Children missing from home or care
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a key duty on local authorities and requires effective collaboration between agencies and professionals. When a child goes missing or runs away they are at risk. Safeguarding children therefore includes protecting them from this risk. Local authorities are responsible for protecting children whether they go missing from their family home or from local authority care. (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016)
What we do
We encourage a good relationship with the pharmacies who provide apprenticeships to those training with Buttercups, therefore concerns can be identified and shared with Buttercups
We have a good relationship with the mentors to our apprentices and encourage them to speak to us regularly. If they have any concerns, they know it is their responsibility to inform us as soon as possible
We encourage a good relationship with the parents and carers of our apprentices and encourage them to voice any concerns that they may have if their child is missing
We review our learners' welfare regularly via telephone welfare reviews and/or learner welfare visits (for 16-19 year old learners)
As a team we will provide the right support in order for the learner to access their education with us again
We involve other agencies if we have concerns
What you will do
I will talk to someone if I am worried about something that's making me feel like I want to run away
I will recognise if and when I need some help
I know that I can report my concerns to the Safeguarding and Welfare Team at Buttercups
Further support
If you are worried or have any concerns, please contact the Buttercups Safeguarding and Welfare Team.