SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING CHILDREN’S WELFARE

Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare forms a large part of our statutory responsibilities and covers most of the requirements of our registration with Ofsted (England).
Our Named person who has overall responsibility for our programme for supporting safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare is Cheryl Kelly and Sian Briton-Watkins. However, in our setting this may be shared between all staff.
All children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We follow the framework of the ‘Every Child Matters’ government green paper which is structured around five outcomes which are key to a child’s well-being.
The five outcomes are:
• stay safe – looking after the children’s welfare and ensuring a safe environment
• be healthy – safeguarding and promoting children’s health and well-being
• enjoy and achieve – supporting the children in their learning and development
• make a positive contribution – working together with parents and encouraging children to play a beneficial part in their nursery and wider community
• organisation – ensuring all government policies, procedures and practices are strictly followed
Within Nelmes Pre-School we aim to:
• To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.
• To raise the awareness of 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.
• To support pupils who have suffered abuse in accordance with his/her agreed Child Protection Plan.
• To emphasis the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff.
• To set out a structured procedure within the setting in cases of suspected abuse.
• To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and Social Care.
• To ensure that all adults within our setting who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability.
• To ensure all staff are aware of the Pre-School’s code of conduct.

Equality
Some children’s circumstances mean they are more vulnerable to abuse and/or less able to easily access services. These children often require a high degree or awareness and co-operation between professionals in different agencies, both in recognising and identifying their needs and in acting to meet those need – Chapter 5, Children in Specific Circumstances, edition 5, London Child Protection Procedures.

Procedures
• Our setting procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with Local Authority and Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures. Edition 5 of the London Child Protection Procedures provides comprehensive guidance.
• In the event that there are concerns about a child, or children, the Nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator will access the London Child Protection Procedures 6th edition.
• Within Nelmes Pre-School safeguarding issues also include poor or irregular attendance, persistent lateness, or children absent without explanation.
• In the event that there are concerns about a child/ren edition 5, Chapters 4 and 5 to inform their decision making process with regard to the presenting safeguarding concerns;
The Children Act 1989 introduced the concept of significant harm as the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of the children, and gives local authorities a duty to make enquiries to decide whether they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm (LCPC chapter 4, 4.1).
• All members of staff will develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse and their responsibility for referring any concerns and who to refer to.
• All new members of staff will be given a copy of our child protection/safeguarding procedures as part of their induction into the setting.
• All members of staff will be expected to know how to access edition 5 of the London Child Protection Procedures.
• All members of staff will know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse. It is vital that our actions do not abuse the child further or prejudice further enquiries, for example,
• Staff will listen to the child, if they are shocked by what is being said they will try not to show it.
• Staff will not promise confidentiality. They can however, promise privacy, reassure the child they have done the right thing, explain who you will have to tell and why.
• If a child is making a disclosure the pace should be dictated by the child, do not ask leading questions for example, ‘what did they do next?’. It is our role to listen not to investigate. Use open questions such as ‘is there anything else you wish to tell me?’.
• Staff will accept what they are telling you.
• Staff will acknowledge how hard it was for them to tell you.
• Staff will not criticise the perpetrator, this may be someone they love.
• Staff will Report all information immediately to the Nominated Child Protection Coordinator.
• The conduct of staff when in a 1:1 situation with a child is managed in a way that would not lead any reasonable person to question their motives or intentions. All staff must ensure that their behaviour and actions do not place children or themselves at risk of harm or of allegations of harm to children.
• All parents/carers are made aware of the possibilities of staff members actions with regard child protection procedures.
• A copy of the setting Child Protection Policy is available to all parents online nelmespreschool.co.uk/policies & procedures and in the setting corridor in a black folder.
• Our procedures will be reviewed annually by the Owner / Manager and Nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator and will be up-dated accordingly.

Responsibilities
• The Nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator or those deputising for them, is responsible for:
• Adhering to the Havering LSCB, LA and setting procedures with regard to referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse.
• Keeping written records of concerns, at the setting, about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
• Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from child level records.
• Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the child level records.
• Checking the attendance of children subject to a Child Protection Plan on daily basis.
• Ensuring that any child currently who is subject to a Child Protection Plan who is absent without explanation is referred to Social Care and Havering Early Education Inclusion Team.
• Ensuring that where any child currently who is subject to a Child Protection Plan leaves, their information is transferred to the new setting or school if known immediately and that the child’s social worker is informed.

Supporting Children
• We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence and/or abuse may find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self worth.
• We recognise that a child in these circumstances may feel helpless and humiliated.
• We recognise that a child may feel self blame.
• We recognise that the setting may provide the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
• 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 through:
• The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
• The setting ethos.
• Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness whilst not condoning aggression or bullying.
• Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school, giving children a sense of being valued.
• Ensuring children know there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried.
• Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
• Notifying Social Care and Early Education Inclusion as soon as there is a significant concern.
• Providing continuing support to a child about whom there have been concerns who leaves the school by ensuring that appropriate information is forwarded under confidential cover to the child’s new setting or School.

Stay Safe
Effective child protection is essential. The welfare of every child we look after is paramount and everyone (including all staff, students, volunteers and visitors) have a responsibility to ensure that any areas of concern involving a child who may be at risk of harm, are recognised and dealt with immediately.

As a childcare provider, we have a moral duty of care to ensure that any concerns or incidents of suspected abuse or harm are reported to the relevant Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) without delay.

Parents will be notified of all concerns and referrals unless we are advised differently by the LSCB.

Safety & Security
We ensure the safety and security of the premises and equipment by the following means:
• security fencing around the outdoor play area.
• Self registration by children which is double checked by staff.
• A member of staff on the inner and outer doors during opening and closing times.
• All equipment used is suitable and safe for the children.
• All toys and equipment are checked regularly for safety.
• All electrical equipment is PAC tested by a qualified electrician hired by Pre-School.
• Before opening, the nursery is checked every day by management for potential safety issues.
• A comprehensive fire risk assessment is in place.
• A risk assessment for all new and current activities is carried out by Pre-School staff. They will balance educational gains of an activity against any potential risks.
The safety of the children is maintained in the following ways:
• All children must be signed in and out of the Pre-School.
• Children are checked in and out for outdoor play which ensures that a child is never left unattended.
• The use of mobile phones is prohibited in the hall during session time.
• We have strict guidelines to control the administration of medication.
• The majority of staff are paediatric first aid trained.
• Infection control measures are in place and hand cleaning procedures are in place prior to eating.

Enjoy & Achieve
We create an environment that is conducive to learning and each child is assigned a Key Person. We support the children in their learning through active play and exploration by observing and assessing them and encouraging their creative thinking.

Make a Positive Contribution
We work together with parents to ensure children’s individual needs are met.
Social inclusion is promoted and children are encouraged to behave in a respectful way to others around them.

Organisation
We control the suitability of people within the nursery by adhering to these policies:
• Nelmes Pre-School carry out enhanced DBS checks for all staff. This is currently the highest level of checking available.
• All new staff must have two references before starting at the pre-school. We may ask for an additional education reference where applicable.
• New staff require a current DBS certificate before they are allowed to interact with children without supervision.
• All adults collecting children from preschool will have to be nominated and identified beforehand and will need to quote an agreed password.
• Visitors are checked into and out of the pre-school.
All documentation relating to policies and procedures can be viewed on request. These policies are displayed in the corridor and on-line on the setting website

Use of mobile phones
Mobile phones have a place in settings, especially those without a landline, and on outings. They are often the only means of contact available in settings and can be helpful in ensuring children are kept safe. To protect children we will:

• Only use mobile phones appropriately, and ensure staff have a clear understanding of what constitutes misuse and know how to minimise the risk.

• Ensure the use of a mobile phone does not detract from the quality of supervision and care of children.

• Ensure all mobile phone use is open to scrutiny.

• Ensure staff are vigilant and alert to any potential warning signs of the misuse of mobile phones.

• Ensure staff are responsible for their own behaviour regarding the use of mobile phones and should avoid putting themselves into compromising situations, which could be misinterpreted and lead to potential allegations.

• Ensure the use of mobile phones on outings is included as part of the risk assessment, for example, how to keep personal numbers that may be stored on the phone safe and confidential.

Work mobile phones
To protect children we will ensure that the work mobile:

• Is only used by allocated people.

• Is protected with a password.

• Is stored securely when not in use.

• Is not used in areas such as toilets, changing rooms, nappy changing areas and sleep areas.

Personal mobile phones

To protect children, we will ensure that personal mobiles:

• Are stored securely, in the back room, and will be switched off or on silent whilst staff are on duty.
• Are not used to take pictures of the children attending the setting.

• Are staff’s responsibility and no liability for loss or damage will be accepted by the setting.

• Mobile phones belonging to visitors are either turned off or stored securely on entering the setting.

• Will not be used to take photographs, video or audio recordings in our setting without prior explicit written consent from the setting and parents and carers.

• Are not used to contact parents or children except in the event of an emergency.

Cameras: photography and images

The vast majority of people who take or view photographs or videos of children do so for entirely innocent, understandable and acceptable reasons. However, due to cases of abuse to children through taking or using images, we must ensure that we have safeguards in place. To protect children we will:

• Obtain parents’ and carers’ consent for photographs to be taken or published (for example, on our website or in newspapers or publications).

• Ensure the setting’s designated camera is only used in the setting and any images taken will not be emailed as it may not be secure. (In some instances, it may be required to seek parental permission to email images, but the potential risks must be made clear to parents).

• Ensure that children are appropriately dressed, and only use the child’s first name with an image.

• Ensure that personal cameras are not used to take photographs, video or audio recordings in our setting without prior explicit written consent from the setting, for example, for a special event, such as a Christmas play.

• Ensure that all images are stored securely and password protected. Where images are stored the setting will register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), in accordance with data protection laws.

• Ensure where professional photographers are used DBS’s, references and parental consent will be obtained prior to photographs being taken.

• Ensure ‘acceptable use’ rules regarding the use of cameras by children are embedded in practice.

• Ensure the use of cameras, is closely monitored and open to scrutiny.

SAFEGUARDING DISABLED CHILDREN
Disabled children and children with SEN have exactly the same human rights to be kept safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes as non-disabled children. Disabled children do however, require additional action. This is because they experience greater risks and created vulnerability as a result of negative attitudes about disabled children and unequal access to services and resources and because they may have additional needs relating to physical, sensory, cognitive and/or communication impairment (Safeguarding Children, DSCF, July 2009). Nelmes Pre-School will ensure that our disabled children are listened to and responded to appropriately where they have concerns regarding abuse. In order to do this we will ensure that our staff and volunteers receive the training to raise awareness and that children have access to specialist staff in the event that there may be concerns regarding abuse of a child.

CHILDREN MISSING FROM EARLY EDUCATION
All children, regardless of their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs are entitled to a full time education. Nelmes Pre-School recognises that a child missing education is a potential indicator of abuse or neglect and will follow the setting’s procedures for unauthorised absence and for children missing education. Parents should always inform the setting of the reason for any child’s absence. Where contact is not made on either side, a referral may be made to a Local Authority appropriate agency such as the MASH Social Care team or indeed the police). Nelmes Pre-School is obliged to inform the local authority of any pupil who fails to attend Pre-School regularly.

PREVENT
(Full details in separate PREVENT Policy)
Childcare providers have a vital role to play in protecting children and young people from the risks of extremism and radicalisation. This role is underpinned by the Counter Terrorism and Security Act (2015) to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

The Prevent Strategy, published by the Government in 2011 is part of an overall counter terrorism strategy CONTEST. The aim of the Prevent strategy is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism activity.

Nelmes Pre-School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who we work with. As a childcare provider we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): professionals in all agencies, and staff of Nelmes Pre-School are alert to the possibilities of girls being at risk of FGM. There is a range of potential indicators that a child or young person may be at risk of FGM, which individually may not indicate a risk. However, if there are two or more indicators present this could signal a risk to a child or young person. Victims of FGM are likely to come from a community that is known to practice FGM. School professions note that girls at risk of FGM may not yet be aware of the practice or that it may be conducted on them, so sensitivity will always be shown when approaching the subject within setting. Staff of Nelmes Pre-School will activate local safeguarding procedures if FGM is considered to be an issue with any child attending setting.

ALLEGATION AGAINST A STAFF MEMBER
Any allegation of abuse made against a member of staff, student placement or volunteer within Nelmes Pre-School will be dealt with fairly, quickly, and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for children and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation. An allegation of abuse against a staff members should be reported to the LADO within one working day and reported to OFSTED as soon as reasonably practicable but within 14 days.

All staff and volunteers should understand what to do if they receive an allegation against another member of staff or they themselves have concerns about the behaviour of another member of staff. It is our policy that all allegations will be reported straight away, to the Manager and/or Deputy Manager.

This policy follows the Government guidance in chapter 5 of ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’. Nelmes Pre-School also adopts the Government guidance – “Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children” (2006), which sets out the framework for managing cases of allegations of abuse against people who work with children.

This policy will be adopted in respect of allegations that might indicate that a person is unsuitable to continue to work with children in their present position, or in any capacity. The Pre-School’s complaints and child protection procedures will be followed alongside this policy.

This policy will be used in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a member of staff (including a volunteer, student) has:

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

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

• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable
to work with children. This will include cases of verbal abuse.

There may be up to 3 strands in the consideration of an allegation:

• a police investigation of a possible criminal offence;

• enquiries and assessment by children’s social care about whether a child is in need of protection or in need of services;

• consideration by the Nursery of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.

DISQUALIFICATION BY ASSOCIATION

According to guidance issued by the DfE, to supplement KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education, July 2015) staff of Nelmes Pre-School can be disqualified from their employment by their association with others. This will apply if staff of Nelmes Pre-School knowingly”

. work with, or share a household with someone who is disqualified from working with children. This includes partners, children, foster children, house-share colleagues/persons and/or lodgers.

. It is the responsibility of individual staff members to inform setting management that they are aware of, or have become aware that they are living with a disqualified person in their household.

. If setting management are informed of any disqualification by association via a third party it will be treated as an allegation and disqualification from there position will be immediate.

PEER-ON-PEER ABUSE
Nelmes Pre-School may be the only stable, secure and safe element in the lives of children at risk of, or who have suffered harm. Nevertheless, whilst at Pre-School, their behaviour may be challenging and defiant, or they may instead be withdrawn, or display abusive behaviours towards other children. Our Pre-School recognises that some children may abuse their peers and any incidents of peer on peer abuse will be managed in the same way as any other child protection concern and will follow the same procedures.
Peer on peer abuse can manifest itself in many ways including bullying and physically harmful behavior. We do not tolerate any harmful behaviour in school and will take swift action to intervene where this occurs. We use circle time to help children understand, in an age-appropriate way, what abuse is and we encourage them to tell a trusted adult if someone is behaving in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING
We recognise that all matters relating to Child Protection are confidential.

Department for Education (DfE), information sharing protocols will be adhered to at all times. (Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers 2008).

The Owner / Manager, Nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator/Safeguarding Officer, or staff generally will disclose any information about a child to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.

All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.

All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets.

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 situationstressful and upsetting.

We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to discuss the situation with the Nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator and to seek further support as appropriate.

SAFER RECRUITMENT
Our setting will ensure that we practice Safe Recruitment by undertaking enhanced DBS checks of staff and volunteers who work with children.

Recruitment adverts will highlight the priority that the setting places on this and the Settings commitment to safeguarding.

The setting will follow the guidance set out in Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education 1st January 2007, and in line with the Local Authority and Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures, these being the 4th edition of the London Child Protection Procedures 2010 (chapter 17).

PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
Our policy on physical intervention by staff is set out in a separate policy and acknowledges that staff must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, and that at all times, it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person.

We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures. Staff need to be aware that if a child sustains an injury as a result of physical intervention Child Protection processes must be adhered too.

PREVENTION
We recognise that the setting plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our children by providing children with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.

The setting community will therefore: Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to. Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the setting whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.

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

RESPONDING TO A COVID19 OUTBREAK POLICY

The well-being, safety and security of all the children in the setting is our main concern. In light of the current COVID19 pandemic this policy has been implemented to ensure the safety of all staff members and children attending setting.

Anyone who begins to display COVID19 symptoms whilst in setting which include:

• A raised temperature (adult 38° or more, children 37.5° or more).
• A new and persistent cough.
• Anosmia (Loss of smell and taste)
• Aching limbs

will be sent home immediately and advised to follow government guidelines www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Please refer to policy in full ‘COVID19 Outbreak’.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACT NUMBERS FOR LONDON BOROUGH OF HAVERING

London Borough of Havering Designated Officer (LADO)
01708433584 /07580757898

MASH TEAM (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) – 01708 433222
Child Protection Team – 01708 433222
(Out of Hours) MASH & CP – 01708 433999

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) 01708 431653

The MASH will contribute to improved outcomes for safeguarding children and young people because it has the ability to swiftly collate and share multi agency information held by various organisations. This will enable the social care manager to identify those cases which meet the threshold criteria for a social care intervention.
Those which do not meet the threshold for a social care intervention but do require a service will be referred to the appropriate service within the community such as localities or Children Centres or other preventative and family support services.
The MASH is not intended to replace the functions of assessment, information sharing or multi agency working, but rather to make information sharing more comprehensive and efficient. It provides full information in one place into a coherent format that is already known within separate organisations.

Public Health England North East and North Central
London Health Protection Team
Ground Floor
South Wing
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8JX

Tel: 0203 837 7084
Out of Hours : 0207 191 1860

Havering’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Havering’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) provides information sharing across all organisations involved in safeguarding – including:

• Statutory,
• Non statutory
• Third sector (charities).
Essentially the MASH will analyse information that is already known within separate organisations in a coherent format to inform all safeguarding decisions.

All partners will work together to provide the highest level of knowledge and analysis to make sure that all safeguarding activity and intervention is timely, proportionate and necessary.

MASH has three key functions:
• Identification and early intervention – working with the localities and early intervention service providers to support children and young people whose needs do not meet the threshold for children’s social care.
• Harm identification and reduction – undertaken by identifying children and young people experiencing the highest levels of harm and making sure partners work together to support them with harm reduction strategies and services.
• Co-ordinating partner agencies – working with vulnerable children and young people.
How does it work?

All information within the MASH will be collected and decision making will take place in a timely manner within agreed timescales. Timescales will depend upon the priority criteria when a MASH enquiry is made to the hub.
All Child Protection will be immediately allocated to a social worker.
The MASH:
• Manages contacts and referrals received from any source which are deemed to require further information to inform decision making.
• develop a document recording the concerns information and all other available information in the hub within agreed timescales. A children’s social care manager will make an informed decision using all the available information.
• Develop concern information into a social care referral if services are required under S17 or 47 of The Children Act 1989.
• Liaise with Havering Localities, including Children Centres and early intervention services for children and young people who need services but do not meet the Children Act 1989 threshold.
• Provide consultation to agency referrers about thresholds, appropriate actions to be undertaken and services.
• Assist in the identification for the Top 100 Families Project

 

Back