The term ‘low-level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant. A low-level concern is any concern – no matter how small, and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ – that an adult working in or on behalf of a school may have acted in a way that:
- Is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work and
- Does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to LADO.
We ask that you make considerations of our Safeguarding Policies and Code of Conduct in this handbook alongside that of the client school.
Examples of such behaviour could include, but are not limited to:
- Being over friendly with children.
- Having favourites.
- Taking photographs of children on their mobile phone, contract to school policy.
- Engaging with a child on a one-to-one basis in a secluded area or behind a closed door.
- Humiliating children.
Such behaviour can exist on a wide spectrum, from the inadvertent or thoughtless, or behaviour that may look to be inappropriate but might not be in specific circumstances, through to that which is ultimately intended to enable abuse. It is important that you are clear about what appropriate behaviour is and are confident in distinguishing expected and appropriate behaviour from inappropriate, problematic or concerning behaviour, in yourself and others.
Low-level concerns can be self-referred, where for example you have found yourself in a situation which could be misinterpreted, might appear compromising to other and/or on reflection you believe you have behaved in such a way that you consider it falls below the expected professional standards/code of conduct.
Low-level concerns should be shared confidentially with the Head Teacher of the school and the Step Teacher’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. Low-level concerns should be recorded in writing and should include details of the concern and the context in which the concern arose. 