Scotland has its own distinct child protection framework. KCSIE does not apply in Scotland, and the terminology and structures differ significantly from the England model. This page explains which guidance applies and where to find it.
Schools in Scotland are not subject to KCSIE or Working Together to Safeguard Children. The relevant framework is the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland, originally published in 2021 and updated in 2023, which sets the multi-agency child protection standards for Scotland. Legislation includes the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (as amended by the Children (Scotland) Act 2020) and the Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.
The national practice approach to children's wellbeing in Scotland is GIRFEC â Getting It Right For Every Child â which provides a shared language and framework for all agencies working with children and families, regardless of whether child protection thresholds are met. It is underpinned by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
GIRFEC provides the practice framework and shared language used by all agencies â health, education, social care, police â when working with children and families in Scotland. It uses the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included) and the concept of a Named Person for every child, though the Named Person service itself was subject to legal challenge and legislative revision.
GIRFEC is distinct from England's early help and family support concepts â terminology and thresholds operate differently. If you are moving from an England-based role to Scotland, or work across borders, checking the current Scottish guidance directly is essential.
Child Protection Committees (CPCs) are the local multi-agency bodies responsible for child protection in Scotland, operating at local authority level. They are broadly the Scottish equivalent of England's Safeguarding Partnerships, though the governance and accountability structures differ. Each CPC publishes its own local procedures and guidance.
The national framework and links to local CPC guidance are available at gov.scot/policies/child-protection â.
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland
gov.scot â National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023) âGIRFEC and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
gov.scot/policies/girfec âScotland's child protection policy collection
gov.scot/policies/child-protection âđ´ó §ó ˘ó łó Łó ´ó ż
We're building out in-depth resources for professionals working within the Scottish child protection framework â including practical GIRFEC guides, CPC structure overviews, and cross-border working guidance. Check back soon.
In the meantime, the authoritative source is gov.scot.