Task A 1) What duty of care means in children and young people’s setting. All adults who work with, and on behalf of children are accountable for the way in which they exercise authority, manage risk, use resources; and safeguard children and young people. All the adults working within the setting have a duty to keep children and young people safe and to protect them from any sexual, physical and emotional harm. Children and young people have a right to be treated with respect and dignity. Trusted adults are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people.
Failure to do so may be regarded as neglect. The duty of care is exercised through the development of respectful and caring relationships between adults, children and young people. It is also exercised through the behavior of the adult, which at all times should show integrity, maturity and good judgment. Everyone expects high standards of behavior from adults who work with children and young people. When someone accepts such work, they need to understand and acknowledge the responsibilities and trust that the role brings.
Employers also have a duty of care towards their employees, both paid and unpaid, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This requires them to provide a safe working environment for adults and provide guidance about safe working practices. Employers also have a duty of care for the well-being of employees and to ensure that employees are treated fairly and reasonably in all circumstances. The Health and Safety Act 1974 also imposes a duty on employees to take care of themselves and anyone else who may be affected by their actions or failings. An employer’s duty of care and the adult’s duty of care towards children should not conflict.
This means that adults should: * understand the responsibilities, which are part of their employment or role, and be aware that sanctions will be applied if these provisions are breached * always act, and be seen to act, in the child’s best interests * avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions * take responsibility for their own actions and behavior 2) How this contributes to the safeguarding or protection of individuals. Duty of care safeguards children by the setting doing daily risk assessments and taking precautions to avoid accidents or the spreading of infections.
They must follow the correct procedures if they have any concerns for the child’s well being. They should set clear boundaries for children depending on age, stage and development and discourage any behaviour, which could result in a child being harmed or upset. Assessments and observations on children should be carried out regularly to alert you to any problems that may need addressing. Practitioners should always listen to what children have to say and take any concerns they may have seriously.
