Policy Statement

Under the 1989 and the 2004 Children Acts a child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 years.

Safeguarding children refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm. All agencies and individuals should be proactive in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

The practice recognises that all children have a right to protection from abuse and the practice accepts its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children with whom staff may come into contact.

We intend to:

• Respond quickly and appropriately where abuse is suspected or allegations are made.
• Provide both parents and children with the chance to raise concerns over their own care or the care of others.
• Have a system for dealing with, escalating and reviewing concerns.
• Remain aware of child protection procedures and maintain links with other bodies, especially the CCG appointed contacts.
• The practice will ensure that all staff are trained to a level appropriate to their role, and that this is repeated on an annual refresher basis. New starters will receive training within 6 months of start date.

Basic Principles

• It is the responsibility of all adults to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. This responsibility extends to a duty of care for those adults employed, commissioned or contracted to work with children and young people.
• Adults who work with children are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions.
• Adults should work and be seen to work, in an open and transparent way.
• The same professional standards should always be applied regardless of culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity.
• Adults should continually monitor and review their practice and ensure they follow the guidance contained in this document and elsewhere.