The statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) guidance includes a specific section on concerns that do not meet the harms threshold. These are termed ‘low-level concerns’.

KCSiE sets out that a low-level concern is any concern that an adult working in or on behalf of the school or college may have acted in a way that:

• is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work;
• does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

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 the school may have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the Staff Code of Conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work.  The term ‘low-level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant.

How well do your staff members understand low-level concerns? Consider asking the following questions to gauge understanding:

• What do you understand by the term low-level concerns?
• Can you share the examples that are outlined in KCSiE?
• Why is early dentification critical to safeguarding?
• What are our processes and mechanisms for sharing low-level concerns?
• Which adults in school does it apply to?
• Do you understand what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour?
• What do you understand by ‘the threshold of harm’?
• Who should you report your concerns to?
• Why is it important to report and record all low-level concerns?
• What maybe the risks of not managing low-level concerns effectively?
• How do low-level concerns link to our Code of Conduct policy?

‘It is fundamental that we are able to clearly see all of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle and to also deal with concerns at the earliest opportunity so they either do not escape our attention, escalate, or cause significant harm. These protocols will help to prevent the development of serious code of conduct breaches or behavioural issues that can escalate to abuse or risks for pupils and other colleagues.’  https://www.signincentralrecord.com/blog/the-importance-of-dealing-with-low-level-concerns

KCSIE highlights that low-level concerns may arise in several ways and from a number of sources. suspicion; complaint; or disclosure made by a child, parent or other adult within or outside of the organisation; or as a result of vetting checks undertaken. 

It is crucial that any such concerns, including those which do not meet the harm threshold are shared responsibly and with the right person, and recorded and dealt with appropriately. Ensuring they are dealt with effectively should also protect those working in or on behalf of the school from potential false allegations or misunderstandings. 

You may find this document useful when developing, implementing or reviewing your low-level concerns policy: https://www.farrer.co.uk/globalassets/clients-and-sectors/safeguarding/developing-and-implementing-a-low-level-concerns-policy.pdf

This blog was written by Bretta Townend-Jowitt, Education Consultant and Trainer.