Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility”
Key Information
This policy was developed and adopted on: 21.01.19
The policy will be reviewed by: All staff and Chair of Trustees – Chris Denley.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Debbie Rudge.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) are: Alice Perry and Louise Rowe.
The name of the nominated person for Children in Care is: Debbie Rudge
The Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for the Prevent agenda is: Debbie Rudge
The Child Sexual Exploitation Lead is: Debbie Rudge
The named Safeguarding Governor/Committee person is: Chris Denley.
Introduction and Context:
Our responsibilities
In order to fulfil our duty within the Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage April 2017, we ensure we have in place arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
We give effect to our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who attend our setting, where appropriate under the Children Act 1989 by:
Creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for children and young people
Identifying where there are child welfare concerns and taking action to address them, in partnership with other organisations where appropriate.
This policy develops procedures and good practice within our setting, to ensure that there is an understanding of the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people including those who are vulnerable (including vulnerable adults). We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children, young people and parents are respected and feel valued. It provides evidence of how this will be implemented within our setting and within multi-agency working arrangements.
This policy has been read by all staff and signed to the effect that they have read and understood it.
The policy will be accessible to all visitors to the setting, parents and carers through the setting website and a hard copy will be available on the safeguarding board and in the office.
In all aspects of our safeguarding practice we adhere to the EYFS December 2023
requirements and follow the procedures on the www.swcpp.org.uk website. To ensure immediate access to the procedures, we have a shortcut to those procedures on the office desktop. We also have a copy of, and adhere to the, ‘What do you do if you are Worried a Child is being abused’ MARCH 2015 publication displayed on our Safeguarding notice board.
Aim
Our aim is to ensure as far as is possible that anyone, paid or voluntary, who seeks to work with children through our organisational activities and who gains substantial access to them thereby is as safe to do so. Our policy and procedure is robust and understood by all concerned and children are therefore safeguarded due to staff vigilance.
There are three main elements to our safeguarding policy:
1. PREVENTION (positive and safe environment, careful and vigilant teaching, accessible support to pupils, good adult role models).
2. PROTECTION (agreed procedures are followed, staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns).
3. SUPPORT (to children, who may have been at risk of significant harm and the way staff respond to their concerns and any work that may be required).
We want to ensure that your needs are met. If you would like this information in audio type, in Braille, large print, any other format or interpreted in a language other than English please inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Our Principles:
The purpose of this policy is to provide a secure framework for all staff in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those children who attend our setting. Our setting recognises that the safety and welfare of children is paramount and that we have a responsibility to protect children in all of our activities. We take all reasonable steps to ensure, through appropriate procedures and training, that all children, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual identity or social status, are protected from abuse. We will seek to:
Create a safe and welcoming environment where children can develop their skills and confidence.
Support and encourage other groups and organisations to implement similar policies.
Recognise that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone, not just those who work with children.
Ensure that any training or events are managed to the highest possible safety standards.
Review ways of working to incorporate best practice. Including this policy being regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current best practice and Government expectations.
Treat all children with respect regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity.
Carefully recruit and select all employees, contractors and volunteers.
Respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice or suspected or actual child abuse.
Share information about concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately.
Our setting maintains an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ at all times.
Key elements to this policy:
Establishing positive, supportive, secure working practices that put children first.
Ensuring we practice safer recruitment in checking the suitability of all staff who work @ The Brambles Nursery.
Keeping child protection issues at the forefront of our work and know who in the setting the DSL is.
Ensuring that all staff implement procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases of abuse and regularly reviews them.
Supporting children and young people in accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan or early help action plan.
We will follow the procedures set out by the CIOS SCP and take account of all guidance issued by the DfE, Ofsted and other significant bodies.
Ensure we have a DSL and a Deputy who have received appropriate training and support for their role and also have a clear job description and understanding of that role.
Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters including attendance at case conferences, if appropriate.
Keep written, dated and signed records of concerns about “vulnerable” children including chronologies, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately. This includes the use of any screening tool that aids identification of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Radicalisation, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), on-line use or other such issues and that such records are securely placed.
Follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff and that such procedures are robust to deal with any allegation and that clear records of investigations and outcomes of allegations are held on staff files.
Risk-assess any off-site activity, led by us, the setting.
Early Help:
There are situations which may occur in a family’s life where they may benefit from additional support that cannot be provided solely by universal services.
These can include when a child:
Is disabled and has specific additional needs.
Has special educational needs.
Is a young carer.
Is showing signs of engaging in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
Is in a family circumstance presenting challenges for the child, such as substance abuse, adult mental health, domestic violence;
Is showing early signs of abuse and/or neglect.
Is showing signs of displaying behaviour or views that are considered to be extreme.
These children are therefore more vulnerable; The Brambles will identify who their vulnerable children (or vulnerable adults) are, ensuring ALL Staff (and Trustees) know the processes to secure advice, help and support where needed. In the first instance a discussion should take place with the DSL and a record kept of this discussion. If further advice is needed or the setting wishes to make a referral then they would contact the Early Help Hub.
Within Cornwall the Early Help Hub is the first point of contact when considering additional support for children and their families
Support is provided: from pre-birth to the age of 18 (or 25 when the young person has additional needs) when the child, young person or family has needs that are not met solely by universal services.
It is single point of access for professionals, families and young people to access Early Help Services in Cornwall.
The triage team decides which Early Help service best meets the needs identified in the request for help. It is then allocated to the appropriate service within 48 hrs.
Contact details:
Telephone: 01872 322277
Email: earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk
Website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/earlyhelphub
Child Abuse:
There are four types of child abuse as defined in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (2018).
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Neglect
Bullying
Bullying and forms of bullying including prejudice based and cyber bullying is also abusive which will include at least one, if not two, three or all four, of the defined categories of abuse.
Reporting your concerns
In the first instance when a member of staff has a concern about a child they will report it immediately to the DSL. It may only be a small piece of information but it helps to form a bigger picture.
The DSL may well have information that other members of staff do not know about a child and their family. Staff will be told on a ‘need to know basis’.
If the DSL is not available then practitioners will speak to the DDSL.
If there is an immediate concern about a child or their family a member of staff will phone the MARU for advice and guidance if the DSL/DDSL are not available.
Contact details: MARU 0300 1231116
If the concerns arise out of office hours contact 01208 251300
We will ensure we have as much factual information about the child as possible when we phone including:
Full name
D.O.B
Address
Family composition details (including names of parent(s) and siblings)
Any key professionals working with the setting
Factual information about the concerns we have
Making a referral in writing:
Any phone call will be backed up in writing by completing the multi-agency referral form. This is available from the CIOS SCB website www.safechildren-cios.co.uk It will then be sent in by secure email which is clearly highlighted on the referral form:
MARU Secure email: multiagencyreferralunit@cornwall.gcsx.gov.uk
Informing Parents
We will ensure we have spoken to the family about our concerns and proposed actions unless to do so would place the child at risk or in exceptional circumstances; the decision not to inform parents/carers must be justified and the details recorded. If a child makes a disclosure or presents with an injury, advice will be sought immediately prior to the child returning home and as soon as the setting become aware of this.
In the event that we disagree with the actions or decisions of another agency we will consider using the Resolution of Professional Differences policy also referred to as the escalation policy. The policy is available via the following link:
If the Child/Family are already known to Social Care
When a member of Staff, parent, practitioner, or another person has concerns for a child, and if the setting is aware that the case is already open to social care then they will contact the allocated worker. If they do not know the name of the worker they can contact MARU who will provide contact details of the worker and/or their manager.
Specific Safeguarding Issues:
There are specific issues that have become critical issues in Safeguarding and we will endeavour to ensure ALL our Staff and Governors are familiar with; having processes in place to identify, report, and monitor:
Bullying including cyber bullying
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Domestic Abuse
Drugs
Fabricated or induced illness
Faith abuse
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Mental Health
Private Fostering
Preventing Radicalisation
Online abuse/Sexting
Trafficking
Missing children and vulnerable adults
Child sexual abuse within the family
Poor parenting, particularly in relation to babies and young children
The DSL has joined the contextual safeguarding network (www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk) and is familiar with the process of understanding the vulnerabilities that could lead to potential harm in the community, rather than within the home of a child.
We will incorporate signs of abuse and specific safeguarding issues into briefings, staff induction training, and on-going development training to all Staff.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b)for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact, it can also occur through the use of technology. (DfE Child Sexual Exploitation February 2017).
All suspected or actual cases of CSE are a safeguarding concern in which Child Protection procedures must be followed; this will include a referral to MARU and where the risk is immediate to the police. If any staff are concerned about a child, they will refer to the Designated Safeguarding Lead/s within Brambles.
In addition, the setting would access the CSE tool kit on the South West Child Protection Procedures website. http://www.swcpp.org.uk.
WE WILL COMPLETE the Cornwall MACSE Person/ Location of Concern Form (and email it to MultiAgencyReferralUnit@cornwall.gcsx.gov.uk) If we have information about local Missing and/or a Child Sexual Exploitation group of concerns relating to potential perpetrators of Child Sexual Exploitation and / or locations, venues or vehicles relating to actual/potential sexual exploitation of children to alert the Police, or in the event or crime or immediate concerns for child safety; we will call 999. The Police will consider this information immediately; the Multi-Agency Advice Team (MAAT) will collate any other relevant information and along with any other police information, this will then be considered at the relevant MACSE Group.
Radicalisation/PREVENT
The DfE have published guidance stating that education settings must promote British values i.e. learning right from wrong, taking turns, sharing and challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes. Ofsted will be required to inspect our setting against these criteria’s as part of our safeguarding duty. Our ‘Prevent Lead’ (Debbie Rudge) and staff will attend the WRAP 3 training that they need to identify children, siblings and parents/carers or staff and volunteers at risk of radicalisation and how to refer them for further help if necessary through the CORNWALL CHANNEL PROCESS We will not carry out unnecessary intrusion into our
families lives but our staff will take action when they observe behaviour of concern and share concerns at the earliest opportunity as part of this Safeguarding Policy. In the instance of a member of staff hearing a child/staff/volunteer/ third party worker, parent or carer make an anti-Semitic or discriminatory comment we would contact the local Prevent lead and follow a Prevent action plan as deemed necessary. Referrals might be made to Channel (this is a programme that provides support for individuals who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism where they are deemed to be within the pre-criminal space). If a person is suspected to be within criminal activity and this is made known to us, we will contact the police by calling 101 (non-emergency) or 0800 789 321 (anti-terrorist hotline).
We will ensure ALL staff including governors/trustees/committee adhere to their duties in the Prevent guidance 2015 to prevent radicalisation.(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty)
The Chair of Trustee will:
Establish or use existing mechanisms for understanding the risk of extremism
Ensure staff understand the risk and build capabilities to deal with issues arising
Communicate the importance of the duty
Ensure All Staff and Trustees implement the duty.
Debbie Rudge will respond to any concern about Radicalisation/Prevent as a Safeguarding concern and will report in the usual way using local safeguarding procedures. We will seek to work in partnership, undertaking risk assessments where appropriate and proportionate to risk, building our children’s resilience to radicalisation.
To help our children understand these issues and help protect them we will;
Provide a safe space for them to debate controversial issues.
Help them to build resilience and the critical thinking they need to be able to challenge extremist arguments.
Give them confidence to explore different perspectives, question, and challenge.
The setting is committed to providing effective filtering systems and this will include monitoring the activities of children when on-line. All staff in the first instance should contact the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) within the setting who is Debbie Rudge with any concerns.
Additional contact details:
Concerns can be discussed with the Prevent Lead for Cornwall: Steve Rowell email: prevent@cornwall.gov.uk
MARU can also be contacted for advice: 0300 1231 116
Emergency Out of Hours: Tel No: 01208 251300
If immediate and serious concerns call the police on 999
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The Brambles Nursery recognises and understands that there is a now a mandatory reporting duty for all practitioners to report to the police where it is believed an act of FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18 in the UK. Failure to do so may result in legal/disciplinary action being taken.
All suspected or actual cases of FGM are a Safeguarding concern in which safeguarding procedures will be followed; this will include a referral to the police and to Children’s Social Care via MARU. If any staff are concerned about a child, they will refer to the Safeguarding Designated Lead/s within the Setting unless there is a good reason not to do so. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): all adults within our setting, need to be alert to the possibility of a girl being at risk of FGM, or already having suffered FGM in line with our child protection requirements. There is a range of potential indicators that a child or young person may be at risk of FGM, and we use the signs and symptoms handout as a guide and a copy is on the safeguarding notice board. Victims of FGM are likely to come from a community that is known to practise FGM, therefore we will be aware of and understand girls who would be ‘at risk’. Girls at risk of FGM may not yet be aware of the practice or that it may be conducted on them, so sensitivity should always be shown when approaching the subject. Warning signs that FGM may be about to take place, or may have already taken place, can be found on pages 11-12 of the Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines for FGM. Practitioners will liaise with the Multi Agency Referral Unit and Police under section 47 of the Children Act 1989. Practitioners will receive training on FGM.
If any child (under-18) or vulnerable adult has symptoms or signs of FGM, or we have good reason to suspect they are at risk of FGM having considered their family history or other relevant factors, we will refer using our standard existing safeguarding procedures, as is the procedure with all other instances of child abuse. This referral is initially to the Multi-Agency Referral Unit, whilst also contacting the police for advice. Additionally, when a person is identified as being at risk of FGM, this information must be shared with the GP and health visitor as part of safeguarding actions (See section 47 of the 1989 Children Act).
Honour based Violence
Honour based Violence encompasses incidents or crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community, it includes FGM, forced marriage and practices such as ‘breast ironing’.
Peer on Peer Abuse (for holiday and out of school provision)
All staff are aware that safeguarding issues can manifest themselves via peer on peer abuse. The reasons for this are complex and are often multi-faceted. We understand that we need as a setting to have clear mechanisms and procedures in place to identify and report incidents or concerns. We aim to reduce this behaviour and any related incidents with an expectation to eliminate this conduct in the setting. Peer on peer abuse is a Safeguarding concern and will require a discussion with the DSL who will seek advice from agencies and professionals including reference to the safeguarding procedures. This will involve in the first instance having a conversation with MARU.
Peer on peer is most likely to include, but may not be limited to:
Language seen as derogatory, demeaning, inflammatory;
Bullying, including cyberbullying;
Gender based violence
We are working hard as a setting to be proactive and to challenge this type of abuse. We aim to use approaches in our planning and reference to our associated policies to address and tackle peer on peer abuse.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can face additional safeguarding challenges. The Brambles Nursery recognises that additional barriers can exist when identifying abuse and neglect in this group of children. These can include:
• Assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the child’s disability without further exploration;
• The potential for children with SEN and disabilities (SEND) being disproportionally impacted by behaviours such as bullying, without outwardly showing any signs; and
• Communication barriers and difficulties in overcoming these barriers.
The individual needs of every special educational needs or disabled child will be reviewed regularly and consideration given to any additional vulnerabilities they may have which could lead to safety and welfare concerns arising.
Should any concerns arise in relation to any child in relation to their safety and welfare staff will follow the same procedures as outlined within this policy and liaise with the DSL initially.
Cameras:
An essential way to support and record the children’s development and share with parents is through photographs. All parents are requested to sign the admission form permitting the use of photos for their child. We support children, under supervision, to take photographs of each other for their Learning Journeys, displays and photo albums.
We use images of children for;
1. Personal Learning Journeys
2. Our photo albums
3. Our displays
4. For training purposes (including childcare students on placement with us)
5. For our website
6. In the Local media.
Additionally cameras are:
To be used to record individual/group activities and nursery events. Images taken will be downloaded to the staff laptop as soon as possible and then deleted at the end of the term.
Only nursery cameras are to be used to take images of the children when in the setting or on trips.
Any photographs taken for the purpose of staff/student studies, outside agencies or promotional material will have consent given by the parent.
Images taken on the camera must be deemed suitable without putting the child/children in any compromising positions that could cause embarrassment or distress. Children will also be suitably dressed.
Under NO circumstances must a camera of any kind be used in the bathroom or nappy changing areas without prior consultation with the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager, such as washing.
Cameras and recording equipment should only be used where 2 or more practitioners are present and not in areas where intimate care is carried out.
It is not appropriate to take photographs of bruising or injuries on a child for child protection concerns. In these cases the ‘existing injury form with a body map’ need to be used. Further advice can be sort from MARU.
All practitioners are responsible for the location of their camera and these should be placed on a shelf out of the reach of the children.
The Brambles uses a professional photography company for individual and group photos. Parents are aware they are on the premises and all children are accompanied by either a practitioner or parent at all times.
Photographers will be treated as any other visitor on the premises and as such appropriate levels of supervision will be in place at all times.
Parents/carers/families are able to take photos/videos of their child at nursery events such as sports day/Christmas nativity and are asked NOT to put photos of other children on their social media. The Brambles nursery cannot take responsibility if this is not adhered to.
Parents are requested not to post any images of other children without prior consent on social networking sites.
Social Networking sites:
The Brambles Nursery understand practitioners use social networking sites but request you keep your accounts private. How you conduct yourselves on social media could affect your professional reputation as well as the reputation of The Brambles and your colleagues. It depends on how it is perceived by others.
Please DO NOT:
Accept friend requests from parents unless the child has left the setting.
If the parent is a friend before their child starts this is a separate matter and NO work issues should be discussed with them.
Discuss any aspects of Brambles online or record where you work.
Do not wear your uniform in any posts.
Be aware that any post can affect the credibility and reputation of The Brambles and its practitioners. Once a post is out there, it is there for all to see!
Do NOT share, tag, post or copy any information from Brambles without permission from your room leader or manager.
Mobile phones:
Staff mobile phones are not allowed within the nursery rooms. All staff mobiles are left in the main office in a storage box. Staff sign relevant paperwork to say they have a mobile on the premises and have placed it in the designated box. Any visitors to The Brambles will be informed/reminded by staff that mobile phones must be left in the office and relevant paperwork signed.
There are notices on room doors to remind parents mobile phones are not to be used within the setting due to safeguarding the children. Staff are aware they may have to remind parents about this policy and ask them to leave the room if they are required to take/make a phone call.
Smart watches are to:
be worn in ‘flight mode’, have blue tooth disconnected or the mobile it is linked with switched off to ensure there is no access to WiFi or accessing of notifications whilst on the floor working with the children.
Staff are aware they are not allowed to answer telephone calls or read messages whilst working with the children.
Staff are to be vigilant of other staff members and remind them of the nursery policy.
Images and photos are not to be accessed whilst working with the children or on trips.
With technology advancing The Brambles reserves the right to request smart watches are removed if necessary or if the children’s safety is at risk.
Esafety /online safety
Mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and other on-line type products are integrated into all our
lives. Many are used within our setting. However, there are those that seek to use these for their own or others gratification.
Bullying, including online bullying and prejudice-based bullying, racialisation and/or extremist behaviour
Child sexual exploitation and trafficking
The impact of new technologies on sexual behaviour, for example sexting.
Whilst in the setting the children do not have access to any internet enabled devices. Any devices connected to the internet are used whilst under supervision and guidance from a practitioner. If Alexa is used it is only with adult supervision and is unplugged when not in use. Parental locks are in place on the Fire tablets and the children cannot access the internet through them.
The Brambles Nursery takes online safety very seriously both in terms of our children and all of our staff.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse may take many forms. Witnessing the physical and emotional suffering of a parent may cause considerable distress to children. Both the physical assaults and psychological abuse suffered by adult victims who experience domestic abuse can have a negative impact on their ability to look after their children. Children can still suffer the effects of domestic abuse, even if they do not witness the incidents directly. However in up to 90% of incidents involving domestic violence where children reside in the home, the children are in the same or the next room. Children’s exposure to parental conflict, even where violence is not present, can lead to serious anxiety and distress among children. Children can view the setting as a safe retreat from problems at home or alternatively not attend the setting through a perceived need to be at home to protect abused parents or siblings.
Domestic abuse can therefore have a damaging effect on a child’s health, educational attainment and emotional well-being and development. The potential scale of the impact on children is not always easy to assess but may manifest itself as behavioural, emotional or social difficulties, including poor self-esteem, withdrawal, absenteeism, adult-child conflict. Children sometimes disclose what is happening or may be reluctant to do so hoping that someone will realise something is wrong.
Looked after children (children in care)
The most common reason for children becoming looked after is as a result of abuse and/or neglect. We ensure that staff have the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to keep children in care safe.
At The Brambles Nursery our designated children in care lead is Debbie Rudge.
The designated lead will ensure that appropriate staff have the information they need in relation to a child’s looked after legal status (whether they are looked after under voluntary arrangements with consent of parents or on an interim or full care order) and contact arrangements with birth parents or those with parental responsibility. They are also responsible for ensuring they have information about the child’s care arrangements and the levels of authority delegated to the carer by the local authority looking after him/her. The designated lead will have details of the child’s social worker. They will have drawn up an individual education plan in consultation with the children in care education support service (CICESS).
The designated child in care lead will attend regular training/briefings provided by Cornwall Council regardless of whether there are currently children within the school who are in care.
Young Carers
As a setting we recognise the needs of young carers in that they can be more vulnerable or placed at risk. We aim to be able to identify young carers and ensure they are supported to help reach their potential with an understanding that staff and volunteers may need to refer into early help services for an assessment of their needs via the Early Help Hub.
Forced Marriage (for holiday and out of school provision)
The UK Government describe this as taking someone, usually overseas, to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place) or marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (Coercion may include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure). It may also involve physical or sexual violence and abuse.
Arranged marriage is common in some cultures. The families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, however the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the prospective spouses. Children may be married at a very young age and well below the age of consent in England. ALL Staff should be particularly alert to suspicions or concerns raised by a child. Since June 2014 forcing someone to marry has become a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
If at any time the setting had a concern regarding a child who this may apply too immediate contact will be made with MARU for guidance and advice.
Private Fostering
A private fostering arrangement is when a child is cared for consecutively for 28 days or longer by someone who is not a member of that child’s immediate family. In such a case the local authority should be informed.
If the setting is aware of such an arrangement being in place they will advise the family that they have a responsibility to inform the local authority and encourage the family to advise the local authority themselves.
Advice or a referral can be made via MARU.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
The above are offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. These offences include holding a person in a position of slavery, servitude forced or compulsory labour, or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after.
Although human trafficking often involves an international cross-border element, it is also possible to be a victim of modern slavery within your own country.
It is possible to be a victim even if consent has been given to be moved.
Children cannot give consent to being exploited therefore the element of coercion or deception does not need to be present to prove an offence.
If you hold information that could lead to the identification, discovery and recovery of victims in the UK, you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700.
Advice or referral can be made via MARU (0300 1231 116) or for Vulnerable Adults (0300 1234 131).
Special Circumstances:
Work Experience
The setting has detailed procedures to safeguard pupils undertaking work experience, including arrangements for checking people who provide placements and supervise pupils on work experience which are in accordance with the guidance in “Keeping Children Safe in Education (2018)”.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing:
Confidentiality needs to be discussed and fully understood by all those working with children, particularly in the context of child protection. No adult must ever guarantee confidentiality to any individual including parents, children, and colleagues. Staff should make children aware that if they disclose information that may be harmful to themselves or others, then certain actions will need to be taken.
Wherever possible, consent should be obtained before sharing personal information with third parties. In some circumstances, obtaining consent may not be possible or in the best interest of the child or young person, e.g., where safety and welfare of that child or young person necessitates that the information should be shared. The law permits the disclosure of confidential information necessary to safeguard a child or children. Disclosure should be justifiable in each case, according to the particular facts of the case, and legal advice should be sought if in doubt.
If the information given relates directly to the safety and welfare of a child then the DSL must be informed immediately. They should then contact MARU.
Record Keeping:
Well-kept records are essential to good safeguarding and child protection practice. We are clear about the need to record any concerns held about children or young people, the status of such records and when these records should be passed over to other agencies.
In our work with children and their families, we recognise the importance of:
Keeping clear detailed up to date written records of concerns about children and young people. This includes a chronology.
Ensuring all records are kept secure and in a locked location.
Ensuring records are passed on to the receiving setting/school if a child or young person transfers. In line with current local authority guidance.
Ensuring all records are clear, factual and jargon free.
Allegations against staff:
In the event of an allegation being made against a staff member that might indicate that they pose a risk of harm to children if they continue to work in regular or close contact with children in any capacity within our setting, we would follow the guidance outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education. This guidance will be followed where it is alleged that anyone working in the setting (including volunteers) that provides education for children under 18 years of age has:
Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child.
Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
Behaved towards a child/ren in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children. This also takes into account situations where a person’s behaviour outside the setting may suggest ‘transferrable risk’.
Transferrable Risk;
Transferrable Risk refers to staff member’s behaviour outside of the setting that could affect their suitability to work with children. This includes situations where a member of staff or volunteer is involved in an incident outside of the setting which did not involve children but could have an impact on their suitability to work with children, such as domestic abuse, losing their cool on a night out….When considering whether an allegation or incident should be dealt with under transferrable risk, three questions will be asked;
What happened?
Why did it happen (what was the trigger?)
Could that same trigger occur in the setting?
If the answer to question 3 is ‘Yes’ then there may be transferrable risk and the case may need to be managed as a safeguarding issue under our Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. We would follow our safeguarding procedures and seek advice from the LADO.
Staff must inform the DSL or DDSL about any incidents that could pose a transferrable risk at the earliest opportunity, within working hours, following the incident.
Never let allegations by a child or young person go unrecorded or unreported, including any made against you. If you receive a disclosure, about an adult colleague, it is important to reassure the child that what they say will be taken very seriously and everything possible done to help.
In all instances the Chair must be informed. If the Manager is not available then the DDSL should be advised.
If the allegation concerns the Manager then the LADO must be informed. In all situations regarding an allegation of abuse against a member of staff/volunteer/governor the setting must not act alone and must seek advice and make a referral where necessary or seek impartial advice from the LADO.
In such circumstances our Manager (if the allegation is against a senior staff member) will contact the LADO for advice.
As part of our safeguarding duties, the LADO Service has a statutory responsibility to manage and oversee allegations made against professionals and volunteers who work with children. All allegations and concerns should be referred to the LADO within 24 hours where advice and guidance can be provided in respect of balancing the responsibility to safeguard with the need to support staff in difficult situations.
Allegations against staff:
If a staff member is accused of any form of child abuse/safeguarding concern;
The details of the alleged incident MUST be recorded
LADO MUST be informed immediately, within 1 working day on 07516112601 or LADO@cornwall.gov.uk in line with Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SCP 01872327225. If this has met the threshold for further investigation, we will be guided by LADO to complete the Professional Allegation Referral Form, which will be immediately emailed to the MARU.
We will be guided by LADO and, if advised, the person against whom the allegation is made will be informed of the allegation and/or will immediately be suspended on basic pay while an investigation is completed.
A nominated person from the DSL team who is not directly involved with the
investigation process, will be allocated to support the individual against whom the allegation has been made, listen to and monitor their mental health.
A referral MUST be made to the DBS immediately. (Matrix Security Watch 01142413280).
OFSTED MUST be informed immediately on 03001231231
All discussions with regards to multi-agency MUST be followed up in writing.
Exclude known Abusers from the setting:
This includes staff, volunteers and students.
Parents and visitors will never have unsupervised contact with any of the children in our care.
Visitors have an obligation to notify us if they have any changes to their personal circumstances that could be posed as a risk to the safeguarding of children.
Staff who have NOT been registered as ‘fit’ persons will not take children unaccompanied to the toilet or access the children’s toilet area.
All staff and trustee members will have a DBS certificate.
A minimum of 2 practitioners must be on duty at all times. Staff, student and volunteers are never left alone with the children until they have been DBS checked.
On receipt of notification of conviction of a parent/carer/family member who is deemed to pose a risk to children, the following procedure will apply;
Liaison with the Probation Service.
Consult with Safeguarding specialists.
Evaluate who is at risk, how and at what times?
Put necessary measures in place to control risks and
Complete a documented individual risk assessment in cooperation with the individual.
We will at times act within our statutory duties, whilst establishing transparent and fair arrangements to;
Assess and manage the risks posed by the sex/violent offender.
Review and monitor the agreed arrangement. This will be monitored on a case by case basis.
Monitor attitudes and behaviour of the offender and the need to intervene to safeguard our setting.
The following issues need to be considered
What are the safeguarding arrangements of the child or young person to ensure they are not in contact with the alleged abuser?
contact the parents or carers of the child/young person if advised to do so by the LADO;
consider the rights of the staff member for a fair and equal process of investigation;
ensure that the appropriate disciplinary procedure is followed, including whether suspending a member of staff from work until the outcome of any investigation is
deemed necessary;
act on any decision made in any strategy meeting; and
advise the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any other appropriate regulatory or professional body where a member of staff has been disciplined or dismissed as a result of the allegations founded, or would have been if they have resigned.
Contact details LADO: 01872 326536
If a referral needs to be made then this must go through MARU who will then pass it on to the LADO team. The referral form can be found at:-
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/22109961/lado-allegations-referral-form-template.doc
Whistleblowing:
Low-level concern;
The term low-level concern does not mean that it is insignificant, it means that the behaviour or incident does not meet the threshold of harm. A low-level concern is any concern – no matter how small and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ – that a child’s basic needs are not being met consistently or that and adult’s working in or on behalf of the setting may have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the code of conduct. In the event of a member of staff having a low-level concern about an adult they will be given the option of sharing their low-level concern verbally with the manager or deputy leader in the first instance or by completing the staff low-level concern log. Accurately recording the fact/event(s) giving rise to the concern and report their concerns to the manager who is also the DSL or to the DL who is also the DDSL. Where the low-level concern I s provided verbally, the manager or DL will make an appropriate record of the conversation, either simultaneously or immediately following the discussion.
The manager or DL will identify any patterns/concerns, which they would then escalate to a higher level of concern if required, following the settings whistle blowing policy.
In the event you do not feel able to follow the setting’s policy but remain concerned, you must discuss your concerns with an appropriate body. You would need to contact
NSPCC Whistleblowing helpline: 0800 028 0285
Safer Recruitment
Our setting operates safer recruitment procedures including making sure that:
statutory duties to undertake required checks on staff who work with children are complied with in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service requirements for Regulated Activity; Teachers’ Prohibition Orders; the Child Care Act 2006 and Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009
statutory guidance relating to volunteers is followed
at least one member of the recruitment panel members have undertaken safe recruitment training through an accredited training programme.
We hold a Single Central Record (SCR) which demonstrates we have carried out the range of checks required by law on our staff.
Our setting is EXEMPT from the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009 within the Childcare Act 2006 as it DOES NOT OPERATE on
domestic premises.
Attendance at Child Protection Conference:
If a child or young person becomes the subject in a Child Protection Conference as a setting we may be asked to share information about the child or young person and his/her family. Usually this will be in the form of a written report requested by the assigned Social Worker or on behalf of them through the Contact Worker, the contents of which will be shared with parents/carers prior to the meeting.
In exceptional circumstances another member of staff may attend with them. The reason this responsibility is not delegated is because the DSL has the overall training and accountability to act on behalf of the setting including agreeing their role in any child protection plan as well as the possible allocation of resources.
Occasionally, there may be information which is confidential and which will be shared in a closed meeting prior to the conference. If this is necessary, the chair of the conference will discuss the matter with parents/carers beforehand.
When any child becomes the subject of a conference, local procedures require all other children in the family are considered. It may well be that staff will be required to provide information on children with whom there appear to be no direct concerns.
Staff may contribute to the process of risk assessment and the decision about the child being in receipt of a child protection plan.
Training:
Impact of this information exchange is tested through a knowledge quiz and all results are collated and monitored by the nominated training staff member. Further training is provided if the outcome of the quiz indicates a staff member needs more support to understand any aspect of their child protection and responsibilities understanding.
All staff members will receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training/briefings which will be regularly updated. In addition, all staff members will receive safeguarding and child protection updates. These will be done as part of staff meetings where safeguarding will be a standing item on the agenda of every staff meeting.
All staff will also, as part of our induction, be issued with information in relation to our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, Behaviour policy and Whistle blowing.
Our DSL and DDSL(s) will undertake further multi-agency safeguarding training in addition to the whole setting training. This will be undertaken at least every two years and will update their awareness and understanding of the impact of the wider agenda of safeguarding issues. It will support both the DSL and DDSL to be able to better undertake their role and support the setting in ensuring our safeguarding arrangements are robust and achieving better outcomes for the children in our setting.
Our Trustees will have access to basic safeguarding training within the setting. We will recommend and encourage them to undertake training. In addition to this training the safeguarding trustee may wish to access multi-agency safeguarding training at least every two years.
At least one member of our recruitment panel will have undertaken safer recruitment training. Best practice is that this is updated every 3 years to ensure that the setting are keeping up with changes made to recruitment processes and changes in safeguarding requirements when recruiting staff.
Supporting Staff:
Our setting recognises that all staff may find dealing with safeguarding and child protection concerns very difficult and upsetting. It may trigger memories of their own difficult childhood, or be an experience they have had as an adult, or a member of their family, or close friendship group has experienced.
The setting hopes in such situations that the individual staff member would be able to talk to a member of the senior leadership team in the setting who can make enquiries into what support may be available for the individual member of staff.
There are many organisations within Cornwall who offer support services to individuals on a range of very sensitive issues e.g. Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse (current and historic) drug and alcohol misuse, mental health. More information can be accessed via MARU or the Early Help Hub.
In addition the member of staff should be able to access support through:
Their own GP.
The Samaritans Telephone: 116 123
NSPCC HELPLINE Telephone: 0808 800 5000 ( not just there for children)
The DSL and Safeguarding trustee will take responsibility for updating this policy and information and informing all staff and the Trustees of key changes.
This policy was adopted at a meeting of: The Brambles Nursery
Held on: _________________
Signature of Trustee: _________________
Name of trustee: _________________
Role of Trustee: _________________