Child Protection - Introduction

1. Child Protection - Introduction The module will outline: • the statutory duties placed upon school governors in relation to keeping children safe; • what child protection and safeguarding policies your school must have in place; • who is who in the schools safeguarding team; • how to tell if your schools child protection and safeguarding arrangements are satisfactory; • what child protection/safeguarding training is available for school governors; • useful resources/links.

2. The Child Protection/Safeguarding Duties of School Governors Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 (Part IV - Welfare and Protection of Pupils) • A duty on the Board of Governors to at all times safeguard and promote the welfare of registered pupils (Article 17) • A duty on the Board of Governors to ensure there is a child protection policy at their school and that it is implemented (Article 18) • A duty on all schools to address the issue of bullying through their discipline/positive behaviour policy (Article 19) and: • A duty to consult with pupils and parents in the development of their discipline/positive behaviour policy (Article 19)

3. Child Protection E-Safety Safe Handling Intimate Care Anti Bullying Policies Curriculum Safeguarding Attendance Managing Allegations Against Staff Behaviour Management Safe Built Environment Whistle blowing Health & Safety Safe Recruitment and Selection *See link to the Department of Education web-site for access to relevant Circulars and Guidance

4. Who Is Who In The School Safeguarding Team • Chair of Governors • Designated Governor for Child Protection • Principal (Chair) • Designated Teacher for Child Protection • Deputy Designated Teacher(s) for Child Protection

5. How to tell if your Schools Child Protection and Safeguarding Arrangements are Satisfactory • Self evaluation/audit of child protection and safeguarding arrangements undertaken by members of the School Safeguarding team and shared with the Board of Governors • Education & Training Inspectorate (ETI) evaluation of Child Protection/Safeguarding as part of planned school inspection • Annual Child Protection Report and termly updates presented to the Board of Governors by the Designated Teacher for Child Protection • The Record of Child Abuse Complaints (allegations/complaints against staff) presented annually by the School Principal • Significant Events/Incidents reported by the Principal or Complaints from pupils, parents or others to the Chair of Governors

6. Child Protection Support Service for Schools – Education Authority Single Contact Number: 028 95985590 • Legislation Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1986/594 Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2003/424/contents/made The Children (NI) Order 1995 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1995/755/contents/made DE Circulars & Guidance re: Child Protection/Safeguarding ‘Every School a Good School - The Governors' Role’ (Chapter 13 Pastoral Care and Child Protection - Guide for School Governors) http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/schools-and-infrastructure-2/schools-management/79-school_governors_pg/schools_79_governor-roles-and-responsibilities_pg/schools_79_chapter-13-pastoral-care_pg.htm CPSSS School Governors Handbook – Safeguarding and Child Protection • https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/cpsss-board-governors-handbook • DE Circular 2017/04: Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools • https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/circular-201704 A range of relevant DE Circulars and guidance can be accessed at: http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/support-and-development-2/child-protection-safeguarding.htm

7. Recommended Training for School Governors