Allegations of Abuse Policy

Written By Ruth Brooker

July 2026

LC Policy #10

This policy outlines how the setting responds to any allegation or concern that a child has been abused or is at risk of harm. As a wraparound-care provider, we recognise the unique safeguarding risks associated with extended hours, mixed-age groups, and variable staffing levels. We are committed to ensuring all allegations are handled promptly, transparently, and in line with statutory guidance and Ofsted expectations.


This policy ensures:

  • Children are protected at all times

  • Allegations are managed consistently and fairly

  • Staff understand their responsibilities

  • Concerns are escalated to external agencies without delay


This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, contractors, and students

  • Parents, carers, and visitors

  • Any individual who raises or is subject to an allegation


It covers allegations against anyone, including family members, other children, staff, or unknown individuals.


Definitions: Abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, child-on-child abuse, online harm, grooming, and exploitation.


An allegation is any concern that a child has been harmed, may have been harmed, or has disclosed harm.


Legal and Statutory Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)

  • Local Safeguarding Partnership procedures

  • Ofsted expectations for out-of-school settings

  • Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)


Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Leads all safeguarding concerns

  • Makes referrals

  • Liaises with external agencies

  • Ensures staff training and compliance


  1.  Deputy DSL

Acts in the DSL’s absence.



  1. All Staff

  • Must report concerns immediately

  • Must not investigate

  • Must follow wraparound-specific procedures (lone working, handover, mixed-age supervision)


  1. Management

Ensures safe staffing, training, and policy implementation.


Recognising Abuse

Staff must be alert to physical, behavioural, emotional, and verbal indicators of abuse. Particular attention is required during:

  • Busy transitions (drop-off/pick-up)

  • Mixed-age play

  • Outdoor activities

  • Holiday club sessions


Procedure for Handling Allegations

Step 1: Immediate Safety

Ensure the child is safe and supported.


Step 2: Report Immediately

Report to the DSL or Deputy DSL without delay. If neither is on site (common in wraparound hours), staff must contact:

  • Children’s Social Care

  • Police (if immediate danger)

  • The DSL by phone


Step 3: Record the Concern

Record:

  • Exact words spoken

  • Observations

  • Context (e.g., during handover, lone working, mixed-age play)

  • Who was informed


Step 4: DSL Decision

The DSL will determine whether to:

  • Refer to Children’s Social Care

  • Contact police

  • Seek safeguarding partnership advice

  • Monitor the concern


Step 5: Referral

Referrals must be made within 24 hours (sooner if immediate risk).


Step 6: Follow-Up

The DSL will:

  • Attend multi-agency meetings

  • Support the child

  • Maintain secure records

  • Adjust wraparound supervision if needed


Wraparound-Specific Safeguarding Scenarios

A. Lone Working & Low Staffing

Wraparound care often involves small teams or single-staff supervision. Staff must:

  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible

  • Report any allegation arising during lone working immediately

  • Ensure visibility (open doors, shared spaces)

  • Follow the Lone Working Policy


Any allegation during lone working triggers immediate DSL review.


Mixed-Age Groups

Wraparound care mixes children from Reception to Year 6. Staff must:

  • Supervise high-risk areas closely

  • Separate age groups when needed

  • Respond quickly to child-on-child allegations

  • Inform parents appropriately

  • Refer to external agencies if sexualised behaviour or harm is suspected


Drop-Off and Pick-Up Allegations

Allegations often arise during transitions. Staff must:

  • Move the child to a safe, quiet space

  • Record the disclosure immediately

  • Inform the DSL

  • Ensure supervision ratios remain safe

  • Follow the Arrivals & Departures Policy


DSL Availability Outside School Hours

Wraparound care operates outside standard school times. The DSL must ensure:

  • Clear contact arrangements

  • Staff know how to escalate concerns when DSL is off-site

  • Emergency numbers are accessible

  • A Deputy DSL is trained and available


Allegations Involving Staff

If the allegation is against a staff member, volunteer, or contractor, the Allegations Against Staff Policy must be followed, including mandatory referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).


Confidentiality

Information is shared only with those who need to know, in line with GDPR and safeguarding legislation.


Support for Children and Families

We provide emotional support, pastoral care, and multi-agency coordination.


False or Malicious Allegations

If an allegation is found to be false:

  • The child may still require support

  • Management may take appropriate action if malicious

  • Records will clearly reflect the outcome


Training

All staff receive:

  • Annual safeguarding training

  • Induction training

  • Wraparound-specific safeguarding training

  • Child-on-child abuse and online safety training


Record Keeping

Records must be accurate, timely, secure, and retained according to statutory guidance.


This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation and/or guidance changes or a safeguarding incident occurs.


Ruth Brooker
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Allegations Against Staff Policy