Child Protection is a natural part of pastoral care.  The Child Protection Policy for the Preparatory Department is in line with the Child Protection Policy for Friends’ School.  Parents, wishing to read the complete Child Protection Policy, are most welcome to do so.  The policy is summarised below.

Background

• The Preparatory Department, as an integral part of Friends’ School, will adhere to the Policy and Procedures set down in the Child Protection Policy for Friends’ School.
• This policy takes into account the ethos of the whole school, the rights of children under the Children (NI) Order 1995 and the guidance contained in the DE publication ‘Pastoral Care in Schools: Child Protection.’

Responsibilities

• In the Preparatory Department the Head of the Department, Mrs Alison Johnston is the Designated Teacher and Mrs Cathy Aughey is the Deputy Designated Teacher. 
•  The Designated Teacher, Mrs Johnston should be informed of any concerns and her responsibilities will be as follows:-
  • implementing all appropriate procedures, including the immediate
    safeguarding of a child at risk
  • liaising with the appropriate class teacher
  • informing and conferring with the Principal and Vice-Principal (Pastoral)
  • contacting parents
  • liaising with outside agencies, including the Clinical Medical Officer and Social Services
  • collating details of all reports and concerns
  • reviewing the Child Protection Policy and procedures annually
  • disseminating information. 
• In the absence of the Designated Teacher, the Deputy Designated Teacher assumes responsibility and consults with the appropriate class teacher
• All teaching staff and non-teaching staff have a duty to:-
  • be alert to the signs of actual or suspected abuse or neglect
  • report concerns to the Designated Teacher (or Deputy)
  • be aware of the contents of the booklet ‘Pastoral Care in Schools:
    Child Protection’ referring to this whenever necessary.