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Child protection

Your child's well-being at school

The Education Service is as accountable as any other agency for the protection of children. Every child has a right to be protected from harm and to feel safe and secure in an educational environment. Children cannot learn if they are concerned or frightened about being abused or being the victims of violence, therefore all schools should have procedures in place for child welfare and for protecting children from abuse. This should also include procedures to be followed if a teacher or other member of staff is accused of abuse. 

A senior member of staff should be designated who is responsible for child protection issues. The designated senior member of staff [External Site] should be provided with the knowledge and skills required in recognising and acting upon child welfare concerns. In all cases where abuse is suspected or a sustainable allegation is made, teachers and other members of staff should report the information to the designated member of staff. This staff member should be the first point of contact and should refer concerns to the local Social Services Department and the police, according to the procedures established by the Local Safeguarding Children Board [External Site] and by the local authority (LA).

The DCSF has issued guidance to all schools in England entitled 'Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education'. This clarifies the specific roles and responsibilities of individuals within LAs and schools and provides information and links to further advice and guidance. It also outlines the infrastructures that need to be in place so that the appropriate people have the skills, means and training necessary to ensure the safety of children.

Advice is given on the procedures involved in identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and the appropriate action that needs to be taken. However, the document is concerned with ensuring infrastructure and safeguards are in place it does not deal directly with what someone should do if they suspect a child is at risk. That information is covered in 'What to Do if You're Worried a Child Is Being Abused'.

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