Safeguarding Policy

 

Early Years Safeguarding and

Child Protection Policy

 

In line with OCC and the OSCB

                     

This policy was adopted in   Dec 2022

 

 The policy is reviewed and updated at least every 12 months.

 

 

Introduction

 

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989; and in line with the following:“Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated July 2022 )“Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families” 2000 “What to do if you are worried a Child is being Abused” 2015
“Keeping Children Safe in Education” 2022 Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board guidelines

 

The management, proprietor takes seriously its 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 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.

Our setting provides a safe, caring, positive and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child, free from discrimination or bullying where children can learn and develop happily. 

This policy applies to all staff, management and volunteers working in our setting

 

The aims of this policy are:

 

To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and resilience.To provide an environment in which children feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties.To raise the awareness with all staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we contribute to assessments of need and support plans for those children where appropriate.To acknowledge the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff in relation to safeguarding children and young people.To develop a structured procedure within the setting which will be followed by all members of the staff in cases of suspected abuse.To develop effective working relationships with all other agencies, involved in safeguarding children.To ensure that all adults within our setting who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability. This includes other community users of our facilities, following correct staff recruitment and selection procedures

 

Procedures

·         Our setting procedures for safeguarding children is line with Oxfordshire Local Authority (the LA) and Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board Child Protection Procedures, and “Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015” plus other legal requirements which may be required.

We will ensure that: 

The proprietor and or senior staff understand and fulfil its safeguarding responsibilities.

·     We have Designated Members of staff who have undertaken appropriate training for the role, as recommended by the LA, within the past two years. Our Designated staff will update their training with LA/OSCB approved training every two years. Our designated safeguarding leads (DSL) are; Marian Mohammed and Samina Farooq. 

In the absence of an appropriately trained member of staff, the safeguarding leads can be reached on their mobile phones.
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 Designated Leads and have these explained, as part of their induction into the setting.All members of staff are provided with opportunities at least every three years to receive training in order to develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse, how to respond to a children who disclose abuse and the procedure to be followed in appropriately sharing a concern of possible abuse or a disclosure of abuse.Our settings policy will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working with children on our site at any time.Community users organising activities for children are aware of and understand the need for compliance with the settings child protection guidelines and procedures.The name of any member of staff considered not suitable to work with children will be notified to the DBS (Disclosure and Barring service), with the advice of ACAS/LAWCALL and LADO.Our procedures will be annually reviewed and up-dated.

 

 

Responsibilities

 

Staff at Little Treasure Day Nursey will follow the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board Procedures/Local Authority guidance in all cases of abuse, or suspected abuse (these can be found at www.OSCB.org.uk .

 

We will therefore:

 

Understand that our responsibility to safeguard children requires that we all appropriately share any concerns that we may have about children. Ensure that we refer a child if there are concerns about the child’s welfare, possible abuse or neglect to Social Care. A written referral using the Common Referral Form will be faxed/posted/e-mailed to Social Care as soon as possible within 24 hours.Ensure that detailed and accurate written records of concerns about a child are kept even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.Ensure that all such records are kept confidentially and securelyEnsure that the designated staff member, or another appropriate member of staff, attends case conferences, family support meetings, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributes to the Framework for Assessments process, and provides a report which has been shared with the parents.Establish and maintain links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with enquiries of a child protection nature.Ensure that all setting staff are aware of the Child Protection policy and procedures, and understand their responsibilities in being alert to, and acting appropriately in cases of abuse, or suspected abuse, and know how to recognise and refer any concerns.Keep ourselves up to date with knowledge to enable us to fulfil our  role, including attending relevant training, at least every two years, provided by the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board. Frequent training should include training on child sexual exploitation and radicalisation, as well as generalist and specialist safeguarding training. http://www.oscb.org.uk/training/ Ensure that all staff and volunteers understand that there is a procedure to be followed in dealing with child protection allegations made against staff. This procedure must be followed on all occasions. All staff must be made aware of this process and how it differs from other concerns about children.Ensure that we have staff on all interview panels who are Safer Recruitment trained.Ensure that all staff/volunteers are selected and recruited only after having gone through appropriate checks.All staff and volunteers working in early years or foundation stage (including before and after school provision for under 8’s) will be expected to disclose to the manager any circumstances which may indicate that the member of staff or volunteer could be barred from working with children under the terms of the Childcare Regulations 2006.

 

·         Our setting will have regard to our obligations to prevent our children from being drawn into extremism or terrorism. We recognise that this is our statutory duty under the counter terrorism and security act 2015. Please see the links below for further guidance and information around this.

 

Ø  British values and the Prevent duty

Ø  Channel Panel Advice

Ø  Channel training

 

Supporting Children

 

We recognise that a child who is abused, who witnesses violence or who lives in a violent environment may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame him/herself, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth.We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn.

 

Our setting will support all children by:

 

Encouraging the development of self-esteem and resilience in every aspect of life.Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment.Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.Notifying Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern.Notifying Social Care when a child/young person attending the setting is privatelyfostered.

·  Providing continuing support to a child (about whom there have been concerns) who leaves the setting by ensuring that such concerns and medical records are forwarded under confidential cover to the Designated Lead at the child's new setting immediately. 

 

 

Confidentiality

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

The Designated Lead will disclose personal  information about a child or young person to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.However, all staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.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 intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents /carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with the Safeguarding Team or Social Care on this point.We will take no names consultations with our local Assessment Teams / MASH team to discuss concerns we may have, but we understand that if they then ask for a name we will disclose those details and it will become a referral.

 

Supporting Staff

 

We recognise that staff working in the setting who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Designated Lead and to seek further support. This could be provided by another trusted colleague or a representative of a professional body, as appropriate.In consultation with all staff, we have adopted a code of conduct for staff at our setting. This forms part of staff induction and is in the staff handbook. We understand that staff should have access to advice on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour.We recognise that our Designated Leads should have access to support and appropriate workshops, courses or meetings as organised by the LA.

 

 

Allegations against staff

 

All staff should take care not to place themselves in a   vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults.

·         We understand that a child or young person may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, the member of staff receiving the allegation will immediately inform the setting manager or the most senior member of staff available.

·         The manager on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Designated Officer for the Local Authority (LADO), before taking any action.  In our county contact should be made with Jo Lloyd, Designated Officer (01865 815956), Alison Beasley, Safeguarding Coordinator (01865 323457) or Donna Crozier, Safeguarding Coordinator (01865 816382).

·         If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the manager themselves, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of the committee/proprietor who will consult with LADO, without notifying the manger first.

·        The setting will follow the procedures for managing allegations against staff, as outlined in keeping children safe in education 2015.

·        Suspension of the member of staff against whom an allegation has been made needs careful consideration, and we will consult with LADO and HR.

·        Our lettings agreement for other users requires that the organiser will follow LA procedures for managing allegations against staff and, where necessary, the suspension of adults from premises.

 

 

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 and appropriate advice will be sought from the LADO or Safeguarding Team where necessary.

 

Use of Mobile Phones and cameras

 

Staff and children will not carry or use personal mobile phones and cameras within the settings working hours. Visitors will not use mobile phones or their own cameras when on the premises. For further guidance see the separate mobile phone and camera policy.

 

 

 

Physical Intervention/Positive Handling

 

Our policy on physical intervention/positive handling by staff is set out separately, as part of our Behaviour Policy. Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness.

We recommend that staff who are likely to need to use physical intervention should be appropriately trained. 

We understand that physical intervention of a nature which is both unreasonable and disproportionate to the circumstances and or causes injury or distress to a child, may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.

 

 

Anti-Bullying

 

Our policy on the prevention and management of bullying is set out in a separate policy and acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. Bullying is a safeguarding matter that if left unresolved can become a child protection matter. Our setting will take seriously any bullying concerns and both investigate and take action to protect pupils where appropriate.

 

 

Health & Safety

 

Our Health & Safety policy, set out in a separate document, reflects the consideration we give to the protection of our children both physically within the setting environment and, for example, in relation to internet use, and when away from the setting when undertaking trips and visits.

 

 

Role of the Proprietor

 

The Proprietor  Marian Mohammed undertake the regular review of safeguarding related policies and procedures that operate in our setting.

The /Propriertor have a crucial role in monitoring and challenging staff on the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements

 

All staff have a responsibility for action in cases of suspected child abuse.  This document outlines the procedures which should be followed if any member of staff suspects a child is being abused, or if a disclosure is made.

 

 

 All staff are asked to be alert to possible physical or emotional problems being experienced by children and young people.

 

 

 

 Categories of Abuse

 

The table below outlines the four main categories of abuse as defined by the Department of Health ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ document 2010. (Full definitions can be found in this document)  Staff should be aware that the possible indicators are not definitive and that some children may present these behaviours for reasons other than abuse.

 

Type of Abuse

Possible Indicators

 

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairments of the child’s health or development.  Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

provide food, clothing and shelter;

protect a child from physical  and emotional harm or danger;

ensure adequate supervision;

ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

Obvious signs of lack of care including:

Problems with personal hygiene;

Constant hunger;

Inadequate clothing;

Emaciation;

Lateness or non-attendance at the setting;

Poor relationship with peers;

Untreated medical problems;

Compulsive stealing and scavenging;

Rocking, hair twisting, thumb sucking;

Running away;

Low self-esteem.

Physical Abuse

May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child

Physical signs that do not tally with the given account of occurrence

conflicting or unrealistic explanations of cause repeated injuries delay in reporting or seeking medical advice.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.  The activities may involve physical contact, penetrative or non-penetrative acts and also includes involving children in watching pornographic material or watching sexual acts.

 

Sudden changes in behaviour

Displays of affection which are sexual and age inappropriate

Tendency to cling or need constant reassurance

Tendency to cry easily

Regression to younger behaviour – e.g. thumb sucking, acting like a baby

Unexplained gifts or money

Depression and withdrawal

Wetting/soiling day or night

Fear of undressing for PE

Emotional Abuse

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.

Rejection

Isolation

child being blamed for actions of adults

child being used as carer for younger siblings

affection and basic emotional care  giving/warmth, persistently absent or withheld.

 

Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

The sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people, (or a third person or persons) receive something, (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affections, gifts, money) as a result of them performing and/or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. In all cases those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion and intimidations are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice, resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability. (DCSF 2009)

Key facts about CSE

·         Sexual exploitation often starts around the age of 10 years old. Girls are usually targeted from age 10 and boys from age 8.

·         It affects both girls and boys and can happen in all communities.

·         Any person can be targeted but there are some particularly vulnerable groups: Looked After Children, Children Leaving Care and Children with Disabilities.

·         Victims of CSE may also be trafficked (locally, nationally and internationally).

·         Over 70% of adults involved in prostitution were sexually exploited as children or teenagers.

·         Sexual violence or abuse against children represents a major public health and social welfare problem within UK society, affecting 16% of children under 16. That is approximately 2 million children.

Good practice – Individuals

·         Recognise the symptoms and distinguish them from other forms of abuse

·         Treat the child/young person as a victim of abuse

·         Understand the perspective / behaviour of the child/young person and be patient with them

·         Help the child/young person to recognise that they are being exploited

·         Collate as much information as possible

·         Share information with other agencies and seek advice / refer to Social Care

Good practice – Organisations

·         Ensure robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place which cover CSE

·         Promote and engage in effective multi-agency working to prevent abuse

·         Work to help victims move out of exploitation

·         Cooperate to enable successful investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators

Link to guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278849/Safeguarding_Children_and_Young_People_from_Sexual_Exploitation.pdf

Forced marriages (FM)

FM is now a specific offence under s121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that came into force on 16 June 2014.

A FM is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, and where duress is a factor Forced marriage is when someone faces physical pressure to marry (e.g. threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (e.g. if someone is made to feel like they’re bringing shame on their family). This is very different to an arranged marriage where both parties give consent.

FM is illegal in England and Wales. This includes:

taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they’re pressured to or not)

Link to the guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380125/MultiAgencyPracticeGuidelinesNov14.pdf

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore should be dealt with as part of existing child safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures.

FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.

 

 Other than in the excepted circumstances, it is an offence for any person (regardless of their nationality or residence status) to:

·         perform FGM in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 1 of the Act);

·         assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 2 of the Act); and

·         Assist (from England, Wales or Northern Ireland) a non-UK person to carry out FGM outside the UK on a UK national or permanent UK resident (section 3 of the Act).

 

Link to the guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380125/MultiAgencyPracticeGuidelinesNov14.pdf

 

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 Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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

·         Expected to ensure children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in the setting

 

Dealing with Disclosures

 

Receive

Always stop and listen straight away to someone who wants to tell you about incidents or suspicions of abuse.  Listen quietly and actively, giving your undivided attention.  Allow silences when needed.  Do not show shock or disbelieve but take what is said seriously.

 

Reassure

Stay calm, no judgements, empathise.  Never make a promise that you can keep what a child has said a secret.  Give reassurance that only those who need to know will be told.  Reassure the young person that they were right to tell you.

 

React

React to the child only as far as is necessary for you to establish whether or not you need to refer this matter, but don’t interrogate for full details.

 

Don’t ask leading questions – keep the open questions e.g. ’is there anything else you want to say?’

Do not criticise the perpetrator; the child may have affection for him/her.

Explain what you will do next – inform Designated Lead, keep in contact.

 

Record

If possible make brief notes about what they are actually telling you at the time.  Keep these notes, however rough they are.  If you are unable to make notes at the time write down what was said as soon as you can.

Try to record what was actually said by the child rather than your interpretation of what they are telling you.

Record the date, time, place and any noticeable nonverbal behaviour.

 

Report

Report the incident to the designated lead and do not tell any other adults or children what you have been told.

 

 Record Keeping

The designated person for child protection is responsible for ensuring that the necessary paperwork is completed and sent to the relevant people and stored in a safe and confidential place. This means that the records will be a coherent factual record of the concerns that are stored on individual children in a clear chronological order.