Child Protection

CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING POLICY AND GUIDELINES MARCH 2023

At Lairhillock we are committed to improving the life chances of children in our care. Every child or young person has the right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse. Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment and may involve inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm.  Our children and young people have the right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse.

We have adopted Aberdeenshire Council’s Practice Guidelines for Protecting Children and Young People as our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. child-protection-book-3

Staff will not investigate any concerns but will gather initial information and establish basic facts such as what happened, when, where, and by whom. This information should then be shared with either the Child Protection Officer or Social Work or Police.

The Child Protection Officer at Lairhillock School is Stewart Crabb (Head Teacher). In his absence, any child protection concerns should be reported to Jenny Glennie (Quality Improvement Officer) or Kay MacDonald (Quality Improvement Manager).

RESPONSIBILITY

Everyone has a part to play in preventing the abuse and neglect of children.

It is the duty of all those involved in school and nursery settings to safeguard the welfare and interests of the children.  Child Protection is the responsibility of all who work with children and families and having a skilled and competent workforce, along with relevant guidelines and procedures, ensures that children can be protected.