Safeguarding

[marie33]

Hi all , what do you do if there is an allegation against your assistant ? Do you stop them working straight away , just wondering as friend was asked similar question at her inspection last week, had a quick look at mscb but couldnt see anything thanks

[sarah707]

If you work with an assistant you should have a procedure in your safeguarding policy for allegations made against either of you including procedures for whistle blowing, reporting, investigating and steps to take to protect the child.

As soon as an allegation is made your duty is to inform Ofsted and your LSCB and to start an internal investigation. At this point you might decide to suspend the assistant until the investigation is completed.

If you don't suspend, Ofsted will make the decision whether to suspend them or not depending on immediate evidence.

Based on past situations of this nature, they will usually stop the assistant working until all evidence has been collected with social services and possibly police involvement depending on the seriousness of the complaint.

This will obviously have a knock on effect on ratios and spaces which should also be considered.

I know of one occasion where the whole provision was shut down because the assistant, in her panic at being accused, started saying it was the childminder who was to blame - so Ofsted had no alternative but to suspend them both.

Not a nice situation but definitely one to think through - and agree on - if you work with someone else.

Hth

[marie33]

Thanks Sarah