1. Where is the school’s child protection policy freely available for parents to read?

Under sections 175 and 157 of the Education Act 2002, schools of all kinds, as well as F.E. colleges, have a duty to have arrangements for carrying out their functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The website http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/childprotection includes examples of good practice and model policies. Governing bodies of schools, as well as proprietors of independent schools, owe a common laws duty of care towards the children (i.e. all under 18 years of age) for whom they are responsible.

According to “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” (HMSO 2006) Governing bodies (and proprietors of independent schools):

“Should ensure that the school has a child protection policy and procedures in place that are in accordance with local authority guidance and locally agreed inter-agency procedures, and the policy is made available to parents on request”. (s2. 19 and s2.22).

(See also Further Information for Question 2)