My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The relevant local procedures that are held by me are available on request. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I must notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care.
I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern.
I have regard to the government statutory guidance “working together to safeguard children”. This information can be found on the Brighton and hove LSCB website. www.brightonandhovelsbc.org.uk. I am generally on site at all times for members of my staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns they have with me. In the event of me not being here then John Heal is appropriately trained in safeguarding and able to discuss any concerns with staff. One of us will be available at all times. All members of staff receive regular training on safeguarding children.
If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I may contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality.
Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.
Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded.
I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. Please see my Working with Parents policy.
If I notice:
- significant changes in behaviour
- unexpected bruising or marks
- any comments made which give me cause for concern
- deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern
I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call MASH and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk.
Legislation for registered childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted know of any concerns that I have reported without delay.
If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:
- show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously
- Encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
- explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
- write down what I have been told using exact words where possible
- make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion
- Then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation.
If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures, and liaise with LADO.
In all instances I will record:
the child’s full name and address
- the date and time of the record
- factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
- details of any previous concerns
- details of any explanations from the parents
- Any action taken such as speaking to parents.
I have due regard to the Prevent Duty 2015. https//www.gov.uk/government/publications-duty-guidance
Mobile phones are a part of everyday life. I will ensure my mobile phone is fully charged and kept with me for emergencies. I use my phone to store contact numbers in case of an emergency. I use my mobile phone and camera to take pictures of the children in my care, providing permission is given on the consent form.
I will not publish any photos of children in my care on social networking sites. I will ensure photos of children are appropriate and are properly dressed. Photos will be taken to record activities to share with parents and used to record their progress. Photos will be stored on my laptop, memory card/stick, mobile phone and then deleted once used for their intended purpose.
It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself.
Useful telephone numbers
| Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)mash@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk | 01273 290400 |
| Police child protection team | 01273 685539 |
| Ofsted | 03001231231 |
| Child line | 08001111 |
| Parent line | 08088002222 |
| Local authority designated officer(LADO), Darrel Clews, | 01273 295643 |
| NSPCC child protection helpline – 24-hour helpline for people worried about a child | 0808 800 500 |