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exploitation, county lines, gang involvement, harmful sexual behaviour, and online abuse.
Mental Health Mental health issues can indicate safeguarding concerns. Staff must act immediately and report to the safeguarding team. More info: NSPCC – Child Mental Health. Children 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 adults at risk, must be recorded and reported in the same way as any safeguarding concern. Positive Handling Positive handling 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 Positive Handling 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.
SCL EDUCATION GROUP
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