Safeguarding Children policy

Our first responsibility and priority is towards the children in our care. If we have any cause for concern we will report it, following the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. We understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and neglectful, or a mixture of these. We must notify Ofsted/CSSIW of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while the child is in our care

Procedure

  1. We keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications, for example, Who Minds? or Nursery World. This helps us be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern
  2. We have access to, and are familiar with, the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures
  3. We have access to the relevant booklets and guidance (as outlined in the NCMA booklet Safeguarding Children: a Guide for Childminders and Nannies). We have read them and understand them
  4. If we are concerned about a child's welfare, we will contact the local authority, the NSPCC, NCMA or other relevant support services for advice, confidentially will be assured only when it is clear that there is no risk of harm to a child
  5. Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information
  6. Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded
  7. We work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent - please refer to our Working with Parents policy
  8. If we notice:
    1. significant changes in children's behaviour
    2. unexpected bruising or marks or signs of possible abuse
    3. any comments made which give me cause for concern
    4. deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern
    5. signs of neglect
  9. We will implement the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures without delay to minimise any risk to the child. We will call the local social services' duty desk immediately, if it is known that a child is at risk of harm. We will follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. We will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk
  10. The standards for registered childminders in England require us to let Ofsted know of any concerns that we have reported without delay
  11. If a child tells us that they or another child is being abused, we will:
    1. show that we have heard what they are saying, and that we take their allegations seriously
    2. encourage the child to talk, but we will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. We will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
    3. explain what actions we must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
    4. write down what we have been told using exact words where possible
    5. make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion
    6. then report our concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation
  12. If an allegation is made against us, we will report it to Ofsted and social services, following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. We will also contact NCMA's Information Line on 0800 169 4486 for advice and support
  13. In all instances we will record:
    1. the child's full name and address
    2. the date and time of the record
    3. factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
    4. details of any previous concerns
    5. details of any explanations from the parents
    6. any action taken such as speaking to parents
  14. It is not our responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation ourself

If there is anything in this policy that you are unclear about or unhappy with, please email us or contact us


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