Policies, Rules and Codes of Conduct

 

Child Protection Policy

Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with the guidelines in “Safeguarding Children in Education” (DfES publication ref 0027/2004) and “Every Child Matters” (2003), “What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused” (2003) and the Surrey Area Children Protection Committee Procedures. When appointing staff the guidelines in “Safer Recruitment and Selection in Education Settings” (DfES 2006) will be used.

 

Policy

There are three main elements to our Child Protection Policy:

  1. Prevention – by providing an environment in which the pupils feel safe, secure, valued and respected.
  2. Protection – by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and aware of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.
  3. Support – to pupils and to staff.

The School will ensure that:

  1. All members of the Board of Trustees understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
  2. There are designated teachers from the Senior (Leadership and Management) Team who will be trained and supported in the task of overseeing all child protection matters within the school.
  3. All members of staff ¹, volunteers and trustees are aware of their individual responsibility for the protection of children in their care and know the name of the CPLOs, by displaying this information on relevant notice boards.
  4. Training for all staff will be arranged (on induction and every three years) on how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse and what to do if they are worried about a pupil.
  5. A good accurate record-keeping system will be set up and that this information will be kept secure and separate from other school records.
  6. Our selection and recruitment of all staff and volunteers, who have substantial contact with children, includes Criminal Records Bureau checks. Staff employed before April 2002 have been checked against List 99. We take child protection seriously and keep it in mind throughout the recruitment process.
  7. Through our lettings policy, that organisations or individuals working with children on our site have their own Child Protection Policy.
  8. We develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially Social Services, the Police, contributing to interagency enquiries and Child Protection Conferences as appropriate.
  9. We make parents aware of the School’s child protection responsibilities and point out the publishing of the Child Protection Policy on the School website.
  10. Our policy and procedures will be regularly reviewed and updated.

¹ Wherever the word “staff” is used, it covers ALL staff on site, including support and supply staff, and volunteers working with children.

 

Rationale

At Dunottar School we recognise that high self-esteem and self-confidence help keep children safe. Through the curriculum, particularly through the PSHE programme, we include activities to equip them with the skill of personal safety, passing on information that is appropriate to their ages and levels of development. We will ensure that the pupils have clear lines of communication with trusted adults and set up a network of people they can go to for help when they are worried or are in difficulty. In addition, through the curriculum, we include material which will help the pupils develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life, particularly with regard to childcare and parenting skills.

The School will also encourage working practices that will protect staff from misunderstanding or malicious accusations.

We will ensure that every effort is made to establish the most effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.

 

Confidentiality

We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential. The Headmistress or CPLO will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff on a “need to know” basis only. Staff are aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children. In addition they are aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing. We will always work as much as possible in partnership with parents but, where appropriate, in line with current child protection procedures, we may also have to share our concerns with Social Services or other agencies.

Dunottar School recognises fully its responsibilities for child protection and the contribution it can make to protect children and young people and to support pupils in school.

 

Revised and updated September 2009.

 

 

Dunottar School | High Trees Road | Reigate | Surrey RH2 7EL | t: 01737 761945 | f: 01737 779450 | e: info@dunottar.surrey.sch.uk