Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Adopted on February 2023           Review Date February 2024

Purpose and Aims

The purpose of Kiddywinks’ safeguarding and child protection policy is to provide a secure framework for the workforce in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those children/young people who attend our setting. The policy aims to ensure that:

• All our children are safe and protected from harm.

• Other elements of provision and policies are in place to enable children to feel safe and adopt safe practice;

• Staff, children, visitors, volunteers and parents are aware of their expected behaviour and the settings legal responsibilities in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of all of our children.

Ethos

‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is important in its own right.’ Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Safeguarding in Kiddywinks is considered everyone’s responsibility and our setting aims to create the safest environment within which every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Kiddywinks recognises the contribution it can make in ensuring that all children registered, or who use our setting have a trusted key worker with whom they feel safe and that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. We recognise that this especially important for children who are unable to communicate e.g., babies and very young children, and that they have strong attachment to their care givers.  We will work to ensure children’s safety by working in partnership with other agencies i.e. Early Help, MASH, Police and Social care as well as seeking to establish effective working relationships with parents, carers, and other colleagues to develop and provide activities and opportunities that will help to equip our children with the skills they need. This will include materials and learning experiences that will encourage our children to develop essential life skills and protective behaviours.

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989; and in line with the following:

• Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Working Together to Safeguard Children  

•  What to do if you are worried a Child is being Abused

• Keeping Children Safe in Education

• The Prevent Duty 2015 advice for childcare settings

• Information Sharing; Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers   

• Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Female genital mutilation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Key Personnel

Role

Name

Email

Telephone

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Amy Copp

(Barnstaple)

Beth Cullen (south molton)

kiddywinksconnect@gmail.com

01271325746

Barnstaple

01769574969

Deputy DSL

Sarah Silvester

Rachel (Barnstaple)

Ellie
(South Molton)

Manager

Amy Copp

(Barnstaple)

Beth Cullen

(South Molton)

Proprietor/Owner/committee Chair

Sarah Silvester

Responsibilities and expectations

The management committee/proprietor takes seriously it’s responsibility under section 11 of the Children Act and duties under “working together” to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements exist within our setting to identify and support those children who are suffering harm or are likely to suffer significant harm. We recognise that all staff and management have a full and active part to play in protecting our children from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.

The proprietor should also ensure the following: -

• That the safeguarding and child protection policy is available to parents and carers.

• That all staff and volunteers are checked to make sure they are safe to work with the children who attend our setting.

• That the setting has procedures for handling allegations of abuse made against members of staff (including the Playleader/Manager) or volunteers.

• The safe and appropriate use of cameras, mobile phones, technology, and online equipment within the setting.

• The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 which places a duty on early years and childcare providers “to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism” (The Prevent Duty) is implemented, taking into account the Local authorities  ‘Prevent’   policies, protocols  and procedures and ensuring the  Fundamental British Values are implemented as stated in the EYFS.

• A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is appointed who has lead responsibility for dealing with all safeguarding issues in our setting. (See key personnel)

• Our procedures will be reviewed annually and updated.

The responsibilities for the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) are:-

• to ensure that all safeguarding issues raised in the setting are effectively responded to, recorded, and referred to the appropriate agency.

• to ensure all adults are alert to circumstances when a child and family may need access to early help  

• to ensure all adults, (including volunteers) new to our setting will be made aware of this policy and the procedures for child protection, the name and contact details of the DSL and have these explained, as part of their induction into the setting.

• To be responsible for arranging the settings safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers who work with the children and young people. The DSL must ensure that the safeguarding training takes place at least every three years for all with regular updates during this period, which they can deliver in-house provided they are linked into the support and quality assurance process offered by the Local Authority and the Devon Children and Families Partnership.  

• to attend or ensure that a senior member of staff who has the relevant training and access to appropriate supervision, attends where appropriate, all child protection case conferences, reviews, core groups, or meetings where it concerns a child in our care and to contribute to multi-agency strategy discussions to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.

• for ensuring the acceptable, safe use and storage of all camera technology, images, and mobile phones through the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the appropriate policies and procedures. This includes the on-line Safety Policy which includes Camera & Image Policy, Mobile Phone Policy, Acceptable Use Policy.

• Implementing the Fundamental British Vales.

• To ensure allegations regarding adults in the setting are effectively responded to and referred to the appropriate agency.

Staff roles and responsibilities will include:

• maintaining an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned.

• identifying concerns early, provide help for children, promote children’s welfare and prevent concerns from escalating.

• to provide a safe environment in which children can play and learn.

• knowing what to do if a child tells them they are being abused, exploited, or neglected.

• being able to reassure victims that they are being taken seriously and that they will be supported and kept safe.

• recognising the barriers for children when wanting to make a disclosure (verbal or non-verbal)

• identifying children who may benefit from early help, (providing support as soon as a problem emerges) and the part they play in these support plans.

• raising any concerns for a child following the setting’s safeguarding policies and procedures

• being aware of local authority referral processes and supporting social workers and other agencies following any referral.

• adhering to safeguarding and welfare requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework to safeguard children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the early years and childcare profession as part of their professional duties.

• Being aware of systems within the setting which support safeguarding e.g. behaviour policy, code of conduct,

• Attending regular safeguarding and child protection training.

• Recognising that children missing through non-attendance can be a vital warning sign to a range of safeguarding issues including neglect, sexual abuse, and child sexual and criminal exploitation.

All Child Protection concerns need to be acted on immediately. If you are concerned that a child may be at risk or is actually suffering abuse, you must tell the DSL.

All Adults, including the DSL, have a duty to refer all known or suspected cases of abuse to the relevant agency including MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) via the ‘request for Support Form’, Children and Young Peoples Service (CYPS) – Social Care, or the Police. Where a disclosure is made to a visiting staff member from a different agency, e.g. Early Years Consultants, Health Visitors, it is the responsibility of that agency staff to formally report the referral to the Setting’s DSL in the first instance and to follow their organisations procedures. Any records made should be kept securely on the Child’s Protection file.

Recognising concerns, signs, and indicators of abuse

Any child, in any family, in any community setting could become a victim of abuse. Staff should always maintain an attitude of “It could happen here.” We also recognise that abuse, neglect, and safeguarding issues are complex and are rarely standalone events that can be covered by one definition or label. Staff are aware that in most cases multiple issues will overlap one another.

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in the family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them, or more rarely, by others. Abuse can take place wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. They may be abused by an adult or adults or by another child or children.

Abuse and Neglect may also take place outside of the home, contextual safeguarding. This may include (but not limited to), female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, radicalisation, serious youth violence.

Staff are aware that behaviours linked to parental drug taking, alcohol abuse, mental ill health and domestic abuse can put children at risk and that safeguarding issues can manifest themselves via child-on-child abuse.

Further information about the four categories of abuse; physical, emotional, sexual and neglect, (familial and contextual) and indicators that a child may be being abused can be found in appendices 1 & 2. Appendices  The policy has annexe on page 10

Online Safety

. ‘Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: Online Safety Considerations document and identify the responsibilities for our setting with regards to online safety for the children

‘You play an essential role in helping young children learn the foundations of safe online behaviour. Even if children don’t have access to technology within your setting, they will / may be using it at home, with their friends or in other public spaces. Children are naturally curious in understanding the world we live in; it is our responsibility to enable them to do so, including helping them to recognise the value of technology and use it safely. Role modelling safe use of the internet should become part of our everyday practice.’ (2019)

As it is not the technology itself that will present the greatest risk, but the behaviours of individuals using such equipment will. The witnessing of abuse can have a damaging effect on those who  observe it, as well as the child/adult subjected to the actual abuse, and in itself will have a significant impact on the health and emotional well-being of the child.

Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities

All children have the right to be safe, yet research shows that disabled children are three times more likely to be abused. A number of factors have been identified as to reasons why these children are more at risk (see bullet points) and as a setting we are aware of these and endeavour to protect all our children.

• a general reluctance of people to believe that disabled children are abused

• limited opportunities to seek help from someone else

• a skills gap between disability and child protection workers

• inadequate teaching about personal safety skills e.g., NSPCC pants campaign

• issues relating to the child’s specific disability or special educational need e.g., difficulties in communicating or an inability to understand what is happening

Prevent

The Counter Terrorism & Security Act 2015

The Act places a Prevent duty on settings to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.”

Settings subject to the Prevent Duty will be expected to demonstrate activity in the following areas

• Assessing the risk of children being drawn into terrorism

• Demonstrate that they are protecting children and young people from being drawn into terrorism by having robust safeguarding policies.

• Ensure that their safeguarding arrangements take into account the policies and procedures of the Devon Children and Families Partnership.  

• Make sure that staff have training that gives them the knowledge and confidence to identify children and families at risk of being drawn into terrorism, and to challenge extremist ideas which can be used to legitimise terrorism

• Ensure children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in the setting

What to do if you are concerned

If a child makes a disclosure or allegation of abuse against an adult or other child or young person, it is important that you:

• Stay calm and listen carefully.

• Reassure them that they have done the right thing in telling you.

• Do not investigate or ask leading questions instead ask clarifying questions tell me, explain to me, describe to me (TED)

• Let them know that you will need to tell someone else.

• Do not promise to keep what they have told you a secret.

• Inform your Safeguarding Designated Lead as soon as possible.

• Make a written record of the allegation, disclosure or incident which you must sign, date and record your position using the setting safeguarding record log forms.

Whistleblowing

We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so. All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues via our whistleblowing and complaints policies and appropriate advice will be sought from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Safeguarding Team where necessary.

If you are concerned that a member of staff or adult in a position of trust poses a danger to a child or young person or that they might be abusing a child or young person you should report your concerns to the DSL. Where those concerns relate to the DSL however, this should be reported to the Proprietor using the settings ‘Whistle blowing’ policy.

The NSPCC whistleblowing helpline is available for staff who do not feel able to raise concerns regarding child protection failures internally. Staff can call: 0800 028 0285 the line is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday or email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Whistleblowing re the Manager/DSL should be reported to the Owner/Proprietor whose contact details are readily available to staff, using the settings ‘Whistle blowing policy’.

Managing Allegations against staff

We are aware of the possibility of allegations being made against members of staff or volunteers that are working or may come into contact with children and young people whilst in our setting. An allegation is when it appears that the professional, staff member, volunteer, 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 in an inappropriate way towards a child which may indicate that he or she is unsuitable to work with children

• if there are concerns about the person’s behaviour towards their own children

• children unrelated to their employment or voluntary work, and there has been a recommendation as part of a strategy discussion, that consideration should be given to the risk posed to children they work with

• an allegation has been made about abuse that took place some time ago and the accused person may still be working with or having contact with children

Allegations will usually be that some kind of abuse has taken place such as inappropriate behaviour displayed, inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one to one attention beyond the requirements of their role and responsibilities, inappropriate sharing or images. Allegations are made for a variety of reasons:

• Abuse has actually taken place.

• Something has happened to the child that reminds them of a past event – the child is unable to recognize that the situation and people are different; Children can misinterpret your language or your actions.

• Some children recognise that allegations can be powerful and if they are angry with you about something, they can make an allegation as a way of hitting out.

• An allegation can be a way of seeking attention.

If an allegation is made against an adult in a position of trust whether they be members of staff or volunteers this should be brought to the immediate attention of the DSL who will advise the owner . In the case of the allegation being made against the DSL this will be brought to the immediate attention of the Proprietor. The DSL/ /Proprietor will need to discuss with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) the nature of the allegations made against the adult, in order for the appropriate action to be taken. This may constitute an initial evaluation meeting or strategy discussion depending on the allegation being made. All allegations must be taken seriously and objectively and dealt with in a timely manner, in the case of an allegation the DSL/Proprietor will need to:

• Refer to the LADO guidance Managing allegations - Devon Childrens' and Families Partnership (dcfp.org.uk) and submit the LADO notification form.

• Consider safeguarding arrangements of the child or young person to ensure they are away from 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.

• Advise Ofsted of allegation within 14 days of the allegation

• Ensure that the appropriate disciplinary procedures are followed, including if this is deemed necessary, suspending a member of staff from work until the outcome of any investigation

• Act on any decision made in any strategy meeting.

• Advise the Disclosure and Barring Service where a member of staff has been removed, would have been removed or dismissed if as a result of the allegations being founded.

A copy of What to do if you are worried a Child is being Abused booklet is kept with this policy.  This sets out the guidelines on dealing with incidents, disclosures and the procedures that must be followed.

Low Level Concerns (Identified in the Keeping Children Safe in Education)  

The term ‘low-level’ is any concern that an adult working in or on behalf of the setting may have acted in a way that:

• is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work and

•  does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO.

Examples of such behaviour could include, but are not limited to:

•  being over friendly with children

•  having favourites

•  taking photographs of children on their mobile phone, contrary to the settings policy

•  engaging with a child on a one-to-one basis in a secluded area or behind a closed door,

• humiliating children.

Sharing low-level concerns

• All low-level concerns are shared with the DSL.

• The DSL will then inform setting managers of all low-level concerns in timely fashion according to the nature of the particular low-level of concern.

• If there is doubt as to whether the low-level of concern meets the harm threshold, then the DSL will consult with their LADO.

• Kiddywinks will create an environment where staff are encouraged and feel confident to self-refer where they have found themselves in situation which could be misinterpreted, might appear compromising to others or believe they have behaved in a way that they consider falls below professional standards.  

Recoding low-level concerns

• All low-level concerns will be recorded in writing including details of concerns, the context and action taken.

• These records will be stored confidentially and held securely and will be kept within the offices and will be kept for until the child is of legal age of consent

• Records will be reviewed so that potential patterns of inappropriate problematic behaviour can be identified. DSL will need to decide on a course of action if this occurs including referral to LADO or follow disciplinary procedures.  

Confidentiality

• We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.

• Our setting recognises that in order to effectively meet a child’s needs, safeguard their welfare and protect them from harm the school must contribute to inter-agency working in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and share information between professionals and agencies where there are concerns.

• The DSL will disclose personal information about a child or young person to other members of staff on a need-to-know basis only.

• All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children and that the Data Protection Act 2018[1] is not a barrier to sharing information where the failure to do so would place a child at risk of harm.

• All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or well-being or that of another.

• We will always undertake to share our concerns with parents and guardians and their consent is sought in accordance with Early Help and MASH procedures unless doing so would increase the risk of harm to the child. If in doubt regarding sharing information with parents and guardians, we will consult with the MASH consultation team.

• All children’s safeguarding files will be kept confidential and stored securely. Safeguarding files will be kept separate from other files relating to children in the setting.

Training

All members of staff and volunteers will have access to safeguarding training at least every three years in line with Devon Children and Families Partnership (DCFP). We will also, as

part of our induction, issue information in relation to our Safeguarding policy as well as any policies related to safeguarding and promoting our children/young people’s welfare to all newly appointed staff and volunteers. There will also be regular safeguarding updates at staff meetings, supervisions

Our DSL’s will undertake further safeguarding training, Group 3 DCFP Multi-agency Safeguarding course or Group 3 Refresher Courses. This will be undertaken at least every three years which updates their awareness and understanding of the impact of the wide agenda of safeguarding issues. This will support both the DSL and Deputy DSL 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 Proprietor will have access to safeguarding training and our Named Proprietor for Safeguarding will also undertake additional awareness training at least every three years. They will also be advised to undertake additional training to support their employers’ role in Handling Allegations against adults who work with children and young people, including our staff and volunteers.

Our safeguarding arrangements are reported on an annual basis to our Proprietor and our Safeguarding policy is reviewed annually, to keep it updated in line with local and national guidance/legislation.

We will include our Safeguarding Policy in our settings prospectus/website and will post copies of our policy throughout the setting. We are also able to arrange for our policy to be made available to parents whose first language is not English, on request.

Mobile Phones and Mobile technology

Kiddywinks has policies and procedures in place with regard to the use of mobile phones and mobile technology i.e. ipad’s, smart watches, laptops, cameras in the setting and on visits etc.

[1] The UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) is supplementary to the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (the GDPR) and replaces DPA 1998.