Safeguarding Policy

(Encompassing Child Protection Policy)

The purpose of this policy is to protect children and young people who work at Little Steps. The policy is written to provide staff and volunteers with the principles that guide our approach, that is, that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that at Little Steps we adopt a child centred approach.

‘We all share a responsibility to protect the children in our care from harm. Children have a right to protection from being hurt, and from violence, abuse, and neglect.’ (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19).’

This policy mainly cites children and young people, but the ethos and responsibilities are applied equally to members of staff at the setting. This policy applies to all stakeholders.

Adults – staff, including Responsible Individual, managers, volunteers, students, agency staff or anyone working on behalf of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd.

Children – all children registered to receive care and education at Little Steps Childcare Centre. This includes the children of adults who use our service.

 For child protection purposes this policy refers to any child aged 0 – 16 years (18 years for Children with Additional Support Needs). A “child” will be defined for the purposes as someone who has not attained the age of 18. A parent is defined as any person who has parental responsibilities over a child. For example: a mother or father. We may also include in these foster and adoptive parents and carers, including those who may have substantial care of a child. A child carer. These people may not have specific parental responsibilities but nonetheless have a duty of care for the child. This is inclusive of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd staff.

Our understanding of:

Safeguarding – encompassing all that is carried out by Little Steps to prevent harm in any form to all stakeholders in setting.

‘Safeguarding covers more than the contribution made to child protection in relation to individual children. It also encompasses issues such as:

• The safe recruitment, supervision, training, and management of staff
• How staff manage children’s behaviour
• Children’s health and safety
• Bullying
• Arrangements for meeting the needs of children with medical conditions
• Other safeguarding issues that are specific to the local area or population, such as, drugs and substance misuse’

(This paragraph has been taken from the “Joint Inspection Framework – Guidance handbook for inspecting care and education in regulated non-school settings eligible for funding for part-time education January 2019)

Child Protection – encompassing all that is carried out in setting when a stakeholder is identified as potentially at risk from harm of any kind or showing signs of already being harmed.

Our aim is to ensure the protection of all children in our care, both inside and outside the nursery. The welfare of the child is always considered paramount.

Staff are trained to observe any changes in a child’s behaviour or appearance. If a member of staff has any reason to suspect that a child in our care is being abused, or is likely to be abused, they have a ‘Duty of Care’ to act on behalf of the child by following the setting’s Safeguarding and/or Child Protection Policy. If any person has knowledge, concerns, or suspicions that a child is suffering, has suffered or is likely to be at risk of harm, it is their responsibility to ensure that the concerns are brought to the relevant staff members at the setting. They in turn have a responsibility to carry out the next steps in accordance with procedures laid out in this policy. This would include referrals to Social Services or the Police, who have statutory duties and power to investigate and intervene when necessary

All at Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd understand that a child, a young person, or any individual should never experience abuse of any kind. We hold a responsibility to promote the welfare of all the children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practise in a way that protects them. How do we do this?

1. Within a Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely.

• All Wales Child Protection Procedures
• Children Act 1989
• United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Children Act 2004
• Serious Crime Act 2015
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Protection of Freedom Act 2012
• Children and Families Act 2014
• Special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice: 0-25 years – Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities; HM Government 2014
• Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents, and carers; HM Government 2015
• Working together to safeguarding children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; MM Government 2015

2. Through training, qualifications, and adherence to the legal requirements for working with children

• All staff at Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd have a current Criminal Records Bureau check (DBS), interview and references check before appointment where possible as well as having a relevant qualification to their post. Where this is a slight delay in one or two references being returned new staff members will not be left alone in the company of a child or children. They will be mentored and supervised by their room leader until satisfactory references are returned.
• Staff attend and review safeguarding and child protection training on a regular basis to ensure a robust system of safeguarding and child protection is in place. This includes regular cascading at staff meetings.
• Strict adherence to the expectations and guidance laid out in these policies and procedures.
• Staff are made available to work with external stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the child.

3. Ethos and Environment

• Maintaining children’s welfare as our paramount concern.
• Providing an environment in which children feel safe, secure, valued, and respected, confident to talk openly and sure of being listened to.
• Providing suitable support and guidance so that children have a range of appropriate adults who they feel confident to approach if they are in difficulties.
• Using learning at the setting to provide opportunities for increasing self-awareness, self-esteem, assertiveness, and decision making so that young children have a range of contacts and strategies to ensure their own protection and understand the importance of protecting others.
• Working with parents/guardians to build an understanding of the setting’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children including the need for referral to other agencies in some situations.
• Monitoring children who have been identified as ‘in need’ including the need for protection, keeping confidential records which are stored securely and shared appropriately with other professionals.
• Developing effective and supportive liaison with other agencies.

This policy does not stand alone but links into other Little Steps policies

• Guidance for Working with Children and Young People who are vulnerable to the messages of Radicalisation and Extremism Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• E-safety policy
• Recruitment Policy and Procedure
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Policy and Procedure
• Safer Recruitment policy
• Behaviour Management policy
• Supervisions and Appraisals policy
• Anti-Bullying
• Complaints
• Whistling blowing
• Health and Safety
• Quality Assurance
• Representing or ensuring the setting is represented at inter-agency meetings in particular Strategy Discussions and Child Protection Conferences.
• Managing and monitoring the setting’s part in childcare and child protection plans
• Ensuring all setting staff have received appropriate and up to date child protection training.
• Liaising with other professionals.

Children will always be supervised by staff that have fulfilled the required criteria and are registered as ‘fit’ by Care Inspectorate for Wales. Unregistered persons or visitors to Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd will have no unsupervised contact with the children in our care. All visitors to the nursery are to sign in and out stating their name, time of arrival/departure and reason for their visit.

Staff:Child ratios will be always adhered to, as laid down in statutory guidance. A minimum of two staff will always be available.

Only persons named on the ‘All About Me’ form will be authorised to collect the child from the care of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd. They will not be under sixteen years of age, and they are advised to make themselves known to staff as early on as possible.

All records are accurately kept, in a locked filing cabinet and Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd policies and procedures are adhered to ensure good practice and limit vulnerability.

Safer Recruitment Policy is always followed with employment of new staff, volunteers, and students. To maintain the levels of protection, all persons working with children must have an Enhanced Disclosure and have completed an application process, interview and have 2 references.

Child Protection involves several agencies working together, these include Local Authority, Social Work Departments and Childcare organisations.

Our aim is to ensure the protection of all children in our care, both inside and outside the nursery. The welfare of the child is always considered paramount.

 

Defining Child Abuse

Child Abuse is the term used to describe ways in which children are intentionally or inadvertently harmed or placed at risk of harm, usually by adults, and often by people that they trust.

Areas of abuse and cause for concern are:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Physical harm may also be caused by a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using the terms such as fictitious illness by proxy or Munchausen Syndrome by proxy.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health and development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter, and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on a child. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of the child. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill-treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may involve non-contact activities, such as involving children looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Female Genital Mutilation

Mandatory reporting

Section 74 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 amended the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 to introduce the legal duty for regulated health and social care professionals and teachers to make a report to the police if:

• They are informed by a girl under the age of 18 that she has undergone an act of FGM

or

• They observe physical signs that an act of FGM may have been carried out on a girl under the age of 18

 

Children whose names are on the Child Protection Register

A marked file within a locked filing cabinet contains up to date information of all interactions between stakeholders regarding children whose name appear on the Child Protection register. The two named Child Protection Officers hold monthly meetings to keep abreast of issues arising, to share new information. Staff are informed on a need-to-know basis and full communication and confidentiality is mandatory.

Staff at the setting are encouraged to bring any child protection issues straight to the office and they are also prompted in their 8 weekly appraisals to revisit and think about the children in their care. The Nursery Manager will make notes of the concerns raised and will take these to the Child Protection Officer to investigate.

Contact details:

Designated Safeguarding Officers, Jordan Thomas & Emma Davies – 01792 869 494

Deputy Safeguarding Officer – Mackenzie Williams – 01792 869 494

Out of Hours Intake Team – 08450 544 847

LADO Safeguarding Lead – Children’s Services – Sam Jones – [email protected] – 01639 763 363

Police (Non-emergency) – 08453 302 000

CIW – 03007 900 126

Childline – 0800 11 11

NSPCC – 08088 005 000

All staff should have access to this policy and sign to the effect that they have read and understood its contents.

 

Safeguarding Procedure

Our aim is to ensure the protection of all children in our care, both inside and outside the nursery. The welfare of the child is always considered paramount.

Baseline Requirements

• Up to date ‘All About Me’ form
• Key Worker allocated
• Accident and incidents recorded and signed/dated for each day where relevant
• Telephone call to check whereabouts of a child who has not turned up for their registered session by 10.00a.m. on any given day. Where no answer then any/all contacts on ‘All about me form’ will be contacted
• Robust use of ‘Existing Injuries’ forms during hand overs between home and setting to keep flow of information between inside and outside of setting. Should a staff member note an existing injury after the parent has left the setting, the staff member will record the information on the ‘Existing Injuries’ form and ask them to sign on collection that evening. All existing injuries must be reported to the duty manager.
• Robust use of nursery diary to record generic messages form families e.g., different family member picking up.
• Daily verbal interactions between setting staff and families

The role and responsibilities of the Designated Child Protection officer

• Co-ordinating safeguarding and child protection action within the setting
• Liaising with other agencies
• Ensuring the locally established procedures are followed including reporting and referral processes
• Acting as a consultant for other setting staff to discuss concerns
• Making initial requests for referrals as necessary
• Maintaining a confidential record system
• Ensuring all staff members have the confidence and knowledge to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and are aware of the setting’s procedures and lines of communication.
• Providing staff with adequate child protection training to enable them to spot the     signs of abuse and recognises cause for concern
• Ensuring that staff are aware of the Open-Door policy and feel confident to ask questions and talk freely regarding the process of referral and child protection procedures
• To include child protection on the agenda of each monthly staff meeting to encourage discussion and provide a safe place for staff to talk.
• Allocated time for discussions about child protection/safeguarding during one-to-one supervisions.
• Ensure all staff are aware of the Record Form which is kept in each child’s file. Staff are informed of how to document information using the forms and are made aware of the importance of keeping records.

Summary of Actions required in the event of a concern

1. In the event of any member of staff having concerns regarding the welfare of any child in our care, staff will notify the Setting Manager/ Designated Safeguarding Officer and Child Protection Officer immediately. A record of concerns will be made on the child’s personal file.
2. The R.I must be informed of all concerns raised.
3. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will/can contact the “Front Door Intake team” for advice
4. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will then either:
5. Contact Children’s Social Services or the Police

or

1. Is satisfied that the problem is resolved, no further action will take place. If this is not the case, concerns will be reported to Social Services
2. The Safeguarding Officer will then inform our CIW Inspector via the portal

What specifically needs to be done, who does it and what is the procedure if a concern is raised?

It is not in the remit of members of staff at Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd to identify the specific category of abuse that a child may be experiencing but rather to highlight any causes for concern to the appropriate person and organisations. The following list although not exhaustive may be indicative of some of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, it should be noted that some children may display some of these signs in times of stress; it does not necessarily mean that they are being abused.

What may give cause for concern?

This list gives some examples but is not exhaustive.

• Bruising on parts of the body which do not usually get bruised accidentally, e.g., around the eyes, behind the ears, back of the legs, stomach, chest, cheek, and mouth (especially in a young baby), etc.
• Any bruising or injury to a very young, immobile baby
• Burns or scalds
• Bite marks
• Any injuries or swellings, which do not have a plausible explanation
• Bruising or soreness to the genital area
• Faltering growth, weight loss and slow development
• Unusual lethargy
• Any sudden uncharacteristic change in behaviour, e.g., child becomes either very aggressive or withdrawn
• A child whose play and language indicates a sexual knowledge beyond his/her years
• A child who flinches away from sudden movement
• A child who gives over rehearsed answers to explain how his/her injuries were caused
• An accumulation of several minor injuries and/or concerns
• A child who discloses something which may indicate he/she is being abused

 Responding to a Child who confides in you

• Stay Calm
• Do not make promises you cannot keep
• Offer reassurance and support
• Immediately tell your line manager
• Record the facts and discussion in the child’s own words and give a copy to your manager
• Do not take control of the situation yourself
• Maintain confidentiality
• Keep records
• Talk to the right people

 

How to record and report – Suspicions of Abuse

All staff should be aware that any incidents must be recorded. It is also very important that staff can talk freely about their concerns and communicate matters of this kind to the Child Protection Officer. If a member of staff suspects that a child is at risk from harm or being harmed there are steps that must be taken.

Recognise the signs that could indicate abuse is happening to a child / young person / vulnerable adult

Respond sensitively to the person and listen to what they have to say, don’t ask closed questions, or attempt to investigate.

Teddy Method of questioning

TEDDY

T – tell me what happened

E – Explain what you mean (so you are clear on people and events

D – Describe what happened

D – Don’t promise confidentiality

Y – your responsibility to contact the designated Safeguarding Lead

Record what you have been told factually and accurately using the language used by the person disclosing within an hour

Report immediately to the R.I./manager or person in charge, if the R.I./Manager is not available staff should refer straight to the “Out of hours Intake Team” (08450544847) The R.I will always be informed of any allegations/concerns raised irrespective of the action required.

Refer The R.I./Manager or person in charge will then determine the situation, the “SPOC” team can be contacted for advice if needed. Notes will be taken by the R.I./Manager or person in charge, of the response/advice that the “SPOC” give. This should include the full name of the person whom they have spoken to, date and time of phone call and advice given. The R.I./Manager will then make the decision to refer the case to Social Work Children and Families Team.

If a child is in immediate danger/harm the police should be called on 999 straight away. All referrals to Social Services must be reported to CIW via the online portal.

Helpful Tips

Do’s

• Listen and avoid interrupting except to clarify and treat any allegations seriously, ensuring that the child understands that you believe what they are saying and confirming that they are right to bring this to your attention and talking about it to a responsible adult.
• Allow the child or young person to make the disclosure at their own pace and in their own way.
• Reassure the child that they are in no way to blame for the actions of others and tell them of the next steps and why you may be informing others.
• Record – making precise notes on your conversation with the child, date, and time the report and include actions taken.
• Take appropriate action – passing the information to the designated person immediately.
• Seek support – never deal with a disclosure alone, always seek support and guidance.

Don’t

• Promise not to tell anyone – you will need to share a child protection concern with the designated person.
• Ask leading questions – this could jeopardise later court actions
• Express doubt or disbelief – reassure the child that they were right to tell you
• Interrogate the child – it is not your place to do so, this must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional, i.e., from Children’s Social Care or the Police.
• Do not exaggerate or embellish what you have heard in any way, record everything has it has been said or expressed to you.
• Assume someone else will deal with it – always act! You may be the only person this child has shared this information with.

How to Record suspicions effectively

Records of your suspicions must be given the R.I./Manager or the person responsible for child protection for the setting as soon as they have been written up. All disclosures must be recorded within one hour to ensure that the information is as accurate and factual as possible.

Records of suspicions must include the following information:

• The nature of the suspicion
• Details of any injury
• Times, dates, and any other relevant information
• Dates, times, and names of other adults involved with the child who may substantiate the suspicion

All records are kept on the child’s file which is kept in a locked cabinet in a secure office.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and relevant CIW Inspector should be informed of all allegations that come to the setting’s attention.

What to do if a disclosure is made to you.

If a child discloses to you that they have been abused, the member of staff should follow the respond, record, report and refer procedure.

Respond – inform the child that to help them you must tell your manager; the member of staff should tell the child who this person is and reassure the child that they can trust them and that they have done the right thing in telling you what has been going on.

Record – Listen to the child and note down what they say to you in their own words. It is important at this stage that you do not interrupt the child and you do not ask questions.  TEDDY method of questioning)

Report – The disclosure to the R.I./Manager or person responsible for child protection in the setting. The R.I./Manager will then determine the situation and can contact the “SPOC” team for advice and will then contact the relevant agency or the police who will investigate the disclosure.

If the R.I./Manager or member of staff dealing with the situation at the time thinks that the case is serious enough to involve Social Work Children and Families immediately, then please contact the relevant social work children and family’s office for the area or contact social work out of hours service. If it is felt that the child is in immediate danger, then the R.I./Manager or member of staff should contact the police.

It should be noted that if a member of staff is named in the disclosure the member of staff should be as discrete as possible and inform the R.I./Manager as soon as possible. In addition to this if a member of staff observes another member of staff harming a child, they should report this to the R.I./Manager who will act accordingly. In addition to this if the Manager is named in the disclosure the member of staff should be discrete and contact the nursery owners.

Should an allegation be made against the R.I. of Little Childcare Centre Ltd it will be taken seriously, and guidance sought by the Safeguarding Officer from the All-Wales Child Protection Procedure documents (Section 4.5). The procedures to be followed are consistent with the Area Child Protection Committee.

Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd recognises that it can be a traumatic experience for a member of staff to be witness to a child’s disclosure of abuse; therefore, all staff will be offered information about counselling services to help them through this time.

Support for children who have been abused.

Where possible this child will be placed with a Key Worker with specialist training. The R.I./Manager will work with stakeholders to ensure that all needs of the child will be met, meetings, updates shared, and future made.

All parents should be aware that members of staff attend regular in-house child protection training in order that we keep your children safe from harm.

Concerns must be kept confidential to as few people who need to know.

What to do if a parent or carer has concerns about a child

They could be advised to contact the local Social Services department directly.

This applies to the following circumstances:

• If a child displays recognised signs of abuse.
• If someone tells a member of staff that they or another child or young person is being abused.
• If the behaviour of any adult (including colleagues and members of the public) towards children causes concern.

The procedures set out in the All-Wales Procedures will be followed in the event child abuse is suspected.

What to do if the behaviour of any adult towards children or young people cause concern

• Do not dismiss your concerns
• Do not confront the person about whom you have concerns
• If it is a member of staff discuss the concerns with your line manager. If you feel this is inappropriate, or you are not satisfied with the response that you get, contact Social Services. It is very important that you do not dismiss suspicions about another professional.

(This paragraph has been taken from the All-Wales Child Protection Procedures Part 2, Roles and Responsibilities, Box 3).

What to do if an allegation is made against a current member of staff

Should an allegation be made against a current member of staff at Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd it will be taken seriously, and guidance sought by the Designated Safeguarding Officer from the All-Wales Child Protection Procedures document (Section 4.5). The procedures to be followed are consistent with the Area Child Protection Committee.

1. An allegation is made against a member of staff.
2. Social Services (LADO) must be informed, and they will co-ordinate a response. This will include the Designated Safeguarding Officer discussing the referral with the police. CIW must also be informed immediately.
3. Possible Strategy Meetings between Child Protection Co-ordinator, police and other relevant parties where immediate suspension of the employee is considered.
4. The child/children/parents/carers should be informed at the early stage by Social Services of the allegations and procedures to be followed.
5. The member of staff will be informed verbally and in writing by the Setting Manager. Discussion and direct questioning regarding the allegation are not permitted if the police wish to interview the member of staff.
6. The member of staff will be updated on all procedures and reminded that they will have the right to bring a representative to all meetings.
7. At the conclusion of the investigation, the member of staff will receive a written statement of the allegation, together with the conclusion of the investigation. The fate of the member of staff as a continuing employee of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd would be directly linked to the outcome of the investigation.
8. If the outcome is not satisfactory to the member of staff, they will be made aware of the grievance, complaints or appeals producers which may be applicable.
9. Should an allegation be made against a past member of staff of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd Mrs. Karen Jones must be informed and she will refer to the police immediately.

What to do if an allegation be made against the R.I. of Little Childcare Centre Ltd

 Guidance will be sought by the Safeguarding Officer from the All-Wales Child Protection Procedure documents (Section 4.5). The procedures to be followed are consistent with the Area Child Protection Committee.

1. An allegation is made against the R.I.
2. Social Services (LADO) must be informed, and they will co-ordinate a response. This will include the Safeguarding Officer discussing the referral with the police. CIW must also be informed immediately.
3. Possible strategy meetings between Child Protection Co-Ordinator, police and other relevant parties where immediate suspension of the R.I. is considered.
4. The child/children/parents/carers should be informed at the early stage by Social Services of the allegations and procedures to be followed.
5. The R.I. will be informed verbally and in writing by the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Discussion and direct questioning regarding the allegation are not permitted if the police wish to interview the R.I.
6. The R.I. will be updated on all procedures and reminded that they will have the right to bring a representative to all meetings.
7. At the conclusion of the investigation, the R.I. will receive a written statement of the allegation, together with the conclusion of the investigation. The fate of the R.I. as a continuing ‘Responsible Individual’ of Little Steps Childcare Centre Ltd would be directly linked to the outcome of the investigation.
8. If the outcome is not satisfactory to the R.I., the R.I. will be made aware of the grievance, complaints or appeals procedures which may be applicable.

This policy does not stand alone but links into other policies:

• Guidance for Working with Children and Young People who are vulnerable to the messages of Radicalisation and Extremism Policy
• Confidentiality policy
• Recruitment Policy and Procedure
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Policy and procedure
• Safer recruitment
• Anti-Bullying
• Complaints
• Whistle Blowing
• Health and Safety
• Quality Assurance

All staff should have access to this policy and sign to the effect that they have read and understood its contents.