What isChild Protection?

Child protection istheprocess ofprotectingchildrenandyoungpeoplewhohavebeenidentified as suffering, or likelyto sufferharmas aresultofabuse.

There arefour typesofabuse:Physical

Sexual

Emotional

Neglect

Safeguardingis the actionthat people take to keep all children safe, for example:

  • Protect children from harm
  • Ensurethattheyaresafeandwell looked after
  • Takeactionsothatall childrenareabletogrowup in asafeenvironment.

ALL CHILDREN HAVEARIGHT TOBE PROTECTED FROM HARM

What doesyour school have to do?

Your schoolmusthaveasenior member ofstaffwho is responsiblefor childprotection.ThispersonhasthetitleofDesignatedSafeguardingLead.

Your school willhave aChildProtectionPolicy.Thisdocumentwill set outtheprocessfor dealingwithchild protectionconcerns. Ifyouwouldlike to readthispolicyyou mayfind it onyourschool’swebsite. Alternatively the school can provide you with a copy; pleaseaskatyour schoolreception.

Thispolicywill also set outtheprocessforreportingallegationsabout membersofstaff, including volunteers.

Alladults inschool, including volunteers,musthaveregulartraining to ensurethattheyare awareof thesignsof abuseandknowwhat todoabouttheirconcerns.

Theyhave a dutyto reportthese totheDesignatedSafeguardingLead.

Your school has a legal dutyto talk to otheragenciessuch as Children’sSocial Careandthe Policeif theythinkachildmaybeatrisk of harm.

THE WELFARE OF YOURCHILD IS OFPARAMOUNTIMPORTANCE

What doyou need to know?

If anyone in school isworriedaboutthewelfareofyour child thiswill be discussedwithyou unlesstheythinkthat thisconversationcouldputyour child atagreaterriskofharm.

The school must also share all relevant information with Children’s Social Care if they are concerned about your child.

The social workermay consult withotheragenciesbeforedecidingwhatshouldhappennext. Theywill also speak to you about the concern and keep you informed about what is happening.

If there is anallegationaboutan adult who works at the school, the school will hold discussions with the PoliceandChildren’s Social Care. If your child is involved, you will be kept informed of any discussions and decisions as appropriate.

FAMILIESHAVEARIGHT TO EXPECTSCHOOLS TO PROVIDEASAFEANDSECUREENVIRONMENT FORCHILDREN

Youwillfind additional informationat:

  • The Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board:
  • The Department for Education website:

Keeping children safe in Education 2015 DFE-00129-2015

Your child will find moreinformationat:

Free 24-hour telephone helpline:

0800 1111

This leaflet was jointly produced by Wiltshire Council and the Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB).