Low Level Concerns Policy
This policy is in place to cover concerns that do not meet the harm threshold. It is in place to manage and record any such concerns and take appropriate action to safeguard children. WHG promotes an open and transparent culture in which all concerns are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
The term ‘low-level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant. A low-level concern is any concern – no matter how small, and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ - that someone (an adult or child) may have acted in a way that:
- raises professional curiosity
- is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work and
- does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO.
Examples of such behaviour could include, but are not limited to:
- an adult being over friendly with children
- a member of staff having favourites
- taking unauthorised photographs of children on their mobile phone
- engaging with a child on a one-to-one basis in a secluded area or behind a closed door, or
- humiliating a peer or child
Such behaviour can exist on a wide spectrum, from the inadvertent or thoughtless, or behaviour that may look to be inappropriate, but might not be in specific circumstances, through to that which is ultimately intended to enable abuse.
Low-level concerns may arise in several ways and from a number of sources. For example: suspicion; complaint; or disclosure made by a child, parent or other adult within or outside of WHG; or as a result of vetting checks undertaken.
It is crucial that all low-level concerns are shared responsibly with the right person and recorded and dealt with appropriately. Ensuring they are dealt with effectively should also protect those working in or on behalf of schools and colleges from becoming the subject of potential false low-level concerns or misunderstandings.
WHG aims to achieve the purpose of this policy by:
- Ensuring staff understand and abide by the Staff Code of Conduct Policy
- Encouraging staff to raise to share any concerns
- Address unprofessional/inappropriate behaviour immediately
- Flagging any inadequacy in WHG’s safeguarding policies and procedures
Who to share a concern with
Any concern should be shared with one of the following DSL’s
- Peggotty Moore: [email protected]
- Will Hume: [email protected]
- Gail Millat: [email protected]
The DSL will decide if it is a low-level concern but may refer the concern to LADO if it meets the threshold for harm as described in our Safeguarding Policy.
How will WHG respond
All low-level concerns are recorded in writing. The record will include details of the concern, the context in which the concern arose, and action taken. The name of the individual sharing their concerns should also be noted, if the individual wishes to remain anonymous then WHG will aim to do this as far as reasonably possible. Records are kept securely and comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
If the concern has been raised via a third party, such as a school, the DLS will collect as much evidence as possible by speaking:
- directly to the person who raised the concern, unless it has been raised anonymously, and
- to the individual involved and any witnesses
Where a pattern of behaviour is identified, WHG will decide on a further course of action, either through our disciplinary procedures or where a pattern of behaviour moves from a low-level concern to meeting the harm threshold, the case will be referred to LADO.
Policy Updated
8thOctober 2022
Policy Review Date
1stOctober 2023
