Written question asked by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 8 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 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 whether there is a statutory duty on schools to designate a child protection teacher.

Answer: Although there is no specific statutory duty on schools to designate a child protection teacher, schools do have a duty under sections 175 and 157 of the Education Act 2002 to have regard to any guidance given to them from time to time by the Secretary of State when considering what arrangements they need to make with regard to the welfare of children. Guidance contained in Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education 2007 makes clear that a senior member of the school's leadership team should be designated to take lead responsibility for dealing with child protection issues.

Secondary information