Child Protection for Designated Personnel (Two Day Training)
This course equips participants to take on the role of designated person for child protection, as outlined in The Children 1989 and the Department for Education circulars.
The role of designated person should be taken on by a headteacher or senior member of staff. We recommend that, where possible, an additional member of staff is trained so that child protection incidents can still be handled appropriately even if the named designated person is absent.
In our opinion, participants on this course will be competent for four years from the time that the course is completed. We recommend that ‘refresher’ courses are made available for designated staff to keep them updated with new procedures and to raise awareness again of all child protection issues within their establishment.
Aims of ‘Designated Teacher’ Course
To make participants feel confident in fulfilling the role of Designated Teacher for Child Protection within their school
To develop knowledge of the legal framework surrounding child protection issues
To familiarise participants with LEA / local ACPC Child Protection Procedures
To consider improvements to current practice and training needs within their own schools
To ensure that all colleagues are committed to a multi agency approach to child protection issues
Learning Outcomes of ‘Designated Teacher’ Course
To understand the diversity and complexities of child protection issues
To (re)visit the four categories of abuse, their recognition and referral
To understand the crucial role that sound logging and record keeping has in keeping children safe in schools
To recognise vulnerable youngsters in school and develop a protective ethos
To explore the notion of promoting a ‘listening school’ and how this will empower youngsters to discuss problems and experiences
To reflect on how disclosures are handled in school. There should be an activity to challenge systems already in place which support staff in receiving difficult disclosures
To emphasise the purpose and importance of Child Protection Conference and Core Groups, including the writing and sharing of the school report in line with the new ‘Assessment Framework’ documents
To ensure an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other agencies involved in suspected abuse cases
Ensure that an up-to-date Child Protection Policy is in place in school
To explore a deeper understanding of sexual offenders, using the Finkelhor model, in order to protect children
To consider the implications of recruitment and child protection issues
To look at the safe practices of staff within their own school
To allow designated teachers to network together in a supportive capacity
