Reporting Procedures

How to respond to a child wanting to talk about abuse*

• Listen to the child – only ask questions when necessary to clarify.

• Don’t ask ‘leading questions’ or ‘put words in the child’s mouth’.

• Show acceptance of what the child says - don't show doubt or disbelief.

• Keep calm and reassuring.

• Tell the child you will need to let someone know - don't promise confidentiality.

• Reassure the child they were right to tell you.

• Let the child know what you are going to do next.

• Write down a factual record, quoting the child’s actual words. Sign and date this.

What to do if abuse is disclosed or suspected

• Contact the Safeguarding Coordinator as soon as possible who will then handle the case.

• Do not try to investigate the matter yourself or talk to the parent, guardian or alleged abuser. This could seriously hamper any future investigation.

• Report even small things – this is important because there may be a number of seemingly minor things which, taken together, become significant.

• If the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Coordinator the report should be made to the Deputy Coordinator. If the suspicions implicate both the Coordinator and the Deputy Coordinator then the report should be made to the Trustees or to the Bromley Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 0208 461 7669 / 0208 313 4325 (or Children’s Social Care Out of hours Emergency Duty Team 0300 303 867).