This practice guidance aims to:
- raise better awareness and understanding of the change in legislation which gives children and young people the same protection in law as adults from any assault, including what has previously been known as ‘reasonable chastisement’ i.e. including but not limited to smacking; skelping; spanking, slapping, hitting or pinching
- encourage all practitioners to be aware of, and understand, the impact this will have on their day-to-day role and what action they need to take in response to any reports of possible crimes or offences against children and young people
- ensure that all concerns about chastisement (punishment) of children and young people are recognised and responded to in a timely and effective manner. • signpost practitioners, parents and carers, children and young people to access materials, which provides advice and support on behaviour management strategies
This practice guidance does not replace existing single service and/ or multiagency child protection procedures, which all practitioners and managers must continue to follow. On the contrary, this practice guidance should complement, not replace any national guidance, single service and/ or agency guidance.