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immediately and report to the safeguarding team. More info: NSPCC – Child Mental Health.
Missing in Education Unexplained or persistent absence may indicate safeguarding concerns, including neglect, exploitation, or other risks to learner welfare. Early identification and intervention are essential. All staff should follow the SCL Attendance and Missing in Education Policy 2025–26 and the Behaviour Policy, ensuring these are applied through a safeguarding lens. Any concerns must be reported immediately to the safeguarding team. Non-Recent Abuse Abuse may be disclosed long after it occurred. All disclosures, whether by children or vulnerable adults, must be recorded and reported in the same way as any safeguarding concern. Physical Restraint Physical restraint may be considered a safeguarding matter, as it directly impacts learner safety, dignity, and rights. In SEND or High Needs provisions, the use of restraint may be more likely and should always be linked to individual support plans, EHCPs, and inclusive practice. For detailed guidance, please refer to the Physical Restraints Policy 2025. Barriers to Reporting Many learners are reluctant to seek help because they feel they have no one to turn to, or past negative experiences have discouraged them. Reasons learners may not seek help include: • Fear of not being believed. • Embarrassment about personal issues. • Worry their concerns will not be taken seriously. • Doubts about confidentiality or trust in parents/carers or services. • Fear of consequences or that the situation may worsen. At SCL we encourage learners to seek support through: • Clear signposting and guidance on how and who to report concerns to. • Induction information including safeguarding contacts (internal and external). • Safeguarding policy published on the website.
SCL EDUCATION GROUP
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