Session 7

• Mathematics
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Unit 5 - Keeping Children Safe

Session 7 

BTEC Level 3 Children's play, learning and Development 

ZE32051

[e-mail] 

Session learning objectives

By the end of the session all learners will be able to: 

1. Explain different types and form of abuse young children may encounter. 
2. Explore the different signs and symptoms for each type of abuse. 
3. Explain the role and responsibilities of the Early Years practitioner in reporting and responding to abuse.

In your own words
summarise the word
safeguarding.

Reporting Abuse

Step 1: 

Either you witness a sign or a child discloses abuse. 

If the child has disclosed you should:

Provide reassurance

Listen to what they need to say

Do not ask leading questions

Do not promise to keep it secret

Step 2: Record what has been said, using exact words. Add the

date and your name to the document.

Step 3: Pass over the information to the designated safeguarding

lead (DSL) or Line manager.

.

Reporting Abuse

From here your involvement stops. If you feel like nothing is

being acted on then you should follow this up with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and if you continue to feel they are not successfully looking after the

child then you will need to whistle blow.

The DSL will then either monitor the case, keeping a record of subsequent incidences. Or they will approach the parents or they will send the referral to a safeguarding body such as social services or the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Disclosure by a child or parent

Some children may find comfort in disclosing that they may have been or are being abused. Sometimes children may communicate this indirectly by making subtle remarks about their life outside the nursery / school.

For example: 'I've got a secret....'

'I don't like it when daddy comes in to my room'

Sometimes this disclosure can come from another parent when they have concerns regarding a child.

Signs of abuse

A child's development may begin to slow down or regress.

Lack of interest in play 

May flinch when touched 

Demonstrating inappropriate behaviour 

Becoming clingy 

Unusually tired 

Changes in appearance or communication

Use of fowl / inappropriate language

Low self esteem 

Wetting themselves   

The role of the EYP

• If a child discloses information to reassure the child and attempt to write as the child is discussing. Ensure the child's voice is heard and respected.
  
• Reassure the child that this information will be passed to someone who can help them. 
  
• Observe and monitor children if abuse is suspected, keeping a record is important.
  
• Inform your Designated safeguarding lead. 
  
• Whistle blow if internal.
  
• Do NOT ask leading questions. 
  

What 'physical' signs might
you see if a child is abused?

How can abuse affect a child?

Abuse can affect a child's holistic development (all areas), each type and form of abuse will have a different effect on children.

They may show signs of delayed development, for example: crawling late.

Often abuse will have a direct impact on children's social and emotional development leading to cognitive delays. 

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs children's basic needs will need to be met to ensure they follow normative development.

Physical Abuse 

Physical abuse is when a baby of child is physically harmed by an adult. This type of abuse ca be categorised as tricky as children are often hurting themselves during play. 

However there are some signs you could look out for: 

• Repeated illness - Leading to poor attendance.
  
• Bruising in specific locations, bites, burns and non accidental injuries, reoccurrence of broken bones.
  
• Reluctant to remove clothing during a change
  
• Flinching or moving when an adult makes a sudden movements.
  
• Closing eyes when an adult moves.
  

Lets discuss our thoughts?

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when a child is continually emotionally mistreated, this often occurs when a child is made to feel worthless, unloved of frightened to do something wrong. 

Emotional abuse can occur along side other forms of abuse as it can affect their self - confidence.

Emotional abuse is one of the more difficult types of abuse to detect however some signs may include: 

Withdrawal from their surroundings

Visible changes in their behaviour (thumb sucking can occur)

Toilet problems 

Difficulty trusting and forming friendships 

Neglect 

This form of abuse will occur when a child's needs are persistently not met by their primary care giver.

1. Insufficient food for the child 
   
2. Inadequate clothing or living space.
   
3. Dirty clothes and appearance
   

Signs of neglect:

• Failure to thrive 
• Poor hygiene 
• untreated health problems
• hungry
• poor attendance 

Sexual abuse 

This form of abuse is when sexual activity is forced upon a baby or a child. This can include physical contact and non - physical contact such as: sexual photographs, grooming or exploitation.

Signs can include: 

• sexualised behaviour or language (for example: replicating a sexual act)
• Urine infections, swelling, soreness and discharge
• Frequent toileting accidents
• Anxious behaviour

Domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse is when a child is witnessing abusive behaviour at home within their family and this occurs regularly. 

For example: drunken behaviour between parents. 

Signs: 

Child may show aggressive behaviour that they have witnessed at home.

Anti - social behaviour leading to anxiety, isolation and depression. 

Struggling to trust and form relationships within in the Early Years setting. 

Research Task 

In pairs on a google doc, research the requirements of different legislations and guidance to explore how practitioners are required to keep children safe in Early Years. 

• Keeping children safe in Education (2023)
• Working together to safeguarding children (2018)
• Early Years Statutory Frame work (2023)
• Children's Act 2004. 
• Children and Families Act (2014)

Next week.... 

Next week we will be:

 

*Exploring some serious case reviews regarding safeguarding that have occurred over the years.*

* Begin working towards the completion of some practical evidence required for your assignment.*