Child Protection Schools, after school clubs, youth clubs, children's centres and early years centres have a legal duty to safeguard children and promote their welfare and physical and emotional well-being. They are also required to report child protection concerns in accordance with the  London child protection procedures.
If parents or carers are having problems with a child's behaviour, punishment resulting in physical injury or emotional harm and punishments involving the use of implements or substances is not acceptable and may result in a police investigation. Staff encourage good behaviour in children without using physical punishments and children get the most from their education when adults respond in the same ways.
Inform staff of any issues
If your child has an accident or illness, or is upset by something that has happened at home, or in the family, please tell a member of staff. Staff are trained to look for signs of neglect and abuse, and if they have not been informed may become concerned.
The referral process
In most cases, staff will contact parents or carers before they refer a child to a social worker. A referral does not mean that a parent or carer is being accused of harming their child. Very often referrals are false alarms, but staff must put the needs of children and young people first, even if this means upsetting a parent because staff cannot take risks with the safety of children.
Assessment
If there are signs of possible abuse or neglect a social worker may hold a meeting with the family and school to assess the situation and decide what action should be taken. Everything possible will be done to help the parent or carer look after the child in their own home. Children will only be moved if there is no other way of protecting them.
Who to contact
If a child is in immediate danger phone the police on 999.
To speak to a social worker, call 020 7525 1921 during office hours or 020 7525 5000 out of office hours.
If you would prefer to speak to someone anonymously, without giving your name, you can phone
- The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline: 0800 800 500 24, hours
- Parents Anonymous: 020 7263 8918, 7pm to midnight
- Family Rights Group: 020 7923 2628, 9am to 5pm
Each school, centre or club will have a lead person who is responsible for child protection.
If you have a query concerning child protection procedures within the education services contact
John Guest
Head of education welfare and safeguarding
Tel: 020 7525 2696
Fax: 020 7525 2695
rad@southwark.gov.uk
Children's services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL |