Child Protection means protecting a child from child abuse or neglect. Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. All children and young people have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and abuse, and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights are respected and their needs are met.

Child protection is the responsibility of all who work with children and families, and all services are expected to identify and consider the child's needs, share information with other agencies and work collaboratively with each other to keep children safe.

In child protection cases, the role of the Lead Professional will typically be taken by the local authority social worker. They will then act as the main point of contact with the child and family, and with the child's key adult within school, to monitor and review outcomes for that child and their family.

Staff training

All members of staff receive annual Child Protection training, in order to ensure that they are all fully confident about their role in meeting children's needs and to be alert to concerns about a child's welfare. It is also vital that all staff know who to speak to if they have a concern, in order that timely and effective action can be taken to protect children.

The Depute Head Teacher - (Support) with responsibility for Child Protection will always consider any concerns raised within the context of Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Early intervention and support can prevent a problem from escalating into a crisis and ultimately, ensure positive outcomes for children.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is the national skills body and we deliver Scotland’s career service.

Their careers advisers deliver career information, advice and guidance to pupils from S1-S6.

They are there to help you understand the world of work and to develop the Career Management Skills you need as you move through school.

You might meet them with your class at a group activity, at a careers event or at a one-to-one appointment.

Your careers adviser can speak to you about:

• Finding out about yourself, your strengths and skills
• Making subject choices
• Different types of careers and how to research them
• Developing the types of skills that are useful in a job
• Routes into careers, including apprenticeships
• Building and developing your networks
• Creating CVs
• Making applications and applying for courses

You can also use our online service, My World of Work.

Beyond school, our advisers operate from a network of SDS centres and community locations nationwide, offering expert support to customers of all ages. You can find your nearest centre at myworldofwork.co.uk/centres.

Find out more about our services by clicking the button.