Child Safeguarding

As part of their professional responsibility, General Practitioners (GPs) are required to complete safeguarding training to level 3, ensuring they have the necessary skills to recognise and respond to child safeguarding concerns. To maintain up-to-date knowledge, GPs must also complete annual updates provided during local TARGET sessions. These updates ensure that all healthcare professionals are equipped with the most current safeguarding practices and protocols.

Safeguarding Leads in Doncaster

• Named GP for Safeguarding: Dr. Eric Kelly
• Named Nurse for Safeguarding: Andrea Ibbottson

How to Make a Safeguarding Referral

To make a safeguarding referral in Doncaster, there are several ways to report concerns:

1. Online Portal:
   Visit the Doncaster Children’s Trust website for online referral submissions:
   Doncaster Children’s Trust Safeguarding Portal

2. Telephone:
   Call the Children’s Assessment Service at 01302 737777 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

3. Email:
   You can also email concerns securely to childrenassessmentservice@doncaster.gcsx.gov.uk.

Out of Office Hours

If you need to make a safeguarding referral outside office hours or in an emergency:

• Contact the Out of Hours Service or Police at 01302 796000 or dial 999.

Core Competencies for Child Safeguarding Training

The following outlines the required core competencies for each level of safeguarding training to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people.

Level 1 – Awareness

At this foundational level, individuals are trained to recognise signs of potential harm and know how to act on concerns. Competencies include:

• Recognising potential indicators of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
• Understanding the impact of a parent or carer’s health (physical and mental) on the well-being of a child.
• Knowing how to report concerns and seek advice from appropriate professionals.

Level 2 – Intermediate

Level 2 training builds on the skills developed at Level 1, with an emphasis on more advanced recognition and action:

• Using professional and clinical knowledge to identify signs of abuse or neglect.
• Acting as an advocate for the child or young person.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of all professionals involved in safeguarding.
• Making appropriate referrals to social care when concerns are identified.
• Keeping accurate records of safeguarding concerns, distinguishing between fact and opinion.
• Sharing relevant information with the appropriate professionals and agencies.
• Acting in accordance with statutory guidance, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Act.

Level 3 – Advanced

Level 3 training offers a comprehensive understanding of complex safeguarding concerns and the ability to contribute to multi-agency assessments:

• Applying child and family-focused knowledge to identify signs of abuse and neglect.
• Contributing to inter-agency assessments and sharing information as needed.
• Documenting safeguarding concerns in a way that supports legal and protection processes.
• Regularly reviewing safeguarding practices within the team and engaging in peer reviews, audits, and supervision.
• Participating in serious case reviews, child death reviews, and other relevant processes to improve safeguarding practices.
• Advising other professionals and agencies on the health management of children in child protection cases.

Annual Review of Competencies

Core competencies should be reviewed annually as part of staff appraisals, in conjunction with the individual’s learning and development plan. This ensures that safeguarding knowledge remains up to date and practices are continuously improved.

Useful links
RCGP Children and Young People Toolkit
Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board
Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures Manual

Useful downloads