How to review your child protection policy

Last reviewed on 9 August 2021
Statutory/mandatory for: Maintained schools Academies Free schools Independent schools Sixth-form colleges Further education Pupil referral units Non-maintained special schools

Find everything you need to review and approve your school's child protection policy. Be clear on what key questions you can ask your school leaders, and use our model policy and checklist to make sure your school's compliant.

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Contents

  1. Key facts
  2. What this policy needs to do
  3. 3 key questions to challenge the policy
  4. Model policy and checklist

What this policy needs to do

When you're reading your school's safeguarding policy, check that it: 

  • Sets out how the school can take appropriate action in a timely manner to safeguard and promote children’s welfare
  • Makes all staff and governors aware of their safeguarding responsibilities 
  • Makes sure staff are properly trained in recognising and reporting safeguarding issues

Statutory safeguarding guidance says a child protection policy should contain information on: 

  • Your safeguarding procedures (which should be in line with government guidance)
  • Local multi-agency working arrangements (e.g. referring to procedures set by the 3 local safeguarding partners)
  • Peer-on-peer abuse, including sexting
  • Online safety and the use of mobile and smart technology
  • Serious violence (where appropriate)
  • The systems in place for pupils to report abuse
  • How additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in relation to children with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities or certain health conditions
  • Arrangements for visitors coming on to your school premises

You need to

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