Sarah Erwin-Jones discusses the growing problem of cyberbullying towards both pupils and staff, and looks at schools' legal obligations
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With pupils who are often more computer-literate than teachers, informed CPD coordinators can do a lot to combat cyberbullying says Dr Jo Bruce
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Sue Morris looks at self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children, including the definitions, prevalence rates and the factors that increase and reduce risk
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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
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The Staying Safe Action Plan was launched by Ed Balls in February 2008, but what does the government hope to achieve with Staying Safe, and will it work? Susie Roome discusses the policy and practical implications of this three-year strategy
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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
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Legal Expertise focuses on cyberbullying and the legal obligations on schools to tackle it
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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
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Re: A (a child)(adoption) [2008] 1 FCR55, CA
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The new guidance on restraining pupils is essential reading. Jenni Whitehead discusses the powers it gives and some of the dilemmas it poses
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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
Chris Jenkins looks at provisions in the Young Persons Bill to increase the educational attainment and quality of welfare of chidren in care
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Legal case notes: Re: A (Residence Order) [2007] EWCA Civ 899, CA read more
Yvonne Spencer explains why forced marriage is a human rights abuse and should always invoke child protection procedure within a school
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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
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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
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Ann Lucas and Amanda Palmer of the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) describe the work of the centre and offer guidance on how schools can play a role in prevention and in reporting their concerns read more
The work of school nurses should bridge health, education and social care boundaries
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Schools, colleges and early years settings are seen as having a major role to play in the plans and policies set forward in this new document read more
Most local safeguarding children boards are now looking at road safety. Jenni Whitehead describes how schools can contribute to a new government campaign to reduce injuries to children caused by car accidents
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Yvonne Spencer looks at a broad scheme to improve outcomes — and explains its effect on local authorities and schools read more
Sir Roger Singleton, chair of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, outlines more robust arrangements to protect children and vulnerable young adults read more
Fighting this new form of bullying isn't just a technical problem, says Dr Denise Carter. We need to educate children to anticipate risks and become emotionally resilient
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Jenni Whitehead sets a 'questions exercise' for the staffroom discussion or staff meeting read more
Re F (A Child) (Indirect Contact through Third Party) [2006] 3 FCR 553, 75CA read more
Michael Segal reports a case of local authority proceedings to obtain care orders for three young siblings read more
Jenni Whitehead offers advice about recognising and coping with stress brought on through child protection work read more
Jenni Whitehead examines the new procedures for allegations against staff, which have been in force since January 2007 read more
Safeguarding Children in Education and Safer Recruitment in Education came into force in January 2007. Jenni Whitehead looks at some of the most common confusions expressed by readers in the year since its publication read more
Jo has been excluded from school for sexual assault. He needs to continue his education in some way, but any school willing to take him will need to do a lot of work read more
Michael Segal explains the legal aspects of 'special guardianship' read more
An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) authorises a local authority to remove a child to accommodation provided by the local authority and keep him there read more
Annie Beaumont says that honesty, respect and trust are the foundations for getting on together read more
Are child protection referrals for 16-year-olds being accepted in your local authority? Jenni Whitehead examines the increasing difficulty experienced by schools in getting social care to accept child protection referrals for the older child read more