Safeguarding & Child Protection

At Hillside, we take safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately.

All adults (all staff and parents) are responsible for upholding children’s rights and working together to protect them and promote their welfare. We follow procedures set out in the ESF Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work with other agencies as necessary to provide what is best for the child.

For any child protection matters, please contact our school to speak with our Child Protection Officers.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is what we do as a society to protect individuals (in particular, children and vulnerable adults) from harm such as abuse, neglect, and sexual exploitation. Safeguarding ensures children grow up with the best life chances and that all individuals are given safe and effective care.  

Safeguarding is everyone’s business.

What is Child Protection?

Child protection is very similar—however, child protection is what we do as a society to protect children who have already experienced abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, or have otherwise been harmed.

In short terms, safeguarding is what we do to prevent harm, while child protection is the way in which we respond to harm.

Child Protection Officers’ role is specialised and requires thoughtful and careful interventions.

Reference: Child Protection Company