Child Protection Guidance

For Placement Providers

For adults working with young people, particularly those still of compulsory school age, it is important to be aware of potentially difficult situations.

By following the simple guidance outlined below it should be possible to ensure that the placement is a secure environment for both the provider and the student.

Touch

There may be occasions when you need to touch a young person (eg when you are guiding them in carrying out technical operations) but these should be kept to a minimum.

Behaviour

Whilst it is important to reassure a young person who may be nervous in a new placement and reliant on your guidance, you should avoid being over familiar. Never permit 'horseplay' which may cause embarassment.

Environment

Where possible avoid being on your own in an isolated or closed environment with a young person.

Travel

Ensure that there is a known destination and check-in times with a third party in situations where a young person will be travelling alone with an adult during the placement. It is a good idea to make available a mobile phone (or equivalent) in such situations.

Mentor

Those placed immediately in charge of young people should be competent in their work-role, mature in their attitudes, and yet at the same time be at ease with them.

Disclosure

Occasionally young people may disclose confidential information to a work colleague that gives rise to concern for their physical or emotional safety. In such situations you should speak to your line manager and share your concern with an appropriate representative of the education provider (usually this will be the work experience co-ordinator or the head teacher) or the Central Work Experience Organiser.

Disqualification

You are reminded that you are required by law to protect chidren from harm and that any employees are required, under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act, to declare that they are disqualified from working with children.

Guidance provided by the Trident Trust

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