CHILD PROTECTION POLICY




The Norwegian School in London

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

This policy was written and adopted on 10 Feb. 09
The policy to be reviewed by 15 June 09


Introduction

The aim of this Policy is to promote the safety of the children at The Norwegian School in London.

All Schools are required by law to have procedures, for handling suspected cases of abuse of pupils, including procedures to be followed if a member of staff is suspected of abuse.

Once it has been identified that an issue raised by a pupil relates to protection of a child, the School will refer the case the relevant Social Service Department as promptly as possible.


General Principles and Aims

The School follows the LEA Guidelines for Child Protection, in conjunction with the All London Child Protection Procedures.
By following Child Protection Procedures we:


Definition; what is abuse?
Abuse can involve inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm and can include any one or more of the following:



School Policy
4.1. Our school policy for Child Protection will be in line with LSCB and LEA procedures. We will ensure that:

4.2. Our Policy will be regularly reviewed and up-dated.
4.3. All new members of staff will be given a copy of our Child Protection Policy  as part of their induction into the school.

Procedure

When a member of staff has concerns about a child, individual staff should    refer those concerns to School Designated Person for Child Protection.


5.2. When a pupil discloses a member of staff that abuse has taken place:
Individual staff should:


NB! Staff cannot make guarantees of confidentiality. If possible, they should warn pupil about this before they disclose the abuse. If the pupil then does not wish to continue they should be encouraged to access support from other specialist organisations.

5.2.2. A member of staff should not question the pupil in depth. This is because asking leading questions or attempting to investigate the allegations could jeopardise any criminal investigation that may follow. The member of staff should re-assure the student that they are doing the right thing in telling, but avoid making comments or judgements.
5.2.3. If the pupil wishes to continue to disclose the abuse, the member of staff should:  

6.  School Designated Person for Child protection
6.1.The School Designated Person is Hege Webster,The Norwegian school,  28 Arterberry Road, SW20 8AH, London, Cell Phone 07846113544 and she is the link person for the Local Safeguarding Children Board in Merton, and is responsible for reviewing and updating the Child Protection Policy.
6.2. The Designated Person for Child Protection is responsible for:

7.  Confidentiality
All matters relating to Child Protection are confidential.
The Designated Person will disclose any information about a pupil
to other members of staff on a need to know basis.
7.3. All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.

8.  Supporting Staff
8.1. We recognise that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
8.2. We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Designated Person and to seek further support as appropriate.

9.  Allegations against staff
9.1. These should be referred to immediately to the Headmaster, not to the School Designated Person for Child Protection.