Definition

The term ‘low level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant. It means that the behaviour towards a child does not meet the harm threshold for an allegation.

‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ defines a low level concern as: “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 or college may have acted in a way that:

• is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work; and
• does not meet the allegations threshold or is otherwise not considered serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO”

The table below shows the difference between an allegation, low level concern and appropriate conduct