Keeping Children Safe in Education Updates 2023

• Effective from the 1st September 2023
• Makes it clear that safeguarding and child protection should be at the forefront and underpin all relevant aspects of process and policy development in schools and colleges.  The Rowans has developed a culture of ‘It could happen here’
• All staff are aware of the process for making referrals to children’s social care and for statutory assessments under the Children Act 1989, especially) section 17 (children in need) and section 47 (a child suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm) that may follow a referral, along with the role they might be expected to play in such assessments”.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Adults must
  • Know what to look out for as potential signposts for abuse such as changes in wellbeing, peer interaction, mood, mental health, friendship groups, and academic work. 
  • Take all allegations seriously, including rumours and concerning comments. 
  • Know the procedures on how to report concerns about children and young people. 
• The Rowans will….
  • Teach children how to keep safe
  • Ensure children and their families know the role of school staff and understand professional boundaries. 
  • Teach children how to report concerns or worries to trusted adults at school or elsewhere in their lives.