Child Protection Policy
RMS fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection.
Our policy applies to all staff, (teaching and non- teaching) working in the school. There are five main elements to our policy:
- Ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff to work with children.
- Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe within the school environment.
- Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases or suspected cases of abuse.
- Supporting pupils who have been abused in accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan.
- Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.
We recognise that because of the day to day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The school will therefore:
- Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
- Ensure children know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried.
- Include opportunities for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.
We will follow the procedures set out by the Nigeria Child Right Act (2003) by safeguarding children and take account of guidance issued by the Ministry of Education and skills to:
- Ensure we have a designated officer for child protection who has received appropriate training and support for this role.
- Who has been appointed/assigned to be responsible for child protection.
- Ensure every member of staff (support staff, teaching and non-teaching) knows the name of the designated officer responsible for child protection and their role.
- Ensure all staff (teaching and non-teaching) understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the appointed officer or staff responsible for child protection.
- Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for child protection by setting out its obligations in the front office.
- Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters.
- Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.
- Ensure all records are kept securely; separate from the main pupil file, and in locked locations.
- Develop and then follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff (teaching and non-teaching)
- Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed.
We recognise that children who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame. The school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. When at school their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. The school will endeavour to support the pupil through:
- The content of the curriculum.
- The school ethos which promote a positive, supportive and secure environment and gives pupils a sense of being valued.
- The school behaviour policy which is aimed at supporting vulnerable pupils in the school. The school will ensure that the pupil knows that some behaviour are unacceptable but they are valued and not to be blamed for any abuse which has occurred.
- Liaison with other agencies that support the pupil such as Social Services providing organisations.