after absences from school
· Anxiety, aggression, depression or being withdrawn and isolated
· Reluctance to be medically examined
· Asking for help but not being explicit to the reasons
· Fear of changing for physical activities due to scars or bandages
Honour Based Violence (HBV)
Honour Based Violence is a term used to refer to practices used to control the behaviours of women and girls within social groups to protect cultural and religious beliefs, values and social norms in the name of ‘honour’.
HBV may affect:
· Those who become involved with a boyfriend or girlfriend from a different religion, culture or caste
· Those wanting to escape from an arranged or forced marriage
· Those who have adopted westernised dress, activities or behaviours that are not considered to be traditional within a particular culture
Women are the most common victims of HBV, but it can also affect men and boys. Crimes can include: assaults, disfigurement, versions of sati (burning), sexual assault and rape, forced marriage, dowry abuse, FGM, kidnap, false imprisonment, stalking. In extreme cases individuals may be killed if their actions are considered to be dishonourable. Honour Based Violence may not include violence, but include:
· Psychological abuse
· Written or verbal threats
· Abusive phone calls, emails and messages
· Being cast out by the family and community
Signs that may indicate HBV:
· Social relationships that have narrowed
· Suspected perpetrator makes all the rules and victims have no say in their life
· Extreme restrictions on movement and contact with others
· Victim shows signs of fear
· Victim has been injured
· Victim has become withdrawn
· Victim may excel in school work or employment as symbols of freedom
Prevent Duty
The Prevent Duty became law in 2015. It is the duty to prevent people being drawn into acts of terrorism. Extremism is defined as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”.
Those working with children and young people are expected to:
· Assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism.
· Demonstrate that they are protecting children and young people from being drawn into terrorism by having robust safeguarding procedures.
· Ensure that their safeguarding arrangements take into account the policies and procedures of the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership.
· Ensure that staff have training that gives them knowledge and confidence to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism, and to challenge extremist ideas which could be used to legitimise terrorism.
· Ensure that children are safe from terrorist and extremist materials when using the internet.
The Prevent Duty includes identifying those children and young people who may be at risk of radicalisation. They may be pressured to do things illegal by others, or change their beliefs or behaviours. It could happen if a child or young person:
· Is isolated or lonely and wants to belong
· Is unhappy about themselves and what others think about them
· Embarrassed or judged about their culture, gender, religion or race
· Stressed or depressed
· Fed up of being bullied or treated badly by others
· Angry at other people or the government
· Confused about what they are doing
· Pressured to stand up for other people who are being oppressed
Signs may include:
· Talking positively about dangerous groups
· Talking positively about people who promote hate
· Spending time with people or on websites that promote violence, hate, racism, homophobia or islamophobia
· Becoming secretive and not wanting to talk to anyone about where they spend time or what they are doing online
· Refusing to talk to people from certain countries or who have different beliefs or sexuality
· Are rude, aggressive or violent towards a particular group of people
· Isolating themselves from family and friends
· Talking as though using scripted speech
· Unwillingness or inability to discuss their views
· A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
· Increased levels of anger
· Increased secretiveness
· Low self-esteem
· Refusing to listen to different points of view
· Becoming abusive to others
· Changing friends and appearance
· Converting to a new religion
· Changing online identity or having more than one identity online
· Joining or trying to join an extremist organisation
· Demonstrating violence in their actions, speech, play
Any concerns that a child or young person is at risk of radicalisation will be referred to Channel, the multi-agency partnerships to support those at risk:
Referring to the Kent County Council Front Door:
Daytime (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm): 03000 41 11 11
Out of hours (Emergencies): 03000 41 91 91
Email: frontdoor@kent.gov.uk
Or
Contact the Kent and Medway Prevent Team via email at prevent@kent.gov.uk for guidance or to submit a formal referral form
Alternatively, if you have any questions about Prevent, including whether a Channel referral is appropriate, you can discuss it with:
Local Channel Panel Chairs
For Kent:
Contact the Kent and Medway Prevent and Channel Manager, Jess Harman by emailing jess.harman@kent.gov.uk
Responding to Suspicions and Allegations
It is not the responsibility of anyone working or volunteering at The Gentle Path Coaching in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate people and authorities so that the necessary inquiries and actions are followed to protect the young person.
Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse
The Gentle Path Coaching staff may become aware of possible abuse in various ways. Staff or volunteers may see it happening, may suspect it is happening because of signs that have been noticed, or may have it reported by someone else or directly by the young person affected.
When a young person reports directly to a member of staff or a volunteer, it is particularly important for the member of staff or volunteer to respond appropriately. If a young person says or indicates that they are being abused, staff or volunteers should:
· Stay calm so as not to frighten the young person.
· Reassure the young person that they are not to blame and that it was right to tell.
· Listen to the young person, showing that you are taking them seriously.
It is helpful to the child to:
· Be calm and receptive
· Listen carefully without interrupting
· Communicate with the child appropriately
· Be aware of your non – verbal communication
· Take them seriously
· Acknowledge their courage and reassure them
· Let them know that you are going to do everything you can to help them
Do not:
· Show shock or disgust
· Ask questions to elicit more information. You can ask for clarification by repeating what the child has said
· Speculate or make assumptions
· Make negative comments about the abuser
· Make promises (“Everything will be alright.”)
· Agree to keep what the child has said a secret
· Keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. (The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the young person has been led and ideas have been suggested when questioning). Only ask questions to clarify as per the relevant training undertaken.
· Inform the young person that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the young person this is to help stop the abuse continuing.
· Safety of the young person is paramount. If the young person needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue.
· Record all information on the Incident Referral Form
· Report the incident to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. When working in another setting, please make sure that you also follow the setting policies and contact the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead as a priority.
Recording Information
To ensure that information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern or as soon as possible afterwards. In recording you should confine yourself to the facts and distinguish what is your personal knowledge and what others have told you. Do not include your own opinions.
Information should include the following:
· The young person’s name, age and date of birth.
· The young person’s home address and telephone number.
· Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their concern or someone else’s.
· The nature of the allegation including dates, times and any other relevant information.
· A description of any visible bruising or injury, location, size etc. Also any indirect signs such as behavioural changes.
· Details of witnesses to the incidents.
· The young person’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising/injuries occurred.
· Has anyone else been consulted? If so record details.
· Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details.
Liaise with your Designated Safeguarding Lead and if working in a school or other setting, the setting or school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. Do not contact parents or carers yourself; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will seek advice from Children’s Social Care on whether and how parents or carers should be approached. Record any communication that takes place.
Reporting the Concern
All concerns, suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.
When working within another setting, please ensure that you follow the setting’s Child Protection Policy as well as informing the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The Gentle Path Coaching’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Ruth Gray, who can be contacted at ruth@thegentlepathcoaching.co.uk.
If any of these people are not available then immediately seek advice from the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000, your local Children’s Social Care department or the police.
The Gentle Path Coaching are not child protection or safeguarding experts and are not responsible for determining whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.
Children’s Social Care have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all child protection referrals by talking to the young person and family (where appropriate), gathering information from other people who know the young person and making inquiries jointly with the police.
NB: If there is any doubt, you must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidents which together cause concern.
Where there is a complaint or allegation against an employee or volunteer, there may be three types of investigation.
· Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved.
· Child protection in which case Children’s Social Care (and possibly the police) will be involved.
· Disciplinary or misconduct in which case The Gentle Path Coaching will be involved.
Any suspicion that a young person has been abused by an employee or a volunteer should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the young person in question and any other young people who may be at risk. If working in another setting, then the setting Designated Safeguarding Lead should be informed immediately.
The Gentle Path Coaching Designated Safeguarding Lead should:
Refer the matters within 24 hours to the Kent Front Door
Referring to the Kent County Council Front Door:
Daytime (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm): 03000 41 11 11
Out of hours (Emergencies): 03000 41 91 91
Email: frontdoor@kent.gov.uk
· Include details of the allegation on a secured file on its internal secure systems.
· The parent or carer of the young person will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from Children’s Social Care.
Notwithstanding the need to contact the people listed above, it is critical to maintain confidentiality on a need-to-know basis.
Allegations of abuse can be made some time after the event. When such allegations are made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to Children’s Social Care. This is because other young people may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with young people.
Confidentiality
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need-to-know basis only. This includes the following people:
· The Designated Safeguarding Lead.
· Children’s social care/police.
· The parents or carers of the young person (unless the allegation involves a parent or carer*).
· The person making the allegation.
· The alleged abuser (and parents and carers if the alleged abuser is a young person).
*It is critical that staff/volunteers use caution and seek immediate advice about whether sharing or disclosing information to a young person’s family member is appropriate if there is any likelihood it increases the risk to the young person as a result of family members sharing the information.
All information should be given to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and stored in a secure place for a minimum of 7 years with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws (unless otherwise advised by professional teams).
Vetting
All staff and volunteers working with children on behalf of The Gentle Path Coaching will complete a full DBS Enhanced Disclosure and subscribe to the update service to ensure ongoing suitability.
Support to deal with the aftermath of abuse
Consideration should be given to support that parents, children and other family members may require in the aftermath of abuse. This may include helplines, support groups and professional services. In addition to the support provided by the Children’s Social Care team and GP the following services may be useful in this regard:
Childline – 0800 11 11
FGM helpline – 0800 028 3550
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Rape Crisis 24/7 Support Line – 0808 500 2222
Victim Support – 08 08 16 89 111
Safeguarding Arrangements:
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ruth Gray – ruth@thegentlepathcoaching.co.uk
For any referrals for concerns about a child’s safety or well-being:
Referring to the Kent County Council Front Door:
Daytime (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm): 03000 41 11 11
Out of hours (Emergencies): 03000 41 91 91
Email: frontdoor@kent.gov.uk
Or
Contact the Kent and Medway Prevent Team via email at prevent@kent.gov.uk for guidance or to submit a formal referral form
Alternatively, if you have any questions about Prevent, including whether a Channel referral is appropriate, you can discuss it with:
Local Channel Panel Chairs
For Kent:
Contact the Kent and Medway Prevent and Channel Manager, Jess Harman by emailing jess.harman@kent.gov.uk