Child Protection
We must always respond to children protection concerns to ensure that all children and young people receive the right help at the right time.
Child Protection Procedures Edinburgh and the Lothians (2023)
East Lothian Council staff should, at all times, comply with the Inter-agency Child Protection Procedures Edinburgh and the Lothian’s (2023)
Edinburgh and the Lothians Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures | East Lothian Council
Key Points:
If a child or young person makes a disclosure of a child protection concern, the child protection processes should be initiated as soon as possible.
If a child or young person discloses or a member of staff becomes aware of a Child Protection Concern, this should be shared immediately with the Designated Member of Staff or their line manager.
Parents or carers should be contacted unless doing so, would present a risk to the child or young person.
Staff MUST note the details, on the Child Protection Concern form, reassure the child or young person and explain that the information needs to be shared with the appropriate member of staff, do not promise confidentiality.
The Designated Member of Staff will ensure that they have gathered all the information required and make the referral to the duty team in children’s services.
If they are not available or you are not a member of school staff you should contact:
Duty Social Work (Monday - Thursday 09:00 to 17:00; Friday 09:00 to 16:00) - 01875 824309
Emergency Social Work (after hours, weekends, public holidays) - 0800 731 6969
East Lothian Note of child protection concern August22.docChild Protection Concern Form
If school staff have concerns about a child or young person's safety or are concerned that they are being harmed or at risk of harm, they must report this to a Designated Member of Staff who will follow the Edinburgh and the Lothians Inter-agency Child Protection procedures (2015).
Child protection referrals should never be delayed.
Information should be gathered and recorded on the Child Protection Concern form.
Prevent National Referral Form V3.docxPrevent - Counter Terrorism and Security
All staff should remain vigilant, informed and pragmatic in their approach to Prevent.
It is essential any Prevent concerns follow Notice; Check and Share protocol.
If you consider there is a need to progress a referral to the National Unit please contact our Prevent Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Lindsey Byrne lbyrne@eastlothian.gov.uk - 01620 827633 / 07850975219 for discussion beforehand.
If the SPOC is not available, you can make contact directly with the Prevent Delivery Unit who will provide advice and guidance: preventdeliveryuniteast@scotland.pnn.police.uk - 0131 311 3230 / 3452 / 3695
Child & Public Protection Committee
Child Protection in East Lothian is co-ordinated by the East and Midlothian Public Protection Committee. This committee has representatives from Police Scotland, health, social work, education, community services, housing, care providers, legal services, voluntary sector, and elected council members.
Further Information
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland (2021)
Inter-agency Child Protection Procedures Edinburgh and the Lothian’s (2023)
Edinburgh and the Lothians Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures | East Lothian Council
The National Framework for Child Protection Learning and Development (2012)