Are you looking to take your teaching career to the next level with one of the promoted posts available through s1jobs? Then best be aware, if successful, a new layer of responsibility is coming your way.
By the end of August the Scottish Government has plans to make its ‘named person’ initiative a reality – and senior teachers are likely to be among those professionals required to meet the challenge.
Opponents complain the scheme will undermine parents, breach privacy and use up vital resources, but many children’s charities say it will be a positive step and could uncover cases of child abuse and neglect.
Teachers’ union, the EIS, has voiced its backing for the scheme so long as it’s properly funded.
The policy has already been rolled out in parts of Scotland and will be extended over the coming months.
The named person is intended to be single point of contact, if a child or their parents want information or advice, or simply want to talk about any worries and seek support.
They would also be a point of contact for other services, if they have any concerns about a child’s wellbeing.
The Scottish government says children and families are likely to see little difference, with the legislation formalising a role these professionals already have.
The idea is a named person will be responsible for acting as an ‘early warning system’ to ensure children are protected.
What this means is, as a named person, you would be there to listen, advise and help young people and their families and help with accessing other services.
The government has stressed the named person would only offer support in response to a request from a child or parent or when “wellbeing needs are identified”.
Other organisations or professionals, such as a GP, would share information with the named person, if they believe it’s likely to help safeguard the child’s welfare.
This would be done in discussion with the child and their parents, unless there was a child protection concern.
The new law sets out the steps for professionals to follow to make sure the right information is shared at the right time.
And with teachers already committed to nurturing the next generation, most will be more than happy to oblige.
After all, what is teaching, if it isn’t about giving youngsters all the help they need to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life?
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