What are my responsibilities for child protection?

What are my responsibilities for child protection?

Circular 10/95 sets out the responsibilities of LEAs, schools and teachers in protecting children from abuse and neglect.

The key points for the individual teacher are that:

• the school must have a child protection policy and a designated person to liaise with statutory agencies;
• the policy must include procedures for handling suspected cases of abuse of pupils, including procedures to be followed should a member of staff be accused of abuse;
• you should know the designated person, be familiar with the procedures and be alert to any signs of potential abuse;
• you must not investigate cases of alleged or suspected abuse but are bound to pass the concerns on to the designated person;
• you must never guarantee confidentiality to a pupil - if a pupil seeks to confide in you, then you must tell them sensitively that you cannot promise secrecy, but that only those who need to know will be told, and that everything will be done to help them.

Is physical contact with pupils illegal?
The legislation on discipline and child protection does not make it illegal for you simply to touch a pupil. As Circular 10/95 makes clear: 'It is unnecessary and unrealistic to suggest that teachers should touch pupils only in emergencies.' Touching younger pupils 'is inevitable' as teachers reassure them and support them. Nevertheless, as a teacher, you 'must bear in mind that even perfectly innocent actions can sometimes be misconstrued'. Some pupils may find any physical contact distressing. It should be stating the obvious, but the Circular emphasises the point: 'It is also important not to touch pupils, however casually, in ways or on parts of the body that might be considered indecent.' (para. 49).

It is widely recognised as good practice that a teacher should avoid being alone with a pupil in confined and secluded areas.