Al Diyafah High School-Reviewed policies- September 2023 AT&L23-24 Symptoms of physical and emotional neglect can include: • Inadequate supervision; being left alone for long periods of time • Lack of stimulation, social contact or education • Constant hunger; stealing or gorging food • Failure to seek or to follow medical advice such that a child’s life or development is endangered • Inappropriate clothing for weather conditions Sexual Abuse • Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities; whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. It could include instances which do not involve any physical contact. Symptoms of sexual abuse include: • Genital soreness, injuries or discomfort • Sexually transmitted disease; urinary infection • Excessive preoccupation with sexual matters; inappropriately sexualized play, words or drawing • A child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults • Repeated sleep disturbances through nightmares and/or bedwetting. • Engaging them in watching or producing pornographic material. • Encouraging children to act in a sexually inappropriate way. Older children and young people may additionally exhibit: • Depression • Drug / Alcohol abuse • Eating disorder; obsessive behaviour • Self-mutilation; suicide attempts • School/ peer/relationship problems 2. Dealing with a Disclosure All child protection concerns should be acted upon immediately. If you are concerned that a child might be at risk or is actually suffering abuse: • Listen to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief. • Accept what is being said. • Allow the child to talk freely. • Reassure the pupil, but do not make promises which might be impossible to keep. • Reassure the pupil that what has happened is not their fault and stress that it was right to talk. • Listen rather than ask direct questions; ask minimal open rather than leading questions. • Explain what has to be done next and who has to be told. • If you feel a physical examination & first aid is required, refer the child to the doctor in consultation with the CPO. Assessment and Record Keeping • Make notes as soon as possible after the conversation on the concerns form (Appendix-1) • Do not destroy the original notes in case they are needed by a court. • Record the date, time, place and any noticeable non-verbal behaviour and the words used by the pupil. • Record on a body map (Appendix-2) the site of any injury – do NOT take photos. • Record statements and observations, not interpretations or assumptions.
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