Attendance related concerns
You said: Attendance never reaches threshold for safeguarding until a major incident occurs.
We did: This was taken back and discussed with Children’s Social Care. Poor attendance alone isn’t a safeguarding issue and needs to be managed in line with your attendance policy. It is about recording and sharing any other concerns that you have regarding the child and family that could potentially make it a safeguarding issue.
You said: What do we do around non-attendance for reasons of mental health?
We did: Liaise with the mental health professionals that are involved with the child and assess each case on an individual basis. Mental health issues are a medical condition but if there are wider concerns, consider a referral into CFCS.
Engaging with parents
You said: We would like more information on how to engage parents with different safeguarding topics.
We did: Information is regularly sent out to DSLs that can be shared with parents. We also offer bespoke training to parents if required.