What is Child Protection?
All children and young people have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and to grow up in a safe environment where their rights and needs are respected.
Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
‘Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and emotional measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.’
In Fife, we support the ethos that “child protection is everyone’s job and everyone’s responsibility”. All professionals have a responsibility to respond appropriately and immediately if they believe a child is at risk from harm.
Child Protection Co-ordinators:
At Inverkeithing Primary School we have a tram of trained staff who support child protection matters:
Child Protection Coordinator- Mrs C Gardiner
Depute Child Protection Coordinator- Mrs L Reekie and Mr D Gillespie
Working together:
We aim to work together with families, colleagues and multiagency partners to support our children to be safe and happy.
Staff know to alert the Child Protection Coordinators immediately should they have a Child Protection Concern. When dealing with child protection concerns we always consider the child’s best interests. The child will always be at the centre of any required actions or planning, and in almost all cases we will liaise closely with family as soon as possible.
Our children’s chronologies allow us to record the significant events in their lives to help us plan to meet their needs.
What should I do if I have a concern?
If you consider a child(ren) or young person to be in IMMEDIATE danger, DO NOT wait, call Police Scotland on 999.
If you have a concern and the child is not in immediate danger you should contact the Social Work Contact Centre on 03451 551503 then press the star key on your phone or contact Police Scotland on 101.
Using the star key will automatically fast track your call so it is dealt with as a priority by Customer Service Advisors or for Emergency Out of Hours call 03451 550099.
You can read our Child Protection Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy by clicking the link below:
InverkeithingPS -CP Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy March2024
Fife Council has guidance to support calm and connected parenting. CLICK HERE if you wish to take a look.
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing:
The emotional wellbeing of our young people matters.
It’s normal for young people to face emotional challenges growing up, and their mental health is as important as their general physical health and wellbeing.
For more information and links to sources of support, please go to www.fife.gov.uk/ourmindsmatter/
Further Supports:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Home – Fife Women’s Aid (fifewomensaid.org.uk)
http://www.sajescotland.org/help-for-men/
https://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/family-support/fife-one-stop-shop
