The_Importance_of_Safeguarding_Children_and_Young_People

The importance of safeguarding children and young people As stated in the ‘Children Acts 1989 and 2004 respectively, a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. ‘Children’ therefore means ‘children and young people’ throughout. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody in the secure estate for children and young people, does not change his or her status or entitlement to services or protection under the Children Act 1989.’ Source www.publications.education.gov.uk 2.1 - Explain the importance of safeguarding Safeguarding is set up to assist or care for those who are particularly vulnerable, perhaps because of their age, physical or mental ability or ill health. Of course the principal goal of a school is to teach, but in order to demonstrate equality of opportunity for all pupils, it is necessary to remove, or at least reduce, the barriers that impede learning. It is about making sure that the right people are recruited as employees and volunteers to work with young people and in all settings given CRB’s. Also creating a culture of openness and honesty, and protecting young people from harm and danger without smothering their potential and need for challenge and excitement. Plus employees know the policy and procedures. 2.2 – The meaning of a child centred approach By having a child centred approach in the classroom, enables the children to focus on what their learning needs are. The environment must be enable the child to learn and understand what is been taught. It must be in the interest of the children. This will allow the children to stay focussed, and reach their goals. It can lead to the children developing confidence in what they are learning and their self esteem improves over the years as they move up in the school. A child centred approach is about focusing on what the child wants, letting them be creative and explore things for themselves. It gives children the opportunities to develop their creative skills for later life. 2.2 - How the child centred approach supports safeguarding The child centre approach helps us to support the achievement of best possible outcomes for children in schools. Also protecting children and young people from maltreatment, and ensuring that they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. Enabling them to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully with managing their own tasks. Plus making the child feel supported and listened to will build a trust and know who to go to and share information.