Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy (CPP)

Elliniki Paideia – Δημοτικό & Γυμνάσιο Mike

1. Introduction

Elliniki Paideia – Δημοτικό – Γυμνάσιο Mike is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and protection of all children who attend or come into contact with our school. This Child Protection Policy (CPP) follows the Keeping Children Safe Child Safeguarding Standards and outlines the responsibilities, systems, and procedures in place to ensure a safe environment for every child.

This policy is publicly available online and accessible to all staff, volunteers, trainees, parents, guardians, and external partners.

2. Safeguarding Standard 1: Policy

2.1 Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to:

• Establish a safe, respectful, and protective environment for all children.
• Define clear expectations and responsibilities for staff, volunteers, trainees, and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with national and international child safeguarding standards.
• Provide transparent mechanisms for reporting and responding to concerns.

2.2 Scope

This policy applies to:

• All teaching and non‑teaching staff
• Trainees and interns
• Volunteers
• External partners and service providers
• Any adult who interacts with children through school‑related activities

2.3 Definition of Child

For the purposes of this policy, a “child” is any person under the age of 18.

3. Safeguarding Standard 2: People

3.1 Safe Recruitment

The school follows strict recruitment procedures designed to prevent individuals who pose a risk to children from joining the organisation. These include:

• Transparent job descriptions and safeguarding expectations
• All recruitment materials clearly state the school’s commitment to child protection.
• Responsibilities related to safeguarding are included in every relevant job description.

• Application and Screening Process
• All candidates must submit a complete application form, CV, and references.
• Reference checks include direct questions about the candidate’s suitability to work with children.

• Background Checks (Vetting)
• All staff, trainees, and volunteers undergo up‑to‑date background checks, including:
  • National criminal record check
  • International checks where relevant
  • Verification of identity and qualifications

• Probation Period Monitoring
• Newly appointed staff are monitored during a probation period, with an emphasis on safeguarding behaviours.

3.2 Code of Conduct

All adults interacting with children must follow the school’s Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct, which outlines:

• Appropriate and inappropriate behaviours
• Use of technology and communication with students
• Expectations for maintaining professional boundaries
• Rules for one‑to‑one interactions

Staff must read and sign the Code of Conduct upon hiring and annually thereafter.

3.3 Mandatory and Continuous Training

All staff, volunteers, and trainees must complete:

• Initial child protection training before beginning work
• Annual refresher training on safeguarding procedures
• Specialised training for designated safeguarding roles (DSOs)

Training covers:

• Recognising signs of abuse
• Responding appropriately to disclosures
• Online safety and digital citizenship
• Reporting mechanisms and documentation procedures

4. Safeguarding Standard 3: Procedures

4.1 Procedures for Reporting Concerns

The school maintains a clear and accessible reporting system. Any concern about child safety must be reported immediately.

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
  The school appoints at least one DSO responsible for:
• Receiving reports
• Maintaining confidential records
• Coordinating responses with authorities

 

• How to Report
  Reports may be made:
• In person to the DSO
• In writing (using the Child Protection Report Form)
• Via the school’s online safeguarding reporting link

1. Mandatory Reporting Requirement
   All staff are required to report ANY suspicion or allegation of abuse; failure to do so is a violation of school policy.

 

4.2 Responding to Disclosures or Concerns

Staff must:

• Listen calmly and without judgment
• Reassure the child but avoid making promises of confidentiality
• Accurately record the disclosure
• Immediately report the concern to the DSO

 

4.3 Confidentiality

Information is shared strictly on a need‑to‑know basis. All records are securely stored.

 

4.4 Protection from Retaliation

Children and staff who report concerns are protected from retaliation, stigma, or negative consequences.

 

4.5 Collaboration with Authorities

The school cooperates with law enforcement, child protection agencies, and social services when required.

 

5. Safeguarding Standard 4: Accountability

5.1 Monitoring and Review

The CPP is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• An incident highlights the need for improvement
• Staff or stakeholders identify a gap

 

5.2 Documentation and Record Keeping

The school keeps secure records of:

• Staff and volunteer vetting
• Training attendance
• Incident reports and outcomes

 

5.3 Transparency and Public Access

This policy is:

• Published on the school’s official website
• Available in printed form upon request
• Shared with all staff, parents, and partners

 

5.4 Accountability of Leadership

The school leadership is responsible for:

• Ensuring compliance with this policy
• Allocating resources for safeguarding
• Promoting a culture of child protection

 

6. Review and Approval

This Child Protection Policy has been reviewed and approved by the school’s leadership team. It is effective immediately and supersedes previous versions.

Date of Last Review: ____________________

Signature (Head of School): ____________________

If revisions or additions are needed, please specify and I will update the document accordingly.

Annex A: Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviours of all adults working with or interacting with children at Elliniki Paideia – Δημοτικό & Γυμνάσιο Mike.

2. Expected Behaviours

• Treat all children with respect, dignity, and fairness.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Use positive, age-appropriate language and behaviour.
• Follow school rules regarding communication and technology use.
• Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

3. Prohibited Behaviours

• Any form of physical punishment or aggression.
• Sexualised language, behaviour, or physical contact.
• Favouritism, gift-giving, or special treatment toward individual students.
• Being alone with a child in a private or isolated space unless authorised and visible.
• Communicating with children through private social media accounts or messaging apps.

4. Digital and Online Conduct

• Use only school-approved platforms for communication with students.
• Never share personal contact details with students.
• Report any online harassment, inappropriate content, or cyberbullying.

Annex B: Child Protection Reporting Form

This form must be completed as soon as possible after a concern or disclosure. Submit directly to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Child Information

• Name: ______________________________
• Age/Grade: __________________________
• Date of Report: ______________________

Reporter Information

• Name: ______________________________
• Role (staff/volunteer/other): ___________________
• Contact: _____________________________

Description of Concern or Disclosure

• Time and date of incident: ________________________________________
• Description (facts only, no interpretation):

Child’s Exact Words (if applicable)

Immediate Actions Taken

Signature of Reporter: _____________________ Date: ________________

Received By (DSO): ________________________ Date: ________________

Annex C: Online Safety Guidelines

1. Purpose

To ensure safe, responsible, and respectful use of digital technology by students, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

2. Key Principles

• Children must be protected from online abuse, bullying, exploitation, and inappropriate content.
• Staff must model and promote safe digital behaviour.
• Parents are partners in ensuring children’s online safety.

3. Rules for Students

• Use the internet and digital devices for educational purposes only.
• Never share personal information (address, phone number, passwords).
• Report any suspicious or uncomfortable online experience immediately.
• Do not interact online with strangers.

4. Rules for Staff

• Use only school-approved platforms for messaging or video communication.
• Ensure visibility during online classes (e.g., cameras on in public areas).
• Monitor digital behaviour during lessons and report violations.

5. Social Media

• Students may not connect with staff on personal social media accounts.
• Staff must not post photos or information about students on personal accounts.

6. Cyberbullying Prevention

• Promote respectful communication.
• Investigate all reports of cyberbullying.
• Apply disciplinary measures according to school policy.

7. Data Privacy

• Protect student data and follow school data protection protocols.
• Store digital files securely.

End of Annexes.