Child Protection Policy
At Lavington School we believe that children and young people have a fundamental right to be protected from harm and fully recognise our responsibility for child protection. We also recognise that all staff have a responsibility to support the safeguarding of young people and to provide positive role models in the way they interact with students and staff.
Objectives of policy
The objectives of the policy are:
- To ensure we practise safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children and young people.
- To raise awareness of child protection issues and equip children and young people with the skills needed to keep themselves safe.
- To develop, implement and update procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.
- To support children and young people who have been abused in accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan.
- To establish a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.
- To ensure that staff are clear about the expectation of them in their interaction with students and in dealing with child protection issues.
Implementation of policy
This policy ensures that all staff at Lavington School are aware of their responsibilities and that procedures are in place to respond quickly and effectively to any child protection issues. We recognise that because of the day-to-day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The school will therefore:
- Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
- Ensure children know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried.
- Include opportunities in the Personal, Social, Health and Economic, and Citizenship Education curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.
- Develop an e-safety policy and ensure students understand the dangers associated with new technologies.
We will follow the procedures set out by the Wiltshire Local Safeguarding Board and take account of guidance issued by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to:
- Ensure we have a designated teacher for child protection who has received appropriate training and support.
- Ensure we have a nominated governor responsible for child protection.
- Ensure every member of staff, volunteer and governor knows the name of the designated teacher/staff for child protection and their role.
- Ensure new staff receive appropriate training from the child protection officer(s).
Child abuse and protection
Child abuse is one aspect of child protection. It may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect. However, child protection covers a broader spectrum than abuse. It also involves self-harm which incorporates eating disorders and suicide attempts.
Training
Child Protection training is part of the induction process of all new staff, including trainee teachers. Staff will be updated in relevant child protection issues at regular intervals. All staff will be given comprehensive refresher training at least every three years.
Responsibilities
The Governors are responsible, in consultation with the Headteacher and Child Protection Officer, for establishing the Child Protection Policy and for reviewing it at the appointed review date. The Student Committee has particular responsibility for the development of the policy; and the Designated Governor for Child Protection is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of the child protection policy.
The Headteacher is responsible for the implementation of the policy. He will support the Child Protection Officer(s) and other staff in the implementation of the policy by ensuring that sufficient time and resources are available to maintain excellent practice in all aspects of child protection. He will ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed and will develop and follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff. He will also ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for child protection by setting out its obligations in the school prospectus.
The Bursar is responsible for following safe recruitment practices in the appointment of support staff.
The Child Protection Officer and Deputy are responsible for dealing with any child protection issues; for developing effective links with relevant agencies and co-operating as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters including attending case conferences. They will keep written records of concerns about children, including those whose situation may not demand an immediate referral. They will ensure that all records are kept securely, separate from the main student file and in locked locations. They will provide training for all staff.
The Deputy Headteacher (also Child Protection Officer) is responsible for maintaining procedures which are up-to-date, for completing the annual child protection audit and ensuring that any areas requiring development are set as targets for improvement.
Pastoral Leaders are responsible for working closely with the Child Protection Officers to ensure there is support within school for students on the Child Protection Register or who may be vulnerable to abuse. They are also responsible for ensuring that the PSHE&C programme includes appropriate reference to child protection issues and to the support available for young people both within school and from external agencies. The Pastoral Leader for Upper School will ensure that training on child protection delivered to Peer Mentors includes clear procedures should Peer Mentors become concerned about a child.
The work-related learning co-ordinator is responsible for ensuring that the necessary safeguards for work-experience are in place.
All staff are responsible for following the school’s policy and procedures in dealing with any child protection concerns. They are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Safe Practice (Appendix) and to the Acceptable Use Agreement for staff use of computers.
Students are responsible for sharing any concerns they have with a member of staff so that a young person who is at risk can be properly and effectively supported. Peer Mentors receive training in Child Protection issues so that they are aware that any Child Protection issues disclosed to them must be immediately passed on to a member of staff.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child is not at risk and for working with the school and external agencies to support their child’s safety and well-being
Evaluation and development of policy
The policy will be developed through consultation with staff, students and governors. The policy should be considered in conjunction with other policies such as the Behaviour Policy, the Anti-bullying Policy and the Self-harm Policy.
Review cycle of policy
This policy will be reviewed annually.