Practice Safeguarding Children and Young People Statement

The Billericay Medical Practice has a statutory duty of care towards children (Section 11 Children Act 2004) and young people at risk. We are committed to a best practice which safeguards children and young people irrespective of their background, and which recognises that a child may be abused regardless of their age, gender, religious beliefs, racial origin or ethnic identity, culture, class, disability or sexual orientation.

Having safeguards in place within any organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of children and young people at risk, but also enhances the confidence of staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public. Protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect and exploitation, preventing impairment of health and development, and ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care enables them to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.

The Billericay Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding children, young people at risk and have a responsibility to ensure that their practice staff know what to do if they encounter child or adult abuse of have concerns that they may be at risk of harm.

The practice is committed to working within agreed policies and procedures and in partnership with other agencies to ensure that the risks of harm to a child or young person are minimised. This work may include direct and indirect contact with children (access to patient’s details, communication via email, text message/phone).

We aim to ensure that The Billericay Medical Practice is a child safe practice.