A Child Safeguarding Policy, or Child Protection Policy, is a statement that makes it clear what an organisation or group will do to keep children or vulnerable adults safe. Schools, nurseries, faith-based organisations, charities, visitor attractions, sports clubs, day care and higher education institutions all require such a policy.
For more information contact our specialist Abuse Claims Solicitors.
We're rated‘Excellent’A Child Safeguarding Policy must include a statement setting out the organisation or group's commitment to protecting children in its care, and a detailed set of policies and procedures explaining the steps adults within the group must take to keep children safe.
These policies would cover a child or young person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday (or an adult at risk, which is a person aged 18 or above who is unable to look after their own welfare, property, rights and is at risk of harm because they have a disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity).
A Child Safeguarding Policy must be drawn up with the following considerations in mind:
Organisations must also go beyond simply drawing up a Child Safeguarding Policy and ensure every member of staff and volunteer is aware of it and knows where to find it. For full transparency, it must be accessible both to internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public, and reviewed on a regular basis. If any changes are made to the policy, people should be informed so they know about the latest updates.
Any Child Safeguarding Policy must be in line with the legal framework set out in the following:
There is additional related national guidance, which needs to be followed where appropriate - for example ''Working together to safeguard children'' (HM Government 2015) and Adult safeguarding: Policy and procedures (SCIE, 2011).
Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) has such a policy in place, which attempts to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
It applies to all aspects of Ofsted's work and everyone working for Ofsted, including permanent and temporary employees and contractors. All staff and contractors undertake initial training and training reviews on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
If you’re worried about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, you should contact the NSPCC and police.
Our experienced team of Abuse Claims Solicitors can advise you if you are a parent, family member or guardian wishing to make a claim on behalf of a child or vulnerable adult who has been harmed.
We have more than 25 years' experience in this area of law, handling some of the most difficult cases of this type and helping thousands of people obtain the justice they deserve.
The effects of domestic abuse on both children and adults can last a lifetime. Until this year, witnessing domestic abuse wasn’t legally considered child abuse. The newly revised Domestic Abuse Act 2021 now includes children as victims of domestic abuse when it’s happening in their household.
A few of weeks ago it was reported that Katie Price’s partner, Carl Woods, was arrested for allegedly assaulting her, although the case remains ongoing and no convictions have been made yet. This is a reminder to us all that domestic abuse is extremely common and can happen to anyone.
If you’ve been a victim of domestic violence in England or Wales, you can apply to the Family Court for an Injunction (Court Order) to protect yourself and any children you may have. There are 2 main types of Order that can help you.
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