MATARAU SCHOOL       Child Protection Policy  

POLICY NUMBER                NAG 5D

INTENT

This policy outlines the board’s commitment to child protection and recognises the important role and responsibility of all our staff (clients and visitors) in the protection of children. It should be read in conjunction with policy 5 B “Voluntary Reporting of Child Abuse”.

PURPOSES

1. To ensure all staff members, contractors and volunteers are familiar with the relevant procedures and protocols and that they abide by them
2. To ensure that the safety and well-being of the children in our care is our top priority
3. To ensure that school procedures are followed in the event a child has been, or is likely to be harmed.

GUIDELINES

The school, through the principal, must …

1. Develop appropriate procedures to meet child safety requirements as required and appropriate to the school
2. Comply with relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities
3. Make this policy available on the school’s internet site or available on request
4. Ensure that every contract, or funding arrangement, that the school enters into requires the adoption of child protection policies where required
5. Ensure the interests and protection of the child are paramount in all circumstances
6. Recognise the rights of family/whanau to participate in the decision-making about their children
7. Ensure that all staff are able to identify the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect, deal with disclosures by children and allegations against staff members and are able to take appropriate action in response
8. Support all staff to work in accordance with this policy, to work with partner agencies and organisations to ensure child protection policies are understood and implemented
9. Promote a culture where staff feel confident they can constructively challenge poor practice or raise issues of concern without fear of reprisal
10. Consult, discuss and share relevant information, in line with our commitment to confidentiality and information sharing protocols, in a timely way regarding any concerns about an individual child with the board or designated person
11. Seek advice as necessary from NZSTA advisors on employment matters and other relevant agencies where child safety issues arise
12. Make available professional development, resources and/or advice to ensure all staff can carry out their roles in terms of this policy, including specific guidance on identification of neglect or abuse, definition of key terms and concepts, guidance on critical decisions, ways of responding, and management of disclosure.
13. Ensure that this policy forms part of the initial staff induction programme for each staff member and that there is annual review of child protection protocols and professional development where necessary.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

An environment / culture where ….

1. The safety needs of children are paramount
2. This is reflected in the culture, policies and practices of the school

Child Protection Protocols and Resources (to be read on appointment and circulated annually)

… Child Safe Code of Conduct

… Responding to Kids at Risk