FOI Request - Policies on Safeguarding Children

Request 101003894350

*Summary**

* I am requesting all council guidance, policies, and procedures for schools regarding safeguarding children who are harmed by peers whose behaviour arises from complex, unmet, or additional support needs.
* This is **not bullying** and nor is it **inclusion.** I am only seeking inclusion guidance where it specifically addresses the impact of such behaviour on other children and the council's guidance on how these children should be protected.
* I also request risk assessment and escalation guidance relating to these scenarios.

**Details**

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 / FOIA 2000, I request all documents and guidance issued to schools regarding **safeguarding children from harm caused by other pupils whose behaviour stems from complex or unmet needs**. For clarity, this request **excludes policies on bullying**, as the behaviour in question arises from the child’s inability to self-regulate.

Please provide:

**1. Safeguarding Guidance**

All guidance, policies, procedures, frameworks, or practice notes that:

- Address safeguarding responses when a child is harmed by a peer whose behaviour stems from complex, unmet, or additional support needs (e.g., emotional, behavioural, neurodevelopmental, or disability-related).    
- Distinguish this type of behaviour from bullying.    
- Advise on balancing the needs of the child exhibiting dysregulated behaviour with the safety and wellbeing of other children.
   

**2. Inclusion Policies (Limited Scope)**

Only provide inclusion policies or excerpts that:

- Address the impact on other children from a pupil with complex or unmet needs.    
- Outline how inclusion should be managed where there is a risk of harm to peers.
   

**3. Risk Assessment Guidance**

All guidance, templates, or frameworks for schools on:

- Conducting risk assessments for pupils whose behaviour may present a risk to others.    
- Assessing and mitigating risks to other children, including control measures, monitoring, and review expectations.
- Dynamic risk assessment, behaviour support planning, and multi-agency involvement in foreseeable risk situations.
   

**4. Escalation and Reporting Procedures**

Documents detailing:

- When and how schools should escalate safeguarding concerns to the council.  
- How safeguarding responsibilities are allocated between schools and the council where children with complex behaviours pose a risk to their peers.
   
**5. Guidance for Parents**

Please provide all guidance, policies, procedures, or practice notes issued to school regrading how they should communicate with, support, or involve parents or carers in situations where a child is harmed by another pupil whose behaviour stems from complex or unmet needs.