Policies

Policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people are - The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 - which ensure that children are safe and looked after, children have the right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect, negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse by those looking after them. Children Act 1989 - Parents and professionals must work to ensure the safety of the child. Local Authority has ‘a duty to investigate when there is a reasonable cause to suspect that a child suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. The Education Act 2002 - This sets out the responsibilities of Local Education Authorities (LEAs), Governing bodies, head teachers and all those working in schools to ensure that children are safe and free from harm. Children Act 2004 - This provides the legal framework for Every Child Matters. It includes the requirement for: Services to work more closely, forming an integrated service. Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006 - This sets out the duties of organisations and how they must work together to safeguard children and young people. 1.1 outline current legislations guidelines, policies and procedures within oen uk home national affecting the safeguard The UNCRC - the united nations convention on the rights of the child page on silkysteps containing links to other resources. Depending where in the UK you are the early years framework for your home nation will vary. The introduction it contains will help to source relevant quotes and links for further research. England: eyfs Wales: Foundation Phase Northern Ireland: Foundation stage Scotland: Pre-birth to three and curriculum for excellence The children's act 1989 legislates for England and Wales The Childrens act 2004 puts in place .. -- A children's commissioner for England -- A director for children's services within each local authority -- A duty on local authorites and their partners, including the police, health service providers, youth justice teams to cooperate in promoting the well-being of children and young people and have arrangements that safeguard and promote their welfare. -- Local Safe Guarding Boards -- Revised legislation for physical punishment, it is now an offence to hit a child if it causes mental harm or leaves a lasting mark. -- CAF common assessment framework - helping to identify individual needs. -- revised arrangements for sharing information - data protection act 1998 the eight principles -- The outcomes for ECM - every child matters, a green paper that emerged from the report of Lord Laming, made in response to Victoria Climbie's terribly tragic death. Background to ECM What to do if you're worried a child is being abused 2003 is national guidance that brings together the content from working together to safeguard children and the framework for the assessment of children in need and their famillies 2000. The protection of childrens act 1999 is the law that ensures settings do not offer employment that involves regular contact with children paid or unpaid where listed as unsuitable to work with children - The CRB disclosure form. The criminal records bureau is the central point for accessing the records kept on two lists - the Department of Eduation list and the Department of Heath list. The ISA independant safeguarding authority is the organisational body charged with the responsibility to check the suitability of those wanting to work with children & young people. Individual setting's operational policies will vary in their titled names and content, they may take the form of: Safeguarding Employment & induction Health and safety Child protection