All schools or organisations who deal with children or young people need to have a safeguarding policy in place which must be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. As a teaching assistant it is very important that you know what the policy at your setting is, and that you are aware of what to do if you ever have any cause for concern. The term “child protection” is being replaced by “safeguarding”. “Safeguarding” are all the things that we need to do and the policies and procedures we have that are there to help keep all children or young people safe. The wider concept to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is part of child protection.
These policies and procedures are there to help children who could be suffering abuse or neglect. Safeguarding a child or young person is to make sure that the child gets the the full opportunity in reaching their goals and to achieve their true potential. It is the child’s right to be protected from any kind of abuse physical, sexual or emotional.
