Safeguarding and Welfare Policy​

My priority is the safeguarding and welfare requirements of all children. 

 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment.

• Preventing impairment of children's health or development.

• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.

• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

 

There is a proactive and a reactive element to safeguarding.

 

Safeguarding, children is proactive.  It has many elements which work together to ensure children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, as well as protecting children from maltreatments.  I have a legal duty to protect the children in my care, but safeguarding is done in partnership with families and other professionals – parents, health visitor/community nursery nurse, GP’s, hospitals, midwives, early years settings, childminders, family hubs, community groups, Children’s First Response Mash, Early Help Services, Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership, Social Care services, Specialist services (health/development), Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) known as Designated Officer in BCP from 2021. 

 

Child Protection is reactive.  It is still part of safeguarding and promoting welfare.  It refers to the activity I undertake to protect specific children who are suffering or are likely to suffer significant harm.
 

This is how I look to meet the highest standards of care for the children in my care and the wider community.
 

1 Reporting

2 LADO - Allegations against myself, a member of my family, a volunteer, a visitor, or an assistant (anyone living, working or looking after children on the premises).

3 Abuse

4 Extremism and Radicalisation, including Prevent Duty

5 Training

6 Mobile phone, camera and other electronic devices with images and sharing capabilities

7 Online Safety

8 Suitable people

9 Disqualification

10 Whistleblowing

11 Staff taking medication/other substances including alcohol

12 Late collection

13 Collection

14 Smoking and Vaping

15 Fire

16 Equality

 

1. Reporting - If I have a safeguarding concern about a child living in the BCP area, I would contact the Children’s First Response MASH.  Tel: 01202 123334 Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.15pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.45pm Email: childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk  or I would complete the Inter-Agency Referral Form (link on www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk)  The Children’s First Response MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) provides access to all services for children and families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, giving advice, information and support for children who are vulnerable and at risk.
 

For a child living in Dorset, I would report a safeguarding concern to Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD):  Tel: 01305 228866 or 01305 228558 Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm; Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 9am – 10pm.
 

For a child living in Hampshire, I would report a safeguarding concern to Hampshire Children’s Services Tel: 0300 5551384 or 01329 225379 for urgent child protection enquiries. 
 

For reporting a safeguarding concern out of hours: Children’s Social Care out of Hours Service – BCP Council Tel: 01202 738256 Monday to Friday 5pm – 9am, all day Saturday, Sunday, and all bank holidays including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Email ChildrensOOHS@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
 

I am aware I can also report a Safeguarding concern using the NSPCC helpline – help@nspcc.org.uk or 0808 800 5000 or by completing ‘report abuse online form’.
 

If a child is in immediate danger, I would call the police on 999 straight away.

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2. LADO - The LADO – known as Designated Officer (DO) at BCP Council: Tina Cooper and Mona Cook Tel: 01202 817600 Secure email lado@bcpcouncil.gov.uk  I must ensure that my 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.  If an allegation was made of child abuse and it falls below the threshold criteria, as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Daisy Dolls I would conduct an internal investigation.  If the incident or allegation appears to meet the threshold criteria, then I would contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately.  The threshold criteria are, as outlined in government statutory guidelines, when someone in a ‘position of trust’ and works with children (anyone under the age of 18) is alleged to have:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child

• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children

• behaved in a manner in their private lives that might indicate any of the above conditions

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If the LADO agrees that the allegation meets the threshold, I would complete the referral form, so the LADO has all required information available within 24 hours.  I would assist in a formal investigation process, as agreed and arranged in a formal initial Evaluation Meeting (IEM), attended by all relevant multi-agency partners. 

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If I had any concerns about any adults, connected to or present with children at Daisy Dolls, whether they are paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, or anyone working in a self-employed capacity, relating to transference of risk or suitability, whereby inappropriate, problematic behaviour in a professional’s private life, which may pose concerns of children being put at risk, I would contact the LADO.

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I must notify Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by anyone living, working or looking after children, including but not limited to myself, any member of my family, or other adults or children in my home who have had contact with minded children, whether the alleged abuse is said to have taken place on the premises or elsewhere for example a play group or outing.  I would notify Ofsted of the action taken in response to the allegation.  This would be made in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegation being made.

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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 are Julie Welch 07779 880739/01202 127781– although these numbers may change.

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I would also contact PACEY’s Helpline on 0300 003 0005 for advice and support.

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3. Abuse - I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, domestic abuse or a mixture of these.  I am aware of physical signs and behavioural signs and symptoms of abuse in these 5 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.  It includes anyway of intentionally causing physical harm to a child by hitting with a hand or objects, slapping, punching, kicking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning and scalding, biting and scratching, breaking bones and drowning.  It also includes making up symptoms of an illness or causing a child to become unwell.  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.  These injuries and indicators would include bruises, broken bones, burns and scolds, bite marks, scarring, the effects of poisoning such as vomiting drowsiness or seizures, breathing problems from drowning, suffocation or poisoning.  Head injuries on babies and toddlers including swelling, bruising, fractures, being extremely sleepy or unconscious, vomiting, seizures, unusual behaviour such as being irritable or not feeding properly, breathing problems.  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 Children’s First Response MASH who may notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm. 

• 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. I know sexual abuse includes contact and non-contact abuse, and that the abuse can happen in person or online.  Contact abuse includes sexually touching any part of a child’s body whether they are wearing clothes or not, kissing and oral sex; using a body part or object to rape/penetrate the child/young person; forcing them to take part in sexual activity, or making the child undress or touch someone else.  Non-contact abuse is when the child/young person is not touched by the abuser.  This could be in person or online but includes exposing a child to sexual acts, showing pornography, exposing and flashing, forcing a child to make, view or share child abuse images and videos, forcing a child to take part in sexual activities or conversations online or through a smartphone, making them masturbate. I am aware that sexual abuse indicators include avoiding being alone with or frightened of people or a person they know; language or sexual behaviour you wouldn’t expect them to know, self-harm, changes in eating habits or developing an eating problem, changes in mood or feeling angry or irritable, alcohol or drug misuse, having nightmares or wetting the bed; bruises, bleeding, discharge, pain or soreness in their genital or anal area; sexually transmitted disease or being pregnant.  If a child is being sexually abused online, they may have lots of new phone numbers, text messages or email addresses on their phone/laptop; they may be secretive about who they are talking too; they may seem distant, upset or angry after being on their phone/internet; they may spend a lot more time on their phone, gaming or using social media. Action will be taken if I have reason to believe or a child has indicated child sexual abuse. Procedure: the observed instances will be recorded.  The matter will be referred to Children’s First Response 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. This includes witnessing parents who never show their child any warmth and love, persistently ignore them, are often absent, manipulate them, humiliate or constantly criticise them; threaten or shout at their child and call them names, never say anything kind, never express positive feelings or congratulate them on their achievements; make their child the butt of jokes or use sarcasm to hurt them; do not recognise their child’s own individuality, try to control them, make the child perform downgrading acts, blame them or make them the scapegoat, expose them to upsetting events or situations like domestic violence or drug and alcohol abuse;  do not allow them to have friends, push them too hard or do not recognise their limitations.  I am aware of the indicators of Emotional abuse including: seeming unconfident or lacking self-assurance, struggling to control emotions, having difficulty making or maintaining friendships and relationships, acting in a way that’s not age appropriate.  Babies and toddlers may not have a close relationship with their parents, may be overly affectionate to strangers and people they don’t really know, seem unconfident, wary and anxious, be aggressive and cruel to other children and animals.  Older children may have few or no friends, lack social skills, seem isolated from their parents, have extreme outbursts, struggle to control their emotions, and act in a way and know about things you wouldn’t expect to them to know at their age.  Procedure: the observed instances will be recorded. The matter will be referred to Children’s First Response MASH who will notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.

• Neglect - Neglect is the most common form of abuse with one in ten children in the UK have been neglected.  Concerns around neglect have been identified for more than half of children who are subject to a child protection plan.  There are different types of neglect – Prenatal neglect, Emotional neglect, Supervisory neglect, Nutritional neglect, Medical neglect and Educational neglect.  The indicators I would be looking for include: poor appearance and hygiene – being smelly or dirty, having unwashed clothes, having the wrong clothes for the weather conditions, having untreated nappy rash, being hungry.  The child may be clingy, aggressive, withdrawn, depressed or anxious, self-harming; there may be a change in their eating habits, they may find it hard to join in with activities, display obsessive behaviour or not be regularly attending setting.  They may be living in unsuitable home environments (cold, witnessing domestic abuse etc), or disclose they are being left unsupervised/alone for long periods of time.  The child could be taking on the role of carer for other family members (siblings and parents).  They could appear tired, thin or have a swollen tummy.  They may have untreated injuries, medical or dental issues, have regular illness and infections, not be given the right medication.  They could have poor muscle tone, sores, rashes, ringworm, flea bites, skin issues, or have repeated injuries through lack of supervision.  They may have poor language and social skills.  Action will be taken under these 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.  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.  'Was Not Brought' - recognising that children missing education can be an indicator of neglect I am curious and act against Educational neglect.  I have watched the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board animation raising practitioners awareness to identify children as 'was not brought' instead of 'did not attend'.  ​

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I have read the 'Multi Agency Neglect Assessment Toolkit' from Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership

 

Procedure for all forms of neglect: the observed instances will be recorded. The matter will be referred to Children’s First Response MASH who will notify the police if there is any concern that the child is in danger of significant harm.

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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 Children’s First Response Mash.

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Wider Safeguarding Concerns – I am alert to a wide range of safeguarding concerns and have completed training to strengthen my knowledge and understanding.

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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - My BCP Safeguarding training has included ACEs

which are traumatic events occurring before the age 18.  ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect as well as parental mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, domestic violence and  household dysfunction.  Children living with ACEs can experience toxic stress, the impact of which can be life long ill effects on their physical and mental health (lack of physical activity, severe obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, depression, diabetes, suicide attempts, STDs, chronic lung disease, stroke, cancer, heart disease, broken bones); their employment (poor employment/missing work) and relationships.  All Safeguarding concerns would be reported immediately following my procedure in Section 1 - Reporting. 

 

ACEs work through experience not just exposure.  Exposure alone does not mean a child is affected.  If the ACE is prevented from causing toxic stress, the harm should not occur.  Ways to prevent toxic stress include providing a nurturing, safe and stable environment, helping the children learn to cope with adversity, and reducing a child's ACE exposure.  I look to build resilience  by acknowledging the child's experience of ACEs and how it may be influencing their behaviour; by helping children identify their emotions, talk about them, and express them appropriately; by empowering children to problem solve and work through their issue/problem; and by promoting healthy coping habits of meditation and mindfulness, exercise and sleep routines.

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Domestic Abuse always has an impact on children.  Being exposed to domestic abuse in childhood is child abuse.  I acknowledge children and young people may experience domestic abuse both directly and indirectly.  I am alert to the signs that a child may be experiencing domestic abuse: aggression or bullying, anti-social behaviour, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, attention seeking, bed-wetting, nightmares or insomnia, constant or regular sickness, like colds, headaches and mouth ulcers, eating disorders, problems in school or trouble making, tantrums, being withdrawn.​

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Forced Marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them into the marriage.  The pressure can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.  There is a clear difference between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage.  In arranged marriages the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, but the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the young people.  In a forced marriage one or both spouses do not consent to the arrangement of the marriage and some elements of duress are involved.  Forced marriage is an abuse of Human Rights and where a child, under the age of 18 is involved, is abuse of the rights of the child and constitutes child abuse.  I would report any concerns as per my reporting procedure (section 1).  A child who is forced into marriage is likely to suffer significant harm through physical, sexual and or emotional abuse.  Forced marriage can have a negative impact on a child's health and development and can also result in sexual violence including rape.  If a child is forced to marry, he or she may be taken abroad for an extended period of time, which could amount to child abduction. In addition, a child in such a situation would be absent from school, resulting in the loss of educational opportunity also for future employment opportunities.  Even if the child has not taken abroad, they are likely to be taken out of school so as to ensure they do not talk about this situation with their peers.  Children taking extended holidays, missing from setting, leaving the country,

 

Forced Marriage training Apr 2020

 

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse in which a child or young person is forced or manipulated into inappropriate sexual activities, often in exchange for accommodation, food, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, money, affection, attention or gifts.  It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and or for the financial advantage or increase status of the perpetrator or facilitator.  The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.  Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact it can also occur through the use of technology again.  Powerful control and manipulation are experienced by victims of CSE. Fear, trauma, lack of self-esteem, misplaced loyalties towards the perpetrator, who they may believe to be their friend or boyfriend, may make it much too difficult to break free

 

Grooming refers to actions deliberately aimed at establishing an emotional connection and trust with a child or young person in order to increase the likelihood of them engaging in sexual behaviour or exploitation. Grooming may also include threats or bribes, which persuade the child or young person that it would be impossible to ask for help."  During the grooming process, the abusers aim to sever the relationships between the child and their parents and friends so they can have absolute control.  There are 5 types of Grooming: the boyfriend/girlfriend model, the party model, the peer model, the gangs and group model and online.

 

I am alert of the signs of CSE and grooming and would report any concerns as per my reporting procedure (section 1):

• Staying out all night or being regularly missing from home or school.

• Change in behaviour, becoming aggressive and disruptive or quiet and withdrawn.

• Unexplained gifts or new possessions, such as clothes, jewellery, mobile phones or money that can't be accounted for.

• Increased or secretive use of mobile phone.

• A significantly older boyfriend/girlfriend, friend or, perhaps, lots of new friends.

• Spending excessive amounts of time online or on their mobile and becoming increasingly secretive.

• Sudden involvement in crime or sudden increase in criminal offending.

• Sexual health problems.

• Change in physical appearance.

 

Child Sexual Exploitation training – virtual college Jan 2023, Apr 2020

 

Safeguarding children from abroad including modern slavery and human trafficking - Modern slavery is a form of organized crime in which individuals, including children and young people, are treated as commodities and exploited for criminal and financial gain.  It encompasses exploitation, human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced labour.  Grooming methods are often used to gain the trust of a child and their parents, for example the promise of a better life or education, which results in a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

 

Trafficking of persons means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of the threat or use of force, or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability, or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation.  Children are not considered able to give informed consent to their own exploitation, including criminal exploitation, so it is not necessary to consider the means used for this exploitation.  Whether they were forced coerced or deceived i.e. a child's consent to being trafficked is irrelevant and it is not necessary to prove coercion or any other inducement.  It is child abuse.  I acknowledge additional issues are likely to arise in relation to this cohort of children whether or not they are found to be or suspected of being victims of trafficking or modern slavery.  I will be alert to additional considerations such as: immigration status, the need for interpreters and specialist legal advice.  Some of these children may have been persecuted and may have witnessed or been subject to horrific acts of violence.  Evidence shows that unaccompanied migrant children or those accompanied by someone who is not their parent are particularly vulnerable.  I realise I need to be aware of the context of my contact with such families and or children.  I would report any concerns as per my reporting procedure (section 1).

 

Assessment of risk outside the home - used to be called Contextual Safeguarding - It's an approach to understanding and responding to young people's experiences of significant harm beyond their families.  Traditional approaches to protecting children and young people from harm have focused on the risk of violence and abuse from inside the home, usually from a parent or carer or other trusted adults and don't always address the time that children or young people spend outside the home and the influence of peers on children and young people's development and safety.  I recognise the impact of the public and social context on children and young people's lives and consequently on their safety. I am alert to and would respond to harm and abuse posed to children and young people outside their home, either from adults or other children or online.  Imagining a circle with the child being in the centre surrounded by their family, and then each time you go outside of that circle you introduce a new layer i.e. early years setting/school, peer groups, online or in the neighbourhood/public spaces, I take an approach that looks at how interventions can change the processes and environment, to make them safer for all children and young people, as opposed to focusing on an individual.  I listen to young people’s experiences locally to ascertain current issues such as gangs, knife crime, and am aware that deprivation leaves children and families more susceptible to CSE and grooming.

 

Abuse linked to spiritual cultural and religious beliefs - There is also a range of languages connected to such abuse, including black magic, the evil eye, voodoo demons and child sorcerers. The term belief in spirit possession is the belief that an evil force has entered a child and is controlling him or her, and it is believed that a child is able to use an evil force to harm others.  In all these cases genuine beliefs can be held by families, carers, religious leaders, congregations and the children themselves the evil forces are at work. Families and children can be deeply worried by the evil that they believe is threatening them and abuse can often occur when an attempt to make an exorcism or deliver the child.  Exorcism is the attempt to expel evil spirits from a child.  The belief in possession or witchcraft is widespread; it is not confined to particular countries, cultures or specific religions, nor is it confined to new immigrant communities in the country.  I take all concerns about a child which arises in this context seriously and would follow my reporting procedure in section 1.

 

Honour-based violence is a collection of practices which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and or honour.  Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and or community by breaking their honour code.  This could be by wearing inappropriate make-up or dress, the existence of a boyfriend or a perceived unsuitable relationship e.g. a gay/lesbian relationship, rejecting a forced marriage, pregnancy outside of marriage, being a victim of rape, inter-faith relationships (or same faith, but different ethnicity), leaving a spouse or seeking divorce, kissing or intimacy in a public place. alcohol and drugs use.  For young victims it is a form of child abuse and a serious abuse of Human Rights.  It can be distinguished from other forms of violence as it is often committed with some degree of approval and or collusion from family and or community members.  Women, men and younger members of the family can all be involved in this abuse.

 

Honour-based violence training Apr 2020

 

Female genital mutilation - Safeguarding girls and young women at risk of abuse through female genital mutilation or FGM is a collective term for procedures which include the removal of part of or all the external female genitalia for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.  The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and a serious health consequence, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life.  The procedure is typically performed on girls age between 4 and 13, but in some cases, it is performed on new born infants or on young women before marriage or pregnancy.   FGM is a criminal offense in the UK since the prohibition of female circumcision act 1985 was passed.  The female genital mutilation act 2003 replaced the 1985 act and made it an offense for the first time for UK Nationals, permanent or habitual UK residents, to carry out FGM aboard or to aid a bet counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal.  The rights of women and girls are enshrined by various Universal and Regional instruments including the universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the convention on the rights of the child, the African Charter on human and people's rights and protocol to the African Charter on human, and people's rights on the rights of women in Africa.  All these documents highlight the right for girls and women to live free from gender discrimination, free from torture, to live in dignity and with bodily integrity.  It is usually carried out by women; typically, elder women in the community. This could even include the child's grandmother or aunt. Sometimes there is a 'cutter' in the community who will cut everyone in the village.  It is often carried out with no anaesthetic or sterilisation, using any sharp implement to hand. To compound the pain and confusion, the child is often held down by people that they love and respect.

 

I am alert to the warning signs that FGM is about to take place: an older visitor arriving, going on holiday (this country or abroad for a longer period), reference to FGM, a parental statement or the child confides.  I am alert to the indicators that FGM has taken place: in severe pain; emotional and psychological shock (exacerbated by having to reconcile being subjected to the trauma by loving parents, extended family and friends); Haemorrhaging; wound infections; injury to adjacent tissues; difficulty walking, sitting or standing due to fracture or dislocation as a result of restraint; spending longer than normal in the bathroom or toilet due to difficulties urinating, bladder or menstrual problems; frequent urinary or menstrual problems; prolonged or repeated absences from early years setting/school/college; noticeable behaviour changes (e.g. withdrawal or depression) upon return to setting/school/college; particularly reluctant to undergo normal medical examinations; asking for help, but not explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear.

 

FGM training – Virtual college Jan 2023, Apr 2018

 

Domestic Servitude typically involves victims working in a private family home where they are ill-treated, humiliated, performing tasks, subjected to unbearable conditions or working hours and made to work for little or no pay.  They are not free to leave and are forced to work under the threat of punishment.

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Gang activity youth violence and criminal exploitation affecting children - Defining a gang is difficult, they tend to fall into three categories: peer groups, street gangs and organized crime groups.  It can be common for groups of children and young people to gather together in public places, to socialize and although some peer group gathering can lead to increased anti-social behaviour and low-level youth offending, these activities should not be confused with the serious violence of a street gang.  A street gang can be described as a relatively durable, predominantly street-based group of children who see themselves, and are seen by others, as a discernible group for whom crime and violence is integral to the group's identity.  A street gang will engage in criminal activity and violence and may lay claim over territory.  They have some form of identifying structure featuring a hierarchy usually based on age and physical strength, as well as violence towards older sibling ranks.  There may be certain rights involving anti-social or criminal behaviour of sex acts in order to become part of the gang.  They are in conflict with other similar gangs.

 

An organized criminal group is a group of individuals, normally led by adults, for whom involvement in crime is for personal game, financial or otherwise; this includes serious and organized criminality by a court of violent gang members who exploit vulnerable children and young people and adults.  This may also involve the movement of selling of drugs and money across the county, known as county lines.  A county line is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of 'deal line'.  They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.  When the children arrive at their destination, they are forced to stay in houses with a mobile phone and a large supply of drugs, selling to local drug addicts and drug users.  These houses, known as trap houses, can be acquired in a number of ways: the property of a local drug dealer or, in some areas, a rented AirBnB property paid for in cash, which reduces the possibility of detection by local authorities. When the house is the home of a vulnerable adult who has been coerced into allowing drugs to be sold there, it is called ‘Cuckooing’.  I am alert to an increase of strangers coming and going from properties around here, including young people coming and going at all hours; not seeing the person who lives there or seeing them looking stressed and anxious. 

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I am alert to the signs that may indicate child criminal exploitation: going missing, a change of friends, new expensive belongings, unexplained items – possession of knives, mobile phone chargers, money or mobile phone data, being secretive, having lots of paraphernalia – Vaseline, baby wipes, scales, cling film, bags, rubber bands and receipts from out of town, gang affiliation and using slang words – ounce, score (a £20 deal of drugs, usually cannabis but can be any drugs), trap house, trap ( a base used to sell drugs), cats, nittys (a derogatory term to describe a person with a substance addiction), feds, cunch ( means ‘country’ – travelling to a destination to sell drugs), bando (disposable people, a term used to describe children who sell drugs for the gangs), OT ( going out of town to sell drugs), Qs, Zs (a measurement of drugs, an ounce), pack or gpack, cuckooing.

 

Infant oral mutilation – refers to the aggressive cultural rituals where primary canine teeth germs are gouged out, often using unsterilized tools with no antithetic, owing to the corresponding swelling being mistaken as the cause of diarrhoea and fever.   

 

 I am also alert to:

 

Up skirting - is a highly intrusive practice which typically involves someone taking a picture under another person's clothing without their knowledge, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks with or without underwear.

Homelessness - to be legally defined as homeless you must either lack a secure place in which you're entitled to live or not reasonably be able to stay. 

Children with family members in prison - three hundred and ten thousand children have a family member in prison.  There are approximately ten thousand visits every week to prisons by children in England and Wales.

Children and the court system - this could include parental disputes over the upbringing of their children, Local Authority intervention to protect children, decrees relating to divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, financial support for children after divorce or relationship breakdown, some aspects of domestic violence, adoption, special guardianship, surrogacy, forced marriage protection, FGM protection.

Child on child sexual violence and harassment - is a form of child abuse in which pre-pubescent child is sexually abused by one or more other children of adolescent.

Self-harm and suicidal Behaviour - the UK suicide is the leading cause of death in young people accounting for 14% deaths of 10- to 19-year-olds.  Self-harm is a common precursor to suicide and children and young people who deliberately harm themselves may unintentionally kill themselves by accident, but not all young children and young people who exhibit self-harming behaviours are at high risk of suicide.

Children missing from education - children missing from education are children and young people of compulsory school age who are not on a school role and are not being educated otherwise.

 

T.E.D. - The Children Act of 1989 places a duty on CSC (Children’s Social Care) to investigate such matters.  I 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.

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Allegations of child abuse or neglect could lead to a criminal investigation so I will not do anything to jeopardise this.  If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I won’t ask a child leading questions or attempt to investigate allegations myself; I will listen carefully and not interrupt; I will show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously; I will encourage the child to talk; 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 won’t promise confidentiality; I will record what I have been told using exact words where possible; 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 Children’s First Response Mash 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.

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I will: 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.

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Working with parents and carers - By sharing this Safeguarding Policy I hope to impress upon parents, my commitment to all children’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 must notify me of any concerns they have about their child, and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which I will record and ask parents to sign.

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Unless I believe that it would put the child at risk of further harm, I will discuss concerns with a child’s parent if I notice:

• significant changes in children’s behaviour;

• deterioration in children’s general wellbeing;

• unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect;

• any reasons to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting, for example in the child’s home; and/or inappropriate behaviour displayed by other members of staff, or any person working with children. For example, inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one-to one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities, or inappropriate sharing of images;

• children’s or parents’ comments which give cause for concern, including expressing extremist views.​

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At all times all children’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 Children’s First Response MASH or will dial 999 without having first discussed it with the parent.  I will record my decision in the child’s file with reasons, which will be dated and signed and confirmed in the referral to Children's social care.  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

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4. Extremism and Radicalisation, including Prevent Duty - Radicalisation is defined as the process by which people come to support terrorism and extremism, and in some cases participate in terrorist groups.  Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  Also included is an extremist call for the death of members in our Armed Forces whether in this country or overseas.

 

I challenge anyone who actively promotes intolerance of other faiths, cultures and races; I challenge stereotypes and behaviours (whether of adults working with children I come into contact with, adults in the community, children or parents) that are not in line with the fundamental British values.

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I would make a referral by calling the National Police Prevent advice line on 0800 011 3764, or by using the Dorset Police Online referral form accessed on the BCP Early Years Safeguarding page – Prevent. 

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For updates on a report, or for general advice before making a referral, I would call 01202 229319 or email dorsetprevent@dorset.police.uk

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In an emergency, including a threat to life, I would call 999

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• Prevent Duty - 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).  The Prevent Duty is just one strand of the counter terrorism strategy known as CONTEST.  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 have read and understood the guidance ‘The Prevent duty: introduction for those with safeguarding responsibilities’ Sep 2023.  I am alert to ensuring my setting is not being exploited by radicalisers, which includes online safety to stop children from being exposed to inappropriate content, inappropriate contact and conduct, which might spread extremist narratives and encourage children into participating in or supporting terrorism. I would report concerns in the same way as any other Safeguarding concern – see reporting section 1.

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• British Values – I value and promote equality and diversity and help prepare children for life in modern Britain. This is done in an age-appropriate way to help children to reflect on their differences and understand what makes them unique, through teaching children to be respectful and to recognise those who help us, and contribute positively to society; by developing children’s understanding of British values; by developing children’s understanding and appreciation of diversity; routinely challenging stereotypical behaviours and promoting respect for different people and through celebrating what we have in common.

 

Together the children and I practice:

• Democracy: making decisions together, with lots of opportunities to develop enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued. I support the decisions that children make and provide activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration. I encourage children to see their role in the bigger picture, encourage children to know their views count, value each other’s views and values and talk about their feelings, for example when they do or do not need help.  When appropriate demonstrate democracy in action, for example, children sharing views on what the theme of their role play area could be with a show of hands. 

• Rule of law: understanding rules matter as cited in Personal Social and Emotional development through collaborating to create rules and codes of behaviour. As part of the focus on managing feelings and behaviour I ensure that children understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, and learn to distinguish right from wrong.  I collaborate with children to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, for example, to agree the rules about tidying up and ensure that all children understand rules apply to everyone.

• Individual liberty: freedom for all, by reflecting on our differences and understanding we are free to have different opinions.  As part of the focus on self-confidence & self-awareness and people & communities as cited in Personal Social and Emotional development and Understanding the World I provide a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility; develop a positive sense of themselves; I provide opportunities for children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities, for example through allowing children to take risks on an obstacle course, or by talking about their experiences and learning; through opportunities to reflect on their differences, for example looking at entries shared from home on Tapestry, and understand everyone is free to have different opinions

• Mutual respect and tolerance: by treating others as we want to be treated, respecting other’s opinions and sharing.  I work to create an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and children are engaged with the wider community. I model and help children acquire a tolerance and appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; know about similarities and differences between themselves and others and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions and share and discuss practices, celebrations and experiences.  I encourage and explain the importance of tolerant behaviours such as sharing and respecting other’s opinions, and promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children's experiences and providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping.

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5. Training - I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses, by subscribing to the BCP Council Early Years Safeguarding Newsletter and by reading relevant publications from the likes of: Pacey, Nursery World and Childcare.co.uk.

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Under my Safeguarding review  (I hold a Level 3 certificate in Safeguarding Children), I have looked at all areas of Safeguarding including and not limited to: child protection, anti-bullying policies, managing volunteers and parents who stay in the setting, use of mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities, health and safety, whistle blowing, safe internet use, fabricated illness, domestic abuse, 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.

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I attended Level 3 Safeguarding training 28/2/2009, 26/3/2011, 14/1/2012, 14/7/2014, 15/5/2017, 3/12/2020. I hold certificates for BCP Safeguarding training (Dec 2023), Leading and Managing your setting, effective induction (Apr 2024), Leading and Managing your setting, effective supervision (Jun 2024), Leading and Managing your setting, effective appraisal (Jun 2024), Learning from Serious Case Reviews Level 3 Safeguarding (Apr 2023), Child Sexual Exploitation (Jan 2023), Level 1 Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines (Jan 2023), Female Genital Mutilation (Jan 2023), Oral Health (Jun 2022), Dental Hygiene and Oral Health in The Early Years (Mar 2022),  Parental Conflict (Feb 2022), Families under Pressure (Feb 2022), Strategies to support families under pressure (Feb 2022), Staff Safeguarding Training (Oct 2020),  Safeguarding Children who are Disabled (Apr 2020), Child Protection Processes (Apr 2020), Drugs and Alcohol Awareness (Apr 2020), Child Sexual Exploitation (Apr 2020), Emotional Abuse (Apr 2020), Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage (Apr 2020), Introduction to the EYFS – Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (Jan 2020),  Child Protection Investigations training (May 2017), Mental Health Awareness training (May 2017), Physical Abuse training (Feb 2017), Domestic Abuse (Apr 2020, Aug 2018), Female Genital Mutilation (Apr2018), Pacey Safeguarding training (Feb 2016), Safer Working Practice (Jan 2015) and Safer Recruitment (Jul 2020, Nov 2017).

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I 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 keep up to date with changes in legislation.

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I have read and understood the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS – Jan 2024, the Ofsted safeguarding guidance in the Early Years inspection handbook, ‘Keeping children safe in education’ – May 2024, ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ – Dec 2023, ‘Information Sharing’ – May 2024 (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, 'Safer Working Practice' Feb 2022.

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6. Mobile Phone - 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 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 your child’s contract to say that you have read and understood policies and procedures for Daisy Dolls, you give your permission for me to store these personal details on my mobile phone which are subject to my Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy.  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.

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In order to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR I have registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office as a data controller to allow me to store digital images on an SD card/device/computer.

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I use the camera facility on my mobile phone to take pictures and videos, for the purpose of recording a child or group of children participating in activities, or celebrating their achievements.  These images are an effective form of recording children’s progress in the Early Foundation Stage and bring pleasure to the child’s parents, as photos and videos are shared at the end of each day on Tapestry. I use an Apple iPhone.  Images are stored in Photos and Google Photos.  As I import the photos into each child’s Tapestry journal at the end of the day, I delete all photos of minded children from the Photos and Google Photos on both iPhone and iPad. 

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Parents/visitors are kindly asked to refrain from using their mobile telephones whilst in setting or when collecting or dropping off their children. Parents/visitors using their phone inside my setting will be asked to finish the call or take the call outside. I do this to ensure all children are safeguarded, and the time for dropping off and picking up is a quality handover opportunity where I can share details about your child’s day.  Parents/visitors are requested not to use their mobile phone, camera, smart watch or any other electronic devices with image and sharing capabilities to take photographs of children in setting. 

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Parents of all children under school age are requested not to allow their child to wear or bring in devices that may take photographs or record videos or voices. This includes, but is not limited to smart watches, tablets, game consoles with these capabilities and baby monitors such as Vtech. This ensures all children are safeguarded and also protects their property as it may get damaged or misplaced.  Older minded children who have their own mobile phone will have its use restricted/observed.  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. 

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By signing your child’s contract to say that you have read and understood policies and procedures for Daisy Dolls, you give permission for me 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, or blogs on ww.daisydollchildminder.com.  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. By signing your child’s contract to say you have read and understood policies and procedures for Daisy Dolls, you acknowledge that in videoing 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; you also acknowledge that where your child is also on another child’s photograph, but not as the primary person, that may be used in another child’s Tapestry learning journey.  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.

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Parents receiving images of me and my family alongside their child/ren or alongside other children in the setting, 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 X, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat/Kik, Yubo, 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.

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The Apple iPad and Computer, I use to access the children’s Tapestry Learning journals, are both used 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.  At no time will any member of my family be allowed to take photos of minded children on their own phones, cameras, Apple watches, or other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities.  At no time will any member of my family be allowed to put any images of minded children onto the internet.  There may be occasions where I ask a member of my family to use my phone to take a picture of me engaged in activities with minded children.  

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For Security the rear garden has CCTV cameras (Ring), which live track all activity.  I can see the children in the garden on the Ring app, but images are not recorded until triggered.  Cameras are triggered to record when personal and garage doors to out buildings are opened.

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