Safeguarding Policy
My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care.
If I have a safeguarding concern about a child who lives in the BCP area, I would contact the Children’s Services First Response Hub, which provides access to all services for children and families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The Children’s Services First Response Hub provides advice, information and support for children who are vulnerable and at risk and is made up of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and Early Help Team.
For a child who lives in BCP I would report a Safeguarding concern using Telephone: 01202 123334 Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.15pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.45pm Email: childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
For a child who lives in Dorset I would report a Safeguarding concern using Telephone: 01305 228866 Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD)
For a child who lives in Hampshire I would report a Safeguarding concern using Telephone 0300 5551384
If my concern requires immediate advice out of normal office hours I will contact:
The Out of Hours Team
Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole Telephone 01202 738256/Email: childrensoohs@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Telephone 01202 228866/Email: MASH@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Hampshire Telephone 01329 225373
I would share my concerns over an incident or emerging pattern of concerns. The duty officer/social worker will discuss with their own manager and decide upon further action, if applicable. If the initial contact is taken by CSC as a referral, I will send a written report within 48hrs. I may also seek advice from the NSPCC helpline – help@nspcc.org.uk or 0808 800 5000.
In an emergency, or if I believed a child was at immediate risk of harm, I would call the police on 999.
Further Safeguarding Support
Jenny Mason - BCP MASH Education Worker, Tel 01202 817380/07881 516930 email jenny.mason@bcp.gov.uk
Louise Dodds - Safeguarding and Standards Advisor for Dorset, Tel 01305 228328
Ann Shaw - Safeguarding and Standards Advisor for Dorset, Tel 01305 228329
Police contact – PreventReferrals@Dorset.pnn.police.uk (email used if non urgent) (101 or 01202 222222)
PREVENT
I am aware that I must have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism under The Prevent Duty ( Education - specified authorities - registered early years childcare settings). I am also aware of the signs and indicators of extremism or radicalisation. If I had any concerns, I would use the 'notice, check, share' procedure as outlined in the Prevent duty Gov training and use the National referral form (Get help for radicalisation concerns).
I am aware of the Department for Education telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable me to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extemism@education.gsi.gov.uk or through Channel.
I have completed ‘Prevent’ training on 16/4/2020, 25/2/2017 and 8/6/2016 and ‘British Values’ training on 15/6/2017 and 18/5/2016 and will keep up to date with changes in legislation.
LADO - Allegations against myself, a member of my family or a visitor, or an assistant working with me
Action will be taken under this heading if a concern is raised or allegation is made against any of the above which suggests that a child has been harmed or is vulnerable to abuse. I must notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while a child is in my care, including any allegations against me, or any member of my family, or other adults or children in my home who have had contact with minded children. This will be made in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegation being made. I will contact the BCP Council local authority designated officers (LADOs) Stephanie Power and Tina Cooper tel: 01202 817600. I will complete the BCP referral form to report the allegation and send it to LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. I must also ensure that no individual who is unsuitable to work with children has unsupervised access to a child in my care. I have read the national statutory guidance document ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018’ and ‘What to do if you are Worried a Child is being Abused – Advice for Practitioners 2015.
Procedure
-
This should also be notified to me and I will contact CSC for advice (see tel. nos. above) and direction of procedure to follow. Alternatively, a parent or carer may contact CSC themselves.
-
Ofsted will then be notified of the allegation.
-
In all instances, I will record:
-
child’s full name and address
-
the date and time of the record
-
factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
-
details of any previous concerns
-
details of any explanations from myself, a member of my family or a visitor, or an assistant working with me, the parents
-
actions taken such as speaking to parents.
Suspension of my childminding service/assistant may be considered necessary if:
-
There is cause to suspect a child is at risk of significant harm, or
-
The allegation warrants investigation by the police, or
-
In the case of an assistant, the allegation is so serious that it might be grounds for dismissal.
In the case of an assistant, the suspended person will be suspended on half pay during the period of the investigation. If there is no proof of any misconduct and a suspended person is to return to work, appropriate support will be set up e.g. my management of contact with child/children/parents who made the allegation. If the complaint is upheld the assistant would be dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct following usual disciplinary procedures.
I will also contact PACEY’s Helpline on 0300 003 0005 for advice and support.
Under my Safeguarding review (I hold a Level 3 certificate in Safeguarding Children – December 2020), I have looked at all areas of Safeguarding including: Child Protection, anti-bullying policies, managing volunteers and parents who stay in the setting, use of mobile phones, health and safety, whistle blowing, safe internet use, fabricated illness, domestic abuse, use of photography, intimate care, staff conduct, managing allegations against myself or another member of my family, building design, and safer recruitment and selection if I choose to work with an assistant in the future.
I attended Level 3 Safeguarding training 28th February 2009, 26th March 2011, 14th January 2012, 14th July 2014, 15th May 2017 and December 2020. I hold certificates for 'Oral Health' (June 2022), 'Dental Hygiene and Oral Health in The Early Years (March 2022), 'Parental Conflict' (February 2022), 'Families under Pressure' (February 2022), 'Strategies to support families under pressure' (February 2022), 'Staff Safeguarding Training' (October 2020), ‘Safeguarding Children who are Disabled’ (30th April 2020), ‘Child Protection Processes’ (14th and 16th April 2020), ‘Drugs and Alcohol Awareness’ (9th April 2020), ‘Child Sexual Exploitation’ (8th April 2020), ‘Emotional Abuse’ (7th April 2020), ‘Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage’ (4th April 2020), ‘Introduction to the EYFS – Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements’ (28th January 2020), ‘Child Protection Investigations’ training (20th May 2017), Mental Health Awareness training (14th May 2017), Physical Abuse training (25th February 2017), Domestic Abuse (10th April 2020, 11th August 2018) and Female Genital Mutilation (28th April 2018). I completed Pacey Safeguarding training on 29th February 2016. I hold a certificate in Safer Working Practice gained 22nd January 2015 and Safer Recruitment (14th July 2020, 18th November 2017). I also keep up to date with child protection issues by reading relevant publications such as ‘the childcare professional’ published by Pacey as well as legislative body articles in ‘Practical Pre School’ and ‘Child Care’ magazine. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and know what to do if I have a concern. I have read the publication ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018’. I am aware that from April 2015, the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is known as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). I have also read ‘Information Sharing’ - March 2015 (HM Government advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers) and ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ – March 2015.
I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect and domestic or a mixture of these. I am aware of the physical signs of abuse and the behavioural signs of abuse within the five categories.
Physical Abuse
Action will be taken under this heading if I have reason to believe that there has been a physical injury to a child, including deliberate poisoning, where there is a definite knowledge, or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented.
Procedure
-
Any signs of a mark or injury to a child when they come into my care will be recorded, discussed with the parent, and the parent asked to countersign the ‘existing injury’ form.
-
The observed instances will be recorded and any marks recorded on a body map if the injury is clear to see and this adds to the description of the injury.
-
If there appears to be any discrepancy or query regarding the injury or the injury is discovered after the parent/carer has left and the child discloses the name of the person causing the injury, this will be shared with the First Response Hub made up of MASH and the Early Help Team who may notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.
Non-mobile babies
I recognise that non-mobile babies (and older children who are disabled) are vulnerable and at risk of physical abuse. Evidence states that the younger the child, the higher the risk that bruising or a mark on a baby is non-accidental. It is a requirement of the LSP (Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership) that I refer all cases of bruising in non-mobile babies and older children who are disabled to them for investigation.
Procedure
-
If a non-mobile baby or older non-mobile disabled child arrives in my provision with a bruise or other mark which could suggest abuse the mark will be recorded on an ‘existing injuries’ form. If a reason has been given for the mark or injury by parent(s) this will also be recorded. Parent(s) will be asked to sign the form. I would immediately contact the BCP First Response Hub.
Sexual Abuse
Action will be taken under this heading if I have witnessed occasions where a child indicated sexual activity through words, play, and drawing or had an excessive pre-occupation with sexual matters or had an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour. Action will be taken if I have reason to believe or a child has indicated child sexual exploitation.
Procedure
-
The observed instances will be recorded.
-
The matter will be referred to BCP First Response Hub (MASH) who will notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.
Emotional Abuse
Action will be taken under this heading if I have reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child caused by persistent or severe maltreatment or rejection.
Procedure
-
The observed instances will be recorded.
-
The matter will be referred to BCP First Response Hub (MASH) who will notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.
Neglect
Action will be taken under this heading if I have reason to believe that there has been persistent or severe neglect of a child (for example, by exposure to any kind of danger, including cold and starvation) which results in serious impairment of the child’s health or development, including non-organic failure to thrive. I need to act in cases where children’s health is affected by obesity, as serious obesity is a safeguarding issue and will be addressed as such. I completed Childhood Obesity training 11th February 2017.
Procedure
-
The observed instances will be recorded.
-
The matter will be referred to BCP First Response Hub (MASH) who will notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.
Dental neglect is defined by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry as: 'The persistent failure to meet a child's basic oral health needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of a child's oral or general health or development'. Dental neglect could be intentional or unintentional due to lack of education around good oral health. I work in partnership with parents to provide good information around supporting their child's dental hygiene, but where I feel it is not being met, I will follow my safeguarding procedures.
The Children Act of 1989 places a duty on CSC (Children’s Social Care) to investigate such matters. As a registered childminder, I, Mrs Denise Barrett will follow the procedures set out by LSP and will take guidance on further action or procedures to be followed. All records will be kept confidential on a need to know basis.
Allegations of child abuse or neglect could lead to a criminal investigation so I will not do anything to jeopardise this, for example, ask a child leading questions or attempt to investigate allegations myself. I will listen carefully and not interrupt; I won’t promise confidentiality; I will clarify the facts with open questions but will not ask too much or try to investigate; I will not make judgements as to whether I think the child is telling the truth; I will try not to appear shocked or upset; I will not ask the child to repeat themselves; I will explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child; I will make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion; I will not inform the parents/carer if the child is alleging physical or sexual abuse but will contact the BCP First Response Hub and follow their advice on procedures. If initial clarification is needed, I may use open ended questions (T.E.D., Tell me, Explain to me and Describe to me) but I will be mindful that my LSP (Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership) and the police are responsible for child protection matters.
Ensuring suitability of childminders/assistants to work with children
In accordance with the Childcare Act 2006 and the EYFS 2021 Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements, myself and any assistants that I may work with in the future, family members (aged 16yrs and over) living or working at 252 Fairmile Road Christchurch will be subject to rigorous checks and reference checks (health check, reference check through the Disclosure and Barring Service under my Safer Recruitment and Selection Policy). I hold the relevant documentation for Mark Barrett and Jack Barrett. I have a duty to make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service where a member of staff is dismissed because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm. I will follow the enhanced clarification of aspects of disqualification or living with a disqualified person when recruiting an assistant in the EYFS September 2021. All assistants will be contracted to attend training in Safeguarding Children and Young People and will be asked to familiarise themselves with this document. Childminding assistant job roles include responsibility to safeguard children and report to the LADO any concerns.
We must:
-
Give comfort and support to the child as appropriate
-
Not force the child to talk about the abuse or ask leading questions
-
Maintain confidentiality for the protection of the child and family
-
Speak to children’s social care to ensure that appropriate action can be taken
-
Record, using clear language, what has been seen or heard
-
I must ensure that conduct (or that of assistants/family members) is at all times exemplary and does not put children in danger or bring the setting into disrepute
Visitors including students who have not undergone these checks will be fully supervised and never left alone with the children.
Visitors will be asked to sign in and read a statement regarding our commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
Working with parents and carers
By sharing this Safeguarding Policy I hope to impress upon parents, my commitment to your child’s well-being; so that you will understand the clear procedure I will follow in the event that I have reason to believe that a child may be at significant risk of harm.
Parents/carers can be reassured that allegations against myself, family members, assistants, visitors, of abuse or neglect will be taken seriously and will be reported to CSC to investigate. The concern should be made to me or if I am the person who is the subject of the allegation, directly to Children’s Social Care.
At all times your child’s well-being comes first. I follow the procedures outlined in my Data Protection Policy. I aim to share all information with parents but in some instances (where I am worried about a child’s well-being and think they are at risk of significant harm) I may make a referral to the BCP First Response Hub (MASH) or will dial 999 without having first discussed it with the parent. I will record my decision in your child’s file with reasons, which will be dated and signed and confirmed in the referral to Children's social care.
If a concern or allegation is reported to me, a decision will be made regarding the next step which could be to discuss the concern with the parent/carer; take further advice; or to raise the concern with the First Response Hub (MASH). The duty Officer/social worker will advise me on necessary procedures, depending on the severity of the concern. MASH may investigate if the concern has reached the threshold for this to be taken forward.
The CSC office may arrange a visit to the family/setting to see the child and parents for themselves. If this leads them to suspect a child has been abused or neglected, advice and support will be offered to improve the care of the child.
I will continue to provide the best care for the child and work to support parents/carers in a confidential non-judgemental manner.
Whistle Blowing
Everyone connected to my setting should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of safeguarding. Any such concerns should be raised with me. If your concern is about me contact Children’s Social Care.
Legal Requirement
As well as informing Ofsted and the Police of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while a child is in my care, it is a requirement that I contact my insurer Royal & Sun Alliance plc. (public liability insurance policy number RTT 161353) and my BCP EY Quality Development Officer who supports me. Currently the numbers is Julie Welch 07779 880739/01202 127781– although these numbers may change.
Mobile phone/camera/iPad
Under the Statutory Framework for the EYFS 2021, it is a requirement for me to get parental permission for using and storing personal information on my mobile phone and iPad. My mobile phone plays a vital role in my emergency plan both when the children and I are out and as part of our fire drill evacuation equipment. At all times, I will ensure that my phone is fully charged/with credit to be able to use in the event of emergencies and when necessary to contact parents when their child is ill or so a parent can contact me. For each child, I have all the emergency contact details as per contract/child record form stored on my mobile phone. By signing to say that you have read and understood my safeguarding policy, you give your permission for me to store these personal details on my mobile phone which will be subject to my Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy. My mobile phone has a camera facility, which I will use to take pictures and videos of minded children. I use a Samsung phone so the photos can be stored in my Google Photos. As I import the photos into each child’s Tapestry journal, I delete all photos of minded children from the camera gallery and Google Photos on both my Samsung mobile phone and iPad. Visitors to my home including parents/carers are requested not to take photographs that include other minded children as well as their own child on either their mobile phone or with a camera. Older minded children who have their own mobile phone will have its use restricted. All phones will be held by me and if a child wants to make a call, they will be able to request to use their phone. They will not be allowed to use the camera facility to take photographs of any minded children. If your child has a games console etc. with camera facilities that they wish to bring into the setting please let me know. This is so that we can work together for the safety of all children in attendance and ensure appropriate access to material when using the internet. My mobile phone has a face identification, fingerprint identification and is password protected, so all personal details are protected in the event that the phone is either lost or stolen.
Under the Statutory Framework for the EYFS 2021, it is a requirement for me to get parental permission for the use of my camera, mobile and iPad. By signing to say you have read and understood my Safeguarding Policy you are giving permission for me, Mrs Barrett, to photograph or video your child/ren whilst in my care. These images will only be used in reports sent to parents through Tapestry (your child’s online learning journal), displays in the setting, for pictorial records for the children to enjoy and other feedback that all parents and children in the setting can share such as Comic Life.
By signing to say you have read and understood my Safeguarding Policy you are giving permission that the image of your child/ren’s face can appear alongside other children in the setting in photographs and videos that will be used in the above ways.
By signing you acknowledge that in videoing the children in play; they will regularly identify each other in conversation. This will create a situation where a child’s image and name are linked. By signing you are giving permission for this to happen, understanding that I, Mrs Barrett, am aware of my obligations under The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and will not share these video images with anyone outside of the setting without parental consent from every child in the footage. Please see my Privacy Notice, Data Protection Policy and Retention Policy for GDPR.
As a parent if you receive images of me and my family alongside your child/ren or alongside other children in the setting, you will respect me and my family’s privacy and that of the other children pictured, by not publishing or making the images available to the public in paper form, on any social networking sites (examples of such sites include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat/Kik, Yellow, Twitter, MySpace and You Tube), or in any other format. Photos posted on such a site become the property of the site. Please be respectful of me and my family’s privacy as well as the privacy of all children and families that use my setting if you share a photo with a family member and ensure they follow the same Safeguarding and Data Protection rules in not posting images on social networking sites.
At no time will I put any images of minded children onto social network sites. When posting blogs on my website of activities the children and I have enjoyed, I will make sure that any child’s face is obscured or the photo is edited so a child is only visible by their core and limbs.
The images that I take are stored in Tapestry for each child on my computer, which is solely for my Childminding business and not used by any other member of my family. The computer is protected by a password in the event that it is stolen. Images are regularly transferred from my iPad and Samsung mobile (which are password protected) to the computer and then deleted on the devices in line with my obligations to protect personal information being passed without the person’s consent (The General Data Protection Regulation).
My son Jack is covered by the Safeguarding requirements in the EYFS 2021, and so he will not be allowed to store any photographs on his camera, iPad, mobile phone or computer which include images of him alongside minded children or minded children playing. At no time will he be allowed to put any images of minded children onto the internet. By signing to say you have read and understood my Safeguarding Policy you are acknowledging and giving permission for Jack to take photos of minded children on my behalf using his own devices. These images will be deleted from his personal devices once he has uploaded them to Tapestry.