# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service provides management and oversight of individual cases of allegations of abuse made against those who work with children.

The LADO must be contacted when you have received any allegation or concern about any person who works with children who may have:

Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child

Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child; or

Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children

Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

These procedures may also be used where concerns arise about:

The person's behaviour with regard to his/her own children

The behaviour in the private or community life of a partner, member of the family or other household member

A person's behaviour in their personal life, which may impact upon the safety of children to whom they owe a duty of care.

Contact and further information

From Monday 5 February 2024 you can complete a referral to LADO online, which will be sent straight to our LADO team.

Use the online form to notify the LADO of an allegation:
Complete a referral to LADO
The old referral form will no longer be accepted.

If you need to speak to someone please call: 01772 536 694.

For more information including the procedure for managing allegations please see the following documents:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The LADO service deals with allegations of abuse made against people who work with children.

# data[].attributes.body
A low-level concern is any concern that an adult has acted in a way that:

is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work

doesn’t meet the threshold of harm or is not considered serious enough for the school or college to refer to the local authority.

# data[].attributes.headline
Examples of such behaviour could include:

# data[].attributes.subject
Examples of such behaviour could include:

# data[].attributes.body
being over friendly with children

having favourites

adults taking photographs of children on their mobile phone

engaging with a child on a one-to-one basis in a secluded area or behind a closed door

using inappropriate sexualised, intimidating or offensive language.

# data[].attributes.headline
Low-level concerns are part of a spectrum of behaviour. This includes:

# data[].attributes.subject
Low-level concerns are part of a spectrum of behaviour. This includes:

# data[].attributes.body
inadvertent or thoughtless behaviour

behaviour that might be considered inappropriate depending on the circumstances

behaviour which is intended to enable abuse.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do schools and colleges need to do?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do schools and colleges need to do?

# data[].attributes.body
Schools should have a low-level concerns policy and procedures. These should be part of your school’s overall safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. It should be closely linked to the code of conduct for staff and volunteers.

There should be clear processes in place for sharing and responding to any concerns about an adult’s behaviour, no matter how small. A concern can still be significant even if it does not meet the threshold of harm.

Schools should ensure adults understand:

what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour

what a low-level concern is

the importance of sharing low-level concerns

how to report any concerns

the process for recording, reviewing and responding to concerns

# data[].attributes.body
Please see our schools staff code of conduct, Safeguarding & Child Protection policy all of which can be found on our school website.

Report any low level concerns to the Headteacher

Mr. Thompson.

Where appropriate Mr. Thompson will report more serious concerns to LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).

Please note that LADO are also here to support staff and the school.

DO NOT FEAR LADO.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why do schools need to respond to low-level concerns?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why do schools need to respond to low-level concerns?

# data[].attributes.body
Having clear procedures for responding to low-level concerns is part of creating a school culture of openness and trust. It helps ensure that adults consistently model the school’s values and helps keep children safe. It will also protect adults working in school from potential false allegations or misunderstandings.