Safeguarding the Children 202

Write an assignment that explains current legislation and guidelines for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, include the following:

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 – This act was brought in to change the way employers recruit people who work with children and adults. Over a number of years a ‘barred’ list of people who have been assessed and are not suitable for working with children or adults.
• Children Act 1989 – section 47 and section 17 – The local authority has a duty to safeguard the welfare of children and to support the upbringing of their families. Section 47 decides if any action needs to be taken to safeguard/protect the child. If it is thought any harm could come to the child the local authorities are required under the section 47 act to take the necessary action to protect the child.
• Children Act 2004 – Every Child Matters – Its main purpose is to give support to local authorities in safeguarding the children. It aims to improve and integrate children’s services and promote early intervention. It encourages:
- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Enjoy and achieve
- Make a positive contribution
- Achieve economic well being
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
• This agreement is a minimum standard for protecting the children. There are 54 articles in total and 40 of those are direct rights to the child to ensure the child is safe and looked after. This agreement applies to children up to the age of 18. Article 19 states the rights to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect, maltreatment or sexual abuse. It is compulsory that all schools have a policy that guarantees the safety, security and well being of their pupils. This must include;
- Safeguarding and protecting
- Procedures for reporting concerns
- E safety
- Bullying
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
This sets out how local organisations work together to safeguard the children. Organisations include; police, health authorities, Nursery’s/childcare, adult social care.
Each local safeguarding board (LSCB) must develop and publish local policies and procedures about agencies working together. All organisations dealing with vulnerable children should have clear defined roles and responsibilities. All organisations should have senior managers that are committed to children’s;
- Safety and well being
- Be clear when delegating other peoples responsibilities
- Effective recruitment ( CBR check)

• What to do if you are worried a child is being abused
If you suspect a child is being abused you must raise your concern in writing to your senior designated person, in my school that would be the head teacher. If abuse is suspected then the allegation is very serious and the Whistle blowing policy would be used. The allegation is then taken to Children’s services/ Local Authority Designated Officer . You are then appointed a person to deal with you allegation and then it is out of your hands. No member of staff or Head teacher will investigate these matters.