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Child protection & Safeguarding Policy

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the pre-school is Julie Taylor

Single Point of Access (SPA) 

If you have any concerns regarding the safeguarding and care of a child, you will need to report it to the SPA team. Kingston and Richmond SPA acts as a central hub and front door for Children Services. 

SPA contact details: 020 8547 5008

Out of hours: 020 8770 5000

Single Point of Access

Making a referral if you are a professional

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

The LADO is alerted to all cases in which allegations have been made of inappropriate behaviour by any person who works with children. You can ring LADO for advice and guidance.

Email: LADO@achievingforchildren.org.uk

Phone: 07774 332675

Local Authority Designated Officer

Allegations against staff and volunteers (ASV) referral form

When making a LADO referral if there is a safeguarding concern for a child, we would also make a SPA referral.

Ofsted

If you make a SPA or LADO referral you must contact Ofsted asap and within 14 days

You can contact Ofsted by telephone on 0300 123 4666 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

The Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership (KRSCP)

KRSCP is a statutory body which is responsible for ensuring that all agencies working with children, young people and families work well together to promote children’s safety and welfare. The boards coordinate the work of local agencies and check their quality to ensure children’s safeguarding is effective. 

Telephone number: 07834 386459

https://kingstonandrichmondsafeguardingchildrenpartnership.org.uk

This Policy is in place to ensure all staff, including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, students or anyone working with or on behalf of Lavender Lane Pre-school know and comply with statutory requirements and legislation that protects children from harm. All staff have a duty of care to protect and safeguard all children.

Aims:

Lavender Lane Pre-school aims to ensure that the people that access our setting are welcomed into a Safe, Caring, Environment with a Happy and Friendly atmosphere. It is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children in which to be cared for and educated. We believe it is unacceptable for a child to experience abuse of any kind, and we recognise our duty of care to protect and safeguard the welfare of all children.

The Pre-school will work with children, parents, external multi-agencies and the community to ensure the safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect and to be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

Objectives:

Lavender Lane Pre-school believes that all children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

We will ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of pre-school staff and that confidentiality is always maintained.  All staff will attend training and be familiar with child protection issues and procedures and this policy will be reviewed and updated annually.

Children will be supported by being offered reassurance, comfort, and sensitive interactions. Activities will be devised according to individual circumstances to enable children to develop confidence within their peer group.

We will create an environment to encourage children to develop a positive self-image and encourage children to develop a sense of independence and autonomy in a way that is appropriate to their age and stage of development.  Lavender Lane Pre-school provides a

safe and secure environment for all children and staff will always listen to children in our care.

The Purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Provide protection for all children who are in our care.
  • Provide all colleagues with guidance on procedures they should adopt if they suspect a child may be experiencing, or be at risk of harm, including how to make a referral and to whom.
  • Provide all colleagues with guidance on what will happen if an allegation is made against them.
  •  Provide all colleagues with procedures to protect children and themselves in relation to their behaviour and conduct.

This policy lays out the procedures that will be followed if we have any reason to believe that a child in our care is subject to any form of ;

  • S – Sexual
  • P – Physical
  • E – Emotional
  • N-  Neglect
  • D – Domestic abuse

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of all children in our care.  As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents/carers, and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention.

The pre-school will follow the guidelines set out in the ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023” Document and as such will seek advice from the Single Point of Access (SPA).  Lavender Lane Pre-school have a duty of care to report any suspicions of abuse to the SPA who have an obligation to investigate such matters.

Staff must not make comment either publicly or in private about a parent’s supposed or actual behaviour.  Staff must raise any concerns initially with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Manager. The DSL will then consider the appropriate action to be taken. Staff responsibilities do not include investigating the suspected abuse. However, the staff will keep accurate records of their observations, signed, and dated, and of anything said to them by the child or others in connection with the suspected abuse. This information will be kept in a locked cupboard.

It is always important to listen to children.  Strict confidentiality will be always observed. All staff will receive training on the Safeguarding and protection of children from abuse.  No adult will be left alone with a child, unless they have received their Enhanced DBS check clearance.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures:

Staff will make an objective record of any observation or disclosure and include:

  • Child’s name
  • Child’s address
  • Age of the child and date of birth
  • Date and time of the observation or the disclosure
  • Exact words spoken by the child.
  • Clear sketches of any injuries/marks identified on a body map.
  • Name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time; and the names of any other person present at the time.

These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file. All members of staff know the procedures for recording and reporting.

Members of staff will co-operate with the SPA team, Ofsted, and Social Services in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children.

Actions to be taken if we have safeguarding concerns about a child

We may become concerned or worried about a child’s care, behaviour, an injury to a child, or the risk they may be being drawn into terrorism, but the child may not have said anything to suggest that they have been abused or in danger of abuse. Every case is individual and decisions to investigate or follow up a concern will be made by Single Point of Access (SPA) or a social worker.

SPA can be contacted for initial advice and guidance. 

Procedure:

  • In an emergency take action to obtain urgent medical attention for the child, if required, for example, call 999.
  • Stop other activity, responding to a suspicion of abuse takes immediate priority.
  • Record who we have spoken to, any advice given and actions taken.
  • If there is any reason to believe that a child is subject to physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect, report these concerns to the SPA team or out of hours Emergency Duty Team.
  • Complete a referral form if advised to by SPA.
  • Ask the parent or carer about what has been observed, so long as it does not put the child at increased risk. (see Informing Parents)
  • Record the decision with the reason why we made the judgement if we decide not to discuss any concerns with the child’s parents.
  • Record exactly what has been heard or seen, what has been said, and was done.
  • Use a body map to record injuries but will not take photographs.
  • Keep the notes taken at the time, without amendments, omissions or addition, even though subsequent reports may be written (each page will be signed and dated)
  • Operate on a need-to-know basis only and not discussed with any staff or parents

Actions to take if a child discloses abuse

Procedure:

  • Ensure the immediate safety of the child.  
  • Stop all other activity and focus on what the child is saying, responding to a suspicion of abuse takes immediate priority.
  • Seek any necessary medical treatment without delay.
  • Stay calm and will not express shock or disbelief.
  • Listen carefully to what is being said, allow the child to continue at their own pace.
  • Repeat back to the child (as accurately as possible) what was heard, to check any understanding of what the child has said.
  • Reassure the child they are not to blame, it’s not their fault and they have done the right thing in telling us.
  • Do not promise to keep secrets and find an appropriate early opportunity to explain it will be necessary to tell someone else in order to help them and keep them safe.
  • Ask the child if they have told anyone else.
  • Tell the child what we will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
  • Ask the parent or carer about what has been disclosed, so long as it does not put the child at increased risk (see Informing Parents).
  • As soon as possible, record in writing what was said, using the child’s own words. Note the date, time and names mentioned, and ensure that all records are signed and dated
  • Note anything the parent or carer says.
  • Contact SPA

Informing Parents:

Parents are normally the first point of contact. Where contacting parents or carers would place you or others at risk, or where not possible to contact parents without causing potential risk of harm to a child, then advice should be sought from SPA.

Concerns must not be discussed with parents or carers before referral in the following circumstances,

  • Where discussion would put a child at risk of significant harm.
  • Where discussion would impede a police investigation or social work enquiry.
  • Where sexual abuse is suspected.
  • Where female genital mutilation (FGM) suspected to been carried out or planned.
  • Where radicalisation or extremism is suspected within the family.
  • Where organised or multiple abuse is suspected.
  • Where factitious illness or induced illness is suspected.
  • Where to contact parents/carers would place you or others at risk; or where it is not possible to contact parents or carers without causing undue delay in making the referral, advice should be sought from SPA.

A decision not to see parental permission before making a referral to SPA must be recorded, and the reasons given.

If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the local Safeguarding Team does not allow this.  This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases, the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality:

All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know.  Any information is shared under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Team.

Support to families

  • The pre-school takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff, and volunteers within the pre-school.
  • The pre-school continues to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation.
  • Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Team.

Working with Parents and Carers

We believe that we have a strong partnership with our parents and an open door policy to discuss any matters arising. There are four principles we follow when working with parents and carers.

  • Respectful, non-blaming, clear and inclusive verbal and non-verbal communication that is adapted to the needs of parents and carers.
  • Effective partnership and the importance of building strong, positive, trusting and co-operative relationships
  • Empowering parents and carers to participate in decision making by equipping them with information, keeping them updated and directing them to further resources.
  • Involving parents and carers in the design of processes and services that affect them.

We also consider the parenting capacity of both resident and non-resident parents or carers, as well as any other adult living in the household that can respond to the child’s needs, the influence of the child’s family network as well as the impact of the wider community and environment.

Staffing and volunteers:

We have a named person within the pre-school that co-ordinates child protection / safeguarding issues. The designated person undertakes specific training and accesses regular updates to developments within this field.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead at the pre-school is Julie Taylor

  • We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children. Staff will all adhere to the pre-schools Safeguarding Policy and will look for changes in the children’s behaviour, unexplained injuries, a deterioration in the child’s well-being or any comments that give cause for concern. Staff will also look for any inappropriate behaviour by other staff members, for example inappropriate sexual comments or excessive one-to-one attention on a child.
  • Applicants are informed of the need to carry out Enhanced DBS checks and references before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information.
  • We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and Enhanced DBS checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works within the pre-school or has access to the children.
  • Volunteers, including students, and staff who have not yet received their Enhanced DBS clearance do not work unsupervised.
  • We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the pre-school and take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the pre-school, so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children.
  • Each member of staff is assigned an individual login to the AFC training portal, where they can access training courses.  The DSL is responsible for ensuring that all nursery practitioners complete the mandatory safeguarding training.  Copies of completed safeguarding training certificates are kept in the employee files.  Nursery practitioners/staff, at all times, have access to Lavender Lane Preschool’s Safeguarding policy and are kept up to date with regular staff meetings with the DSL/Manager.  A copy of our Safeguarding policy and any updates are emailed to all staff.

Whistleblowing:

  • The term ‘whistleblowing’ is used when somebody who works in or for an organisation wishes to raise concerns about malpractice, wrongdoing, illegality, or risk in the organisation. If a member of staff has concerns regarding the safeguarding of children at Lavender Lane, they should initially discuss their concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Manger. If they do not feel comfortable to do this or are unhappy with the response, they should refer to the Ofsted guidance ‘Whistleblowing to Ofsted about safeguarding in local authority children’s services. This guidance gives information on what actions to take, how to contact Ofsted and what action will be taken. The OFSTED Whistleblower Hotline is 0300 123 3155.
  • An NSPCC whistleblowing advice line is available .  Staff can call 0800 0280285 – 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 18:00 at weekends.  The email address is: help@nspcc.org.uk
  • Ofsted provides guidance on how to make complaints about a provider: Complaints procedure – Ofsted – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Allegations against staff or Volunteers:

If an allegation is made against a member of staff or a volunteer, Ofsted, SPA and the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) will be contacted for further support. An allegation will be treated seriously and result in the following procedure being followed. 

The incident will be dealt with by the DSL and provider:

  • If applicable, remove the adult from the situation.
  • Seek any necessary medical treatment for the child without delay.
  • A full investigation will be carried out.
  • The member(s) of staff concerned will be suspended on full pay during an investigation.
  • Make a written record of the information that includes, when the alleged incident took place (time and date), who was present, and what was said to have happened and who else may have been present.
  • Write down exactly what is said, not what you think they have said, record the person’s actual words. Do not rephrase and avoid interpretations, if you are not sure about a word or phrase this should be clearly stated in the notes.
  • DO NOT attempt to investigate the matter by interviewing any potential child witnesses or the accused person, but simply record the facts and information presented.
  • Complete a Safeguarding Incident Recording Form  and complete a Chronology from the Date of Incident form.
  • Cooperate fully with the processes of the LADO team and with any police investigations. If the LADO and police decide an allegation requires further investigation, a multi-agency strategy meeting will be held to agree on who has responsibility for the actions, their timescales and what records are to be made.
  • All investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file.
  • Ensure adults involved, including those who may have been suspended, are kept informed and supported throughout the investigation.
  • Await the outcome of the investigation before taking further action.
  • Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being re-instated.
  • Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisation (police) and will result in the termination of employment, taking legal advice where necessary.
  • Ofsted will be notified immediately of this decision.
  • Make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if the allegation is substantiated and the person concerned is dismissed.
  • Counselling/support will be available for any member of the Pre-school who is affected by an allegation.

If an adult tenders their resignation this must not prevent an allegation being followed up, a formal conclusion reached, and action taken.

Use of Media:

Mobile phones and other devices with imaging and sharing capabilities must be kept in staff bags, in the cupboard, with the door shut. Staff are NOT to use their mobile phones or any other technical/electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities that can access the internet, social networking sites as well as offering video, audio recording and camera facilities, whilst with the children, this includes nursery outings. Staff are responsible for their own behaviour regarding the use of mobile phones, and should avoid putting themselves into compromising situations, which could be misinterpreted and lead to potential allegations. Staff must ensure they are vigilant and alert to any potential warning signs of the misuse of mobile phones. The pre-school has a mobile phone for contact purposes, but this does not have a camera for use. The pre-school has an iPad/camera for observation and recording purposes which all members of staff can take photos with. At no time must any inappropriate photos be taken. The iPad/camera will not be used in the washroom area or when changing children. The iPad/camera will be kept in the main room or may be taken outside to the garden area. Staff are not allowed to use their own cameras within the pre-school. At no time must any staff, students or helpers take any photos of the children on their own cameras or phones.

Staff must ensure that no visitor to the setting uses their mobile phone on the premises.  Staff must inform the visitor of our Mobile Phone policy – if they have a mobile phone with them, they can either leave it in their car or on the desk by the main entrance.

Shared Responsibility

We believe positive & successful outcomes for children depend on a strong multi-agency collaboration and to achieve this we will ensure that we,

  • Share the same goals – Practitioners working with the same child and family share information to get a complete picture of what life is like for the child. Collectively, they ensure the child’s voice is at the centre and the right support is provided
  • Learn with and from each other – Practitioners learn together by drawing on the best available evidence from their individual fields and sharing their diverse perspectives during regular shared reflection on a child’s development, experiences and outcomes
  • Resource (Have what we need to help families) – Practitioners build strong relationships across agencies and disciplines to ensure they support and protect the children with whom they work
  • Acknowledge and appreciate difference – Practitioners recognise the differences between, and are confident to respond to, circumstances where children experience adversity due to poverty and acute family stress, and situations where children face harm due to parental abuse and neglect
  • Challenge each other – Practitioners challenge themselves and each other, question each other’s assumptions, and seek to resolve differences of opinion in a restorative and respectful way

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.
  • All children regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse and have the right to freedom from abuse.

Lavender Lane will endeavour to protect and Safeguard Children by:

  • Ensuring respectful interactions with Children
  • Adhering to current Child protection and Safeguarding Legislation and statutory requirements through detailed processes, procedures, and guidance
  • Adopting a code of conduct for colleagues, parents, contactors, and visitors
  • Responding quickly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse or issues relating to child welfare
  • Working in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers. Families, external agencies, and children to provide them with the opportunities to voice any concerns they may have.
  • Recruiting colleagues safely and ensuring all necessary checks are made.
  • Ensuring safe and effective colleague deployment and supervision of children
  • Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately.
  • Provide effective management for all colleagues through induction, supervision, support and appropriate up to date safeguarding training.
  • Ensuring that confidential information is stored and managed in accordance with current legislation.