Understanding Child Protection Legislation

Circular 10/95 sets out the responsibilities of Local Education Authorities (LEA's), schools and teachers in protecting children from abuse and neglect.

The key points of this document are:

• The school must have a child protection policy and a designated person to liase with statuatory agencies;
• The policy must include procedures for handling suspected cases of abuse of pupils, including procedures to be followed should a member of staff be accused of abuse;
• You should know the designated person, be familiar with the procedures and be alert to any signs of potential abuse;
• You must NOT investigate cases of alleged or suspected abuse but are bound to pass the concerns on to the designated person;
• You must never guarantee confidentiality to a pupil - if the pupil seeks to confide in you, then you must tell them sensitively that you cannot promise secrecy, but that only those who need to know will be told, and that everything will be done to help them.

Is physical contact with pupils legal?

The legislation on discipline and child protection does not make it illegal for you to simply touch a pupil. Nevertheless, as a teacher you must bear in mind that even in circumstances with the contact was totally innocent, it can be misconstrued.

Just remember, like most countries, it is widely recognised that a teacher should avoid being alone with a pupil in confined or secluded area.

For More Information:

www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/guidanceonthelaw/10_95/summary.htm