Child Protection for Teachers

Yvonne Quirk

3061Paper-based / ePackSep 03
ISBN: Paper-based 978 1 85749 845 5; ePack 978 1 84070 601 7

Addressing a key issue

Schools are expected to follow strict legal requirements regarding child protection. The Children Act 1989, and Government documentation since then (including Every Child Matters), has initiated a radical change in approach to the issue. The duty to protect is laid upon the school and each individual working in it. Teachers are now recognised as a crucial part of the interagency approach to child protection.

A whole school approach

Child Protection for Teachers takes a whole school approach to these issues. It offers guidance for headteachers, subject managers, pastoral leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff about how to address the topic in school. The pack covers the following categories of child abuse:

• Neglect
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse.

Each section contains a definition, behavioural and physical signs to look out for, what to do and what to say if you suspect abuse.

Child Protection for Teachers contains information about:

• what child abuse is
• how to spot child abuse
• practical steps for dealing with child abuse, including how the child protection register works and how to respond to the abused child
• good practice, case studies and practical activities to raise awareness
• the legal requirements and how to meet them
• model whole-school documentation and INSET materials
• the role of key individuals, including designated teachers, social services and external agencies
• communicating with families and sharing information
• dealing with an allegation against a member of staff – both priorities for action and the long-term considerations
• creating a protective ethos for staff and pupils
• preparing for Ofsted.

A wealth of resources

The materials are designed to ensure the effective implementation and ongoing management in this sensitive and difficult area of school practice. Each section contains sample documents and checklists, to help record-keeping and to make, store and share confidential child protection logs. Child Protection for Teachers provides an essential guide for dealing with these issues.

Note that this product also forms part of:

• Developing Your Staff 2: Working with Staff
• Primary School Management

Contents

Introduction

• 1 Recognising and responding to abuse
• 2 The role of the designated teacher
• 3 The role of the school
• 4 Dealing with allegations of abuse
• 5 Creating a protective ethos
• 6 Child abuse prevention
• 7 Preparing for OFSTED

Resources

Index to forms, checklists and handouts