Child protection policies

We all share a responsiblilty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and in the UK all organisations that work with children have a legal requirement to have appropriate policies and procedures in place.

This includes:

• policies for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including a child protection policy.
• a recruitment procedure that includes arrangements for appropriate checks on new staff and volunteers.
• arrangements to ensure staff and volunteers receive training; are aware of the appropriate codes of practice for working with children; and are aware of the procedures for reporting concerns they may have about the welfare of children they meet.
• appointing a designated person who is responsible for liaison with local child protection agencies and Ofsted on child protection issues.

Your denomination should be able to provide help with putting these policies and procedures in place and with giving the appropriate training.

Alternatively, or additionally, for detailed information, policy templates, training and regular updates on legislation and best practice join The Church and Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).

You can also download several useful pdf booklets from the CCPAS web site, www.ccpas.co.uk:

Help... I want to work safely with young people and children covers issues such as appropriate touching, being on your own with children, giving lifts in cars and taking children to the toilet.

Help... I want to communicate safely addresses the creation of an ICT policy that ensures that children are protected and the integrity of workers is safeguarded, covering the use of email, mobile phones, chat and messenger services, and the use of photographs of children on web sites.

Help... how can I support a child who has been abused? covers pastoral care, behavioural issues, spiritual issues, anger and forgiveness.

Help... something bad happened to me is a booklet for children aged 8-10.

CCPAS also produce training DVDs for churches.

Additional information can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families web site, www.dcsf.gov.uk.

Ofsted registration

Childcare is defined in UK law as any form of care for a child including education or any other supervised activity. Under the provisions of the Childcare Act 2006, most childcare providers caring for children under eight years must register with Ofsted unless the law says they are exempt.

Up to date information is on the www.ofsted.gov.uk web site. For details of registration and exemption click here.

First Aid

First Aid training is available from the Red Cross, St John Ambulance Association and St Andrew's Ambulance Association (in Scotland).