Teacher training for child protection

Child protection is a crucial factor in training teachers. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to go forth and interact safely with children in their classrooms. It also provides a way in which to ensure the welfare of children outside of that context, including the sporting arena. This chapter highlights the importance of child protection policy development over time in addition to evaluating the many attempts by teacher-training institutions to implement an appropriate level of training for those wishing to enter the education field. It notes the many challenges and concerns faced by trainee teachers in relation to this area and also suggests that the sport/coaching field may provide an opportunity to learn ways to integrate this important aspect of knowledge in a more authentic manner.