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LADO Annual Report 2017
1 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
LADO Annual Report
April 26
2017
Management and Oversight of Allegations against people who work with children
LADO Annual Report 2017
2 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Page Number
1.0 Contents 2
2.0 Context 3
3.0 What does the LADO do? 3-4
4.0 How does the LADO work? 4-5
5.0 Overview of Professional Allegation Data (1st April 2016-31st March 2017)
5-8
6.0 LADO Yearly Statistics (1st April 2017-31st March 2017)
9-27
LADO Annual Report 2017
3 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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2.0 Context
2.1 The function of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is a key aspect of the overall
safeguarding activity of the Local Authority and partner agencies. The purpose of the LADO
is to enable and ensure agencies work together effectively to safeguard children from
neglect and abuse by professionals and those in public office (employee, volunteer or
student paid or unpaid).
2.2 Working Together 2015 statutory guidance sets out the requirement that each county level
and unitary Local Authority should have a LADO or team of officers to be involved in the
management and oversight of individual cases. It emphasises the need to ensure that any
action necessary to address corresponding welfare concerns in relation to the child or
children involved should be taken without delay and in a co-ordinated manner. The LADO
Service consists of the Principal LADO, a LADO (newly appointed and commences in May
2017) and a Senior LADO Administrator.
2.3 The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Partnership (SCP) endorses the LADO
Service and places a duty on all agencies to co-operate with the LADO Service to protect
children from neglect and abuse from professionals and people in a position of trust
2.4 The LADO Service is committed to supporting The Partnership Plan ‘One Vision’ by
contributing to
Priority Outcome 3 Helping and protecting children from the risk of harm by co-
ordinating investigations where domestic abuse, child sexual abuse and child sexual
exploitation are identified
Priority Outcome 5 Making a positive contribution to the community in respect of
community safety by raising awareness of the LADO role within the voluntary and
community sector and supporting the Care Leavers’ Strategy in respect of raising
standards of safety and safeguarding awareness within temporary accommodation
settings and apprenticeship schemes
3.0 What does the LADO do?
3.1 The LADO provides
Advice and guidance to senior managers and employers to determine at an early stage
whether a formal referral is required and to prevent delay in the management of an
allegation and ensure that it is child focused
LADO Annual Report 2017
4 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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Quality assurance & monitoring of multi-agency safeguarding practice and standards and
to contribute to the work of the SCP
3.2 Management and co-ordination of individual allegations against a person in a position of
trust who works with children who 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; or
Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates that they may pose a risk of harm to a child
3.3 The LADO Service was specifically mentioned in the Ofsted Inspection report in June 2016
as a result of which Children’s Services in Cornwall are rated Good. At para 30 it states
‘management by the designated officer of allegations about professionals is thorough and
the arrangements that support the work are sound. The work of the designated officer is
clearly recorded and enquiries responded to appropriately and promptly. Cases seen by
inspectors demonstrated a good response, with prompt and appropriate steps taken to
protect children, and active follow-up to ensure that children are protected.’
4.0 How does the LADO work?
4.1 All LADO referrals are submitted via the Multi Agency Referral Unit (MARU).
4.2 The LADO can offer timely advice and guidance on receipt of the referral to ensure any
immediate risk to a child is addressed
4.3 The LADO will determine what is the best route of investigation including liaising with
partner agencies, contract & commissioning services, Ofsted, Education Funding Agency,
Independent Schools Inspectorate and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate to co-ordinate
A criminal investigation
A joint police and social care investigation
An internal disciplinary investigation by an employer/fitness to practice
4.4 The LADO determines on a multi-agency decision basis whether the allegation is unfounded,
malicious, unsubstantiated or substantiated. A final Case Summary and Recommendation is prepared
which is endorsed by all parties and represents a shared understanding of the outcome of the
investigation and ramifications for those involved.
LADO Annual Report 2017
5 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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4.5 The LADO considers with the employer whether there is a need to refer the outcome for disciplinary
procedures, training or advice or to the DBS and/or professional regulatory body
5.0 Overview of Professional Allegation Data (1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017)
Contextual Activity
5.1 In 2016/2017 the LADO Service received 205 referrals which is similar to 2015/16 where
the LADO Service operated to manage 192 referrals in respect of allegations against staff
and volunteers working with children. On average there are 50 cases open to the LADO
Service at any time
5.2 Whilst the number of formal referrals remains similar from last year, it is noted that the
average length of a case from opening to closure was 11 weeks last year, whereas this year
2016/2017 it has been reduced to 7.8 weeks which supports evidence that the LADO
processes are more effective and demonstrates a good level of engagement with partner
agencies to provide timely recommendations.
5.3 We have achieved the first full year of recording Advice and Guidance episodes which total
268. This represents the LADO’s role as an early source of support and guidance to
safeguarding leads in various organisations where a more ‘light touch’ single agency
approach is proportionate to the safeguarding concern raised. They reflect the higher
engagement of the education sector than any other agency which is not surprising in light
of the increased risk of allegation within the teaching profession and the comprehensive
Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance which clearly sets out the
circumstances in which the LADO should be contacted. It is noted that 22% of these
episodes lead to a full referral requiring a multi- agency response.
5.4 In respect of formal referrals, the trend continues that the largest proportion of professional
allegations is found within the education sector which reflects national data. The annual
report for 2014/2015 accounted for 49% and last year, it accounted for 40% and this year
for 37%. We have been able to compare the 270 schools’ different legal entities where 157
are Academies and it is noted that there have been similar numbers of referrals received on
staff members in both Local Authority maintained schools and Academies which
demonstrates that safeguarding remains a priority whatever the status of the school.
5.5 The number of referrals from Social Care (26%), the Police (20%) and the Education Sector
(27%) have remained fairly static for the last 3 years
LADO Annual Report 2017
6 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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5.6 In terms of the primary cause for concern, physical abuse remains the highest accounting
for 37% of the referrals.
5.7 It is noted that there has been a significant increase in referrals which meet the 3rd part of
the LADO threshold – where it is deemed that an individual may pose a risk of harm to a
child. This typically relates to behaviour outside the work place which may then impact on
their ability to carry out the day job; for example – domestic abuse/ alcohol misuse.
5.8 Last year 17% of referrals related to individuals who work with children who were deemed
to pose a risk to children, whereas this year the number has risen to 30%. This may
suggest a greater awareness amongst professionals of how a person’s private and personal
life can impact on their work with children.
5.9 There has been a reduction in the number of referrals relating to sexual abuse from 38%
last year to 25%. There is no obvious explanation eg change of definition or threshold and
this will be monitored by the LADO.
5.10 The outcome of cases remains fairly consistent with last year’s statistics in
recommending 29% of allegations are substantiated; 33% unsubstantiated; 17%
unfounded; 8% false; 1% malicious. There has been a further reduction in NFA from 22%
to 12% which demonstrates the benefit of robust advice and guidance at the beginning of
the process and identifies at an earlier stage if the LADO threshold for a referral is met.
5.11 The actions taken as a result of the LADO referrals demonstrate show a significant rise in
the number of suspensions from 15% in 2014/2015 to last year which was 44% to 34% this
year during the LADO process with 100% of the final dismissals resulting in a referral to the
Disclosure and Barring Service. It is surmised that this is partly due to the agreed Case
Summary produced at the end of each case and the increased engagement with the LADO
Service and the various HR providers to ensure consistency of approach and compliance
with the DBS ‘2 stage harm test’ which obliges employers to make a referral to the barring
list.
5.12 Whilst there have been 23 police investigations, they have only resulted in 3 convictions
and 1 caution. The remaining cases can be divided into 8 potential sexual offences where 6
of the alleged victims in the respective cases were unable to provide evidence; 7 potential
assault cases where the majority were unfounded or there was insufficient evidence to
LADO Annual Report 2017
7 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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proceed; 1 drugs investigation and 2 involving intimidatory behaviour which were
unfounded
Performance Measures
5.13 The LADO Service has developed to a position to contribute to the Children and Family
Services Quality Assurance Performance Management process where the LADO
endeavours to meet the South West Child Protection Procedures guidelines of completing
90% of cases within 3 months. The LADO Service relies on a Case Tracker to pursue
timely, proportionate responses as we recognise the importance of achieving an early
resolution of a case to assist the child in the centre of the allegation in order to
understand, assimilate and recover from any adverse impact on their wellbeing.
5.14 Currently 19% of cases are running beyond 3 months. 60% of the delay relates to
internal disciplinary proceedings; mainly due to illness where the alleged perpetrator is
unable to participate and 40% relates to Police investigations. It is noted that 64% of
alleged perpetrators were suspended during the extended investigations which offers
increased protection to children involved in the process. Professional Allegation Strategy
meetings have actively considered whether the employer can pursue parallel disciplinary
proceedings in order to complete this process and if dismissed for gross misconduct as a
result of safeguarding concerns, a referral can be made to the Disclosure and Barring
Service whilst the criminal investigation is ongoing in order to highlight any safeguarding
concerns to potential future employers.
Outcomes and Purpose – this year’s focus for the LADO Service
5.15 Consideration on how we obtain feedback from the victim, the subject and the
organisation in order to reduce future challenges associated with disputed recording and
create a more open and transparent process which has resulted in
the publication in November 2016 of 3 LADO Guidance booklets including one for the
employee/volunteer accused and one for the employer and
the formulation of an agreed Case Summary document based on the Signs of Safety
principles to summarise the conclusion and recommendations which can be adopted by
all professionals and the subject at the conclusion of a case and forms part of the
evidence base for a referral by the employer to the DBS/ regulatory body
5.16 Quality Assurance role with Head of Service, Learning and Achievement; LADO role in
respect of high profile and significant education safeguarding cases in secondary
education including appropriate liaison with the EFA and Ofsted Inspectors. Focus on
LADO Annual Report 2017
8 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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whether Whistle-blowing policies are fit for purpose and governance arrangements are
robust and transparent.
5.17 Raising awareness - workshops targeted at HR support including external HR support to
schools, academies and other agencies to ensure that there is a common understanding
of
what denotes safeguarding as opposed to poor practice and
to reflect on the grounds for suspension including the number of suspensions v
number of cases where recommended suspension but employer has not taken advice;
and the number of suspensions occurring before notification to the LADO
To check that code of conduct includes notification of any police or social care
investigation to their employer –rather than expectation that only disclose arrests and
convictions
5.18 A priority has been the role of the Cornwall Council Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) and
how school contract drivers are selected and the apparent gap in safeguarding
requirements within the overall licensing of taxi drivers in Cornwall. The LADO has
provided challenge and support to the PTU and Miscellaneous Licensing committee to
achieve a safer and more robust system ; this has included liaison with the Safeguarding
Steering Group, HR Safeguarding and the SW LADO network on good practice. The
outcome was a DLT briefing and meeting with a large volunteer provider to ensure
safeguarding is a highlighted priority; ongoing work to raise safeguarding awareness
throughout the taxi and public transport business. The Monitoring Officer has supported
the LADO to ensure that after the May elections it is compulsory for the members to
have safeguarding training if they wish to sit on the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee.
The PTU is committed to rolling out safeguarding training to all licensed taxi drivers
5.19 Quality CSE consideration – already highlighted by a tick box in the LADO Referral Form
but if box is ticked ‘no’ to provide the rationale for the judgement; to propose further
consideration during the case and refer to in the final Case Summary as to whether
situation remains that there is no risk
5.20 To participate fully in the SW LADO network which links to the National LADO Network to
develop National Minimum Standards for LADOs – to be published in April 2017.
LADO Annual Report 2017
9 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
6.0 LADO Yearly Statistics (1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017)
Total number of LADO referrals – 205
Average length of cases 7.8 Weeks
Identity of Alleged Perpetrator 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Alleged Perpetrator’s Employment Sector Number
Education Academy 42
Education Maintained 35
University 3
Early Years 19
Foster Carer 29
Health 12
Police 5
Social Care 7
Transport 17
Other 7
Voluntary Sector 3
Residential 3
Local Authority (excluding Social Care) 4
Faith Groups 4
Sport Groups 10
Cadet Forces 2
Private Music Teachers 3
Table 1) The number of referrals received in relation to the alleged perpetrators employment sector
1st April2016 – 31st March 2017. The ‘Other’ agency category includes individuals that are self-
employed, dance teachers, a leader of an out of school club, an assistant club Scout Leader and a
Scout Leader. For a breakdown of Foster Carer referrals please refer to table 2. It is important to note
that not all referrals made about an agency come from the same agency.
LADO Annual Report 2017
10 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Figure 1) Graphical representation of referrals by the alleged perpetrators employment sector for 1st
April2016 – 31st March 2017. The majority of LADO referrals (37%) are made in relation to secondary
and primary education staff. The split between academy and maintained education referrals made is
almost equal. Referrals about Foster Carers are high compared to other areas on employment making
up 14% of the total LADO referrals for the year. Table 2 shows a breakdown of which agency or
authority the alleged Foster Carer perpetrators work for.
The trend continues that the largest proportion of professional allegations is found within the education
sector which reflects national data. The annual report for 2014/2015 accounted for 49% and last year,
it accounted for 40% and this year for 37%. We have been able to compare the 270 schools’ different
legal entities where 157 are Academies and it is noted that there have been similar numbers of
referrals received on staff members in both Local Authority maintained schools and Academies. This
suggests that the implementation of the DFE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance continues to
be consistent throughout the education sector.
Education Academy 20%
Education Maintained
17%
University 1%
Early Years 9%
Foster Carer 14%
Health 6%
Police 2%
Social Care 3%
Transport 8%
Other 3%
Voluntary Sector 1%
Residential 1%
Local Authority 2%
Faith Groups 2%
Sport Groups 5%
Cadet Forces 1%
Private Music Teachers
1%
Referrals by Alleged Perpetrators Employment
LADO Annual Report 2017
11 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
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Foster Care Alleged Perpetrator Referrals 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Table 2) A breakdown of referrals made regarding foster carers for 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017.
Overall there are approximately 245 foster placements in Cornwall and there has been a slight increase
in referrals by 5%
Identity of Referrer 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Referrer’s Employment Sector Number
Education Maintained 23
Education Academy 32
Social Care 54
Health 6
Member of Public 10
Police 40
Early Years 4
Cadet Forces 1
Voluntary 1
Local Authority 5
NSPCC 2
Ofsted 13
Fostering Agency 5
Faith Group 1
Other 8
Table 3) The number of referrals received from different agencies for 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017.
It is important to note that agencies will make referrals external to their own agency to address wider
safeguarding issues. The referrals counted under the category of “Other” include a referral made by a
leisure centre, a referral made by cadet forces, 3 referrals made by the Scout Association and 3
anonymous referrals.
Agency/Authority Number
Cornwall Local Authority 16
Independent Foster Care Providers 13
LADO Annual Report 2017
12 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Figure 3) Graphical representation of referrals by sector to the SCSU/LADO for 1st April2016 – 31st
March 2017. Academy and maintained education combined have made 27% of the overall referrals to
the LADO with academies making 5% more referrals than maintained schools. Social Care has made
the most referrals as a single agency with 26% of the overall total. Police are also responsible for a
high number of referrals compared to other agencies making 20% of the overall referrals.
The number of referrals from Social Care (26%), the Police (20%) and the Education sector (27%)
have remained fairly static for the last 3 years.
Primary Cause of Concern for 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Primary Cause of Concern (abuse) Number
Emotional 7
Neglect 2
Physical 76
Physical (Restraint) 8
Sexual 53
Suitability 59
Table 4) The primary cause of concern raised in referrals received by the SCSU/LADO. Emotional
abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent
Education Maintained 11%
Education Academy 16%
Social Care 26%
Health 3%
Member of Public 5%
Police 20%
Early Years 2%
Cadet Forces 1%
Voluntary 1%
Local Authority 2%
NSPCC 1%
Ofsted 6%
Fostering Agency 2%
Faith Group 1%
Other 4%
Referrals by Referrer's Employment Sector
LADO Annual Report 2017
13 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. Neglect is defined as the persistent failure to
meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of
the child’s health or development. Physical abuse is a form of abuse which may involve hitting,
shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocation or otherwise causing physical
harm to a child. Physical restraint refers to unauthorised holds and restraints used on a child that have
or could have caused injury. Sexual involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in
sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of
what is happening. Suitability refers to concerns that do not reach the threshold of the other definitions
described but still question an individual’s suitability to work or volunteer with children.
Figure 4) Graphical representation of the primary causes of concern reported to the LADO for 1st
April2016 – 31st March 2017. Emotional harm and neglect are the least reported concern and together
only make up 4% of the total number of LADO referrals. Physical (restraint) also only makes up 4% of
the primary concern in the referrals made to the LADO. Physical abuse (37%), sexual abuse (25%)
and suitability (30%) make the main bulk of the concerns raised.
Physical abuse remains the primary cause of concern accounting for 37% of the referrals;
It is noted that there has been a significant increase in referrals which meet the 3rd part of the LADO
threshold – where it is deemed that an individual may pose a risk of harm to a child. This typically
relates to behaviour outside the work place which may then impact on their ability to carry out the day
job; for example – domestic abuse/ alcohol misuse.
Emotional 3%
Neglect 1%
Physical 37%
Physical (Restraint) 4%
Sexual 25%
Suitability 30%
Primary Cause of Concern in LADO Referrals
LADO Annual Report 2017
14 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Last year 17% of referrals related to individuals who work with children who were deemed to pose a
risk to children, whereas this year the number has risen to 30%. This may suggest a greater
awareness amongst professionals of how a person’s private and personal life can impact on their work
with children.
There has been a reduction in the number of referrals relating to sexual abuse from 38% last year to
25%. There is no obvious explanation eg change of definition or threshold and this will be monitored
by the LADO.
Outcomes of Closed LADO Referrals 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Table 5) The outcomes of referrals made to the LADO/SCSU 1st April 2016-31st March 2017. An
allegation is substantiated when it is supported by evidence or where on the balance of probabilities
abuse or harm has been confirmed. An allegation is unsubstantiated where there is insufficient
identifiable evidence to prove or disprove the allegation. An unfounded or false allegation is where
there is no evidence which supports the allegation being made or there is evidence to prove that the
allegation is true. False as an outcome is specifically reserved for teaching personnel in schools. 22
cases resulted in no further action after initial consideration for the Cornwall LADO. 14 referrals were
de-escalated to advice and guidance only as they did not meet the LADO threshold, from 4 referrals
the named professional was discovered not to be working with children and 4 LADO referrals were
about Plymouth employees who lived in Cornwall so were handed to the Plymouth LADO.
Outcomes Number
Substantiated 50
Unsubstantiated 58
Unfounded 29
False 15
Malicious 1
No Further Action 22
LADO Annual Report 2017
15 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Figure 5) Graphical representation of the outcomes of LADO referrals for 1st April 2016 – 31st March
2017. The outcomes are almost equally split between substantiated, unsubstantiated and unfounded
and false combined. Unsubstantiated is the most common outcome (33%). There has only been 1
allegation that was recorded as malicious.
The outcome of cases remains fairly consistent with last year’s statistics in recommending 29% of
allegations are substantiated; 33% unsubstantiated; 17% unfounded; 8% false; 1% malicious. There
has been a further reduction in NFA from 22% to 12% which demonstrates the benefit of robust advice
and guidance at the beginning of the process and identifies at an earlier stage if the LADO threshold for
a referral is met.
Substantiated 29%
Unsubstantiated 33%
Unfounded 17%
False 8%
Malicious 1%
No Further Action 12%
Outcomes of Closed LADO Referrals
LADO Annual Report 2017
16 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
Actions Taken of Closed LADO Referrals 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Table 6) The table shows the actions taken from closed cases. It’s important to note that although
there were 4 resignations these were followed up with disciplinary procedures. For a breakdown of the
outcomes of disciplinary procedures and criminal investigations please refer to figures 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The statistics show a significant rise in the number of suspensions from 15% in 2014/2015 to last year
which was 44% to 34% this year during the LADO process with 100% of the final dismissals resulting
in a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service
Figure 6) Graphical output of the actions taken following LADO involvement for 1st April 2016-31st
March 2017. Out of the 205 referrals received, 70 of these resulted in the suspension of a professional
or volunteer because of safeguarding concern. 75 cases resulted in disciplinary action with 26
dismissals and the same confirmed number of referrals to the DBS. 23 criminal investigations took
Actions Taken Number
Disciplinary Procedures 75
Criminal Investigation 23
Resignation 4
Referrals to DBS 26
Dismissal 26
Suspension 70
75
23
4
26 26
70
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
DisciplinaryProcedures
CriminalInvestigation
Resignation Referrals to DBS Dismissal Suspension
Actions Taken of Closed LADO Referrals
LADO Annual Report 2017
17 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Document 2
place. There were only 4 resignations but these were followed up with disciplinary procedures given
that they were the result of safeguarding concerns. For a breakdown of the outcomes of disciplinary
procedures and criminal investigations please refer to figures 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Whilst there have been 23 police investigations, there is only 3 convictions and 1 caution. The
remaining cases can be divided into 8 potential sexual offences where the 6 alleged victims were
unable to provide evidence; 7 potential assault cases where the majority were unfounded or
insufficient evidence to proceed; 1 drugs investigation and 2 involving intimidatory behaviour which
was unfounded
LADO Annual Report 2017
18 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Actions Taken for Outcomes of Closed LADO Referrals 1st April2016 – 31st March 2017
Figure 7) The diagram shows the actions taken for the 50 recorded substantiated allegations for 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017. Nearly all
substantiated allegations resulted in disciplinary action. 4 cases although substantiated required no further action. The outcomes of disciplinary
procedures are broken down as shown. Out of the 23 dismissals there were 23 referrals to the DBS. There were 3 deregistration of Foster Carers and
these also all resulted in referrals to the DBS.
Substantiated
50
Criminal Investigation
7
NFA
3
Conviction
3
Caution
1
Disciplinary
46
Dismissed
23
Referral to DBS
23
Standards of Care
Deregistration
3
Referral to DBS
3
Further Training and Monitoring
9
Final Written Warning
4
Formwal Written Warning
2
Verbal Warning
5
Resignation
4
NFA
4
LADO Annual Report 2017
19 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Figure 8) The diagram shows the actions taken for the 15 recorded s false allegations for 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017. Although the majority of
false allegations required no further action, there were 4 that required disciplinary action by the employer because of situations that could have been
handled more appropriately and/or prevented the allegation happening in the first place.
False
15
Criminal Investigation
1
NFA
1
Disciplinary
4
Further Training and Monitoring
3
Verbal Written Warning
1
NFA
11
LADO Annual Report 2017
20 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Unfounded
29
Criminal Investigation
4
NFA
4
Disciplinary
1
Further Training and Monitoring
1
NFA
28
Figure 9) The diagram shows the actions taken for the 29 recorded unfounded allegations for 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017. All unfounded
allegations that required a criminal investigation needed no further action by police. 28 of the 29 unfounded allegations required no further action by
the LADO however 1 did require disciplinary action by the employer resulting in further training and monitoring.
LADO Annual Report 2017
21 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Services, Cornwall Council
Figure 10) The diagram shows the actions taken for the 58 recorded unsubstantiated allegations for 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017. 24 of the 58
unsubstantiated allegations required disciplinary action with the majority outcome being further training and monitoring (19). All criminal investigations
conducted for unsubstantiated allegations resulted in no further action for the police. 34 allegations required no further action after investigation.
Unsubstantiated
58
Criminal Investigation
11
NFA
11
Disciplinary
24
Final Written Warning
3
Further Training and Monitoring
19
NFA
1
Formal Written Warning
1
NFA
34
Resignation
3
LADO Annual Report 2017
22 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Advice and Guidance
Total number of Advice and Guidance episodes recorded 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017 – 268
Advice and Guidance Requested and Recorded by Referrer’s Sector 1st April 2016-31st March
2017
Sector of Referrer Requesting Advice and Guidance
Number
Cadet Forces 4
Early Years 17
Education Academy 53
Education Maintained 48
Education University 1
Foster Care 10
Faith Group 4
Health 6
Local Authority 23
NSPCC 1
Ofsted 7
Other 5
Member of Public 15
Police 16
Social Care 44
Sports Association/Group 5
Teaching Agency 4
External Local Authority 4
Residential 1
Table 7) The amount of advice and guidance given and recorder to specific sectors. The section
labelled “Other” consists of advice and guidance by 2 charities, the scout association (x2) and a
woman’s refuge. Again it’s important to note that the advice and guidance requested was not always
relating to the referrer’s sector.
LADO Annual Report 2017
23 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Figure 11) Graphical representation of the advice and guidance given and recorded by specific
sectors. The education sector (excluding universities) has requested the most advice and guidance
(38%). As with referrals the split between Academy and Maintained is almost equal (20% for Academy
and 18% for maintained).
Cadet Forces 1%
Early Years 6%
Education Academy 20%
Education Maintained 18%
Education University 1% Foster Care
4%
Faith Group 1%
Health 2%
Local Authority 9%
NSPCC 1%
Ofsted 3%
Other 2%
Member of Public 6%
Police 6%
Social Care 16%
Sports Association/Group
2%
Teaching Agency 1%
External Local Authority 1%
Residential 1 %
Sector of Referrer Requesting Advice and Guidance
LADO Annual Report 2017
24 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Identity of Alleged Perpetrator (Advice and Guidance) 1st April 2016-31st March 2017
Sector of Alleged Perpetrator (Advice and Guidance)
Number
Cadet Forces 3
Early Years 27
Education Academy 65
Education Maintained 57
Education University 1
Faith Group 5
Foster Carer 24
Health 7
Local Authority 10
Other 15
Police 4
Residential 3
Social Care 10
Sports Association 7
Teaching Agency 11
Transport 15
Youth Group 4
Table 8) The table shows the sector of the alleged perpetrator recorded in Advice and Guidance
episodes. The category labelled as “other” includes 9 charities, 1 refuge, 2 music teachers, 1 personal
assistant, and 2 scout leaders.
LADO Annual Report 2017
25 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Figure 12) Illustration of the number of advice and guidance episodes in relation to the identity of the
alleged perpetrator. Alleged perpetrators in the education sector (excluding universities) were the
subject of 45% advice and guidance episodes, again almost split equally between academy and
maintained. Alleged perpetrators working in early years and foster care were the next highest alleged
perpetrators discussed in advice and guidance episodes (Foster Carers 9% and Early Years 10%).
Advice and guidance around transport is also similarly high with 6% of advice and guidance being
about alleged perpetrators in transport.
Cadet Forces 1%
Early Years 10%
Education Academy 24%
Education Maintained 21%
Education University 1%
Faith Group 2%
Foster Carer 9%
Health 3%
Local Authority 4%
Other 6%
Police 1%
Residential 1%
Social Care 4%
Sports Association 3%
Teaching Agency 4%
Transport 6%
Youth Group 1%
Identity of Alleged Perpetrator (Advice and Guidance)
LADO Annual Report 2017
26 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Primary Cause of Concern (Advice and Guidance) 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017
Table 9) The table shows the alleged primary cause for concern for requested advice and guidance.
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and
persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. Neglect is defined as the persistent
failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious
impairment of the child’s health or development. Physical abuse is a form of abuse which may involve
hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocation or otherwise causing
physical harm to a child. Physical restraint refers to unauthorised holds and restraints used on a child
that have or could have caused injury. Sexual involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to
take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child
is aware of what is happening. Suitability refers to concerns that do not reach the threshold of the
other definitions described but still question an individual’s suitability to work or volunteer with
children.
Primary Cause of Concern
(Advice and Guidance)
Number
Emotional 13
Neglect 7
Physical 94
Sexual 55
Suitability 99
LADO Annual Report 2017
27 Safeguarding Children Standards Unit, Children and Family Service, Cornwall Council
Figure 12) The graph shows the alleged primary category of abuse for advice and guidance episodes.
Most advice and guidance was in relation to suitability (37%) and physical abuse (35%). Neglect and
emotional abuse are the smallest category of abuse for advice and guidance taking up only 8% of the
total.
Table 10) The table shows the areas where the greatest recurrences of advice and guidance was
requested. Out of the 268 overall episodes of advice and guidance, 59 resulted in a LADO referral
being required.
Identity of Referrer Requesting Advice and Guidance
Number of Recurrences
Number of LADO Referrals Required Following Advice
and Guidance
Passenger Transport Unit 8 1
Ofsted 7 1
Secondary school/ college x 2 10 1
Primary School x 6 20 4
Independent Foster Care providers x 2 8 2
Alternative Provision Academies 4 2
Independent schools x 2 7 1
Early Years setting 3 0
Independent Residential Provision 3 0
Emotional 5% Neglect
3%
Physical 35%
Sexual 20%
Suitability 37%
Primary Category of Abuse (Advice and Guidance)