Child Protection Policy:
To provide support and take the appropriate action for students who are
subject to a concern regarding a Child Protection issue.
Procedure
1. The school follows the procedures as laid down by the Education Sport
and Culture Department Child Protection Policy and Guidance.
2. Staff will follow school guidelines related to Confidentiality
Policy.
3. Copies of all relevant documents on Child Protection are held by The
Designated Teacher for Child Protection and the Headteacher.
4. All staff have access to the Education Sport and Culture Department
Child Protection Policy and Guidance via the staff drive on the school
system (staff data, child protection). Hard copies are displayed in the
staffroom.
5. All staff will be given an update on Child Protection Guidelines at
the start of the academic year. All new staff will receive information
on Child Protection Policy and Procedures during their induction
process.
6. All managers within the school will ensure their department staff
read the Guidelines on Child Protection.
7. When disclosure is made it is essential that staff elicit only as
much information as is necessary to establish whether there is a cause
for concern. Staff should not use leading questions. It is essential to
follow this as there may be a risk of contamination of evidence should
the matter be taken to court. Staff should refer if in doubt. Staff
should refer to the Policy for advice on documenting the information.
8. When member of staff is satisfied that there is cause for concern,
the Designated Teacher must be notified as soon as possible.
9. All referrals to the Child Protection Team are currently referred
through the Assistant Head teacher (Designated Teacher) or School
Counselor. If unavailable referral should be made to the Head teacher.
10. The Designated Teacher co-ordinates all referral information,
prepares reports for Case Conferences and attends all Child Protection
Case Conferences. In some circumstances this may be delegated to another
senior member of staff or School Counselor.
11. Confidential and sensitive reports will be placed on student files
in sealed envelopes with instructions as to the people authorized to
have sight of such information.
12. Issues or concerns relating to inappropriate use of mobile phones,
video recording or internet use should be referred to the Head teacher
or Designated Teacher for Child Protection.
Staff wishing to use students in video recordings in lessons should
check student’s records to ensure that parental/carer’s permission has
been granted