Monday 23rd November 2009
You will be aware of the importance of ensuring that safeguarding and child protection procedures in our schools are absolutely watertight.
This has partly been prompted by the requirements of the new Ofsted Inspection Framework, and national awareness following a number of tragic cases relating to child protection.
Schools must ensure that their policies and procedures are up to date, and that staff training is carried out regularly: the person with designated responsibility for child protection (and their number two) must have dedicated training every two years, and all staff should have child protection training every three years. In addition, it should be a key discussion area included in staff induction.
Update on safer recruitment training - new School Staffing Regulations 2009
In addition, the Headteacher and a governor in every school should have undertaken safer recruitment training and, in accordance with the new School Staffing Regulations 2009, from 1st January 2010 the governing body must ensure that any person who interviews an applicant for any post under these regulations has completed the safer recruitment training; or, in the case where a selection panel has been given the responsibility for an appointment, at least one member of that panel or group has completed the safer recruitment training. There is useful guidance available about the new Staffing Regulations, Guidance on Managing Staff Employment in Schools.
The Children's Workforce Development Council is taking over the management of the on-line safer recruitment training (formerly offered by the National College of School Leadership). Go to http://www.cdccouncil.org.uk/safer-recruitment/training/faq for more information and details of when you can register for this training.
There are a couple of useful documents that can be used as a basis for audit and report: a template for the annual report to the Governing Body about safeguarding and child protection, and the ECC Audit Tool. Both of these can be accessed on the EPHA website.
The Ofsted Briefing Paper for inspectors about safeguarding in schools (new updated version published October 2009) includes some examples of questions that your Chair or Nominated Governor might be asked - it would be useful for them to be aware of this information.
Pam Langmead