Safeguarding

Under the Education Act 2002 (Section 175), schools must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  Parent/carers should know that the law (Children Act 1989) requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible, seek their consent to a referral to Social Care. This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm. Schools will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded.

Parents/carers will appreciate that the designated person for safeguarding (child protection) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.