Safeguarding Policy  Updated on 01/01/22

Disclosure and Barring Service 

If a member of staff is dismissed because of a proven or strong likelihood of child abuse, inappropriate behaviour towards a child, or other behaviour that may indicate they are unsuitable to work with children such as drug or alcohol abuse, or other concerns raised during supervision when the staff suitability checks are done, a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service is made.

DBS contact information 03000 200 190

Escalating concerns 

• If a member of staff believes at any time that children may be in danger due to the actions or otherwise of a member of staff or volunteer, they must discuss their concerns immediately with the designated person. 

• If after discussions with the designated person, they still believe that appropriate action to protect children has not been taken then the whistle blowing procedure must be followed, as set out in Responding to safeguarding or child protection concerns.

 

12. Safer Recruitment

Our nursery operates safer recruitment procedures including making sure that:

Statutory duties to undertake required checks on staff who work with children are compiled within line with the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Statutory guidance relating to volunteers is followed when at least one member of the recruitment panel members has undertaken safer recruitment training through an accredited training programme. Jane Whaley completed this in 2020

We hold a Single Central Record [SCR] which demonstrates we have carried out the range of checks required by law on our staff.

It is kept locked away centrally and is immediately available for an Ofsted Inspection.

 

Recruitment Procedure

 

All prospective candidates will be asked to submit an application form containing questions about their previous employment and academic history along with their curriculum vitae and complete a right to work in the U.K. 

Applicants will then be contacted either by email, letter or phone to let them know if they have been successful in reaching the next stage, a face to face interview.

Candidates that are invited along to an interview and asked to bring with them:

Either current driving licence, passport or full birth certificate

A utility bill or statement, showing name and address within 3 months

Documentation showing their national insurance number (NI card, P45 or P60)

Documents confirming any educational or professional qualifications referred to in their application form.

Eligibility to work in the UK

Their criminal history (disclosing anything that will show up on a DBS)

Where an applicant claims to have changed his/her name by deed poll, the correct documentation will be requested. 

Where possible, references will be checked before the interviewing stage.

During the interview, detailed inquiries will be made regarding any gaps in their employment and reason for leaving employment.

Successful candidates will receive a letter stating their job offer is conditional, dependent on the return of 2 satisfactory written references and an enhanced DBS check.

 

Induction

Once offered a position, the staff will be on a 3-month probation period, during this time the staff will be trained in all areas and complete a full induction programme. New staff who do not receive 2 full references will be placed on an extended probation of 6 months.

New members of staff will not be allowed unsupervised access or be able to provide intimate care (nappy changing or supervising toileting) to any child until their DBS is completed and it's clear.

New employees will undergo an induction period, during which time they will read the employee handbook, nursery policies and procedures and will be trained by a “mentor” who will introduce them to the way in which the nursery operates.

Documents given to staff during their induction

Staff policy and procedure handbook (includes whistleblowing, code of conduct etc)

New starter staff details form

Personal information form

P46 form if required

Certificates

Health and safety declaration consent pack

Employee disclosure form

Fire drill procedure

Security

 

All staff members will be invited to and attend an annual ongoing suitability interview as well as an appraisal/performance review. Staff are responsible for notifying the manager, in person, if any circumstances arise that may affect their suitability to work with children, which includes any health concerns or incidents that have occurred outside the nursery.

 

Enhanced DBS checks

In accordance with the recommendations of the DFEs in “safeguarding children; safer recruitment and selection in education settings” the nursery carried out several -pre-employment checks in respect of all prospective employees for all positions.

Due to the nature of the work, the nursery will apply for Disclosure and Barring certificates from the Disclosure and Barring service (DBs). The nursery will cover the cost of the first check. The nursery will always request an enhanced disclosure as described below:

An enhanced disclosure will contain details of all convictions on record including current and spent convictions (including those which are defined as “spent” under the rehabilitation of offenders Act 1974) together with any details of any cautions, reprimands or warnings held on the Police National Computer. It may also contain non-conviction information from local police records which a chief police officer thinks may be relevant in connection with the matter in question.

If the individual is applying for a position working with children, it will also reveal whether he/she is barred from working with children by virtue of his/ her inclusion on the lists of those considered unsuitable to work with children maintained by the DFES and the department of health.

The nursery's policy is to observe the guidance issued or supported by the DBS on the use of disclosure information. In particular, the nursery will. Store disclosure information and other confidential documents issued by the DBS in locked cabinets, access to which will be restricted to specific members of staff. Not retain disclosure information or any associated correspondence for longer than necessary. In most cases the nursery will not retain such information for longer than 6 months although the nursery will keep a record of the date of the disclosure and the disclosure number which will be recorded on their personal information forms.

Once the member of staff has received her DBS certificate, they will be permitted to sign up to the update service which is £13 annually.

Work Experience

The Nursery has detailed procedures to safeguard pupils undertaking work experience, including arrangements for checking people who provide placements and supervise pupils on work experience.

 

11. Training

All members of our workforce, who work directly with children, have been provided with, and signed to say that they have read and understood, Part 1 of KCSIE, [September 2021] 

All staff members will receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training/briefings which will be regularly updated [minimum of yearly]. 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, key designated staff, Staff Code of Conduct, Part 1 of KCSIE [September 2021], Key contacts, What to do if a Child discloses Abuse, and Recording concerns. All pages on policy must be signed and dated annually.

In addition all staff must recognise the additional risks that SEND children can face.

Our DSL and DSS will undertake multi-agency safeguarding training in addition to the whole nursery training. Once this training is completed they have a duty to update their training by attending safeguarding briefings and training every year with a full update every two years.

It will support both the DSL and DSS to be able to better undertake their role and support the nursery in ensuring our safeguarding arrangements are robust and achieving better outcomes for the children in our setting.

Staff must understand what is expected of them, how to raise any concerns and how to deal with any difficult situations they may find themselves in. The safeguarding information is also about them protecting themselves as much as it is about protecting the children and young people in nursery.

It is DSL and DSS duty to make sure all training is completed within 3 months of starting employment.

Staff must be trained in basic safeguarding level 2 unless their role is DSL or DSS then they must be trained in level 3. All staff must also take training in Prevent and FGM.

 

12. Supporting Our Staff

Our nursery recognise 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 nursery hopes in such situations that the individual staff member would be able to talk to a member of the senior leadership team at nursery 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 DSS will take responsibility for updating this policy and informing all staff of key changes.

Appendix A:                                                                                                                         Signs and Indicators of Abuse A more comprehensive list will be considered within staff training however this will give staff some indication of what to look out for. 

Although these signs do not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, they may help staff recognise that something is wrong. If you have any concerns you must pass these to your DSL immediately. 

Physical Abuse Most children will collect cuts and bruises and injuries, and these should always be interpreted in the context of the child’s medical/social history, developmental stage and the explanation given. 

Most accidental bruises are seen over bony parts of the body, e.g. elbows, knees, shins, and are often on the front of the body. Some children, however, will have bruising that is more than likely inflicted rather than accidental. Important indicators of physical abuse are bruises or injuries that are either unexplained or inconsistent with the explanation given; these can often be visible on the ‘soft’ parts of the body where accidental injuries are unlikely, e g, cheeks, abdomen, back and buttocks. Occasionally a ‘pattern’ may be seen e.g. fingertip or hand mark. A delay in seeking medical treatment when it is obviously necessary is also a cause for concern.

The physical signs of abuse may include:

• Unexplained bruising, marks or injuries on any part of the body. 

• Multiple bruises- in clusters, often on the upper arm, outside of the thigh. 

• Cigarette burns. 

• Human bite marks. 

• Broken bones. 

• Burns- shape of burn, uncommon sites, friction burn 

Changes in behaviour that can also indicate physical abuse: 

• Fear of parents being approached for an explanation. 

• Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts. 

• Flinching when approached or touched. 

• Reluctance to get changed, for example in hot weather. 

• Depression. 

• Withdrawn behaviour. 

• Running away from home.

 

Neglect: It can be difficult to recognise neglect, however its effects can be long term and damaging for children. It is also impossible to recognize that aspects of neglect can be very subjective. We may need to challenge ourselves and others and remember that people can have different values and that there will be differences in how children are cared for which may be based on faith or cultural issues that are different to ours.                                                                                                           

 

In respecting these differences, we must not be afraid to raise our concerns if we believe the care being given to the child may be impacting on its safety and welfare.

 

The physical signs of neglect may include: 

• Being constantly dirty or ‘smelly’. 

• Constant hunger, sometimes stealing food from other children. 

• Losing weight, or being constantly underweight [obesity may be a neglect issue as well]. 

• Inappropriate or dirty clothing. 

 

Neglect may be indicated by changes in behaviour which may include: 

 

• Mentioning being left alone or unsupervised. 

• Not having many friends. 

• Complaining of being tired all the time. 

• Not requesting medical assistance and/or failing to attend appointments

 

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify as there are often no outward physical signs. 

Indications may be a developmental delay due to a failure to thrive [also known as faltering growth] and grow, however, children who appear well-cared for may nevertheless be emotionally abused by being taunted, put down or belittled.

They may receive little or no love, affection or attention from their parents or carers. 

 

Emotional abuse can also take the form of children not being allowed to mix or play with other children. 

Changes in behaviour which can indicate emotional abuse include: 

• Neurotic/anxious behaviour e.g. sulking, hair twisting, rocking. 

• Being unable to play. 

• Fear of making mistakes. 

• Sudden speech disorders. 

• Self-harm. 

• Fear of parents being approached regarding their behaviour. 

• Development delay in terms of emotional progress. 

• Overreaction to mistakes

 

Sexual Abuse 

It is recognised that there is underreporting of sexual abuse within the family. All Staff should play a crucial role in identifying/reporting any concerns that they may have through, for example, the observation and play of younger children and understanding the indicators of behaviour in older children which may be underlining of such abuse.

All Staff and should be aware that adults, who may be men, women or other children, who use children to meet their own sexual needs abuse both girls and boys of all ages. Indications of sexual abuse may be physical or from the child’s behaviour. In all cases, children who tell about sexual abuse do so because they want it to stop. It is important, therefore, that they are listened to and taken seriously.

 

The physical signs of sexual abuse may include: 

• Pain or itching in the genital area.  

• Bruising or bleeding near genital area.  

• Sexually transmitted disease.  Stomach pains.  

• Discomfort when walking or sitting down. 

Changes in behaviour which can also indicate sexual abuse include:  

• Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour e.g. becoming aggressive or withdrawn.  

• Fear of being left with a specific person or group of people.  

• Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age, or developmental level.  

• Sexual drawings or language.  

• Eating problems such as overeating or anorexia.  

• Self-harm or mutilation, sometimes leading to suicide attempts.  

• Saying they have secrets they cannot tell anyone about.  

• Acting in a sexually explicit way towards adults. 

 

Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse. It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone.

 

Child Sexual Exploitation [CSE] and Child Criminal Exploitation [CCE] 

 

Different forms of abuse can often overlap and perpetrators may subject children to many forms of abuse Many aspects of CSE take place online so it may be difficult to identify this within the nursery setting. 

 

The behaviours also need to be considered within the context of the child’s age and stage of development. As they get older this may be more difficult to identify. However, abuse indicators may include:  

• Children talking about having lots of ‘friends’ online whom when asked the do not know personally  

• Associate with other children involved in exploitation  

• Disengagement from education  Using drugs or alcohol  

• Unexplained gifts/money  

• Repeat concerns about sexual health  

• Children who suffer from sexually transmitted disease 

• Suffer from changes in emotional wellbeing   

• Talking about friendships with older young people/adults  

• unexplained absences from nursery  

• Isolation from peers/social network   

• Physical injury without plausible explanation  

• Poor nursery attendance  

• Secretive behaviour

• significant changes in emotional well-being  

• Chronic tiredness. 

 

Reference: Child sexual Exploitation - guide for practitioners February 2017

 

 

Female Genital Mutilation [FGM] 

 

Although situations of FGM may be unusual it is important that you do not assume it could not happen here. 5-9 year old girls are the most vulnerable. 

Indicators may include:  

• Days absent from nursery  

• Not participating in physical education 

• In pain/has restricted movement/frequent and long visits to the toilet/broken limbs  

• Confides that she is having a special procedure, cut or celebration

• Unauthorised and or extended leave, vague explanations or plans for removal of a female in a high risk category especially over the summer period  

• Plans to take a holiday which may be unauthorised, unexplained or extended in a country known to practice FGM  

• Parents from a country who are known to practice FGM.

 

Appendix B: 

Managing a Disclosure of Abuse It is extremely important that if a child discloses that you know what to do. This will be explained by the DSL/DSS during induction and will form a key part of any safeguarding training undertaken within the nursery. These are the key principles:

If:  

• A child or young person discloses abuse, or  

• You suspect a child may have been abused, or  

• You witness an abusive situation involving another professional.

 

You RECORD AND REPORT:  

• Respond without showing any signs of disquiet, anxiety or shock.  

• Enquire casually about how an injury was sustained or why a child appears upset.  

• Confidentiality must never be promised to children, young people, or adults in this situation.  

• Observe carefully the demeanour or behaviour of the child.  

• Record in detail what has been seen and heard in the child’s own words [after you have spoken to them, not during a disclosure].  

• Do not interrogate or enter into detailed investigations: rather, encourage the child to say what she/he wants until enough information is gained to decide whether or not a referral is appropriate.  

• Ensure if the child is complaining of being hurt/unwell this is reported immediately

 Asking questions is fine to help understand what the issue is BUT you must ensure the questions are open and give the child the ability to clarify.  

• It is important NOT to ask leading questions e.g. Did ----- Was it ------?.  

• It is important to know when to stop asking questions and listen.  

• It is important not to interrogate.

Types of Questions you can ask: John

Can you tell me? 

Can you explain? 

Can you describe it? 

Remember you are only clarifying with the child if something concerning did happen or could have happened from the information they give you. 

Then report to your DSL or DSS immediately. If they are not available contact MARU. Staff MUST NOT

• Investigate suspected/alleged abuse themselves  

• Evaluate the grounds for concern  

• Seek or wait for proof  

• Discuss the matter with anyone other than the designated staff or MARU  

• Speak to the parents until you have had a conversation with your DSL/MARU  

• Ask the child to repeat the information to anyone including the DSL/DSS  

• Promise to keep it a secret.

 

APPENDIX C: Procedures if an allegation is made against a nursery staff member [including supply staff, and volunteers].

 

Please refer to KCSIE Part 4 for all details.

Never let allegations by a child or young person go unrecorded or unreported, including any made against you. 

There are very clear procedures that are there to protect children but also

to ensure as much protection as possible against a potential false allegation involving a member of staff.

Any allegations should be reported to the Owner/Manager Jane Whaley regardless as to whether they are the designated safeguarding lead as they are ultimately responsible for all staff within the nursery.

If the allegation concerns the Owner/Manager, then the DSS Millie Lake should be informed immediately.

In all situations there should be a discussion with the Local Authority Designated Officer [LADO] or if they are not available then MARU can be contacted for advice and guidance. 

If they feel a referral should be made then they will advise you to complete the appropriate referral form.

This should then be sent in via MARU

If you receive a disclosure, about an adult colleague, it is important to reassure the child that what she/he says will be taken very seriously and everything possible done to help.

 

Appendix D: Key Roles and Responsibilities

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead [DSL]: Jane Whaley

Designated Safeguarding Support [DDSL]: Millie Lake

As above. They will be trained to the same level of the DSL.

They should be permanent members of staff.

 

The Nursery follows the guidance within Annex C: KCSIE which includes:

• Being a central point of contact for all staff

• Confident in knowing what to do and where to go if you have concerns

• Ensure records are kept up to date, safely and securely

• That all staff are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities

• Be the initial point of contact for external agencies in relation to safeguarding issues

• Promote awareness of safeguarding in relation to the children, all staff, and parents

• Taking leadership responsibility for the nursery Safeguarding and Child Protection arrangements; this includes assisting the DSL with the safeguarding self assessment on an annual basis

• That they are up to date with emerging issues in Safeguarding and recognise the strategies by the Local Authority in trying to keep children safe in Cornwall

• They have access to the appropriate training and that this is updated with certified training every two years and make sure staff are up to date.

• That a DSL is on the premises and available during nursery hours, where this is not available there is cover in place. Therefore, ensuring there is cover at all times.

• That we have a nominated lead for CIC [Children in Care] and SEND alongside other nominated leads in the nursery on these issues;

• The DSL is responsible for Children in Care who understands his/her Safeguarding responsibilities and is fully aware of the Local Safeguarding procedures and attends regular training and briefings in relation to children in care.

• Safeguarding is an agenda item at every full staff meeting

• That there are procedures in place in handling allegations against Staff, Supply Staff,

• Volunteers any concerns staff and volunteers have [including concerns about the nursery] are brought to the attention of the Local Authority Designated Lead [LADO] in every case.

• We have a whistleblowing policy in place. 

• That all Staff, [including volunteers and frequent visitors] who will be working in the nursery are given a mandatory safeguarding induction which includes knowledge regarding abuse, neglect, staff code of conduct specific safeguarding issues and familiarisation with Child Protection responsibilities. The induction will also include procedures to be followed if anyone has any concerns about a Child's Safety or welfare, and knowledge about the nursery policies and procedures.

• That all Staff have regular reviews of their own practice to ensure ongoing personal/professional development.

• That all Staff receives the appropriate training which is regularly updated.

• Safeguarding briefings and updates are given to all staff minimum of yearly basic.

• To ensure that children are taught about Safeguarding, including online, through teaching and learning opportunities, as part of providing a broad and balanced curriculum.

• That as a nursery we are making the link between mental health and safeguarding

• That we notify Children’s Social Care if it is thought or known that a child or young person may be privately Fostered.

•  Making sure that the Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy is available to parents and carers as appropriate including displaying on the nursery website. (if applicable)

• That all relevant safeguarding policies are reviewed on a regular basis [safeguarding policy should be annually] and that all legislative changes as well as changes to mandatory national guidance and local processes are reflected within the relevant policies and procedures within the nursery. 

 

Appendix E: 

Key Messages from Serious Case Reviews [SCR] 

When children die or are seriously injured consideration is given as to whether there needs to be a serious case review [SCR]. The purpose is to identify what information we had, what actions were taken, and what if anything we can learn from this that may improve practice in the future. Messages from serious case reviews nationally and locally are published on a regular basis. 

We need to be aware of it. They include: 

● You can never age bruising 

● Ensure you observe children as much as you can in natural light if you are concerned about bruising or marks 

● If you see an injury to one child always consider the siblings 

● Cases where Interpreters/culture/communication/travellers/language/religion were involved 

● Parents with a mental health problem/ learning disability/ stress/postnatal depression 

● Where Domestic Abuse is present 

● Disguised compliance/resistant families/hard to reach families/professional challenge 

● Children with chronic illness/serious health conditions 

● Unsupported and socially isolated parents 

● Poor information gathering, sharing and recording within the nursery as well as with other agencies. 

● Assessing the complete circumstances of the child and family, including their history. 

● Critically analysing all information. 

● Ensuring the needs of the child are paramount above those of the parents. 

● Appropriate representation is needed at key meetings - Child Protection Case Conferences 

● Effective multi-agency working 

● Staff to be curious, inquisitive and ask more questions 

● Reflection and constructive challenge for staff when working with vulnerable children and young people 

● Staff to observe safer working practises. 

 

Appendix F: 

Monitoring of Safeguarding Arrangements across the Nursery will submit Termly  DSL review form. 

Review annually along with an action plan. In the Spring, Autumn and Summer terms, a DSL review from Flying gulls nursery will review the impact of the action plan and any specific focus agreed at the DSL network meeting, including any recommendations from serious case reviews. 

This may include site walks, review of record keeping, spot checks of Single Central record, etc. 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and support at each nursery will undertake monitoring between these times. This may include site walks, checks of the Single Central Record, etc. 

Safeguarding will be a standing agenda at every meeting.

 

Key Documents /Legal references

This is an overarching policy and should be read in conjunction with the following documents: 

Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2021, which is the statutory guidance 

Working Together to Safeguard Children July 2018, which is statutory guidance to be read and followed by all those providing services for children and families, including those in education. 

This guidance applies in its entirety to all schools. Child abuse concerns: guide for practitioners March 2015

Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners March 2015. Revised July 2018 

The Prevent Duty Departmental, advice for Schools and child care providers June 201 

Multi agency Statutory Guidance on Female Genital Mutilation Updated July 2020

Primary legislation

Children Act 1989 – s 47

Protection of Children Act 1999

Care Act 2014

Children Act 2004 s11

Children and Social Work Act 2017

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

General Data Protection Regulation 2018

Data Protection Act 2018

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Sexual Offences Act 2003

Serious Crime Act 2015

Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000)

Human Rights Act (1998)

Equalities Act (2006)

Equalities Act (2010)

Disability Discrimination Act (1995)

Data Protection Act (2018)

Freedom of Information Act (2000)

Further Guidance

Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG 2018)

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2021

What to Do if You’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG 2015)

Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales: guidance for specified authorities in England and Wales on the duty of schools and other providers in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ (HMG 2015)

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018

Education Inspection Framework (Ofsted 2019)

The framework for the assessment of children in need and their families (DoH 2000)

The Common Assessment Framework (2006)

Statutory guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (DfE 2015)

Further guidance

The Team Around the Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional (CWDC 2009)

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) – guide for practitioners (CWDC 2010)

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) – guide for managers (CWDC 2010)

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) (Ministry of Justice, National Offender Management Service and HM Prison Service 2014)

Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession (HMG 200)

Safeguarding Children in whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced (HMG 2007)

Safeguarding Disabled Children: Practice Guidance (DfE 2009)

Safeguarding Children who may have been Trafficked (DfE and Home Office 2011)

Child sexual exploitation: definition and guide for practitioners (DfE 2017)

Handling Cases of Forced Marriage: Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines (HMG 2014)

Children Missing Education- Statutory guidance for local authorities September 2016 

 

Child Sexual Exploitation Definition and a guide for Practitioners February 2017 

 

Guidance for Safer Working Practice for those working with Children and Young People in Education settings Revised May 2019 

 

The General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR] and Data Protection Act 2018 

 

Ofsted Education Inspection Framework with specific reference to Inspecting Safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings Updated September 2019

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Multi Agency Safeguarding Children Partnership Guidance which includes links to relevant policies and procedures as well as training and useful links for children, parents/carers and professionals.