Child protection

It may be helpful to parents to know that the Authority requires Head Teachers to report any obvious or suspected cases of child abuse - which includes non accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse.  The procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. 

This does mean that Head Teachers risk upsetting some parents by reporting a case, which on investigation proves unfounded.  In such circumstances it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for Head Teachers to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the Head Teacher was acting in what is believed to be in the child’s best interests.

Our Child Protection Policy is available for you to download (pdf)