The Current Key Legislations are as follows -
* Children Act 1989
* Education Act 2002
* Sexual Offences Act 2003
* Children Act 2004 - ECM
* Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 including e-Safety
* Fire Precautions Act 1971
Some of the policies, which would be school or Education specific, of the above legislations are – * Medication Policy
* Data Protection
* First Aid Policy
* Fire Precaution Policy
Each school or Education Institute would have their own procedures and guidelines specific to their area or school.
The different Agencies involved in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people are -
Each local authority is responsible for establishing a Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) in their area and ensuring it is run effectively. An LSCB can cover more than one local authority area.
Social services take a lead role in responding to children and families in need of support and help, undertaking enquiries following allegations or suspicion of abuse, undertaking assessments on families needing help or support, taking court action to safeguard and protect children, looking after and planning for children in the care of the council, ensuring that looked after children are safeguarded in a foster family, children's home or other placement.
Local Education Authority
The LEA are responsible for the distribution and monitoring of funding for the schools, for co-ordination of admissions, including allocation of the number of places available at each school, they have a responsibility for the educational achievement of looked-after children in their care, they have attendance and advisory rights in relation to the employment of teachers, and in relation to the dismissal of any staff. They are also the owners of school land and premises in community schools.
Local Police Authority
The police have a central role in protecting children. Dedicated child-protection officers receive specialist training in investigating child-abuse cases, but nearly all officers have a crucial role to play in identifying and protecting children. The police hold important information about children who may be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm, as well as those who cause this harm, which they should share with other organisations such as Social Services, if this is necessary to protect children. The police also have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children in their care and in their custody at all stages of the process and make sure they keep to the requirements of the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act 1984.
The main types of child abuse are -
* Physical Abuse - Inflicting actual bodily pain, leaving visible marks or scars. A Child may have bruises which are in appropriate places, sustained injuries, unexplained broken bones, bite marks or burns. * Emotional Abuse - Using negative comments, name calling, or insults, to instil power to control feelings or emotions. A child may be constantly tearful, could show signs of being a bully, could be scared and unhappy, or seek praise or become familiar with an adult that shows affection. * Neglect - Failing to provide the primary needs – food, warmth, hygiene. A child will be unkempt, underweight or overweight, be smelly, or have unclean hair. They may also suffer untreated or persistent illnesses. * Sexual Abuse - Forcing a child to watch or take part in a sexual Act. A child may have trouble walking or running around, they may be unable to sit comfortably, and they may have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age group, or be attempting to carry out sexual acts with other children.
Three of the risks and possible consequences for children using the internet, mobile phones or other technologies are –
The possible consequences of Cyber bullying...