34.—(1) The registered person must prepare and implement a policy which—
(a)is intended to safeguard children accommodated in the children’s home from abuse or neglect; and
(b)sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect.
(2) The procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect must, in particular—
(a)provide for liaison and co-operation with any local authority which are, or may be, making a child protection enquiry in relation to a child accommodated in the home;
(b)provide for the prompt referral of an allegation about current or ongoing abuse or neglect in relation to a child to the placing authority and, if different, the local authority in whose area the home is located;
(c)provide for the prompt referral of an allegation about past abuse or neglect in relation to a child to the placing authority and, if different, the local authority in whose area the alleged abuse or neglect occurred;
(d)provide for records to be kept of an allegation of abuse or neglect, and the action taken in response;
(e)describe the measures which may be necessary to protect children following an allegation of abuse or neglect; and
(f)describe how and to whom staff are to report, without delay, any concern about abuse or neglect of a child.
(3) The registered person must prepare and implement a policy for the prevention of bullying in the home, which must in particular set out the procedure for dealing with an allegation of bullying.
(4) The registered person must prepare and implement a policy (“the missing child policy”) setting out—
(a)the steps taken, and to be taken, to prevent children from being absent without permission; and
(b)the procedures to be followed, and the roles and responsibilities of persons working at the home, in relation to a child who is, or has been, so absent.
(5) Before implementing, or making an amendment which the registered person considers to be substantive to, the missing child policy, the registered person must—
(a)consult, and take into account the views of, each relevant person; and
(b)have regard to any relevant local authority or police protocols on missing children.
(6) The registered person must keep under review and, as necessary, revise the home’s child protection policies.