Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 8 May 2009. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Children: Protection

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what timetable he has set for revising (a) statutory guidance on Working Together to Safeguard Children and (b) the guidance and systems used by hospital accident and emergency departments in relation to safeguarding children in response to Lord Laming's recommendations.

Answer: As stated on page 6 of 'The protection of children in England: action plan—The Government's response to Lord Laming', published on 6 May, revised statutory guidance, 'Working Together to Safeguard Children', will be completed by the end of 2009 following consultation. Page 34 explains that the Department of Health and the Department for Children Schools and Families will work with the College of Emergency Medicine and others to take forward work to ensure that systems, guidance and training are in place so that all A and E departments are playing their full part in identifying and dealing appropriately with children at risk. Recommendations will be produced by December 2009 that take account of the cost and affordability of implementation.

Secondary information