Best Practice

Child protection: ‘Don’t wait for disclosures’

The Children’s Commissioner said in November that schools must be more proactive in identifying sexual abuse. Meanwhile, proposed updates to government guidance highlight the responsibilities of individual members of staff. Are schools really not doing enough?

Schools are on the frontline when it comes to identifying sexual abuse and most are well aware of their role. However, a recent report and a government consultation document are placing even greater responsibility on to schools for identifying the signs and symptoms.

A report from England’s Children’s Commissioner – entitled Protecting Children From Harm – and proposed changes to the statutory government guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education emphasise the responsibilities of every teacher and the training that they must have. Both documents seem to heighten what should be expected from schools and the level of involvement in assessment and case management that the teacher might have.

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