How to review your child protection policy

Find everything you need to review 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.

Updated
on 6 August 2026
See 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 child protection policy

What this policy needs to do

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

  • Sets out how your 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

Cover your whole-school approach to child-on-child abuse Describe your safeguarding procedures (which should be in line with government guidance) Refer to local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements (e.g. referring to procedures set by the 3 local safeguarding partners) Reflect the systems in place for pupils to report abuse Reflect the fact that additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse, neglect and exploitation in relation to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or certain medical or physical health conditions Reflect that some groups of children are potentially at greater risk of