Maru-a-Pula School (MaP) aims to ensure that all members of its community work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. The policy outlines the procedures and processes to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse. The term “child” refers to a person under the care of MaP. The term “community” includes all staff, students, parents and relevant stakeholders.
MaP plays a vital role in the community as protectors of children, aiming to ensure that all children in it’s care are afforded a safe and secure environment to grow and develop. MaP recognises that:
- the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance
- the education of all members of the MaP community is critical for the implementation of this child protection policy, in alignment with the Children’s Act (2009)
- maintaining policies and procedures will ensure safe practice that minimises
- the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children. These must be kept up to date and accessible to the community.
- the adopting of procedures will protect staff from conduct which may leave them open to accusations of abuse or neglect
- we need to develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in ensuring the protection of their children
- we must always fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters, subject to reporting requirements
- we will always fully cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
- mandatory reporting is fundamental to child protection and the implementation of the Children’s Act (2009)
[Part 3 Bill of Child Rights, Section 25]