Northland School Board of Trustees
Protection of Children Policy
Rationale:
All children should be treated with respect and dignity, and have the right to have their needs met in a safe environment. Teachers and other members of the school staff are often the first adults to become aware of instances of child abuse.
Purpose:
• To ensure the safety of the child.
• To have established, clear, step-by-step procedures to follow, up to and including reporting to Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS).
• To provide training and guidelines for teachers so they can identify signs of abuse, or neglect and know the procedures for dealing with cases of abuse or neglect.
Guidelines:
• Staff will be receptive and sensitive to children, so that the children feel listened to and believed.
• Staff will receive training to help themto recognise the signs of abuse.
• The Principal is ultimately responsible for any referrals to outside agencies.
• CYFS will be asked for advice about how to proceed without identifying the child. The school will act on this advice when identifying the child to the agency best able to deal with the matter.
• In the case of a report from a third party to the school, the school will advise the third party to contact CYFS or the police. The school will not become involved unless there are exceptional circumstances, but may become involved at a later date. The school will protect the confidentiality of informants who contact the school in good faith.
• Keeping Ourselves Safe and self esteem programmes will be taught as part of the Health and PE Syllabus to increase children's assertiveness skills in dealing with uncomfortable situations and to help raise teachers' and students' awareness of the issues.
• Decisions about informing parents/caregivers will be made after consultation with CYFS or the police.
• At all stages, confidentiality and objectivity will be maintained.
• Information should be passed on to people who can support the student and the staff member.
Conclusion:
• Parents and staff will be aware of the procedures the school will take to protect children from any kind of abuse.
• Staff will have clear guidelines to follow for any cases of suspected abuse.
Approved: 18 August 2009
Review Date: 2012