Child Protection Coordinator - Teaching Expertise

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

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

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

The new National Professional Qualification for Headship pilot is underway. Crispin Andrews talks to one of the first participants

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

What is the most effective form of CPD? What effect will workforce remodelling and the new Master’s have? Nansi Ellis of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers gives her views

Does your school encourage innovation within teaching through its CPD? According to the GTCE, most teachers are displaying innovative practice, even though they don’t realise it. This article showcases some best practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linking performance management to professional development (CPD) can immediately improve specific areas of learning across the school, says Carol Taylor advises CPD leaders

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

Do you know your way around educational employment law? Does your school’s pay and remuneration package meet or exceed minimum standards? Tamara Ludlow gives a legal overview of essential information for both leadership teams and staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jo McShane invite readers to consider multi-agency or multi-professional working with schools from the perspective of an enthusiastic apprentice, who realises the value that ‘joined-up thinking’ offers

With the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) due to launch at the end of 2009, Chris Webb-Jenkins takes a look at the practical implications of the complete overhaul of our vetting and barring system

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

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

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

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

Sue Morris looks at of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children, including the definitions, prevalence rates and the factors that increase and reduce risk

One of the challenges facing teachers is maintaining good order and discipline in schools. Dai Durbridge looks at the powers available to teachers regarding the use of force, and outlines the legal framework of this delicate area

Cyberbullying among children has firmly caught the media’s attention, but it is only recently that attention has been drawn to how new technologies are being used to bully teachers

Legal Expertise focuses on cyberbullying and the legal obligations on schools to tackle it

If you work with children or vulnerable adults, there are difficult decisions regarding when to disclose sensitive information. Chris Webb-Jenkins examines the impact of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 on this issue

Re: A (a child)(adoption) [2008] 1 FCR55, CA

Multi-agency working to support vulnerable young people can be an important strand of extended school provision, says Lisa McClarence, who gives an overview of the counselling work she does in schools

If a child makes a vague allegation is it OK to ask questions? How should an allegation against a member of staff be treated? Jenni Whitehead discusses some of the concerns facing managers when coping with these issues read more

An new report on child deaths and serious injury examines the problems of inter-agency working. Jenni Whitehead looks at some of the implications for schools read more

Children’s views on bullying are discussed in a new report, which sends a clear message that adults must be careful not to ignore or inadvertently encourage bullying

A key judgement means claimants need prove only abuse − not employer’s negligence. But this could be good news for schools writes Dai Durbridge read more

Chris Webb-Jenkins walks you through the new vetting and barring regime, which comes into effect in autumn 2008

Chris Jenkins looks at provisions in the Young Persons Bill to increase the educational attainment and quality of welfare of chidren in care

Legal case notes: Re: A (Residence Order) [2007] EWCA Civ 899, CA read more

The new guidance on restraining pupils is essential reading. Jenni Whitehead discusses the powers it gives and some of the dilemmas it poses

Mosac is a London-based charity that supports non-abusing parents and carers of children who have been sexually abused. Julia Webb-Harvey provides a case study to illustrate its work read more

Yvonne Spencer explains why forced marriage is a human rights abuse and should always invoke child protection procedure within a school

Many schools are happy to leave assessment of health and safety on work experience placements to outside agencies, but does this allow them to properly exercise their duty of care? Ruth Bradbury examines the problems and provides practical advice on how schools can play a more active role in the process read more

Jenni Whitehead provides clarification on when the Data Protection Act applies to photographing and filming students in school, in end of term productions, nativity plays, certificate presentations etc

Jenni Whitehead reports on a review of the legislation that limited the use of physical chastisement read more

All statutory services are being measured against the Every Child Matters (ECM) agenda. New research on what disabled children and their parents wish to achieve from service provision suggests that ECM does not take proper account of their wishes read more

Michael Segal reports a case of paternal identity, contact and child protection