Registration of independent schools: guidance for proprietors overseeing child protection and safeguarding arrangements

Guidance for proprietors who are obliged to ensure that their school is appropriately resourced and structured to safeguard the welfare of learners. This guidance has been developed in consultation with a number of stakeholders to support good practice in schools.


4. Initiating Child Protection Procedures

Child protection procedures are initiated when police, social work or health determine that a child may have been significantly harmed or may be at risk of significant harm. All concerns which may indicate risk of significant harm must lead to an inter-agency referral discussion (IRD). Practitioners in police, social work and health must participate in IRDs and education/early learning and childcare may have an essential contribution. The child protection process is outlined in page 138 of the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021.

Contact

Email: independentschools@educationscotland.gov.scot

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