Children with SEND or Physical Health issues
Children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or physical health issues
We recognise that children who have SEND or certain health or physical health conditions can face additional safeguarding challenges. We accept the additional barriers that can exist when recognising abuse and neglect of children in this group of children. These can include:
- assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the child’s disability without further exploration;
- being more prone to peer group isolation than other children;
- the potential for children with SEND being disproportionally impacted by behaviours such as bullying, without outwardly showing any signs; and
- communication barriers and difficulties in overcoming these barriers.
To help address these additional challenges we will provide extra pastoral support for children with SEND. For any reports of abuse involving children with SEND, the DSL (or a deputy) and the SENCO will liaise closely.
Children who are lesbian, gay, bi or trans (LGBT)
We recognise that the fact that a child or a young person may be LGBT is not in itself an inherent
risk factor for harm. However, children who are LGBT can be targeted by other children. In some cases, a child who is perceived by other children to be LGBT (whether they are or not) can be just as vulnerable as children who identify as LGBT. Risks can be compounded where children who are LGBT lack a trusted adult with whom they can be open. All staff will endeavour to reduce the additional barriers faced and provide a safe space for them to speak out or share their concerns with members of staff.