e will not normally provide any information to the press or media that might identify an individual who is under investigation, unless and until the person is charged with a criminal offence. In exceptional cases where the police wish to depart from that rule, for example an appeal to trace a suspect, they must apply to a magistrates’ court to request that reporting restrictions be lifted. 402. The case manager should take advice from the LADO, the police and local authority children’s social care to agree the following: • who needs to know and exactly what information can be shared • how to manage speculation, leaks and gossip • what, if any, information can be reasonably given to the wider community to reduce speculation and • how to manage press interest if, and when, it should arise. Allegation outcomes 403. The definitions that should be used when schools and colleges determine the outcome of an allegation are set out below: • Substantiated: there is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation 103 • Malicious: there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation and there has been a deliberate act to deceive or cause harm to the person subject of the allegation • False: there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation • Unsubstantiated: there is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation. The term, therefore, does not imply guilt or innocence, or • Unfounded: to reflect cases where there is no evidence or proper basis which supports the allegation being made. 404. Ultimately the options open to the school or college depend on the nature and circumstances of the allegations and the evidence and information available. This will range from taking no further action, to dismissal or a decision not to use the person’s services in future. F