The BBC has found through a freedom of information request that more than 80 safeguarding referrals were made about after-school clubs in the past five years in England and Wales. These included allegations of sexual abuse, neglect, physical harm, unexplained bruising and incidents involving children who had soiled themselves.
A Department for Education spokesperson said in a statement:
“Every child should feel safe in education, including at after-school clubs. That’s why local agencies can use a range of legislative powers – including safeguarding, health and safety, and premises regulations powers – to protect children from harm.”
Read the news story: Scores of safeguarding complaints at after-school clubs
You can find out about recognising and responding to abuse by visiting the NSPCC website by clicking here
Please also see the Government Publication:
Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility. All staff working in an education setting have a responsibility to report a concern if they believe a member of staff has behaved inappropriately towards a child. All concerns should be escalated to senior management and/or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Havering Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Telephone: 01708 431653
Email: lado@havering.gov.uk
Here is the LADO referral and monitoring form.
For more information please visit our Safer Recruitment and LADO page.
