How to review your child protection policy

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

Last reviewed on 15 July 2024See updates
Ref: 38482
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Sixth-form colleges
Further education
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
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 include: 

  • Your whole-school approach to child-on-child abuse
  • The systems in place for pupils to report abuse
  • Your safeguarding procedures (which should be in line with government guidance)
  • Local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements (e.g. referring to procedures set by the 3 local safeguarding partners)
  • Policies such as online safety and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

3 key questions to challenge the policy

You need to ask challenging questions when the policy comes to you for approval so you can satisfy yourself that the policy-reviewing process was robust.

Your policy