Hannah's Huis

Safeguarding policy 

“Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them”

Section 3.1 EYFS

 

As a childminder my first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern then I will report it, I will do this by following the regulatory requirements. These can be found in the EYFS and are designed to help providers create high quality settings which are welcoming, safe and stimulating, and where children are able to enjoy learning and grow in confidence. I will also be following the local safeguarding children board procedures as instructed by section 3.4 of the EYFS. The relevant local procedures are held by me and can be provided to you upon request. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and neglectful, or a mixture of these. I must notify OFSTED of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place whilst the child is my care.

 

Procedure

I will keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading any relevant publications. This will help me to be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have any concern.

 

As a registered childminder I and any other adult (over 16) who comes into contact with children in my setting must have a current enhanced DBS.

 

 

I have copies of, and am familiar with; the local safeguarding children board procedures. I will check that I have the relevant procedures at least every 6 months.

 

 

I hold a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance.I have read these and I understand them.

 

If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I will contact the local authority, the NSPCC, PACEY or another relevant support service for advice. Confidentiality will be assured only when it is clear that there is no risk of harm to a child. I will follow the Nottinghamshire safeguarding children pathway to provision in order to report any safeguarding concerns.

 

Any concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.

 

Parents must notify me about any concerns they have about their child. They also must notify me about any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child; these will be recorded and kept with the child’s records.

 

As outlined by section 3.6 of the EYFS if I notice:

• Significant changes in the child’s behavior

• Unexpected bruising or marks or signs of possible abuse

• Any comments made that give me any cause for concern

• Deterioration in general wellbeing

• Signs of neglect

I will implement the Local safeguarding children board procedures without delay to minimize risk to the child. If I know that the child is at risk of harm I will call the local MASH help line immediately. I will follow this call up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and I will ask the parents/carers for an explanation. I will only do this if it does not put the child at risk.

 

I am required to let OFSTED know of any concerns that I have reported without delay as outlined by section 3.7 of the EYFS.

 

If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:

• Show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously.

• Encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask leading question. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat the account.

• Explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child.

• Write down what I have told using exact words if possible.

• Make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion.

• I will the report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation.

 

If an allegation is made against a third party, or me I will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. I will contact my local LADO who will be able to offer support and advice. I will also contact PACEY’s safeguarding children service for advice and support.

In all instances I will record:

• The child’s full name and address

• The date and time of the records

• Factual details for the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present.

• Details of any previous concerns

• Details of any explanation from the parents

• Any action taken such as speaking to parents.

 

It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the allegation myself.

 

During such an investigation it is probable that OFSTED will suspend me from being able to childmind until a conclusion has been drawn. If this were to happen I would do everything in my power to assist all parents in finding alternative childcare arrangements during this time. I will use this time to review all of my policies and procedures to ensure that such allegations are covered against in the future.

 

It is also important that I attempt to keep my friends and family safe from any allegations being made against them. I will do this by implementing the following procedures:

• I will have a visitor’s book that anyone who enters my setting must sign in and out of. This will mean I have written proof of who came into contact with a child and at what times.

• I will never leave a child alone with anyone other than a trained assistant or myself.

• I will ensure any visitors are properly introduced to all children so that they are aware of whom they are and why they are in my setting.

• Where it is possible I will keep all friends and family visits to outside my working hours.