Child Protection Policy

Manjushree Vidyapith Home & School envisions a safe, protective, and supportive environment where every child is respected, nurtured, and empowered to grow, learn, and thrive free from harm, abuse, exploitation, neglect, or discrimination.

To create and maintain an inclusive, protective, and nurturing school environment by:

• Implementing clear policies and proactive measures.
• Raising awareness among all the members of the school community.
• Promoting accountability and positive behaviour.
• Ensuring prompt and effective response to child protection concerns.
• Fostering a child-centred culture based on respect, trust, and empowerment.

• Safety: Ensuring the physical and emotional security of every child.
• Respect: Valuing every child’s dignity, voice, and rights.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Empowerment: Encouraging children to express their thoughts and concerns freely.
• Equality: Guaranteeing non-discrimination regardless of age, gender, religion, ability, or background.

• Protect all children from any form of abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation.
• Prevent physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and discrimination within school premises.
• Promote child-friendly practices and positive behaviour among staff, children, and visitors.
• Provide clear reporting and response mechanisms for suspected or actual child abuse.
• Build awareness and capacity of staff, children, parents, and community stakeholders to uphold child protection principles.

This policy applies to:

• School Management
• All permanent, temporary, or contractual staff
• Visiting officials, volunteers, consultants, service providers
• Visitors and guests entering the school premises
• All students enrolled at Manjushree Vidyapith

This policy aligns with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and other relevant national and state child protection laws. It mandates:

• Immediate reporting of any sexual or other criminal offence against a child.
• Protecting the child’s privacy and safety during investigation.
• Strict action against offenders and non-compliance.

Composition:

• Principal as Chairperson
• Five members including three female members
• One trained counsellor as the Child Protection Officer (CPO) and nodal person

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Implement and monitor compliance with the CPP.
• Develop procedures and safeguards to prevent, detect, and respond to child abuse.
• Assess risks, review infrastructure, and address vulnerabilities.
• Conduct quarterly and emergency meetings.
• Organise training and awareness programs for staff, children, and parents.
• Develop and display child-friendly IEC materials.
• Establish safe and confidential feedback and reporting systems.
• Recommend safety improvements and request budget support.
• Ensure confidentiality and protect the child’s dignity at all times.

In case of any suspected or actual child safety violation:

1. IInform the CPO or CPC Chairperson immediately.
2. Ensure the child’s safety and provide reassurance.
3. Conduct a prompt risk assessment.
4. Arrange medical care if needed.
5. Inform parents/guardians.
6. Preserve evidence securely.
7. Call an emergency CPC meeting.
8. Report to the police in case of a cognizable offence..

Special guidelines:

• Maintain strict confidentiality under POCSO and JJ Acts.
• Remove adult abusers from the premises during investigation.
• If the abuser is a child, handle the case under JJ Act as a Child in Conflict with Law.
• The principal will initiate appropriate disciplinary action.
• Prepare a final report; cognizable cases remain open until resolved by the court.
• Plan rehabilitation for the child victim in consultation with guardians.
• CPC and management will review each case to improve systems and prevent recurrence.

All staff, volunteers, visitors, and associated adults must:

• Never fondle, hug, kiss, or touch children in inappropriate or culturally insensitive ways.
• Follow the ‘two-adult rule’ during trips, outings, or special activities.
• Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted or place the child or adult in a compromising position.
• Never use abusive, sexually provocative, or culturally inappropriate language or behaviour.
• Not discriminate against or favour any child or group.
• Never use mobile phones, cameras, or digital devices to exploit, harass, or bully children.
• Be role models in behaviour, communication, and care.

• Thoroughly check background and references of all staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Include an undertaking in contracts to comply with CPP, with clear consequences for violations.
• Annual staff appraisals will consider CPP compliance and proactive safeguarding actions.

• CPC and School Management will monitor and review the CPP at least once every two years or as required by changes in law or feedback.
• Maintain records of trainings, awareness activities, incidents, and resolutions confidentially.

• DisDisplay the CPP on school notice boards and website.
• Conduct regular orientation sessions for staff, children, parents, and visitors.
• Organise periodic awareness sessions and child-friendly discussions.

• Treat all child abuse cases as strictly confidential.
• Only CPC members, management, or legal authorities may access case information.
• Securely store and maintain records as per legal requirements.

Manjushree Vidyapith Home & School reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding every child’s right to a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Through collective vigilance, compassion, and accountability, we strive to protect, nurture, and empower every child entrusted to our care.