Child protection

Every school has to meet our requirements in five key aspects before they can become a Cambridge school. One of these requirements is to have child protection policies in line with government requirements. We need to see evidence of this during the approval and re-approval process.

To support schools we have published some guidelines on what a robust approach to child protection may look like in a school setting. To implement a fully robust approach to child protection policies have to be supported by well-managed and resourced processes.

Leadership and management

The school complies with all legal and statutory requirements and obligations in relation to child protection for the country it operates in.
The school creates a definition of child protection that Board members/governors/owners, school leaders, staff, students, parents and volunteers fully understand and follow.
Child protection policies and procedures are regularly reviewed.
An identified person in the school (e.g. child protection officer) has oversight of child protection procedures and related school policies.

Procedure and communication

The school’s operational procedures support and encourage good practice leading to enhanced child protection, including:
- training and support
- identification and/or disclosure
- reporting in line with policy.
The school publicly communicates its child protection policy/procedures.
Students, staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they feel uncomfortable or have concerns about mistreatment or abuse.
The school has effective working relationships with support agencies, where these exist.

Recruitment and contact

The school has, and complies with, robust policies/procedures, which are successfully implemented, to make sure it only employs and engages people of sound moral character.
The school has robust and fully implemented policies/procedures to make sure all helpers, volunteers and contract workers are people of sound moral character and suitable to work with children.

Culture and embedding child protection in teaching and learning

The culture and values of the school support and encourage good practice leading to enhanced child protection.
Child protection education and online/virtual safety form part of the written and taught curriculum.

Environment for child protection

The school’s buildings and facilities, security and protection measures are compatible with child protection and related policies.
The school takes measures to ensure the safety and protection of students in homestay accommodation or on residential trips and student-exchange programmes.
The school will promote online safety and wellbeing where applicable.

This example is adapted from the International Task Force on Child Protection Essential Questions and Expectations report, which is aligned with the values statements in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.