This guidance applies to all schools and is for: headteachers, teachers and education staff governing bodies, proprietors and management committees It sets out what schools and colleges must do to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18.
The DfE have published the guidance dated 5 September 2016 for information only. Until 5 September 2016, schools and colleges must continue to use the current statutory guidance dated July 2015. Statutory guidance sets out what schools must do to comply with the law. Schools should follow the guidance unless you have a very good reason not to.
All staff in schools and colleges should read part 1 of this guidance. Section 4 also contains information regarding allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff Page 40, including: Duties as an employer and an employee Page 40, Initial considerations Page 40, supporting those involved Page 42, managing the situation and exit arrangements Page 44 and Specific actions Page 49.