Child Protection
Guidelines for child protection issues:
What happens if you suspect the student is being abused?
This problem requires professional help. Tell the student’s Teach First teacher immediately.
Record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the tutor.
What happens if the student tells you about abuse relating to someone else?
Allow the young person to speak without interrupting, alleviate feelings of guilt.
Record the facts and pass them on to the student’s TF teacher.
What happens if you receive an allegation about any adult or yourself?
Tell the Teach First teacher immediately.
Record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the TF teacher.
Try to ensure no one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise.
What happens if the student confides that he/she is involved in an illegal or life-threatening position?
Tell the student’s TF teacher immediately.
In all these circumstances it is important not to guarantee to keep the information confidential. The school has support systems to deal with emergencies.
What happens if the student displays inappropriate attitude/behaviour?
Confront at the start of a meeting.
Choose the venue where you meet the student carefully and change it if you think the student or you would feel more comfortable somewhere else.
The law:
Young people under the age of 18 are protected as children under the Children Act 1989 We have a duty of care towards the young people on the programme.
Failure to observe our duty of care could result in actions against Teach First as an organisation as well as the possibility of persons being held personally liable.
In addition, the Sexual offences (Amendment) Act 2000 made it an offence for any person “in a position of trust” to engage in sexual relations with a young person aged 16 and 17. This would apply to all relationships between Teach First staff and volunteers and the young people with whom we work.
