Child Protection

All schools should create and maintain a safe atmosphere for pupils and deal with circumstances where there are child wellbeing concerns.
Though their child protection policies and procedures for safeguarding pupils, schools play an important role in the prevention of abuse and neglect.
As a Teaching Assistant I have contact with individual pupils on a daily basis and so I have a vital role to play in detecting indicators of possible abuse.
Most pupils view their school as neutral territory where they may feel more capable to talk with and adult they trust about what is happening to them.
I must report any concerns to the relevant person and it will be the schools responsibility to refer any concerns to the appropriate agency.

As a Teaching Assistant I need to be aware of the signs of possible abuse, to whom I should report any concerns and also school’s child protection policy and procedures.” Procedures on child protection should be in place as a matter of good practice.”(quote….)

Signs and symptoms of Emotional abuse:

    • Child that doesn’t create much progress
    • When children indicate through words and body language that they think they are worthless, stupid or unattractive.
    • Blame themselves
    • Very distressed by their mistakes
    • Harm themselves
    • Difficult to make friends
    • Mistrusting adults

Signs and symptoms of Physical abuse:

    • Fingertip bruising
    • Bruising on face or head
    • Linear burns
    • Inappropriate history explanation-to the injury-age of the child
    • Inappropriate parent-carer reaction
    • Variable history explanation

Signs and symptoms of Neglect:

    • Low self-esteem
    • Dirty/smelly appearance
    • Constantly late or poor attendance
    • Poor diet
    • Gives appearance of being fairly independent
    • Untreated health problems

Signs and symptoms of Sexual abuse:

    • Mood changes, tantrums, aggression
    • Insecurity
    • Withdrawn, secretive...