ABC Studio Childcare is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others. We aim to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by protecting them 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; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. 

The ABC Studio Childcare ’s Child Protection (CP) policy draws upon duties conferred by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, The Children and Families Act 2014, S175 of the 2002 Education Act and the guidance contained in “Working Together to Safeguard Children”, the DfE’s statutory guidance “Keeping children safe in education”, Ofsted Guidance and procedures produced by the London Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB). We also have regard to the advice contained in Dfe’s “What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused” and “Information Sharing – Advice for practitioners”. The policy is applicable to all on and off-site activities undertaken by children whilst they are the responsibility of ABC Studio Childcare. 

We will ensure that all staff read at least Part one of DfE guidance “Keeping children safe in education” and that mechanisms are in place to assist staff to understand and discharge their role and responsibilities as set out in Part one. 

POLICY AIMS

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• Identify the names of responsible persons in the Nursery and explain the purpose of their role 

• Outline the role of the Director 

• Describe what should be done if anyone in the Nursery has a concern about the safety and welfare of a child who attends the Nursery 

• Identify the particular attention that should be paid to those children who fall into a category that might be deemed “vulnerable”

• Set out expectations in respect of training

• Ensure that those responsible for recruitment are aware of how to apply safeguarding principles in employing staff 

• Set out expectations of how to ensure children are safeguarded when there is potential to come into contact with non-nursery staff, e.g. volunteers, contractors etc. 

• Outline how complaints against staff will be handled 

• Set out expectations regarding record keeping

• Clarify how children will be kept safe through the everyday life of the Nursery

• Outline how the implementation of this policy will be monitored. 

This policy is consistent with all other policies adopted by the Director and should in particular be read in conjunction with the following policies relevant to the safety and welfare of children: 

• Health & Safety 

• Code of Conduct 

• First Aid 

• Behaviour & Sanctions 

• E – Safety 

• Confidentiality 

• Outings and Visits 

• Toileting and Nappy Changing 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our Nursery is the responsibility of the whole nursery community. All adults working at ABC Studio Childcare (including visiting staff, volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead who is a member of the leadership team. 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Nursery Manager 

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are to be named.

They can be contacted by telephone on 020 7732 1089

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection (including online safety) and provides advice and support to other staff on child welfare and child protection matters, takes part in strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings, and/or supports other staff to do so, and contributes to the assessment of children. DSL is the first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing Child Protection investigations.

When an individual concern/incident is brought to the notice of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, they will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported to other agencies as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice will be sought from the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) or the LA’s Strategic Lead Officer for safeguarding in education services. If a child is in immediate danger or is at risk of harm, a referral will be made to Southwark Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) (or its equivalent in another LA if the child resides in a different LA) and/or the police immediately. 

Although all staff should be aware of the process for making referrals to children’s social care and for statutory assessments that may follow a referral, along with the role they might be expected to play in such assessments, the DSL (and any deputies) are most likely to have a complete safeguarding picture and be the most appropriate person to advise on the response to safeguarding concerns. The DSL or a deputy will always be available to discuss safeguarding concerns. If in exceptional circumstances, the DSL (or deputy) is not available, this should not delay appropriate action being taken. Staff should consider speaking to a member of the senior leadership team and/or take advice from local children’s social care.  In these circumstances, any action taken should be shared with the DSL (or deputy) as soon as is practically possible. 

THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR 

The Director will ensure that they comply with their duties under legislation and that the policies, procedures and training in the Nursery are effective and comply with the law at all times. The Director is expected to receive appropriate training on safeguarding at induction that is updated regularly. In addition, they should receive information (for example, via emails, e-bulletins and newsletters) on safeguarding and child protection at least annually so that they can demonstrate knowledge of their responsibilities relating to the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

The Director will ensure that ABC Studio Childcare contributes to inter-agency working in line with statutory guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” and that ABC Studio Childcare safeguarding arrangements take into account the procedures and practice of the local authority as part of the inter-agency safeguarding procedures set up by the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB). 

The Director has formally adopted this policy and will review its contents annually or sooner if any legislative or regulatory changes are notified to it by the Nursery Manager.

Concerns about and allegations of abuse made against the Nursery Manager will be referred to the Director who will liaise with the LA’s designated officer ( DO ) and partner agencies and will attend any strategy meetings called in respect of such an allegation against the Nursery Manager. 

As good practice, the Director will meet on a regular basis with the DSL to monitor  ABC Studio Childcare’s safeguarding arrangements and both the volume and progress of cases where a concern has been raised to ensure that the Nursery is meeting its duties in respect of safeguarding. 

Types of child abuse and neglect 

Abuse: a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. 

Physical abuse: a form of abuse which 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. 

Emotional abuse: the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone. 

Sexual abuse: involves forcing or enticing a child or young person 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, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. 

Neglect: the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment 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 adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs. 

Safeguarding incidents and/or behaviours can be associated with factors outside ABC Studio Childcare and/or can occur between children outside Nursery. All staff, but especially the DSL and DDSLs will be considering the context within which such incidents and/or behaviours occur. This is known as Contextual Safeguarding, which simply means assessments of children should consider whether wider environmental factors are present in a child’s life that are a threat to their safety and/or welfare. 

In addition to these types of abuse and neglect, members of staff will also be alert to following specific safeguarding issues: 

Peer on peer abuse 

Children are capable of abusing their peers. This can take different forms, such as physical abuse (such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm; violence, particularly pre-planned ), emotional abuse (blackmail or extortion, threats and intimidation) sexual violence and sexual harassment; sexual abuse (indecent exposure, indecent touching or serious sexual assaults). We do not tolerate these or pass them off as “banter”, “just having a laugh”, or “part of growing up”.

ABC Studio Childcare has a strong commitment to an anti-bullying policy and will consider all coercive acts and peer on peer abuse within a Child Protection context. We recognise that some children will sometimes negatively affect the learning and wellbeing of other children and their behaviour will be dealt with under ABC Studio Childcare behaviour policies. As a nursery, we will minimise the risk of allegations against other children by providing a developmentally appropriate PSHE syllabus which develops children’s understanding of acceptable behaviour and keeping themselves safe, having systems in place for any child to raise concerns with staff, knowing that they will be listened to, believed and valued, delivering targeted work on assertiveness and keeping safe to those children identified as being at risk, developing robust risk assessments and providing targeted work for children identified as being a potential risk to other children. Any possible peer on peer abuse case will be shared with the DSL with a view to referring to appropriate agencies following the referral procedures. 

Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children

Sexual violence and sexual harassment can occur between two children of any age and sex. It can also occur through a group of children sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single child or group of children. It can occur online and offline (both physically and verbally). It is more likely that girls will be the victims of sexual violence and sexual harassment and more likely it will be perpetrated by boys. Children who are victims of sexual violence and sexual harassment will find the experience stressful and distressing. This will affect their educational attainment. Staff will share any concerns about or knowledge of such incidents immediately with the DSL with a view to ensuring that support systems are in place for victims (and alleged perpetrators). We take these incidents seriously and ensure that victims are protected, offered appropriate support and every effort is made to ensure their education is not disrupted. Where necessary, we will work with relevant external agencies to address the issue, which may include a referral to MASH and reporting to the Police. Further information is available in ‘Part 5: Child on child sexual violence and sexual harassment’ of DfE guidance “Keeping children safe in education”.

Preventing Radicalisation 

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on specified authorities, including local authorities and childcare, education and other children’s services providers, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism ( the Prevent Duty )

Young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views, in particular those via the internet and other social media. 

Examples of the ways in which people can be vulnerable to radicalisation and the indicators that might suggest that an individual might be vulnerable: 

• Example indicators that an individual is engaged with an extremist group, cause or ideology include: spending increasing time in the company of other suspected extremists; changing their style of dress or personal appearance to accord with the group; their day-to-day behaviour becoming increasingly centred around an extremist ideology, group or cause; loss of interest in other friends and activities not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause; possession of material or symbols associated with an extremist cause (e.g. the swastika for far right groups); attempts to recruit others to the group/cause/ideology; or communications with others that suggest identification with a group/cause/ideology. 

• Example indicators that an individual has an intention to use violence or other illegal means include: clearly identifying another group as threatening what they stand for and blaming that group for all social or political ills; using insulting or derogatory names or labels for another group; speaking about the imminence of harm from the other group and the importance of action now; expressing attitudes that justify offending on behalf of the group, cause or ideology; condoning or supporting violence or harm towards others; or plotting or conspiring with others. 

The examples above are not exhaustive and vulnerability may manifest itself in other ways. There is no single route to terrorism nor is there a simple profile of those who become involved. For this reason, any attempt to derive a “profile” can be misleading. It must not be assumed that these characteristics and experiences will necessarily lead to individuals becoming terrorists, or that these indicators are the only source of information required to make an appropriate assessment about vulnerability. 

Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism that uses existing collaboration between local authorities, the police, statutory partners (such as the education sector, social services, children and youth’s services and offender management services ) and the local community 

We will refer children at risk of harm as a result of involvement or potential involvement in extremist activity to Southwark Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The MASH will share the referral details of new referrals with the Prevent lead police officer and LA Prevent coordinator at the point the referral is received. 

The referral will then be processed though the MASH multi agency information sharing system and parallel to this the Prevent police officer will be carrying out initial screening checks. The Prevent police officer will make a referral to the Channel Practitioner if there are sufficient concerns. 

Private Fostering 

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a 'close relative'. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or by marriage). Great grandparents, great aunts, great uncles and cousins are not regarded as close relatives. 

The law requires that Southwark Council should be notified if anyone is looking after someone else's child for 28 days or more. The purpose of the council's involvement is to support the child and private foster family (and wherever possible the biological parent/s) with any issues arising. These may be practical issues such as benefits, housing, immigration or emotional issues such as keeping contact with biological family, maintaining cultural identity. 

If we become aware of a child in a private fostering arrangement within Southwark, we will notify the council’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) by emailing MASH@southwark.gov.uk or calling 020 7525 1921. Advice about whether there is a need to notify the council, can be obtained by calling 07539 346808 or sending an email to privatefosteringadvice@southwark.gov.uk. 

REFERRALS 

Where there is a safeguarding concern, we take into account the child’s wishes and feelings when determining what action to take and what services to provide. We have systems in place for children to express their views and give feedback. We acknowledge that children who are affected by abuse or neglect may demonstrate their needs and distress through their words, actions, behaviour, demeanour or other children. Ultimately, all our systems and processes operate with the best interests of the child at heart. 

Referrals to services regarding concerns about a child or family typically fall into three categories: 

• Early Help Services; 

• Child in need - Section 17 (Children Act 1989) referrals; 

• Child protection - Section 47 (Children Act 1989) referrals. 

The Southwark Safeguarding Board Multi Agency Threshold Guide sets out the different levels of need and detailed guidance about how concerns within these different levels should be responded to by Southwark agencies.

Safeguarding referrals should be made to Southwark Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) via Inter Agency Referral Form (IARF) and copied to the LA’s Nurseries Safeguarding coordinator. 

Prior to any written IARF being sent as a referral to social care, there should be a verbal consultation with the MASH social worker or manager, by calling the duty desk on 020 7525 1921, to ensure that making a referral is an appropriate action. The parent/carer will normally be contacted to obtain their consent before a referral is made. However, if the concern involves, for example alleged or suspected child sexual abuse, Honor Based Violence, fabricated or induced illness or the Designated Safeguarding Lead has reason to believe that informing the parent at this stage might compromise the safety of the child or a staff member, nothing should be said to the parent/carer ahead of the referral, but a rationale for the decision to progress without consent should be provided with the referral. 

When we make a referral, the local authority should make a decision, within one working day of a referral being made, about the type of response that is required and should let us, as the referrer know the outcome. We will follow up if this information is not forthcoming. 

If, after a referral, the child’s situation does not appear to be improving, we will consider following local escalation procedures to ensure that the concerns have been addressed and, most importantly, that the child’s situation improves. 

The Early Help Referral Form will be used to request additional early help for a family when the needs of a child are beyond the level of support that can be provided by universal services. 

In circumstances where a child has an unexplained or suspicious injury that requires urgent medical attention, the CP referral process should not delay the administration of first aid or emergency medical assistance. If a child is thought to be at immediate risk because of parental violence, intoxication, mental illness or threats to remove the child during the nursery, for example, urgent Police intervention will be requested. 

All parents applying for places at ABC Studio Childcare will be informed of our safeguarding responsibilities and the existence of this policy. In situations where children sustain injury or are otherwise affected by an accident or incident whilst they are the responsibility of the Nursery, parents will be notified of this as soon as possible. 

ABC Studio Childcare recognises the need to be alert to the risks posed by strangers or others (including the parents or carers of other children) who may wish to harm children in Nursery and will take all reasonable steps to lessen such risks. 

VULNERABLE PUPILS 

Particular vigilance will be exercised in respect of children who are subject to Child Protection Plan and any incidents or concerns involving these children will be reported immediately to the allocated Social Worker (and confirmed in writing; copied to the LA’s Schools Safeguarding Coordinator). If the child in question is a Looked-After child, this will also be brought to the notice of the Designated Person with responsibility for children in public care. 

We acknowledge that children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities can face additional safeguarding challenges. We are aware that additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children. This can include assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the the child’s disability without further exploration; children with SEN and disabilities can be disproportionally impacted by things like bullying- without outwardly showing any signs; and communication barriers and difficulties in overcoming these barriers. 

If a child discloses that they have witnessed domestic abuse, or it is suspected that they may be living in a household, which is affected by family violence, this will be referred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as a safeguarding issue.

ABC Studio Childcare also acknowledges the additional need for support and protection of children who are vulnerable by virtue of homelessness, refugee/asylum seeker status, the effects of substance abuse within the family, mid-year admissions, and children where English is an additional language, particularly for very young children, using the translation service if necessary.

TRAINING 

All staff members will receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety) which is regularly updated. In addition, all staff members will receive safeguarding and child protection updates (for example, via email, e-bulletins and staff meetings), as required, but at least annually, to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively. All newly recruited staff (teaching and non-teaching) and will be apprised of this policy and will be required to attend relevant training. In addition, all new staff and temporary staff will be required to attend an induction session with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or their deputy on their first day in the setting. 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (and their Deputies) will attend an appropriate DSL training course and then refresher training at least every two years. The designated safeguarding lead will also undertake Prevent awareness training and will be able to understand the unique risks associated with online safety. In addition to this formal training, their knowledge and skills will be refreshed (for example, via e-bulletins, meeting other designated safeguarding leads or simply taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments) at regular intervals, as required, but at least annually, to allow them to understand and keep up with any developments relevant to their role. Designated staff will be encouraged to attend appropriate network meetings and to participate in the multi-agency training programme organised by the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB). 

RECRUITMENT 

ABC Studio Childcare is committed to the principles of safer recruitment and, as part of that, adopts recruitment procedures that help deter, reject and/or identify people who might abuse children. Safe recruitment processes are followed, and all staff recruited to ABC Studio Childcare will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks. References will be verified and appropriate criminal record checks [Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks], barred list checks and prohibition checks will be undertaken. The level of DBS check required, and whether a prohibition check is required, will depend on the role and duties of an applicant, as outlined in Part three of the DfE guidance “Keeping children safe in education”. We will also have regard to DfE’s statutory guidance about the employment of staff disqualified from childcare “Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006”.

Relevant members of staff who are involved in recruitment will undertake safer recruitment training. ABC Studio Childcare will ensure that at least one person on any appointment panel has undertaken safer recruitment training in line with staffing regulations. The Nursery will only use employment agencies which can demonstrate that they positively vet their supply staff and will report the misconduct of temporary or agency staff to the agency concerned and to the LA. Staff joining ABC Studio Childcare on a permanent or temporary basis will be given a copy of this policy. 

VOLUNTEERS 

Any parent or other person/organisation engaged by ABC Studio Childcare to work in a voluntary capacity with children will be subject to all reasonable vetting procedures and Criminal Records Checks. 

Under no circumstances a volunteer in respect of whom no checks have been obtained will be left unsupervised or allowed to work in regulated activity. 

Volunteers who on an unsupervised basis teach or look after children regularly or provide personal care on a one-off basis in our Nursery are deemed to be in regulated activity. We will obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (which will include barred list information) for all volunteers who are new to working in regulated activity. Existing volunteers in regulated activity do not have to be re-checked if they have already had a DBS check (which includes barred list information). However, we may conduct a repeat DBS check (which will include barred list information) on any such volunteer should we have any concerns. 

The law has removed supervised volunteers from regulated activity. There is no legal requirement to obtain DBS certificate for volunteers who are not in regulated activity and who are supervised regularly and on ongoing day to day basis by a person who is in regulated activity, but an enhanced DBS check without a barred list check may be requested following a risk assessment. 

Further information on checks on volunteers can be found in Part three of the DfE guidance “Keeping children safe in education”.

Volunteers will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of ABC Studio Childcare. 

STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT 

All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with children and their families. The Teachers’ Standards 2012 state that all teachers should safeguard children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching profession as part of their professional duties. Children will be treated with respect and dignity and no punishment, detention, restraint, sanctions or rewards are allowed outside of those detailed in ABC Studio Childcare Behaviour Management Policy. 

Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and children, staff are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation. Where incidents occur, which might otherwise be misconstrued, or in the exceptional circumstances where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a child for their own protection or other’s safety this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the Manager and parents. Any physical restraint used will comply with DfE guidance “Use of reasonable force”.

Except in cases of emergency, first aid will only be administered by qualified First Aiders. If it is necessary for the child to remove clothing for first aid treatment, there will, wherever possible, be another adult present. If a child needs help with toileting, nappy changing or washing after soiling themselves, another adult should be present or within earshot. All first aid treatment and non-routine changing or personal care will be recorded and shared with parents/carers at the earliest opportunity. 

Children requiring regular medication or therapies for long-term medical conditions will be made the subject of a Care Plan that has been agreed with the parents and health authority. 

For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with children. Other than in formal teaching situations, the door to the room in which the 1:1 coaching, counselling or meeting is taking place should be left open. Where this is not practicable because of the need for confidentiality, another member of staff will be asked to maintain a presence nearby and a record will be kept of the circumstances of the meeting. 

ABC Studio Childcare staff should also be alert to the possible risks that might arise from social contact with children outside of the Nursery. Home visits to children or private tuition of children should only take place with the knowledge and approval of the Nursery Manager. Visits/telephone calls by children to the homes of staff members should only occur in exceptional circumstances and with the prior knowledge and approval of the Nursery Manager. Any unplanned contact of this nature or suspected infatuations will be reported to the Nursery Manager. Staff supervising off-site activities will be provided with the Nursery mobile phone as a point of contact.

Staff will only use the Nursery’s digital technology resources and systems for professional purposes or for uses deemed ‘reasonable’ by the Director. 

Staff will only use the approved ABC Studio Childcare email or other ABC Studio Childcare approved communication systems with children or parents/carers and only communicate with them on appropriate nursery business and will not disclose their personal telephone numbers and email addresses to parents/carers. Staff will not use personal cameras (digital or otherwise) or camera phones for taking and transferring images of children or staff without permission and will not store images at home. 

Staff should be aware of ABC Studio Childcare’s whistle-blowing procedures and share immediately any disclosure or concern that relates to a member of staff with the Designated Safeguarding Leads and nothing should be said to the colleague involved. It should be shared with the Director if it relates to the Nursery Manager.

CONTRACTORS 

Building contractors who are engaged by or on behalf of ABC Studio Childcare to undertake works on site will be made aware of this policy and the reasons for this. Long-term contractors who work regularly at ABC Studio Childcare will be asked to provide their consent for DBS checks to be undertaken. These checks will be undertaken when individual risk assessments by the Leadership Team deem this to be appropriate. During major works, when large numbers of workers and sub-contractors may be on site, Health and Safety risk assessments will include the potential for contractors or their employees to have direct access to children in non-teaching sessions. All contractors and sub-contractors will be issued with the copies of ABC Studio Childcare code of conduct for staff.

Individuals and organisations that are contracted by ABC Studio Childcare to work with or provide services to children will be expected to adhere to this policy and their compliance will be monitored. Any such contractors will be subject to the appropriate level of DBS check, if any such check is required (for example because the contractor is carrying out teaching or providing some type of care for or supervision of children regularly). Contractors for whom an appropriate DBS check has not been undertaken will be supervised if they will have contact with children. Under no circumstances we will allow a contractor in respect of whom no checks have been obtained to work unsupervised or engage in regulated activity. We will determine the appropriate level of supervision depending on the circumstances. 

We will always check the identity of contractors and their staff on arrival at ABC Studio Childcare.

COMPLAINTS/ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST STAFF 

ABC Studio Childcare takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Procedures are in place for children, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member staff or volunteer. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads and nothing should be said to the colleague involved. In cases where the Nursery Manager is the subject of the allegation or concern, they will be reported to the Director, in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. These procedures are used in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a member of staff (including volunteers) in nursery, school or college that provides education for children under 18 years of age has: 

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

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

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

The Local Authority’s Designated Officer(s) (DO) should be informed of all allegations that come to a nursery’s attention and appear to meet the criteria. Contact can also be made with LA’s Safeguarding Coordinator who will liaise with the DO. Many cases may well either not meet the criteria set out above or may do so without warranting consideration of either a police investigation or enquiries by local authority children’s social care services. In these cases, local arrangements will be followed to resolve cases without delay.

Some rare allegations will be so serious, they will require immediate intervention by children’s social care services and/or police. In such cases, referral to the DO will lead to a Strategy Meeting or Discussion being held in accordance with the DfE guidance and London SCB procedures. This process will agree upon the appropriate course of action and the time-scale for investigations. 

ABC Studio Childcare has a legal duty to refer to the DBS anyone who has harmed, or poses a risk of harm, to a child and who has been removed from working (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity or would have been removed had they not left. The DBS will consider whether to bar the person. Referrals will be made as soon as possible after the resignation or removal of the individual. 

The full procedures about dealing with allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff can be found in Part Four of the DfE guidance “Keeping children safe in education”.

The Director is: Ms. Inna Hoffmann  who can be contacted on 020 7732 1089

The LA’s_ _DO is: TBC
The LA’s Strategic Lead Officer for safeguarding in education services is : TBC
The LA’s Family Early Help Service Duty Manager: 020 7525 3893 
Family Early Help Service Duty Officer: 020 7525 2714 

We also note the “Safeguarding information for professionals and the community in Southwark” on Southwark Council Website

RECORDS 

Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents and child protection or child in need concerns relating to individual children. These notes are significant especially if the incident or the concern does not lead to a referral to other agencies. This information may be shared directly with other agencies as appropriate. All contact with parents and external agencies will be logged and these will be kept as CP records. ABC Studio Childcare will take into account the views and wishes of the child who is the subject of the concern, but staff will be alert to the dangers of colluding with dangerous “secrets”.

Child protection records are not open to children or parents. All CP records are kept securely by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and separately from educational records. They may only be accessed by the Designated Safeguarding Leads and their Deputy. 

The content of Child Protection Conference or Review reports prepared by ABC Studio Childcare will follow the headings recommended by Children’s Services and will, wherever possible, be shared with the parents/carer in advance of the meeting. 

Child Protection records will be sent to receiving schools and nursery settings separately from the main child file and under a confidential cover when children leave ABC Studio Childcare, ensuring secure transit and a confirmation of receipt will be obtained. 

In addition to the child protection file, the DSL will also consider if it would be appropriate to share any information with the new school or nursery in advance of a child leaving. For example, information that would allow the new school or nursery to continue supporting victims of abuse and have that support in place for when the child arrives.

When we receive child protection records from other nurseries, we will ensure key staff such as the DSL and SENCO are aware as required. 

If a child is withdrawn from ABC Studio Childcare having not reached the normal date of transfer; due to a family move or any other reason, all efforts will be made to identify any new address and the school or nursery to which they are being admitted and to ensure that their educational records are sent without delay to the child’s new school or nursery. If the parent/carer fails to provide this information, an urgent referral will be made to the Family Early Help Service either through the Family EHS Duty Officer or through a Family EHS team manager in order that they might make further enquiries. If ABC Studio Childcare receives educational records concerning a child who is not registered with us, the records will be returned promptly to the sending school or nursery with a note, advising them to refer to their LA’s Children’s Services Department. 

SAFETY ON SITE 

No internal doors to rooms will be locked whilst children are present in these areas. 

Entry to ABC Studio Childcare premises will be controlled by doors that are secured physically or by constant staff supervision or video surveillance. Authorised visitors to ABC Studio Childcare will be logged into and out of the premises. Unidentified visitors will be challenged by staff or reported to the Nursery Manager. Carelessness in closing any controlled entrance will be challenged. 

The presence of intruders and suspicious strangers seen loitering near ABC Studio Childcare, will be reported to the Police by calling 101 or 999, depending on the circumstances and the urgency of the case so that if police stop these individuals they can be spoken to about what they were doing and dealt with accordingly. Brief  information about the incident will be sent to LA’s Safeguarding Coordinator with a view to alerting other local nurseries in liaison with the police and through appropriate systems. 

Parents, carers or relatives may only take still or video photographic images of children at ABC Studio Childcare or on ABC Studio Childcare -organised activities with the prior consent of the Nursery and then only in designated areas. Images taken must be for private use only. Recording and/or photographing other than for private use would require the consent of the other parents whose children may be captured on film. Without this consent the Data Protection legislation would be breached. If parents do not wish their children to be photographed or filmed and express this view in writing, their rights will be respected. 

CURRICULUM 

ABC Studio Childcare acknowledges the important role that the curriculum can play in the prevention of abuse and in the preparation of our children for the responsibilities of adult life and citizenship. It is expected that all curriculum coordinators will consider the opportunities that exist in their area of responsibility for promoting the welfare and safety of children. As appropriate, the curriculum will be used to build resilience, help children to keep safe and to know how to ask for help if their safety is threatened. As part of developing a healthy, safer lifestyle, children will be taught, for example: 

• to recognise and manage risks in different situations and then decide how to behave responsibly; 

• to judge what kinds of physical contact are acceptable and unacceptable; 

• to recognise when pressure from others (including people they know) threatens their personal safety and well-being; including knowing when and where to get help; 

• to use assertiveness techniques to resist unhelpful pressure; 

• emotional literacy 

Where necessary we will work with external agencies to support this work, for example via The Agencies Supporting Southwark Programme (ASSP), which is the quality assurance gateway for all organisations and individuals wishing to work with Southwark's children and young people. 

HEALTHY SCHOOLS 

ABC Studio Childcare will work with partners to promote a whole healthy nursery approach including a focus on the curriculum with the aim of: 

• Developing a nursery ethos, culture, spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development provision and environment which encourages a healthy lifestyle for all children, including the vulnerable; 

• Using the full capacity and flexibility of the curriculum to help children to be safe and healthy; 

• Ensuring that food and drink available across the nursery day reinforce the healthy lifestyle message; 

• Providing high quality Physical Education (PE) and sport to promote physical activity; 

• Promoting an understanding of the full range of issues and behaviours which impact upon lifelong health and wellbeing, including emotional wellbeing and mental health; 

• Working in partnerships with parents/carers, local communities, external agencies and volunteers to support health and wellbeing of all children including the vulnerable. 

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS 

It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best outcomes for our children. We will therefore communicate as clearly as possible about the aims of this nursery. 

• We will use clear statements in our brochures and correspondence. 

• We will liaise with agencies in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors and locality teams that are active in supporting families. 

• We will be alert to the needs of parents/carers who do not have English as their first language and will utilize the translation services as necessary. 

• We will distribute the LA’s leaflet for parents “Protecting Children in Education Settings”. 

• We will make available a copy of this policy to any parent who requests it. The policy will also be available through ABC Studio Childcare ‘s website.

• We will keep parents informed as and when appropriate.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

The Director will monitor the safeguarding arrangements at ABC Studio Childcare to ensure that these arrangements are having a positive impact on the safety and welfare of children. This will be evaluated on the basis of evidence of: 

• the extent to which a positive culture and ethos is created where safeguarding is an important part of everyday life in the Nursery, backed up by training at every level 

• the content, application and effectiveness of safeguarding policies and procedures, and safer recruitment and vetting processes 

• the quality of safeguarding practice, including evidence that staff are aware of the signs that children may be at risk of harm either within the setting or in the family or wider community outside the setting 

• the timeliness of response to any safeguarding concerns that are raised 

• the quality of work to support multi-agency plans around the child. 

COMPLAINTS 

All complaints arising from the operation of this policy will be considered under ABC Studio Childcare ‘s Complaint Procedure, with reference to the LA’s Strategic Lead Officer for safeguarding in education services, as necessary.