Child Protection Policy Rationale ACG Schools have an obligation to ensure the wellbeing of children/young people in their care so that they thrive and achieve. The Schools are committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and to the protection of all children. The safety and wellbeing of the child/young person is paramount.
WHOLE SCHOOL POLICIES
Aims
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To provide a safe, healthy learning environment that allows children to develop to their full potential;
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To raise awareness amongst staff of child protection issues and ensure staff are equipped to deal with concerns;
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To establish lines of communication with agencies that can support the school in child protection related matters;
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To ensure that any allegations of child abuse are handled in an appropriate manner that ensures the child’s safety.
Definitions Definition of child or young person in need of care or protection. Child – below the age of eighteen years - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 1 Child abuse - harming (whether physically, emotionally or sexually), ill treatment, abuse, neglect, or serious deprivation. Physical abuse - any acts that may result in physical harm. Sexual abuse - any acts that involve forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening. Emotional abuse - any act or omission that results in adverse or impaired psychological, social, intellectual and emotional functioning or development. Neglect - the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs, leading to adverse or impaired physical or emotional functioning or development.
Guidelines 1. The school will develop appropriate procedures to meet child protection requirements. 2. All staff members (including contractors and volunteers) are expected to be familiar with this policy, its associated procedures and protocols and abide by them. Parent Student Handbook - Update October 2023
