Child Protection Policy - guidelines

As outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006:

  • We all share responsibility for safeguarding children
  • All organisations that work with children share a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
  • For many organisations that commitment is underpinned by a statutory duty or duties

It is recommended that all organisations have a Child Protection Policy and Procedure, which provides a framework of principles, standards and guidelines that encompasses all aspects of safeguarding children. Key principles are that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount
  • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
  • All staff have a responsibility to report concerns

It is also strongly advised that people who work with children and young people have had an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and a check to see that they are not barred from working with children. The CRB and the Safeguarding Unit at DfES exist to help organisations identify people who are unsuitable for certain types of work, especially work involving access to or contact with children and other vulnerable members of society, by making disclosures of any criminal, police or similar records.