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What is a low level concern?

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:22:19 UTC

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.

Low-level concerns are part of a spectrum of behaviour. This includes:

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:23:03 UTC

inadvertent or thoughtless behaviour
behaviour that might be considered inappropriate depending on the circumstances
behaviour which is intended to enable abuse.

Examples of such behaviour could include:

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:23:52 UTC

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.

Why do schools need to respond to low-level concerns?

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:24:40 UTC

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.

What do schools and colleges need to do?

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:26:48 UTC

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

Guidance and reporting system:

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 10:31:02 UTC

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.

LSMCHS — 2024-03-06 11:02:54 UTC