Child protection policy
A Child Protection Policy (CPP) sets the framework for the expectations around child safety from the board.
The interests and protection of the child are paramount at all times.
The principal should have the delegated authority to develop the procedures that support the policy.
What are the requirements of the CPP?
A CPP is a mandatory requirement for school boards under the Children's Act 2014open_in_new; it must:
- Contain provisions on the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect under section 15 of the Children and Young Persons and their Families Act 1989open_in_new, and
- Be available for the community, preferably both on the school's website and premises, and
- Be reviewed within three years of its first adoption or its most recent review.
Changing the culture
While the development of the policy is the board's responsibility, involving other people in its development will help change the whole community's culture, including staff, parents, and students.
Developing and reviewing a CPP provides an opportunity for a board to reflect on its current culture and address any concerns, attitudes, or behaviour to ensure the safety of children is put first.
You will need to motivate your school board, staff, parents and the school community to recognise the importance of creating a safe environment for children and help them understand that child safety is paramount.
To do this, your board could:
- Use unequivocal language in its child protection policy.
- Involve school leaders/kaumatua in the process.
- Involve the community (parents and wider school community).
- Ensure success by introducing easy to implement strategies quickly, for example, notifying everyone that a CPP exists.
- Provide additional support to staff if needed.
- Make child safety a regular discussion point at meetings and in announcements.
- Empower staff – ensure child safety is included in the induction process and provide professional development opportunities.
Questions your board could ask
- Do we have a Child Protection Policy?
- Have we reviewed it within the last three years?
- Is it available to the public on our school website or premises?
Templates, resources, and references
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