What should be recorded?

• Factual information

• There must be a chronology which is kept up to date, of significant incidents or events, subsequent actions and outcomes, with accurate dates

• Record the child’s own words where there has been a disclosure, or they have been spoken with about a concern

• In the case of disclosure, the record should also include: 

  • as full an account as possible of what the child said;

  • an account of any (Tell me, Explain, Describe) questions put to the child;

  • time and place of disclosure;

  • who was present at the time of disclosure, name, job title;

  • the demeanour of the child;

  • what happened to the child at the end of disclosure

  • who was advised of the disclosure and any further actions or decisions

• Where professional opinions are given this must be made clear that it is a professional opinion and you should be able to qualify this with evidence from observation or your professional expertise. You should only offer opinions you are qualified to give e.g. a teacher is not qualified to make any psychiatric or psychological diagnosis

• Observations such as any indicators of possible neglect

• Conversations with parents/carers about safeguarding/child protection concerns

• Referrals made and conversations held with other agencies or professionals within the school

• Reasons for actions e.g. if not referred to MASH

• Internal actions, plans and referrals

• Descriptions of any injury with completion of a body map

• Any discussion or supervision advice given with any change in plans noted

• Always record as soon as possible and on the same day if it relates to an incident or what a child/parent/other adult has told you.

What else should be recorded?

• A copy of referral forms to other agencies

• Minutes from relevant meetings such as Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need meetings and Team Around the Child meetings

• Actions plans e.g. CP plans, CIN plans, TAC plans

• Copies of any completed risk tools used e.g. CE, neglect

• Early Help Assessments

• Other safeguarding/child protection information from other agencies

• Records of conversations and communications with parents and professionals

• Emails or other correspondence to and from parents and professionals

• Conversations with staff providing support in school - e.g. ELSA, pastoral staff, mentors

• Domestic abuse alerts and information to and from MARAC

• Any other relevant safeguarding/child protection documents.