Child Protection Summary

Child Protection

A full Child Protection Policy can be viewed on the school website or requested at the school office.

Designated Teacher for Child Protection: 

Gemma Bacon

Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection: 

Emma Murray

Rebecca Dickson

Designated Governor for Child Protection: 

Jane Stewart

It is a requirement of our Child Protection Policy that all parents are informed of the policy.  Parents can access the full policy on the school website or from the school office.

The purpose of the procedures set out in the Child Protection Policy is to safeguard and protect our pupils by ensuring that every adult who works in our school – teachers, non-teaching staff and volunteers – has clear guidance on the action which is required where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected. All staff, both teaching and support staff, receive training annually in this area.

There are five main elements to our policy:

1. Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop
2. Developing and implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse
3. Ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children
4. Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe
5. Supporting pupils who have been abused in accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan

Referral Process in School

Where an instance of child abuse is disclosed the school will act in line with the Child Protection Policy.  Miss Bacon, as designated teacher, will manage the implantation of procedures.  In the designated teacher’s absence Mrs Parr and Miss Robinson will be responsible.

• Member of staff suspects there are concerns around child protection or a disclosure is made by a child
• Member of staff reports to designated teacher
• Designated teacher liaises with Principal to plan a course of action and ensure a written record is made
• If there are concerns that the child may be at risk of significant harm, the school is obliged to make a referral to social services and inform the Education Authority Designated Officer, unless there are concerns that a parent/guardian may be the possible abuser, the parents/guardians will be informed immediately.

How a Parent Can Raise a Child Protection Concern

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety:

I can talk to the class teacher

or

If I am still concerned I can talk to the Principal – Mr. Bell

or

If I am still concerned I can talk or write to the representative person on the Board of Governors – Jane Stewart

or

At anytime, I can write or talk to:

The Gateway Team 02890507000

The Police 02890650222

The Out of hours duty social worker (Belfast Trust): 02890565444