When a report is received about an allegation or a concern about a member of staff or volunteer working with children the LADO must be informed WITHIN 1 WORKING DAY if it appears that the person has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
- behaved in an inappropriate way towards a child which may indicate that s/he is unsuitable to work with children
Additionally the LADO must be informed:
- if there are concerns about the person’s behaviour towards their own child/ren or child/ren unrelated to their employment or voluntary work,and there has been a recommendation from a strategy discussion that consideration should be given to the risk posed to children they work with
- when an allegation is made about abuse that took place some time ago and the accused person may still be working with or have contact with children.
Referral to the LADO should not be delayed in order to gather further information, nor should any action be taken that might undermine any future investigation or disciplinary procedure, such as interviewing the alleged victim or potential witnesses, or informing or interviewing the alleged perpetrator, prior to contacting the LADO.
The LADO will advise on further action that needs to be taken and will liaise with police or social care where they are or may need to be involved.
In all cases of allegations or serious concerns about staff or volunteers being referred direct to the police or social care teams, the LADO should be informed within 1 working day by the police force’s designated officer or relevant social care team manager.
Ofsted should be informed of any allegation or concern made against a member of staff in any day care establishment for children under 8 or against a registered child minder, a foster carer, prospective adopter or member of staff in a residential home. Ofsted should also be invited to take part in any subsequent strategy meeting.
