Child Protection school events checklist

Before the event

• Share our Child Protection Policy with the key contact at the school
• Let the key contact know the level of disclosure our staff have. Also explain that authors do not have disclosure and should not be left alone with pupils.
• Remind the school contact that you must not be left alone with pupils for any part of the event, this includes any book sale/press photography activity afterwards, not just the authors presentation. Request a staff member to be your dedicated contact for the duration of your visit
• If your event is outside normal work hours arrange for a member of Senior Management Team to be on call for the duration of your event should a child protection issue arise
• Be sure you have the contact details for your SMT contact, the DCPO and your team’s Child Protection Rep

During the event

• Pupils should not be used to guide you around the school without adult supervision
• If you find yourself left alone with a group of children or teenagers leave the room and find a member of school staff, explain you’ve been left alone and shouldn’t have been
• If you need to use the toilet you should always be shown to a staff toilet

If you have a concern during the event

• Note down the details as soon as you can and contact the DCPO, Deputy DCPO or one of our Child Protection Reps. If your event is outside or work hours contact your SMT contact
• Access the reporting forms on the Scottish Book Trust website and complete as soon as possible, which can be found on our Child Protection Policy page.