Communications

The Dfe have revised  Searching, Screening and Confiscation Advice for headteachers, school staff and governing bodies (January 2018).  Please familiarise yourself with the revised guidance following the link below ensuring the following are fully understood:

• What is ‘reasonable’ in terms of searching, for example hat, scarf, locker, turning pockets out.  The document clearly covers this in paragraphs 9, 10 and 11.  Advice from the police is not to physically touch a student unless there was a clear threat to the public.
• Paragraphs 12 and 13 give clear guidance on what to do with items after the search.  Police advice is not dispose of items;  hand items to the police in line with guidance, or where appropriate to return items to a parent/carer. This is covered reasonably well in the guidance.  If in doubt please take advice from the police.

The police will revisit searching, screening and confiscation at our designated safeguarding lead conferences.

An update below on training from the Information Governance Team.

For more information, please see below.