Identify the current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. These are as follows: •Children’s act 1098/2004 •Education act 2002 •E-safety 2008 •Safeguarding •Human rights act. And many more. The following is an outline of current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures within the UK Home Nation for Safeguarding Children. The United Nations Convention on the rights of a child 1989 was approved by the UK on the 16th December 1991, this includes: •Children’s rights to protection from abuse. The rights to express their views and to be listened too. •The right to care •Services for disabled children •Services for children living away from home This convention is used as guidelines and is not a part of UK law. There is no one set legislation that covers safeguarding children and young people in the UK. There are different laws and guidelines that cover different parts of the UK, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The following is a list of current legislation guidelines, policies and procedures for England. Working together in safeguarding children 2010 These guidelines are for those working within: •Education •Health •Social services •Police •Probation The guidelines are relevant to those working closely with children and their families in statutory, independent and voluntary sectors. The document covers the following areas •A summary of the nature and impact of child abuse and neglect •How to operate best practise in child protection procedures. •The roles and responsibilities of different agencies and GP’s •The role of local safeguarding children’s boards The processes to be followed when there are concerns about a child •The action to be taken to safeguard and promote the welfare of children experiencing, or at risk of significant harm. •The important principles to be followed when working with children and families. •Training requirements for effective child protection. The Children’s Act 1989. The department of health defines child abuse as the neglect of a child of harming or preventing harm. The act is important because it stresses the importance of putting the child first.
The acts states: •What is best for the child must always be first consideration •Whenever possible children should be brought up in their own families •Unless the child is at risk of harm, a child should not be taken from their family without family’s agreement •Local authorities must help families with children in need •Local authorities must work with parents and children •Courts must put children first when making decisions •Children being looked after by the local authorities have rights, as do their parents. Children’s act 2004
Lord lemmings report on the death of Victoria Climbie brought into force the children act 2004 which requires all local authorities across England and Wales to set up a local safeguarding children board. This states that each area should promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people. LSCB replaced the Area Child Protection Committees and stated all agencies should work together to protect children. An assessment is carried out annually to make sure all agencies are working to promote safeguarding and welfare of children. EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
All adults wanting to work with children whether it is paid or voluntary must be checked, commonly known has having a criminal record check which is only done by criminals record bureau. The children’s act 2004 has only 5 outcomes for a child •Be healthy •To be safe •To enjoy and achieve through learning •Children to make positive contributions to society •Achieve economic well-being E- Safety council The internet has changed the way we live. We use it for shopping, games and leisure. Many people go online to keep in touch with friends and make new ones. Like everything, the internet has a downside.
Reports of fraud and identity theft are common. However, the biggest worry for most people is the threat to children. There are several ways in which children can be affected by things they do or see online: •They may be exposed to adult material such as pornography •They may accidentally give away private family information like names and addresses •They may encounter adults who encourage them to do things that are not safe or legal •They may send photographs or messages which can be taken and used by other people •They may be the victim of bullies who use things like email or text messages to hurt and intimidate.
We should not allow these threats to frighten us or prevent children from using the internet. The E-Safety set up guidelines for the safe use of the internet and other technologies in order to protect children from harm. The UK council launched UKCCIS in 2008 in response of all the concerns about children’s safety on the internet. Education act 2002 This act sets out the responsibilities of the local authorities (LEAs) governing bodies, head teachers and for others working in the schools to make sure the children and young people are safe and away from harm.
Health and Safety at work act 1974 Within my workplace I am aware of the statutory and regulatory health and safety requirements for pupils, staff, families and visitors in the school. Health and safety legalisation places overall responsibility for health and safety with the employer. However, as an employee working within a school, you also have responsibilities with regard to maintaining health and safety.
All employees have the following responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: • To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves? and of any person who might be affected by their acts or omissions at work. • To co-operate with the relevant authorities ( e. g. Ofsted) in meeting safety requirements. • To not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the? interests of health, safety and welfare. • To make themselves aware of all? afety rules, procedures and safe working practices applicable to their posts. • To ensure that tools and equipment are in good condition and report any defects to the delegated person. • To use protective clothing and safety equipment provided and to ensure that these are kept in good condition. •To ensure that any accidents, whether or not an injury occurs, are reported to the delegated person. • To report potential hazards or any possible deficiencies? in health and safety arrangements to the delegated person
