we give paramount importance to the protection of young people and children.
We recognise our responsibility to guard against the possibility of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children or young people by persons who may be acting in the name of the charity. This recognition is foundational to our work with children.
We recognise that there are those who have been subjected to abuse and who may need our support.

1. Recruitment and selection

1.1 All new volunteers and all paid staff whose contract is with CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED EDUCATION will be interviewed by the directors and made aware of their responsibilities under the child protection policy.

1.2 Checking procedures will be carried out for all new volunteers and for anyone taking up an appointment, role or project. This will include:

taking up references;,
asking for signatures on declaration forms in regard to convictions or official cautions in relation to offences against children;
having sight of birth certificates
implementing screening through the department of health one stop check.

1.3 If checking procedures reveal any cause for concern, immediate reference will be made to the directors.

1.4 CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED EDUCATION will not knowingly employ anyone who has a conviction under Schedule 1 offences relating to children, or is on the Protection of children 1999 Act List (PoCA) or on the Sex Offenders Register.

1.5 All new volunteers and all paid staff will be issued with job descriptions

1.6 All new volunteers and all paid staff will be subject to a probationary period set by CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED EDUCATION in relation to the particular post.

1.7 All declaration and screening forms will be safely stored so as to maintain confidentiality. They will be held indefinitely and made available only on a need to know basis as relates to the safety and protection of children.

2. Reporting of Concerns

2.1. All allegations or reports of abuse will be taken seriously.

2.2 any individual who identifies a concern or receives an allegation has a responsibility to report it. This can be done through ……. Or directly to Social Services .

2.3. In the case of immediate danger the police should be contacted - ask for the divisional child liaison unit.

2.4. In cases where advice is needed the NSPCC can be contacted.

2.5 Those to whom an allegation has been disclosed will be supported by the trustees.

2.6. Any records of reports of allegations will be made available to Social Services/Police and kept in confidence.

2.7. On no account will any investigation take place.

3. A Safe Environment

3.1. CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED EDUCATION undertakes to do everything possible to provide a safe environment for children at any meetings where children or young people are present.

3.2 More than one adult should be present with any group of young people or children. If you are talking alone with a child, try to remain within sight or sound of others.

4. Records

4.1 An accident book will be kept at all meetings involving children or young people.

4.2 A complete copy of the child protection policy will be kept by the trustees at their registered office and copies given to research officers and volunteers.

4.3 Records will be kept safely in accordance with best practice as outlined at 1.7 and 2.6 above.

5. Care

5.1. In the event of a known abuser attending a group all steps will be taken to ensure that children are not put at risk or left alone with the person.

6. Staff Training, Supervision and Support

6.1 Volunteers and research officers will be provided with clear job descriptions, including procedures for regular review of roles and goal setting.

6.2 Volunteers and research officers will have regular opportunities to share concerns.

6.3 All volunteers and research officers will be provided with a copy of the child protection policy and with guidelines in relation to the nature of child abuse.

7. Insurance

7.1 CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED EDUCATION will ensure that its insurance policy fully covers public liability in respect of child abuse.

8. Reviewing the Policy

The policy will be reviewed annually or in line with best practice and new legislation, whichever is soonest.

	CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY