Aims and Objectives
- To provide a trusting, caring atmosphere whereby children feel safe and secure and can confide in members of staff.
- Staff to be vigilant and act quickly and confidentially reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who will follow Local Authority Procedures.
- To support members of staff when they raise their concerns.
- To ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of the nursery staff.
- To ensure that confidentiality is always maintained.
- To ensure that all staff are familiar with Safeguarding issues and procedures.
- To regularly review and update this policy.
The role of the Designated Person
The Nursery Manager is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the nursery, supported by the Deputy DSL in their absence.
The role includes the following responsibilities:
- To work with parents and carers for the protection of children.
- To ensure that the Nursery staff are aware of procedures.
- To be available for discussion with staff on suspected abuse.
- To decide on referral to other agencies.
- To maintain a system for record keeping and collation of information.
- To understand the requirements of record keeping.
- To refer concerns and provide information.
- To promote good working relationships with other agencies.
- To be involved in case conferences and attend safeguarding training.
The Referral Process
Should any member of staff have concerns for the welfare of any child they will immediately inform their senior. The responsibilities of the Head of Room do not include investigating the suspected abuse. However, the staff will keep accurate records of their observations and of anything said to them by the child or others in connection with the suspected abuse.
It is always important to listen to children. Strict confidentiality will always be observed. All our staff will receive training on the protection of children from abuse.
Dealing with Allegations
Little Explorers Nursery is committed to meet its responsibility in respect of safeguarding children by treating all allegations seriously and sensitively.
It is the responsibility of the DSL to investigate suspected abuse. On discovering an allegation of abuse, the DSL (or Deputy DSL in their absence) will refer the case to the local Safeguarding Children’s Team of Children's Services (Tel: 01234 567 899) and inform the Early Years Directorate of Ofsted on 0300 123 4666.
- Where actual or suspected abuse is brought to the attention of the staff they must immediately report it to their manager.
- Staff are supported and encouraged to trust their professional instincts.
- Full written records of all reported incidents will be written and maintained.
- The DSL will be responsible for getting the written records signed and maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Any child involved in the alleged abuse will be comforted and reassured.
Staff Support and Training
Little Explorers Nursery is committed to ensuring that it meets its responsibilities in respect of child protection by giving its staff training and support. Little Explorers Nursery will ensure that:
- All staff, students and volunteers are carefully recruited, have verified references and have full up to date Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
- All staff and volunteers are given a copy of the safeguarding children policy during their induction.
- All staff and volunteers receive regular training in safeguarding children issues.
- All staff are aware of the statutory requirements with regard to disclosure.
- Any member of staff, student or volunteer under investigation of alleged abuse will be subject to little explorers nursery’s staff disciplinary procedure.
Safe Caring
All the Nursery staff understand the safeguarding children policy and procedures and have appropriate training and guidance in its principles of safe caring. The amount of time staff are alone with a child should be kept to a minimum and the door of the room should always be kept open.
Allegations Against Staff
Ofsted Early Years will be informed of any allegations of abuse against a member of staff, student or volunteer, or any abuse allegations that have taken place on the premises or during visits or outings.
- The DSL will be alerted immediately, or the Deputy DSL in their absence.
- Full written records of the reported abuse will be written and maintained.
- The DSL will interview the member of staff immediately.
- A decision will be made by the DSL, Deputy DSL, and another senior member of staff based on the level of the allegation to decide whether the member of staff should be suspended while the investigation is being carried out.
- Ofsted will be informed of any allegations made against staff.