What led teachers to refer Sara to watchdog services before her death?

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Teachers Referred Sara to Watchdog Services Due to Inconsistent Explanations of Her Injuries

Teachers referred Sara to watchdog services after noting bruising on her body on two separate occasions and observing that she provided inconsistent accounts of how the injuries occurred. When questioned about the marks, Sara exhibited distress, hiding her head and declining to provide details. These observations, coupled with the child's evasiveness, prompted the school to escalate the situation to the relevant child protection authorities.
Bruising Noted on Multiple Occasions

Teachers first observed bruises on Sara's body in June 2022, and again in March 2023. These findings indicated a pattern of injury that raised concern among the teaching staff. The repeated presence of bruising suggested that the incidents were not isolated events.
Sara's Evasive Responses to Injury Inquiries

When teachers inquired about the bruises, Sara displayed a reluctance to discuss the matter. She reportedly hid her head in her arms and did not offer a clear explanation for the injuries. This lack of a consistent or forthcoming account from Sara herself further fuelled the teachers' concerns about her well-being.
Inconsistent Explanations Triggered Referral

The combination of observed injuries and Sara's inability or unwillingness to provide a coherent explanation led to the school's decision to make a referral. Teacher Helen Simmons described Sara as a generally happy child but recalled seeing bruises on her face twice. When Sara's accounts of her injuries did not align, the school felt compelled to involve external child protection services.

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What led teachers to refer Sara to watchdog services before her death?

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