DfES circular 10/95 set out the role of FE colleges in helping to protect children from abuse, under the terms of the Children Act 1989. 1.3 This circular was superseded in September
2004 by new statutory guidance on child protection, entitled Safeguarding Children in Education.
Safeguarding Children sets out the requirements to provide a safe learning environment, identify young people suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and take appropriate action in full partnership with other local agencies. It therefore encompasses issues such as health, safety and bullying as well as the contribution made to child protection in relation to individual children, and underpins our common law duty of care.
The Children Act 1989 places a duty on local authorities to investigate …show more content…
All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to protect them. There are, however, key people within schools and the Local Authority who have specific responsibilities under child protection procedures.
DfES Circular 10/95 states that every school must designate a Senior Teacher with specific responsibility for Child Protection matters. In most small schools, this responsibility tends to reside with the Head Teacher.
All designated teachers should receive a minimum of one day’s foundation training. Designated teachers should also attend appropriate multi-agency training courses. This should enable the designated teacher to act as a source of guidance and to coordinate effectively the action within their establishment and liaison with other agencies.
Schools should consider their requirements based on the number on roll, but in general terms the
LEA advice is that no one person should be responsible for more than 250 children. In large schools it may be appropriate to designate a member of staff for one or two year groups.
The designated teacher should be clear