aspects of Child Protection and Care and Welfare. Our school has a child protection co-ordinator who will deal with all child protection issues and with whom any concerns can be discussed.
Getting it Right for Every Child
‘The Executive’s vision for Scotland’s children is a Scotland in which every child matters, where every child regardless of his or her family background, has the best possible start in life. Every adult in Scotland has a role in ensuring all our children live safely and can reach their full potential.
Parents, whether living with the child or not, have the most important role to play and other family members will
contribute greatly to a child’s wellbeing.’
Scottish Executive
Roles within St Serf’s RCPS
- Child Protection Co-ordinator –Donna Mulholland (HT)
- Depute Child Protection Co-ordinator – Tracy Mutch (PT)
You may have a concern because of:
- a specific incident, something you see or hear or hear about
- a disclosure made by a child or young person or parent/carer
- information from a third party
- adult behaviour/circumstances that may place the child or young person at risk of harm
- child/young person behaviour/circumstances that may place the child or young person at risk of harm
- a culmination of minor concerns over a period of time.
If you have any concerns relating to child protection you should do one of the following:
- Make contact with the school and in the first instance ask to speak to the Child Protection Co-ordinator. If they are not available you should ask to speak to the Depute Child Protection Coordinator
- Contact the Social Work Contact Centre on 03451 551503
- Call 999 if you feel that the child is in immediate risk
Signs of abuse include:
- Physical injury
- Physical neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Non organic failure to thrive
Legal Issues
- Child abuse is a criminal offence which can involveprosecution in the Criminal Courts
- Child abuse is the concern of the Child Protection system
- In the absence of criminal prosecution or conviction, the Children’s Hearing system can act to protect a child
More information on Child Protection:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
