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Child Protection Policy
Because of the day-to-day contact with individual children during term times, teachers and other school staff are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop?
The purpose of our child protection policy is to give clear direction to staff and others about the expected codes of behaviour in dealing with child protection issues. As a school we are committed to the development of good practice and using sound procedures. All child protection concerns and referrals will be handled sensitively, professionally and in ways which support the needs of the child.
I am here to feel secure, to be valued and to learn.
Our Mission Statement is the gateway to Child Protection. Our school fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school.
There are three elements to Child Protection:
a) Prevention through a positive school atmosphere, teaching and pastoral support to pupils
b) Protection, by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection concerns
c) Support to pupils, their families and to school staff
Our Mission Statement works when children have high self esteem, confidence, supportive friends and the knowledge that trusted adults are there to help.
a) Maintain its recognised ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and know they are listened to;
b) Ensure children know which adults they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
c) Equip children with the skills they need to keep safe from abuse, through an appropriate PSHCE program
d) Ensure that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from health and the local authority.
Our school operates in conjunction with the appropriate procedures, responsibilities and practices of the Area Child Protection Committee ? Manual in school
Roles and Responsibilities
All adults working with children have a responsibility to protect children. There are, however key people within school and the LA who have specific responsibilities.
The senior designated teacher for Child Protection is Jane Dilorenzo and the Governor with responsibility for Child Protection is Jan Malone. Other members of staff have received training in Child Protection.
The designated teacher is the conduit in ensuring the procedures are in place and that the school is linked to the wider world of child protection.
We will follow the procedures set out in the Warrington Child Protection Committee Manual of Procedures and the Warrington LEA handbook for designated teachers.
Staff will be informed of procedures through the policy, flow charts, meetings, INSET and Code of Conduct.
The senior designated teacher will inform other adults in school what to do if they have child protection concerns.
Parents will be informed of the procedures through workshops, the school prospectus and newsletters.
Parents will be informed before referral, in the case of physical and emotional abuse.
The headteacher, senior designated teacher and the governor will attend training relevant to their role.
They will nominate other staff to receive full or basic training.
School networks will ensure that concerns on child protection can be addressed.
Professional confidentiality
Confidentiality is an issue which needs to be fully understood by all those who work with children. The only reason for confidentiality is to benefit the child.
An adult must not promise confidentiality to any child, they may be required to disclose information which they may have concerning abuse.
If a child asks you to keep a secret, you must assure them supportively that the information may be shared.
Records relating to facts will be kept to ensure good practice. Records are kept by the senior designated teacher. The records are kept separate from other school records. They are not stored on a data base. The designated teacher is the gateway for access to the records.
The school routinely monitors children for changes and is well placed to notice significant changes.
Records of children on the child protection register will have their records transferred when they leave school.
Child Protection Conferences
Only the headteacher, senior designated or assistant headteacher will attend Case Conferences. The designated teacher is responsible for submitting reports. Senior staff will work to maintain positive relationships with parents during and after a referral has been made.
Supporting Pupils at risk
Our school recognises through experience that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of worth and to view the world in a positive way. School may be the only stable, secure and predictable environment in the lives of children at risk. Whilst at school behaviour may be challenging and defiant.
It is also recognised that some children who have experienced abuse may in turn abuse others. This requires sensitive handling
The school curriculum should encourage self-esteem and motivation
The school ethos must be clearly positive and supportive. The environment should be secure and one which gives adults and pupils a sense of being respected and valued.
The school will have behaviour management policies
The school recognises the difference between the cause of behaviour and that which a child may display. This ensures that children remain supported in the school setting.
The school has procedures for regular liaison with other professionals including, the School Health Adviser, the Education Welfare Officer, feeder schools and the Local Authority.
The school has a commitment to produce supportive relationships with parents, whenever it is in the child?s interest.
The school has a management structure of responsive and knowledgeable adults trained to respond appropriately to child protection situations by virtue of training and experience.
The policy forms part of the Safeguarding Policies, and will be incorporated into the multi-agency format for Every Child Matters.
Behavioural and disability issues
The school accepts statistically that children with behavioural difficulties and disabilities are the most vulnerable to abuse. Adults who work with these children need to be particularly sensitive to signs of abuse.
It must also be stressed that in a home environment where there is drug, alcohol or domestic violence, children from any background may also be vulnerable and in need of support or protection.
This policy stands alongside our own Safeguarding children Code of Conduct and the LA?s ?Child Protection Awareness document.
Guidance is given to staff about physical contact with children and students over 16 who work with pupils. The designated teacher has copies of a restraint policy.
Adults need to be aware that allegations may be made against them. They should always be reported. Senior management will inform those who need to know, personnel, child protection governor. Staff should seek advice from their professional association.
Avoid confrontational situations, Ensure other adults are around at all times.
This policy may cause problems with parents. Parents are informed the policy is in place in the prospectus. Information relating to abuse received about a child will normally be discussed with a parent unless familiaral sexual abuse is suspected. The contact is made by senior staff.
Staff will be trained alongside personnel from other agencies.
The school follows national and local guidelines on the recruitment of all adults who have contact with children.
This policy should be considered alongside other related policies:
- Whistle blowing procedures
Reviewed: September 2009
Next review: September 2010
