Statutory Guidance for Schools

Michael Gove Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2014 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove)]

Today I am publishing updated statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges “Keeping Children Safe in Education”. Effective immediately, it has been sent to all schools and colleges and replaces “Safeguarding children and safer recruitment in education (2006)”.

“Keeping Children Safe in Education” provides guidance on: safeguarding systems including schools’ child protection policies and the appointment of a designated safeguarding lead; the checks necessary to carry out recruitment safely; and dealing with allegations of abuse made against staff members.

The guidance informs those working in schools and colleges about: types of abuse and neglect; where to find further information about the signs that a child may be being abused; how to refer a child about whom they have concerns; and signposts them to further, detailed information on specific safeguarding issues including female genital mutilation, child sexual exploitation, cyber-bullying, mental health, and radicalisation.

The publication of the new guidance follows a public consultation last year. I have also brought forward an amendment to the school staffing regulations (2009) to enable schools to choose the obligatory safe recruitment training that best suits their particular circumstances.

These changes will ensure school and college staff are clear about their statutory responsibilities and able to exercise their professional judgment with confidence in keeping children safe.

The new guidance will be available will be available on the Government website www.gov.uk.