IntroductionAt United Education, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children during their adventure camp experience. Essential to achieving this mission is the proactive identification and management of low-level concerns that may arise within our organization. A low-level concern may involve minor issues related to behaviour, interpersonal relationships, or staff conduct that, while not inherently serious, require attention to ensure a positive and supportive environment for both campers and staff.The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and expectations associated with reporting, documenting, and addressing low-level concerns. By implementing this policy, United Education aims to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing the well-being and safety of all participants in our children’s adventure camp.Who does it apply to?This policy applies to all staff, volunteers and third-parties associated with the United Education Adventure Camp. It encompasses any concerns regarding interactions or behaviours that may impact the welfare of campers or the working environment of employees.Definitions of Low-Level ConcernsLow-level concerns may include but are not limited to:
- Minor behavioural issues: This can involve inappropriate language, occasional teasing, or misunderstanding between campers that could escalate if not addressed.Staff conduct: Staff members displaying unprofessional behaviour, such as using inappropriate language in casual conversation or demonstrating a lack of attentiveness to campers’ needs.Interpersonal conflicts: Situations where a camper expresses dissatisfaction with another camper but where no significant harm has occurred.Environment-related concerns: Potential hazards in the physical space, such as cluttered areas that could lead to tripping, or equipment that may not be utilized correctly but does not pose an immediate danger.
- Inconsistent with the “Guidance for safer working practice” (February 2022), including inappropriate conduct outside of work.Does not meet the allegations threshold or is otherwise not considered serious enough to make a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
Reporting Procedure
- Encouragement of Reporting: All staff members, volunteers, and campers are encouraged to report low-level concerns as soon as they arise. A culture of open communication is crucial in preventing potential escalations. The camp management will provide ongoing training and support to encourage reporting, emphasizing that concerns are treated seriously.Designated Individuals: Each camp will designate one or two individuals to whom concerns can be reported. These individuals will be trained in handling low-level concerns and will serve as the primary point of contact for staff, volunteers, and campers.Confidentiality: While any reporting should aim to be as factual and detailed as possible, confidentiality regarding the identities of those involved will be maintained. Staff and campers can report concerns without fear of ridicule or reprisal.Documentation: All low-level concerns should be recorded in a standardized format. The designated individuals will maintain a confidential log that documents the nature of the concern, the individuals involved, dates, and any subsequent actions taken.
Investigation Process
- Where a low-level concern has been identified this will be reported as soon as possible to the Site Manager on site. However, it is never too late to share a low level concern if this has not already happened.Where the Site Manager is not available, the information will be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead on site or the DSO for United Education.Low-level concerns about the Designated Safeguarding Lead will be reported to the DSO and those about the DSO will be reported to the Safeguarding Officer for the district.Where the low-level concern has been reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, they will inform the DSO of the details as soon as possible.
Recording concerns
- A summary of the low-level concern should be written down, signed, timed, dated and shared by the person bringing the information forward.Where concerns are reported verbally to the Site Manager/DSL a record of the conversation will be made by the Site Manager/DSL which will be signed, timed, and dated.
Responding to low-level concerns
Where a low-level concern has been raised this will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. The head teacher will:
- Speak to the person reporting the concern to gather all the relevant information Speak to the individual about the concern raised to ascertain their response, unless advised not to do so by the LADO or Police (HR advice may also need to be taken). Where necessary further investigation will be carried out to gather all relevant information. This may involve speaking to any potential witnesses. The information reported and gathered will then be reviewed to determine whether the behaviour,
- is consistent with the “Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings” (Feb 2022): no further action will be required,constitutes a low-level concern: no further action is required, or additional training/guidance/support may be required to rectify the behaviour via normal day to day management processes. The employee should understand that failure to improve or a repeat of the behaviour may lead to further action being taken, e.g. either via the Performance Management Policy or Disciplinary Policy.
Records will be made of:
- all internal conversations including any relevant witnesses,all external conversations e.g. with the LADOthe decision and the rationale for it,any action taken
Can the reporting person remain anonymous?
The person bringing forward the concern will be named in the written record. Where they request to 2 remain anonymous this will be respected as far as possible. However, there may be circumstances where this is not possible e.g. where a fair disciplinary investigation is needed or where a later criminal investigation is required.
Should staff report concerns about themselves (i.e. self-report)? It may be the case that a person finds themselves in a situation which could be misinterpreted, or might appear compromising to others; or they may have behaved in a manner which on reflection they consider falls below the standard set out in the “Guidance for safer working practice”. In these circumstances they should self-report. This will enable a potentially difficult situation to be addressed at an early opportunity if necessary.
Where behaviour is consistent with the “Guidance for safer working practice” Feedback will be given to both parties to explain why the behaviour was consistent with the “Guidance for safer working practice”.
Should the low-level concerns file be reviewed? The records will be reviewed periodically, and whenever a new low-level concern is added, so that potential patterns of concerning, problematic or inappropriate behaviour can be identified and referred to the LADO if required. A record of these reviews will be retained.
ConclusionThe establishment of a low-level concern policy at United Education Adventure Camp is paramount in fostering a safe and positive environment for all involved. By encouraging open communication, maintaining confidentiality, and providing a structured process for addressing concerns, we can proactively manage situations that may arise.This commitment not only supports the well-being of individual campers and staff members but also enhances the overall reputation and effectiveness of our adventure camp. It is our belief that vigilance and responsiveness to low-level concerns contribute significantly to the enriching experiences we provide at United Education, where every child can safely explore, learn, and grow.
