Child Protection 202 -202
In Methodist Collegepupils and staffarevaluedand respected as individuals and they areencouraged todeveloptheir unique talents and abilities totheir full potential.We seek to createa safe,caring,positive and supportiveenvironment in which pupils have therightto beheardand seestaffand volunteersas approachablepeople who will listen totheir concernsabout issues inside and outsideschool and takethemseriously.
It is an unfortunate realityin theworldtoday that somechildrenandyoungpeople suffer someformofabuse.TheGovernors and staffofMethodist Collegerecognise the contributiontheycanmaketosafeguardingchildren.They recognise that allstaff, includingvolunteers, haveafulland active part toplayin protectingpupilsfromharm.
Child abuse is completelyunacceptable.
Safeguarding Team
Everyone in the College has a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils. However, within the school there are key personnel who are delegated with specific responsibility for child protection.
Chairofthe Boardof Governors and DesignatedGovernorfor ChildProtection
Rev J and Mr JLowry
Principal
Mrs JLendrum
DesignatedTeacher for Child Protection
Mrs AKennedy
DeputyDesignatedTeachers
Mrs ALogan,MrsH Parker, MrsM Cooney
Child Protection 202 -202
It maybeverydifficult for a child whohas experienced aform ofabuseto talk about the matter and soit is Collegepolicy that anymember ofstaffwill listen toapupil who wishes toshareaconcern. Therefore, pupils areadvised each year that theymayseek help fromanymember ofstaffiftheyareexperiencing personal difficulties.
Definition ofAbuse
Child abuse occurs when
Types ofAbuse
Neglect is the failure toprovide for achild’sbasicneeds,whether it beadequatefood, clothing, hygiene,supervision or shelter thatis likely toresultin the serious impairmentofachild’shealth or development.Children who are neglected often alsosuffer from other typesof abuse.
Physical Abuse is deliberately physically hurting a child. It might take a variety of different forms, including hitting, biting, pinching, shaking, throwi ng, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning or suffocating a child.
Sexual Abuse occurs when othersuse and exploit children sexually for their own gratification or gainor the gratificationofothers.Sexual abuse mayinvolve physicalcontact ornon-penetrativeacts outside clothing.It mayincludenon-contact activities,suchas involving children in the produc tion ofsexual images,forcing children tolook at sexual imagesor watch sexual activities,encouragingchildren to behavein sexually inappropriate ways or groominga child in preparation for abuse(includingvia e-technology). Sexual abuseis notsolely perpetrated by adult males. Womencan commit actsofsexual abuse as can other children.
Types ofAbuse
Preventative Curri lum
How a Parent/Guardian can raise a concern
If a parent/guardian has a child protection concern, they can follow the guide below:
I havea concernabout my/a child’s safety
I can contact the Designated Teacher for Child Protection,Mrs A Kennedy Tel:90 205 205
If Iam stillconcerned,I can contact the Chairof the Board of Governors, Rev J c/o 1MaloneRoad, BT96BY
At anytime, I can a Social Worker
Vetting of Staff and Volunteers
IntheChildren(NorthernIreland) Order (1995) it is clear that in all decisions concerning achild:this overrides all other considerations.Article3 oftheUnited Nations Conventionon theRights ofthe Child states: The views of parents and pupils are welcomed at any time and are normally directed to the Designated Teacher forChild Protection, Mrs Kennedy at 9020 5205.