Child Protection Policy Template

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY TEMPLATE

Institution Details and Policy Dates

Institution Name:

Policy Effective Date:     Next Review Date:

Purpose and Scope

This policy sets out the institution's approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It applies to all staff, volunteers, governors, contractors and third-party providers engaged by the institution when working with or having contact with pupils.

Students and learners
Volunteers and trustees
Contractors and external providers
Out-of-hours activities, trips and excursions

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, "child" or "children" refers to any person under 18 years of age. "Safeguarding" means protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring safe and effective care, and taking action to enable children to have the best outcomes.

Designated Safeguarding Roles and Contacts

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

All employees and volunteers must act in accordance with this policy and the institution’s staff code of conduct. Behaviours that place children at risk, or could be perceived to do so, are prohibited. Staff must avoid situations where they are alone with a child without appropriate visibility or oversight and must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Do not be alone with a child where not observable by others
Physical contact only when appropriate, necessary and in the child's best interests
Respect confidentiality but share concerns without delay where safeguarding risk exists
Maintain professional boundaries on social media and personal communications

Safer Recruitment and Vetting

The institution will take all reasonable steps to prevent the recruitment of unsuitable staff or volunteers. Selection procedures include verification of identity, right to work, references, checks of relevant records and clarifying any gaps in employment history. Where statutory criminal record checks are required, these will be obtained prior to appointment.

Training and Professional Development

The institution will ensure that the DSL, all staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training at induction and at regular intervals thereafter. Training will include recognition of abuse, reporting procedures, managing disclosures, online safety and record-keeping obligations.

Reporting Concerns and Making a Referral

Any member of staff who has concerns about a child’s welfare must act without delay. Concerns must be reported to the DSL or their deputy. Where there is a reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, a referral must be made to the appropriate statutory safeguarding authority in accordance with applicable legal obligations.

Responding to a Disclosure

Where a child makes a disclosure, staff should listen carefully without interruption, take the child seriously and reassure them that they were right to speak up. Do not promise confidentiality. Record the disclosure in the child's own words, noting date, time and any witnesses, and report immediately to the DSL.

Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers

Allegations that a member of staff or volunteer has harmed a child must be reported immediately to the head of institution (or to the chair of governors where the allegation concerns the head). The allegation will be managed promptly in line with statutory procedures and the institution’s disciplinary processes. Suspension will be considered only where there is no reasonable alternative.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information about safeguarding concerns will be shared on a need-to-know basis. The institution will comply with legal duties to share information where required to safeguard children. Written records of decisions to share or withhold information will be maintained.

Photography, Film and Social Media

Consent for the use of pupils' images must be obtained from parents or guardians. Staff must observe the institution's protocol on photography and social media, ensuring images are used only for legitimate purposes and stored securely.

Trips, Transport and Overnight Stays

Risk assessments for offsite activities must address safeguarding. Adequate adult-to-child ratios and DBS-checked staff must be provided for trips and overnight stays. Any safeguarding concerns arising during such activities must be reported immediately upon return or to the emergency contact if urgent.

Monitoring, Review and Compliance

The governing body will review the effectiveness of this policy annually or sooner in light of legislative changes or significant safeguarding incidents. Compliance will be monitored through audits, incident reviews and training records.

Acknowledgement and Approval

The governing body and senior leadership formally adopt this policy. By signing below the signatories confirm they have reviewed and approved the policy, and that the institution will take all reasonable steps to meet its requirements.

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