Welsh Government
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Consultation launched on Safeguarding Children in Education

The Welsh Government has today launched a consultation on arrangements for safeguarding children in education.

The consultation is asking for people’s views on changes to current guidance for local authorities, school governing bodies and proprietors of independent schools on the safeguarding of children in education.

The current guidance relates to how local authorities, schools and further education can meet their duties under the Education Act 2002.   It sets out the arrangements they should have in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The guidance has been revised in order to reflect legislative changes since the previous guidance was issued in 2008 and refer to the most up-to-date statutory guidance about related issues.  In particular, the revised guidance provides information on key changes to pre-employment vetting and barring checks introduced by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.  

Announcing the consultation Education Minister Huw Lewis said:

"I know everyone in the education service wants to help keep children and young people safe.  This guidance helps schools, further education colleges and local authorities to create and maintain safe learning environments for children and young people.  

"It sets out how they must prevent unsuitable people from working with children and young people and take appropriate action when there are concerns about a child’s welfare to keep them safe.

"I would encourage anyone who works with children and young people or has an interest in this area to get involved and tell us what you think should be included in the new guidance."

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