Legal framework
SBC ensures compliance with its statutory obligations under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, carrying out compliance audits every 2 years.
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England; in particular Working Together to Safeguard Children – A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (HM Government 2018).
Slough is a statutory partner with lead responsibilities around safeguarding children and is a member of Slough Strategic Safeguarding Leaders group, engaging in strategic safeguarding planning and partnership development in Slough.
Visit the Safeguarding Partnership website for more information.
We believe that:
- children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
- we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them
We recognise that:
- the welfare of the child is paramount
- all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
- some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
- working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare
In conjunction with our delivery partner Slough Children First, we will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
- valuing, listening to and respecting them
- appointing a nominated child protection / safeguarding lead
- working within the pan-Berkshire child protection policies and procedures
- where relevant, developing local child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice.