Children’s commissioner to investigate primary school safeguarding

The children’s commissioner for England is to investigate how well primary schools are safeguarding children from harm as part of a new research project

The study, which will be carried out by the NSPCC on behalf the commissioner, is set to gather evidence of child protection best practice in England’s primary schools.

The project will focus on issues including how schools respond to concerns of abuse and neglect, identify risk and harm to children, promote preventive measures and provide advice and help directly to children.

It will result in new guidance for teachers, school leaders, local safeguarding children’s boards and other children’s professionals in autumn 2012.

Maggie Atkinson, the children’s commissioner for England, said the research would draw on the experience and expertise of schools.

“The policy agenda on child protection is absolutely focused on early identification of need and help for children,” she explained.

“But research shows there are a number of barriers to the development of good practice models in schools, including confusion and concern about information sharing and understanding the law on data.

“Some teachers lack confidence and/or expertise in this area and can be uncertain about the consequences for the child and families following child protection referrals.

She added: “It is our intention to support teachers and school staff so that they are well placed to identify signs of abuse and neglect, and to offer support for children. It is essential that through inter-agency liaison they are well supported to do this.”

From next week the NSPCC and consultancy Youthworks will contact a selection of primary schools, asking them to give evidence to the project. As well as professionals, children and young people will be asked for their views on how child protection is working in schools