This policy covers all aspects of Safeguarding, and may be used alongside several other policies.  A full list of connections are listed as part of this policy too. This ensures that staff are aware of all aspects of policy and practice which may affect or compromise child protection across the setting.

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children’s Act 1989; and in line with government publications.

“Working Together to Safeguard Children“ 2015

“Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families” 2000

“What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused” 2015

“Vulnerable Group Act 2006”

“Safeguarding Children in Education”, DFES Guidance, September 2004

“Child Protection in Plymouth, Notes and Information for Designated Person”

 “Safeguarding Children in Education: Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Staff”

“Plymouth City Council Guidance- Managing a Child Protection Incident Involving Allegations of Abuse against Managers, Other Staff and Volunteers (March 2008)

DCFS Non Statutory Guidance for Settings in England.” THE USE OF FORCE TO CONTROL OR RESTRAIN STUDENTS”

This policy was adopted on July 6^th 2013 and is reviewed on an annual basis or whenever necessary as issues need to be addressed.

Designated persons are Hayley Newcombe and Yvette Chiswell.

The designated Trustee for Child Protection is Judith Thompson.

Safeguarding covers a wide area  of  keeping safe so we have broken this down into different areas.

Transparency

We have not got any of our policies available online  as yet due to having no website  but will be working towards this within the next 12 months . But they can are easily available on request.

All policies and procedures  are  reviewed annually either in Feb or Sept  by a Trustee and Manager but regularly looked at by all staff throughout the year, or following a incident.

At the front of the policy folder there is a copy of all reviewed dates.

Our setting procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with Plymouth Local Safeguarding Children’s Board(PSCB) procedures and section 175 of the 2002 Education Act we will ensure that. 

SAFEGUARDING BOARD AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

All  staff sign Annual statements to confirm their suitability for their roles.

Designated Safeguarding Leads are appropriately trained, to level 3 training.  All other staff trained to level 2 , Trustees trained to level 1.

Safeguarding is always on the agenda for staff meetings. Trustees regularly drop into sessions to ensure policies and procedures are being implemented and adhered to.

The Trustees take seriously its responsibility under the section 175 of the education act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our setting to identify assess and support those children who are suffering harm.

We recognise that all staff and the trustees have a full and active part to play in protecting our children from harm, and that the welfare is our paramount concern. 

All staff believe that our setting should provide a caring , positive, safe, stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.

To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and resilience.

To provide and  environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties.

To raise the awareness of all  staff of the need to safeguarding  children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.

To provide a systematic means monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the setting , contribute to assessments of need and support plans for those children.

The Trustees understand and fulfils its safeguarding responsibilities.

To acknowledge the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff in relation to safeguard children.

To develop a structured procedure within the setting which will be followed by all members of the setting in cases of suspected abuse.

MANAGING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Potential safeguarding risks identified  regularly and register kept 

Staff made aware of risks and how to manage them.

 Dealing with concerns and Allegations policies available separately.

All concerns must be dealt with asap within the next 48 hrs  and reported to the CPO                              

• To develop effective working relationships with all other agencies involved in safe guarding children and appropriate checks will be taken on these people before handing over any info by checking ID etc  Policies are maintained from them.

Staff Recruitment

Senior management identified for the recruitment process.

To ensure that all adults within our setting who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability.( Enhanced DBS  every 3 years) and we subcribe annually to the DBS update service to keep all records up to date as much as possible.

To ensure that all community users of our facilities understand our Child Safeguarding Procedures and have access to information this allows them to report their concerns in a managed way.

References  (2) are undertaken to help with a safe induction to the group Qualifications  are checked and copies kept in personal files

Staff sign annual declarations relating to health and convictions.

Our selection and our Induction policy and procedure  includes  many steps before hiring a candidate.

 A minimum 2 members of staff (manager and chair) have completed recruitment training.

The name of any member of staff considered not suitable to work with children will be notified to the DBS team.

The name of D.P‘s will be clearly shown in the setting.

All adults, (including all inclusion workers and volunteers) , new to our setting will be given a copy of our child protection policy and the name of contact details of the D.P and have these explained , as part of their induction into the setting.

STAFF TRAINING

Code of conduct outlines the organisations values and the expectations of staff and their behaviours

Information provided states training provided annually and appropriate outside resources used.

STAFF SUPERVISION

Staff supervision documentation provided, annually (see Induction )

Summary of disciplinary process included for allegations against staff

Responsabilities

We understand that it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children. This requires that we all appropriately share any concerns that we may have about children.

We have a designated person (Manager Hayley Newcomb and Judy Thompson Chair) who is responsible for:

• Referring by telephone a child’s details if there are concerns about his/her welfare, possible abuse or neglect to Children’s Social Care. Written records of referrals will be faxed, emailed, posted to children’s social care.
• Ensuring that written records of concern about a child are kept even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
• Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentally and securely and are separated for individual records. All electronic child protection records are stored electronically are kept on encrypted memory sticks with back up. Designated persons only have access to these files. Paper records are stored  securely in a locked
• cabinet and electronic records are printed out to maintain a full record of information.
• Ensuring that an indication of further record keeping is marked on the childs records.
• Ensuring records are passed on securely to another designated person at other educational establishments to which children may transfer.
• Acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns and liasing with other agencies and professionals.
• Attending (or delegating this requirement to another appropriately informed member of staff)case conferences, family support meetings, core groups or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributing to the Framework for Assessments process, and providing a report which has been shared with the parents.
• Ensuring police are notified if the setting becomes aware of children involved in Child Exploitation or when unauthorised people try to make contact with our children.
• Ensuring that all setting staff are aware of this policy and know how to recognise and refer any concerns.
• Providing an annual report for the trustees detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by the designated person and by all staff and trustees.
• Keeping themselves up to date with knowledge to enable them to fulfil their role, including attending relevant training provided by PSCB or the LA

3 Responsibilities to all staff

• Through training all staff will be familiar with the categories of abuse- Physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, cyber bullying, female genital mutilation, child exploitation, racist, disability, homophobic or trans phobic these are some of categories of abuse. In addition all staff needs to be aware of cultural/ethnic diversity and be watch full of racist abuse and to be aware of the difficulties for young people when domestic violence is evident.

 

Each member is given a copy of our Safeguarding booklet too.

• All staff will understand that our responsibility to safeguard children requires that we ALL appropriately share any concerns that we have.
• Staff will never agree to keep a secret: if approached by a child staff must ensure the child is reassured you will listen, but that you might have to tell someone if what they say is concerning.
• Staff will take notes of and report to the designated officer any concerns they may have about the young person’s well-being. Open Questions can be asked i.e who,what,where, when.
• Staff will inform designated person of any untoward marks on the child these will be recorded separately on a chart.
• No staff member will keep child protection documents or information other than the designated person.
• Staff are not allowed to have mobile phones on them while working at southway playcare. They must be kept in the office at all times. If anybody needs to get hold of you they must use the land line. (See Mobile phone policy)
• Supporting children

 

We recognise that a child who is abused, who witnesses violence or who lives in a violent environment may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame him/herself, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth.

We recognise that our setting may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.

We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn.

Our setting will support all children by:

• Encouraging the development of self –esteem and resilience in every aspect of setting life including through the curriculum.
• Providing childline and independent listener telephone numbers in the setting environment and access to telephone calls that can be private.
• Providing privacy for manual handling and intimate care treatments.
• Keeping the door open or staying within sights of other adults when working with individual children.
• Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the setting.
• Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
• Staff being familiar with the setting process that are used when they suspect the child may be subject to or have been abused
• Notifying the social care team as soon as there is significant concern.
• Ensuring that the named adult (about whom there have been concerns) who leaves the setting by ensuring that such concerns

Confidentiality (refer to separate policy too)

• We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.
• The manager or designated person will disclose personal information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis.
• All staff must be aware that they have professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children, following information sharing guidelines and permission.
• All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or well-being, or that of another.
• Staff will take every opportunity to preserve dignity when dealing with children.
• We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to social care with their parents/carers. Unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation, if in doubt we will consult with Gateway Team.( they Gateway team are who you go for advice if they feel it needs to go to the next stage then this is the Multi Agency Hub)

Guidelines for staff when dealing with children

• If child/ren disclosing an act of abuse against them listens quietly, do not ask leading questions. Questions can be asked if open ended and leading, reassure them they are right to tell someone and inform them you must tell someone else ,i.e. that you cannot keep this information to yourself.
• Inform the designated person as soon as possible. If in doubt about the validity of the information speak to your line manager.
• If the manager or your line manager is implicated in the information you received go to the next level of seniority of personnel.
• Record in writing, dated and signed, who has made this disclosure, the nature of it, who you reported it to and at what time? This record should be handed to designated person (or whoever is dealing with this matter).
• If you become suspicious of abuse against a child but there is no disclosure; record a written account of your suspicion’s and pass it on as above,
• If you feel a person or setting practice is placing children at risk you should alert your line manager or senior manager as appropriate.
• You may contact Ofsted direct if you feel any of the personnel or practices put pupils at risk of abuse or serious harm-(details at the end of the policy)
• Reporting issues that concern you will not prejudice your status, position, or employment within Southway Playcare.
• Failure to report an actual or reasonably suspected physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect of a child is a disciplinary offence. Please see the Conduct policy and the Disciplinary Procedures for details of the action that the setting will follow.

Supporting Staff

Our setting will support staff by:

• Recognising that staff working in the setting who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
• Supporting such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the designated person and ensure they know where to seek further support.
• We understand that staff should have access to advice on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour. All staff will receive a copy of the documents “Guidance for safe working practices for the protection of children and staff in education settings” that provides advice on this and the circumstances which should be avoided In order to limit complaints against staff of abuse of trust, and/or allegations of physical abuse.
• Provide staff with access to counselling services which are free and confidential.
• Ensuring staff have annual training on compulsory policies and require them to sign to confirm that they have read and understand these policies.
• We recognise that designated staff should have access to support and appropriate workshops, courses or meetings as organised by the LA.

Allegations against staff

All staff should take care not to place themselves in vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults.

• All staff should be aware of the guidance attached to this policy regarding safer working practices as well as the whole setting policies for Positive Handling, Positive Handling part 2. Race Equality, Anti- Bullying, Behaviour, Domestic Violence, E – Safety, Allegations against staff, Manual Handling, Administration of medicines and intimate care policies.
• If an allegation is made against a member of staff, the allegation will immediately be to the manager or the most senior leader if the manager is not present.
• The senior manager on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff.
• If allegations made to a member of staff concerns the manager the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of Trustees who will consult the LADO for Allegations against Staff.
• The setting will follow the LA procedures for managing allegations against staff. These are set out in the Discipline Policy.

Allegations of abuse made against staff members

• When an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff, the manager must immediately be informed or if the allegation is against the manager the Chair of the trustees must be informed.
• Social Care Team, Ofsted and police will be notified as appropriate.
• A child protection strategy meeting will be convened, and if appropriate the member of staff will be removed from duties.
• The member of staff will be subject to the agreed disciplinary procedures, a copy of which will be found in the police files or at the setting.
• If the member of staff is dismissed as a result of actions relating to harming or potential to harm a child or a vulnerable adult, the setting will inform DBS immediately.

Whistleblowing (see separate policy too)

• We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fails to do so.
• All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about attitudes or actions of colleagues. If necessary they should speak to the Chair or Trustees or the local authority about allegations against staff.
• There is a local authority policy for whistleblowing which ha been adapted by the setting which sets out recommendations and guidance for handling complaints and safeguarding all persons within the process.

Domestic Abuse

• The setting recognises that exposure to domestic abuse usually has a serious impact on the child’s development and emotional well-being and acknowledgement that staff themselves can be victims of perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Prevention

• Establish and maintain an ethos which is understood by all staff, which enables children to feel secure and encourages them to talk knowing that they will be listened to.
• Ensure that only permitted adults (as defined by the barring and vetting scheme2009) have contact with children in our care.
• Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the setting whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
• Provide activities to give opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm to know to whom they should turn to for help.

Extremism and radicalisation

All childcare settings have a legal duty to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and being drawn into extremism. There are many reasons why a child might be vulnerable to radicalisation, including:

• Feeling alienated or alone
• Seeking a sense of identity or individuality
• Suffering from mental health issues such as depression
• Desire for adventure or wanting to be part of a large cause
• Associating with others who hold extreme beliefs

Signs of radicalisation

Signs that a child might be at risk of radicalisation

• Changes in behaviour, for example becoming withdrawn or aggressive
• Claiming that terrorists attacks and violence are justified
• Viewing violent extremist’s materials online
• Possessing or sharing violent extremist material

If a member of staff suspects that a child is at risk of becoming radicalised, they will record any relevant information or observations on a LOGGING CONCERN FORM, and refer the matter to the CPO.

All information about the suspected abuse or disclosure or concern about radicalisation, will be recorded on the logging a concern form as soon as possible after the event. The record should include:

• Date of disclosure, or the incident or the observation causing the concern.
• Date and time at which the record was made
• Name and date of birth of the child involved
• A factual report of what happened, if recording a disclosure you must use the child’s own words.
• Name signature and job title of the persons making the record.

The record will be given to the settings CPO who will decide on the appropriate course of action.

For concerns about child abuse the CPO will contact Social Care. The CPO will follow up all referrals to Social care in writing within 48 hours. If a staff member thinks that the incident has not been dealt with properly they may contact Social Care directly.

For minor concerns regarding radicalisation, CPO will contact the local Safeguarding Board (LSCB). For more serious concerns the CPO will contact the police on the non-emergency number (101) or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800789321.   

DATA PROTECTION

Please refer to our   separate Confidentiality, GDPR and Data Protection Policies.

SOCIAL MEDIA, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING

Please refer to our separate Social Media, E -safety, Image use policies.

Child safety

Behaviour/ Monitoring individual’s children’s behaviour looking for changes, this could be verbal or actions, signs of bruising, abnormal behaviour to their character information they pass on to you not realising it’s not appropriate behaviour.

Special Educational Needs, making sure that you keep yourself safe at all times as well as the individual child, when doing  welfare always make sure there are two staff in the appropriate rooms. Make sure all medical training is up to date; all registrations are up to date so we can make sure we are meeting the individual child’s needs. This also keeps staff safe when knowing a child requires 1-1 support or 2-1 in some cases. Also making sure SP have the appropriate equipment for individual children.

Safer Recruitment, all staff have to have an up to date DBS this has got to be reviewed every three years, also all staff should have two references before starting work and again they should written followed with a phone call to confirm they are who they say on the reference.

All new staff should also have a trial period first to see how they interact with SP children and parents and also so they can show that they are able to deal with situations that arise.

Risk Assessments

Building / in /out activities/ we have updated risk assessments for children regarding pick ups from the schools- Mary Dean, Beechwood, Oakwood, these will be updated  when needed and when changes arise or accidents happen.

Adult ratio/ Space Requirement- we do a 6-1 ratio for trips and outside and off site acitivities inside we do an 8-1 ratio, this also depends if the individual child needs 1-1 care then we will have extra staff in to cover   individual Medication / Form  for each individual childe