Child protection | binstead-pre-school

Child Protection Policy

Our Statement of Intent

Our pre-school wants to work with children, parents and the community to ensure the safety of children and to give them the very best start in life.

Binstead Stepping Stones aim to create an ethos that encourages all staff to feel confident in expressing concerns about a child who they believe may be in circumstances where these risk factors apply, no matter how difficult this may be, or where there may be perceived to be a strong relationship between the school and the family. The well-being of the child must come first.

Aims

Our aims are to:

Create an environment in our pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self -image, regardless of race, language, culture or home background;
Help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers, and with other adults;
Encourage children to have a sense of autonomy and independence;
Enable children to have self- confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches; and
Work with parents to build their understanding of and commitment to the welfare of all our children.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

The Rehabilitation of Offenders act
The Children act 1989 (updated 2004)
Human Rights act 1998
Data Protection act 1984/1998
The Protection of Children Act 1999
The Children Order (NI)
The Children Order (Scotland)
United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Children and Families Act 2014
Special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice 2014
Working Together to Safeguard Children July 2018
Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales 2015
Keeping children safe in education
Early years foundation stage statutory framework 2017

Liaison with other bodies

We will work within the Isle of Wight local safeguarding partnership guidelines
We can access a copy of these available online at IOWSCP.ORG.UK/PROCEDURES for staff and parents to read
We notify the registration authority (OFSTED) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which affect the wellbeing of the children
We have procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues, (contact numbers are in this policy) including maintaining an up-to-date list of contact numbers which are displayed for all staff and parents to see, posters in the main lobby area and online at our website found at http://binsteadsteppingst.wixsite.com/binstead-pre-school
Details of NSPCC are also kept
If a report is made to the authorities, we act within the guidelines in deciding whether we must inform the child’s parents at the same time
Regular updates and contact with the Isle of Wight Local Safeguarding Children partnership is sought if needed.

Staffing and volunteers

Our named persons who co-ordinate child protection issues, child protection officers/designated safeguarding leads, are Alison Balmer and Sarah Green
We provide adequate child adult ratios and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children as defined in the current Statutory framework for the early years
Applicants for posts within the pre-school are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. Where applicants are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, they will have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information. We also follow guidance from the Disclosure and Barring service passing on information about staff that are dismissed following any type of incident reportable to them.
We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and police checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified or unfit person work at the pre-school or has access to the children. We regularly review the current staff members’ suitability, giving them opportunity to tell management of any changes they need to inform of. It however remains the individuals’ responsibility to inform management of any changes A.S.A.P.
Supervision is provided for all Volunteers and students. However if it is felt they are able to work with the children to the settings high standards, then they may begin to take on some roles within the setting individually.
We abide by the protection of children act in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employ, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concerns and inform the necessary bodies.
We have procedures for recoding the details of visitors to the pre-school.
We take security to ensure that we have control over who comes into the pre-school so that unauthorised persons have no unsupervised access to the children. This is done by a key code door entry and locked external gate.

Disciplinary action against staff/volunteers

Following an allegation about any staff/volunteer member including the manager will be dealt with in line with the complainant’s procedures of the setting. The LADO will be informed and involved in the investigation process and informed of the outcome.

Where a member of staff / student or volunteer is dismissed from the pre-school or internally disciplined because of misconduct relating to a child, we notify OFSTED and any other relevant agencies so information can be clear and transparent with regard to any further action required. All information and outcomes will be recorded in writing.

Training

We seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in the pre-school to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. We keep up-to-date with the local authority’s Isle of Wight safeguarding children’s partnership (IOWLSCP) guidelines for making referrals through their training programmes, policy, procedure, regular discussions at staff meetings. Up to date posters are displayed in the staff areas and on parent notice boards. This ensures staff and parents are aware of how to contact IOWLSCP through Multi agency safeguarding hub, (MASH)if concerned.

Early help guidance is also displayed and staff attend training every 3 years to update their knowledge.

Planning

The building layout allows rooms to be monitored with constant supervision. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group i.e. small or individual work, the blinds are not drawn or the door is left ajar.

Curriculum

We introduce key elements of child protection into our foundation stage curriculum, so that children can develop an understanding of why and how to keep safe.
We create within the pre-school a culture of value and respect for the individual.
We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is appropriate for the ages and stages of the children.
of the children.
Covid-19 prevention and actions undertaken

Complaints

We ensure that all parents know how to complain about staff/volunteers/ students and their actions in the setting, including any allegations of abuse.
We follow the guidelines of the IOWLCSP when investigating any complaint about the above.
We follow all the disclosure and recording procedures when investigating an allegation against a member of staff/student/volunteer as if we would if it were any other person.

Responding to suspicions of abuse

We understand that abuse can take different forms- physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.
When children are suffering from any form of abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, in their play, attendance and their appearance. Where such changes are noted, the pre-school investigates.
Investigations are to be carried out with sensitivity. Staff understand that they must not influence the outcome either through the way they speak or ask questions of the children.
Notes will be taken in writing by the first hand staff member and passed on to the settings DSL. If at any time the reporter feels they are not having their concerns dealt with in the way they think is appropriate, they reserve the right to pass on the information to the children’s reception team via MASH themselves.
Where a child shows signs and symptoms of ‘failure to thrive’ or neglect, we make appropriate referrals and interventions. This would be highlighted through the key person’s observations and /or a collaboration of health professionals and the setting.

Disclosures

Where a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff must:

Offer reassurance to the child but make no promises
Listen to all the child has to say without making any judgment or comment
Let them know that you will have to pass on this information
Give reassurance that she or he will take action
NEVER question the child

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Staff members will follow their training, making a recording of:-

The child’s name
The child’s address
The age of the child
The date and time of the observation or disclosure
An objective record of the observation or disclosure
The EXACT words the child spoke
The name of the person to whom the child disclosed or made the observation
The name of the person to whom you shared the concerns include the date and time shared
The names of any other adults present at the time

These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

All members of staff know the procedures for the recording and reporting. This is reinforced in training opportunities such as statutory 2 or 3 yearly. Alongside annual updates provided online, in house or through local authority training subscription.

Child’s disclosures

The information will be reported to the children’s reception team on the professionals line or if deemed for information only, by the email reporting form to them. Inter-Agency Referral form for Isle of Wight Childrens Service All phone conversations should be followed up in writing. The person on the other end reads back the information shared so you can make sure information you have relayed has been recorded correctly. They will advise any further actions and these need to be followed up by the person reporting to them.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the IOWSCP and MASH do not allow this. The police will be informed dependent on the nature of the disclosure or if advised by the Children’s reception team. Investigating offers will deal with informing the parents if this is the case.

Other agencies may also be informed for help or guidance this will only be done with the parents’ consent.

Staff

After a disclosure has been experienced, staff members are offered support in relation to this area of their work. This is done by DSL and can be referred on to other agencies if they require it.

Confidentiality

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

Support to families

The pre-school takes every step in its power its build up a trusting and supportive relationship between families, staff, volunteers and students.
The pre-school continues to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to any abuse in the home situation.
Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents of those who have parental rights for the child if only appropriate under the guidance of the IOWLSCP
With the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount, we do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing problems at home, then report your concerns to your designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible, in line with your child protection policy and procedures. It is important to record your concerns especially if they occur incrementally over time. Sometimes the evidence builds up with each incident appearing mild but the frequency and impact on the child being highly significant.

On site safety

The school recognises the importance of safeguarding pupils throughout the school day. There are procedures to ensure:

the safe dropping off and picking up of pupils at the start and end of the school day, ensuring the gate is locked at all appropriate times
Pupils who leave the site during the school day do so with permission and are collected by an authorised adult.
the safe handover of pupils from provision (breakfast clubs and after school clubs) at the start and end of the school day
pupils feel safe at all times
the school site is secure while children are on site within school operating hours
All staff know about their responsibility to report concerns about a pupil to the DSL
All regular visitors to the setting, as defined by the Disclosure and Barring service, must have a DBS check in place.
One off visitors will only be allowed on the premises by pre-arranged appointments and will be accompanied at all times by a DSL.
All visitors to the setting are required to sign in in the visitors book located in the kitchen area. they will be given a badge/sticker identifying them as a visitor and will be given a safeguarding leaflet.
Covid-19 procedures are followed by all in the setting.

If you have any concerns at all regarding on site safety, please contact the settings DSL’s immediately.

As part of our safeguarding policy, Binstead Stepping Stones will

promote and priorities the safety and well-being of children and young people
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals, safer recruitment policy is followed
Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
Make sure a positive handling ethos is used in the setting and is promoted to be used in conjunction with home settings if asked.
Covid-19 is dealt with under current government procedures

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Binstead Stepping Stones. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the pre-school.

This policy should be read alongside our policies and procedures on:

Safer Recruitment

We recognize that:

The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep children safe by:

Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
Appointing at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for children
Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and code of contact for staff and volunteers
Developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures
Developing and implementing an anti-bullying policy, including peer on peer abuse and ethos in the setting.
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, peer mentoring, quality assurance measures, support and training
Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
Recording and storing information professionally and securely, and sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers via leaflets, posters, one-to-one discussions
Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately
Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
Ensuring we have effective complaints and whistle-blowing measures in place
Ensuring we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

we have also provided the early help details for parents and staff to find out more information around what could be of help to them through the local authority please follow the link https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Care-Support-and-Housing/SEND-Reforms/Support-and-Advice-for-Families/About-Early-Help

Contact details:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Child protection officer (CPO)

Alison Balmer - 07590849369 / binsteadsteppingstones@aol.com

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Child protection officer (CPO)

Sarah Green- 07590849369 / binsteadsteppingstones@aol.com

Useful contact details:

The primary goal of the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children partnership is to ensure that the work to protect children across the Island is properly coordinated and effective.

telephone: 01983 814545

Website: www.iowscp.org.uk

Email:scp@iow.gov.uk

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Barbara Piddington, Fiona Armfield and Mark Blackwell

Telephone: 01962 876364

Email: child.protection@hants.gov.uk

Ofsted:

For information and advice about Ofsted Online please telephone the contact centre on 0300 123 1231 (open 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday)

Email: CIE@ofsted.gov.uk

Postal address: Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

For all emergency situations call 999 or 101 if they are not in immediate danger but you still have concerns.

f you have any concerns because you think that a child might be being abused and you want to talk to someone or ask someone to find out what is going on, you should contact Children’s Services. During office hours 8.30am to 5pm, phone 0300 555 1384. At all other times you should contact the Out of Hours service. Phone 0300 555 1373

Professionals should complete the Inter Agency Referral Form (IARF) founds here https://forms.hants.gov.uk/en/AchieveForms/?form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-7e6115a7-b0ba-484d-991f-084c1248ac72/AF-Stage-52cf8e73-0daf-47d4-bb55-0fdad856d3e6/definition.json&redirectlink=/en&cancelRedirectLink=/en

CEOP - https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

/NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice we do so annually.

This policy was last reviewed on 7th august 2024

next planned review August 2025