Child protection

Staff training in child protection

This is the first issue of a new series of e-bulletins on child protection. They are designed to be practical and accessible and to help you in your role of designated person for child protection within school

The Independent Safeguarding Authority – the current position

Dai Durbridge considers the current position of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the effect the new powers will have on teachers and schools

Baby P: lessons to be learned

What can schools learn from the Baby P case? Jenni Whitehead examines the report on Haringey children’s services and gives advice on how to prepare for unannounced inspections

ContactPoint

Dai Durbridge discusses ContactPoint, the database recording all detail of children in England, and its impact on education and chid protection

Information sharing policy at schools

How will Lord Laming's 2009 report impact upon a schoo's information sharing duties and resulting policy? Dai Durbridge discussesses correct information sharing and its role in good child protection practice

Managing cases of students' emotional abuse

Cases of student emotional abuse can all too frequently go unnoticed believes Jenni Whitehead. Here she suggests an exercise for staff-room discussion

Sexual relations with pupils over 16

Teachers should not face prosecution for sexual relations with pupils above the age of 16 (the age of consent) − this is what Chris Whitehead, the general secretary of the NASUWT said in October 2008. Jenni Whitehead discusses

Multi-agency child protection: a case study

This story of a 14-year-old who was being groomed and in danger of sexual exploitation illustrates the importance of multi-agency child protection

Protecting students on work placements

Work placements are a key learning activity for young people, however it is obviously important to ensure that your pupils are safe. Dai Durbridge discusses how, and whose responsibility it is

Legal case notes: Care orders and young children

This case centres around the use of care orders and alternative custody, with the child's welfare being the court's paramount consideration

Talking to parents about child protection

Jenni Whitehead discusses the difficulties faced by named persons, or child protection coordinators, in talking to children's parents about their concerns and the need to follow child protection procedures

Legal case notes: Sexual abuse

Michael Segal summarises a case of alleged sexual abuse within a family, and the difficulty involved in a related welfare hearing

Supporting children of prisoners within school

There are important issues to consider regarding the children of parents who are in prison. This article gives advice as to what educational support can be put in place and the role that some SENCOs might play in coordinating this

Ashura and self-flagellation

What can and should schools do when they learn about cases of self-flagellation, as part of religious ceremonies like Ashura in the Shi'a Muslim community?

Female genital mutilation: what schools can do

20,000 girls may be at risk of female genital mutilation in the UK. The charity Forward urges schools to watch out for the signs

Legal case notes: Adoption and birth parents

In terms of the child's welfare, cases related to adoption and birth parents can be complicated legally; especially when the father is unknown. Michael Segal explores a related case

Dealing with forced marriage and 'honour'-based violence

Schools can have a major role to play to protect children from domestic violence such as 'honour'-based violence and forced marriage. Jenni Whitehead looks at a report by the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee

Mobile families: points to remember

The needs of families that move can be overlooked. Philip Jones examines the importance of a thorough background investigation on mobile families, in order to effectively support the children involved

Educating sex offenders: a school's duty

In cases of sexual offence, it is often a school's duty to educate the perpetrator as well as protect the victim. Yvonne Spencer provides advice on how to balance these competing needs

Advice on how to use necessary force with a pupil

When a teacher finds it necessary to use force with a pupil it is essential that they are clear on how to use that force — and how much to use — as well as how to deal with the recording and reporting of the incident afterwards

Arson in school: what you need to know

Are you fully up-to-date with the latest guidance on preventing arson in your school? Gill O'Donnell provides a comprehensive briefing to make sure that you are

Self-harm at primary schools: what you can do

What can schools actually do about tackling self-harm at primary schools? Sue Morris discusses this in her second article on self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children

Legal case notes: LA negligence in child protection cases

Local authorities owe a certain standard of care to children within their area. This case explores the legal implications and consequences of that responsibility, if it is believed to not have been upheld

Remembering child protection with older young people

The protection of older young people, particularly from the ages 16 to 18, can be overlooked. One serious case review of the suicide of a 16-year-old girl highlights the issues involved, explains Jenni Whitehead

Giving looked after children more support

The underperformance of, and lack of opportunity for, children in care is a cause for concern in our schools. 'Care Matters', is a government package of measures designed to redress the balance, as Suzanne O'Connell explains

Raise pupils' awareness of children's rights

A resource developed by ECPAT UK raises pupil's awareness of child trafficking and invites them to make an informed decision about joining a campaign

When can you use force to control and restrain a pupil?

Are you familiar with the details surrounding this vital piece of legislation? Claire Anderson explains to educators what they need to know regarding the basic legal implications of when they are able to use force with pupils

Understanding and preventing suicide in young people

What makes young people want to commit suicide, and, crucially, how can we prevent it? Jenni Whitehead looks at research and approaches to helping

Legal case notes: Interviewing children in court

This case discusses the dilemma of weighing a child's wellbeing against the need for that child to give evidence in court, in order to provide a fair trail for the defence

Staff training material for child protection issues

This resource offers a number of theoretical case studies where child protection could be a concern, intended for staff discussion. It then follows each scenario with suggested points for consideration

Dealing with fabricated or induced illnesses

What steps should you take when you believe that a pupil is displaying symptoms that are deliberately induced or fabricated? Jenni Whitehead summarises revised guidance for how schools should deal with this type of abuse, and stresses the importance of inter-agency communication

Dealing effectively with cyberbullying

Sarah Erwin-Jones discusses the growing problem of cyberbullying towards both pupils and staff, and looks at schools' legal obligations

CPD to combat cyberbullying

With pupils who are often more computer-literate than teachers, informed CPD coordinators can do a lot to combat cyberbullying says Dr Jo Bruce

The end of child protection registers?

Since April 1 2008, local authorities are no longer obliged to place children's names on a child protection register that they deem to be at risk of harm. This article explores the reasons behind this change as well as the potential consequences

Legal case notes: Risking painful treatment to improve a child's life

This case discusses a judge's decision over whether to advise that a baby with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should have painful and invasive treatment in order to give her a 50% chance of life

Preventing grooming: teaching children about problematic adult behaviour

How do you safeguard children from being groomed for sexual abuse? Mark Williams-Thomas discusses the need to understand the process in order to develop preventative strategies

Safeguarding provision for disabled children

Jenni Whitehead looks at a document she believes to be essential reading for those working with disabled children, which can be used to audit your school's safeguarding provision

Sport and child protection

As the government looks to include more sport in the curriculum, Crispin Andrews looks at the safety dilemmas involved in using outside staff to deliver activities

Internet safety for young people

Do you think you know the key points regarding internet safety for children and young people? Jenni Whitehead says that a recent report challenging current thinking on the related dangers suggests not, and offers some suggestions of advice for young people

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Your Role

Child protection