Whitehall School Child Protection Policy

Introduction

Whitehall School fully recognises the responsibility it has under Section 157 (for Independent Schools, Academies and City Technology Colleges) of the Education Act 2002 to have arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Through their day-to-day contact with pupils and direct work with families, staff at Whitehall School have a crucial role to play in noticing indicators of possible abuse or neglect and referring them to Social Care via the Cambridgeshire Direct Contact Centre. The Designated Person for Child Protection, currently the Head Teacher, will be responsible for the referral.

This policy also sets out how the Directors discharge their responsibilities relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils at Whitehall School.

There are four main elements to our policy:

1. Prevention through the teaching and pastoral support offered to pupils and the creation and maintenance of a whole school protective ethos.

2. Procedures for identifying and reporting cases – or suspected cases – of abuse. The definitions of the four categories of abuse are attached in Appendix A.

3. Supporting vulnerable children who have been abused or witnessed violence towards others.

4. Preventing unsuitable people working with children.

Our policy applies to all staff, paid and unpaid, working in the school, including Directors. Teaching assistants, mid-day supervisors, the School Administrator as well as teachers can be the first point of disclosure for a child. Concerned parents/carers may also contact the school and its Directors.

Download our complete Child Protection Policy (PDF - 137k)