Child Protection

“The welfare of the child is paramount.”

[UN convention on the Rights of the child (1989)]

Tobermory High School recognises that there is a moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all its pupils.

At Tobermory High School, we endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. It is the responsibility of everyone to be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and to follow the procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The school’s Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures are underpinned by two key principles:

  • Child Protection is everyone’s responsibility
  • A child-centred approach based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children in line with Argyll and Bute Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures.

If you are worried about a child:

  • If it is an emergency call the police on 999
  • If it's not an emergency, contact social work
    • during office hours - 01546 605517
    • evenings and weekends - 01631 566491
    • or by filling in the Social Work online enquiry form using the link below.

Further information on keeping our children safe in Argyll & Bute is available from the following helplines and websites;

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, call the National Child Protection helpline and speak to one of their operators Tel: 0800 022 3222 or visit their website at www.infoscotland.com/childprotection

Childline is a free helpline for children and young people in the UK. For further information visit their website www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Samaritans for anyone in despair http://www.samaritans.org/

Support for young people who may be at risk of suicide and those who live or work https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

The NSPCC protects children across the United Kingdom. They run a wide range of services for both children and adults, including national helplines and local projects www.nspcc.org.uk. NSPCC resources and literature are available to display and distribute.

Stop it Now! is a confidential freephone helpline for people who might be worried about their own thoughts and feelings towards children or the behaviour of others; parents and carers of young people with sexually worrying behaviour; and professionals needing help with difficult cases. This confidential helpline operates from 9 am - 9 pm Monday to Thursday and from 9 am - 7 pm on Friday. The number to call is: 0808 1000 900 or visit the website: www.stopitnow.org.uk

CHILDREN 1ST offer general information about keeping children safe www.children1st.org.uk Tel: 0131 446 2300 Email: info@children1st.org.uk

It's not just adults who are affected by domestic abuse. Children and young people can experience the abuse of their mothers, and can also be abused themselves. For help and advise you can visit this website http://www.refuge.org.uk/about-domestic-violence/for-children/

Scottish Women's Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk

Just Whistle provide the facts and the know about how to fight child sexual exploitation www.justwhistle.org.uk

To find out more information on what you can do to help take a look at the Argyll and Bute Council Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures document below:

child_protection_guidelines_and_procedures_2010_sh_updated_081215.pdf

Respect, Resilience, Confidence, Collaboration and Creativity