EdLaw
Child Protection and Safeguarding in Education — status and roles (sections 1.3, 2.6–2.9)
SECTION 1: Purpose, Legal Context to Child Protection and Safeguarding Framework
1.3 Status of this Guidance
This is statutory guidance issued by the Department of Education (DE) under Article 18(1)(c) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003⁷ and relates to the welfare and protection of pupils. The noted legislation places a duty on the Board of Governors of a grant-aided school to have regard to this guidance when determining the measures to be taken at a school.
This guidance reflects statutory duties, compliance is mandatory.
Where the guidance reflects best practice, settings are expected to have due regard and to be able to demonstrate and evidence their approach, particularly in the context of inspection.
The guidance is relevant to all adults working within these settings, including Boards of Governors, proprietors, principals, designated teachers, youth workers, teachers, pre-school leaders, Management Committees, classroom assistants, non-teaching workforce, volunteers and contracted providers. This list is not exhaustive.
7 The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003
SECTION 2: Roles and Responsibilities
2.6 Role of the Principal / Leader
The Principal (or equivalent setting leader) has day-to-day responsibility for child protection and safeguarding within the setting.
They must:
- appoint a least 1 Designated Teacher / member of staff for Child Protection and additional deputies as required;
- ensure that safeguarding policies are consistently implemented;
- create a safe, inclusive and supportive culture;
- ensure that staff understand their responsibilities, receive appropriate training and know how to respond to concerns;
- ensure that concerns are responded to promptly and appropriately;
- support and supervise the Designated Teacher in carrying out their role;
- ensure effective liaison with external agencies.
2.7 Role of the Designated Teacher / member of staff (includes Deputies)¹⁹
The Designated Teacher (DT) leads safeguarding and child protection within the setting.
In line with best practice there should only be 1 lead Designated Teacher with Deputy Designated Teacher or Teachers working to support the work of the DT under overall leadership of the Principal.
The DT is responsible for:
- ensuring that, in conjunction with Principal, all training for BoGs, and staff is up to date;
- acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns;
- advising and supporting staff;
- ensuring that concerns are recorded, assessed and responded to appropriately;
- making referrals to social services when required;
- maintaining secure and accurate safeguarding records;
- representing the school in multi-agency processes, including case conferences.
Where adult safeguarding concerns arise, the DT or nominated safeguarding lead should contact EA CPSS for support and guidance.
The Board of Governors and Principals are responsible for ensuring DTs are given sufficient protected time, training and support to carry out their role effectively.
2.8 Role of the School Child Protection and Safeguarding Team²⁰
The School Safeguarding Team does not replace the responsibility of individual staff members to recognise, report and record safeguarding concerns. All staff remain responsible for safeguarding and child protection. The role of the Safeguarding Team is to provide leadership, oversight, coordination, support and assurance that children and young people are safe, heard and protected.
The School Safeguarding Team should include:
- Principal (or nominated senior leader);
- Designated Teacher for Child Protection;
- Deputy Designated Teacher(s);
- Chair of Board of Governors;
- Designated Governor for Child Protection (strategic oversight role);
- Other relevant roles within the schools as determined by the Principal e.g. SENCO, Pastoral Lead etc.
2.9 Role of All Staff, Volunteers, External Providers and Staff within Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) or Commissioned Education Services eg Alternative Education Providers
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers.
They must:
- be aware of signs and indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation;
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
- listen to children and young people and take concerns seriously;
- report concerns immediately in line with the setting procedures;
- record concerns accurately and promptly;
- participate in training and safeguarding activities.
Staff and volunteers must never assume that someone else will act, or delay reporting a concern.
19 The language here will be different for settings other than schools, however this refers to the member of staff with the designated responsibility for child protection and safeguarding within the setting.
20 It is good practice for all settings to establish a Setting Safeguarding Team.