Safeguarding Children

General Welfare Requirement: Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Welfare The provider must take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Safeguarding children

1. Safeguarding children and child protection (Including managing allegations of abuse against a member of staff)

Policy statement Hollyfield Pre-School Nursery is committed to provide a safe and secure environment in which children can thrive and develop and where all aspects of their welfare will be protected. Our Safeguarding policy is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, young people and adults, and plays a vital role in the protection from all types of harm and abuse. It is committed to developing creative and positive ways for the child’s, young person or adult’s voice to be heard whilst recognizing the responsibility to use, hold and safeguard information received. Sharing information unnecessarily is an erosion of trust. Hollyfield Pre-School Nursery’s safeguarding policy is inclusive of children, young people and adults, all of whom have the same protection regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity. Our safeguarding policy is based on the three key commitments of the Pre-school Learning Alliance Safeguarding Children Policy.

EYFS key themes and commitments A Unique Child Positive Enabling Learning and Relationships Environments Development 1.3 Keeping safe 2.1 Respecting each 3.4 The wider context 4.4 Personal, social other and emotional 2.2 Parents as development partners This policy is in accordance to the following documents:-

The Education Act 2002

The Children Act 1989 and 2004 (section 10)

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2014

Data Protection Act (1998)

‘Right Service, Right Time – May 2013

Every Child Matters Framework: 5 Life Outcomes

Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016)

Procedures We carry out the following procedures to ensure we meet the three key commitments of Hollyfield Nursery Safeguarding Children Policy. Staff will communicate with the child in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding and preference. Basic non-leading, open ended questions (dependent on the child’s stage of development) will be asked to ascertain a picture of what has happened and this will then be recorded appropriately. In the case of children who do not communicate through speech, staff will monitor and observe for changes in behaviour which could indicate possible abuse and the same procedure followed for recording and reporting. The nature of this communication, depending on the seriousness of the concern, may require advice from The Children’s Advice and Support Service (CASS) or the police to ensure the safety of both the child and any subsequent investigation that need to take place are not in jeopardy. Where concerns arise as a result, of a direct disclosure, it is important to reassure and praise the child but not promise confidentiality. Each member of staff or volunteer will be provided with all the necessary information regarding child protection procedures (see Staff Safeguarding Information Folder which is located in the office), knowledge of the signs of abuse and what to do if concerns arise about Emotional abuse, Neglect, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Trio of Vulnerabilities – Domestic Abuse, Mental ill-health, substance misuse, Breast Ironing, Radicalisation. Please also see the list of policies at the end of this policy and Appendices 1-7 for wider safeguarding issues and more information. In all cases of child protection, staff will obtain guidance from ‘ Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016)’ A copy of this can be found in the office

. We ensure all staff and parents are made aware of our safeguarding policies and procedures. Ways in which we do this are by giving a ‘Mini Guide to Safeguarding’ and a verbal explanation to parents during our Open Evening. In cases where children join us during the year, this is done as and when necessary. Staff verbally tell and physically show 2 parents where they can find our policies and procedures, along with the 3 C’s folder when they come into the setting and are shown who the setting DSL’s are, again – either during open evening or as and when they start at the setting. Policies are displayed for all parents to browse at any time in paper form in the setting as well as some of them on the nursery website. There is information clearly displayed around the setting and on display boards in the main foyer for staff and parents to access. They can also request a copy for personal use. DSL staff regularly talk about and review this policy at senior staff meetings. Parents are aware, when they complete their child’s starting booklet, that staff have an obligation to ensure the safeguarding of all children and that all cases are dealt with in accordance to the settings policies and procedures. Parents are expected to sign our ‘Safeguarding Declaration’ form which is within the starting booklet. Safeguarding information about what procedures to take in the case of suspected abuse are clearly displayed on the newsletter, as are photographs and names of the setting DSL’s, which is given to parents on a monthly basis. . Applicants for posts within the setting are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and before any post is advertised, Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2015) is referred to, ensuring all guidelines are adhered to. . Candidates are informed of the need to carry out 'enhanced disclosure' checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service before posts can be confirmed. Management keep copies of staff numbers and dates for renewal. Staff are expected to renew their own certificates on a yearly basis with the support of the manager. . The manager holds the right to carry out rigorous checks by using the on-line checking service to ensure their staff have not become a person who poses a risk to children (PPRC Status) throughout a person’s time of working in the setting. . All applicants who work within the nursery, whether voluntary or paid, will be interviewed before an appointment is made and will be asked to provide at least two references. All such references will be followed up. . In the case of applicants with unexplained gaps in their employment history, or who have moved rapidly from one job to another, explanations will be sought. . All appointments, both paid and voluntary, will be subject to a probationary period of a minimum of six weeks and will not be confirmed unless the nursery is confident that the applicant can be safely entrusted with children. Each new member of staff or student will work closely alongside a mentor who will overlook the safety of the children until the probationary period is over, and all members of staff and students are provided with a guidence handbook which details setting rules regarding safeguarding for children and adults alike. This is also accompanied by a robust induction plan, which includes a health screening check. (If a new manager was to be appointed, a separate induction plan would be put into place but as we are a family run business this has not been necessary).

3 . It is made clear to all adults who hold a position in the setting that there is a zero tolerance policy for bullying of all kinds, including though not inclusive of on-line bullying, prejudice- based bullying, racist, disability and homophobic or transphobic abuse. . Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information. . We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unsuitable person works at the setting or has access to the children. . Volunteers do not work unsupervised. . We abide by the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act (2010) requirements in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have lead to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern. . We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the setting, each visitor and member of staff have to sign in and out of nursery and are asked to produce photo identification upon arrival if unknown to staff. . We take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the setting so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children. We have visitor tags to show who has permission to be in the setting and to avoid staff from questioning suitable people. . Parents who wish to view the setting in order to decide whether they want to admit their child into our care are always shown round by a member of the management team and are never left alone or with children, permitted to go into children’s toilets or use their mobile phone whilst on site. We have an open-door policy and encourage parents to ‘drop in’ to view the premises when it is most convenient to them to show how the nursery operates and our transparency in that we do not have anything to hide. . When a member of staff leaves employment at the setting, all door codes are changed to ensure the safety of children and adults.

Lydia Enefer, Marie Brown, Lindsay Beech and Donna Morgan are the designated members of staff for child protection liaison or DSL (Designated Safeguarding Leads)

Informing parents and liaison with other agencies The concerns of the referral with the child, as appropriate to their age and understanding and with their parent’s agreement, seek to make a referral to the CASS Team, unless such a discussion would place the child at significant risk of harm. . Parents are normally the first point of contact.

4 Direct Disclosure of Abuse

When a child/person tells you that someone has hurt/abused them.

1. Record on CR8/10 2. Speak to key person and immediate DSL for support 3. Call CASS for advice and support 4. If necessary, ask CASS how they are going to support in the setting (irate parent at collection time etc.) 5. If necessary, call police to assist 6. Follow guidelines that CASS give you

Indirect Disclosure of Abuse

When you have made some recordings and decide you need to make a referral

1. Record on CR8/10 2. Speak to key person and immediate DSL for support 3. Speak to parents each time if you feel it is necessary 4. The need has arisen to refer – Fill in an ‘Early Action Help Plan’ using RSRT document and support from a DSL 5. Speak to parents about the referral and encourage them to sit with you and a DSL if necessary to fill in a Request for Support form 6. Call CASS to make the referral then send the form via secure email to back it up 7. Follow instructions from CASS and be guided by agencies involved – you may need to be the Lead Person and organise meetings with all necessary agencies

. In the case that consent is refused, the circumstances will justify the disclosure, taking into account what is being disclosed, for what purpose and to whom. . In the absence of consent, the law recognises the disclosure of confidential information without consent or a court order as justified in the interest of the public to prevent harm to others. The amount of confidential information disclosed, and the number of people to whom it discloses should be no more than is strictly necessary to meet the public interest in protecting the health and well being of a child. . If the referral has been made to the CASS Team by telephone, a written conformation should follow within 48 hours. In most cases, (other than an emergency) a RFS (Request for Support form) will be completed before the phone call is made to CASS. This is to ensure that all the necessary information has been collated before the call is made to the CASS Team. The RFS form will then be the written confirmation and is sent via secure

5 email. It will be agreed with the recipient of the referral what the child and parent will be told, by whom and when.

Once completed, the form is returned to either:

 [email protected] (secure email), or  [email protected]

. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases, the investigating officers will inform parents. If we feel the child will be at further risk by informing the parents, advice will be sought from the LADO team first. . The nursery will take every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relationships between families and staff and volunteers in the group. . Where abuse at home is suspected, the nursery will continue to welcome the child and family while investigations proceed. . We work within the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. . We have a copy of 'What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused' (2015) for parents and staff to use as a guide, and all staff are familiar with what to do if they have concerns. This information is kept in a named folder in the office, as is Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016) . There is also a specific staff safeguarding information folder which is located in the office; This folder contains robust procedures to follow, including examples of paperwork for staff to use when they have concerns and/or need to contact CASS and a copy of the Safeguarding Policy along with relevant information regarding individual types of abuse . . We have procedures for contacting the CASS on 0121 303 1888 to access the Early Help Assessment Team on child protection issues, who will signpost us to the correct department. . We notify the registration authority (Ofsted 03001231231) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which may affect the well-being of children. . Contact details for the Local National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) are also kept, who will offer advice. The setting DSL’s also receive news alerts and information from the NSPCC as well as from The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). . If a referral is to be made to CASS, we act within the area’s Safeguarding Children and Child Protection guidance in deciding whether we must inform the child's parents at the same time.

6 Contacts Children’s Information Advice Service (CASS) on 0121 303 1888 – signposting to specific services Emergency out-of-hours: Telephone: 0121 675 4806 Email: [email protected] Web: www.iscbbirmingham.org.uk www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk www.bcsb.org.uk www.birmingham.gov.uk/think-family This information is displayed on our monthly newsletter

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Lydia Enefer, Marie Brown, Lindsay Beech and Donna Morgan will be responsible for:-

 Updating the Nursery’s Child Protection Procedures and the Code of Conduct  Contribute to the core assessment and the analysis of the findings as required and requested by integrated access teams, including providing information held about the child or parents.  Keep careful and detailed contemporary notes in chronological order, using CR8 and CR10 forms, along with incident forms. All this information is kept in a key group development matters folder which is kept in a locked drawer in the office. We have tally sheets in the front where we can monitor all information, including development matters and absences. Each key person then keeps their folders up to date and follow necessary procedures.  Record any unusual events and make a distinction between events reported by the carer and those actually witnessed.  Notes should be timed, dated and signed legibly (in print) and kept in a safe and secure place so that they are not able to be accessed by unauthorised persons.  Attend requests that integrated access teams assemble a child protection conference if there are serious concerns that the child may not otherwise be adequately safeguarded.  Once the initial assessment is complete, together with all other relevant agencies, further action has to be decided.  Involve the child and parents in these discussions, unless this may place a child at risk of significant harm again, for example, the child may be physically abused for talking about his/her abuse or in the case of a direct disclosure.  If there are concerns about a parent’s ability to protect their child, consider carefully what the parents should be told when and by whom, taking account of the child’s welfare. 7  The Code of Conduct will be regularly reviewed and revised annually.

Responding to suspicions of abuse All staff at Hollyfield Pre-School Nursery take into consideration the following types of abuse, both for children and adults (inclusive of students/apprentices) who enter the setting. The following information is a vital point of reference for staff to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse. Please also refer to Appendix 2a – CSE, 2b – Breast Ironing, 3 - ‘Good Practice Guide – Identifying and working with the “Toxic Trio”’ and also Appendix 4 - Department of Health information – ‘More information about FMG’ (Female Genital Mutilation)

FOR WIDER SAFEGUARDING ISSUES, STAFF WILL USE DfE DOCUMENT ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016) – This document can be located in the office. The following procedure will still apply for these safeguarding issues.

We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms - Emotional abuse, Neglect, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and trafficking, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Toxic Trio – Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Substance Misuse, breast ironing, radicalisation and extremism. However, we also acknowledge that there are wider safeguarding issues to be considered by all staff – see list of policies below and Appendix 1,2,3 and 4 and please also refer to Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016) When children are suffering from abuse, this may be demonstrated through the things they say (direct or indirect disclosure) or through changes in their appearance, their behaviour, or their play. . Where such evidence is apparent, the child's key person makes a dated record of the details of the concern and discusses what to do with either, Lydia Enefer, Marie Brown, Lindsay Beech or Donna Morgan who, as the DSL’s will advise as to what the next steps should be. . Such records are only accessed by staff and are kept in key group development matters folders in the office within a locked drawer. . Confidential records are kept on children about whom the nursery is anxious. We refer concerns to the CASS and co-operate fully in any subsequent investigations. . If a report on a child is to be made to the authorities, the child’s parents will be informed at the same time as the report is made, unless we feel that the child’s wellbeing is in danger or a direct disclosure has been made.

8 . We take care not to influence the outcome either through the way we speak to children or by asking questions (never leading and always open questions which are aimed at the developmental stage the child is at) of children. . Staff will always follow the advice of the HMG Document – ‘Information Sharing. Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers.’ (2015) Please see Appendix 1

CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES – Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures made by any child or adult who enters/is a part of the setting. This procedure is also in place to prevent the radicalisation or extremist behaviour of adults and children who enter the setting. This duty of care is known as The Prevent Duty (2015) . Staff / volunteers should not try and investigate whether or not a child/young person/adult has been abused or being radicalised. All child protection concerns will be passed onto the CASS by the person who raised the concerns, with the support of Lydia Enefer, Marie Brown, Lindsay Beech or Donna Morgan (DSL’s) without delay. . The staff member/ volunteer should inform Lydia, Marie, Lindsay or Donna about their concerns. If the suspicion falls on the person to whom they normally report their concerns to, staff/ volunteers should be aware of what to do. They may need to make direct contact with the CASS themselves. For concerns with radicalisation and/or extremist behaviour, the person raising the concern should ask to be put through to the Channel Programme which is specific support for the prevention of terrorism. Please refer to guidance – The Channel Programme, which is attached to this policy – Appendix 4b

The following information is for all safeguarding issues, including The Prevent Duty. The highlighted points are the key issues of The Prevent Duty (2015) - Please see Appendix 5 for more detail

. Staff record any concerns on ‘Incident form’ and ‘Child Protection forms’ and use body maps (These are kept in the office). General logs are also kept in the office, in the form of CR8 and CR10 forms. These include absence logs and tally charts of children who have both reported and unreported absences. In the case of families going away on holiday for a long period of time, and the family is no longer going to be part of the setting, due to moving to another setting, the child’s key person will give the family a courtesy phone call to ensure the child has indeed returned to the country around the date the parent stated when the child was taken out of our care. If this has not happened, an explanation will be sought and if necessary, a referral to the CASS Team will be made immediately.

9 . Staff routinely assess the risk of children/young person/adult being abused/drawn into terrorism and have been trained to the Prevent Duty as how to identify an individual who is at risk and how to support them. . Staff and volunteers work in partnership with parents and families who raise concerns or need support with regards to safeguarding and radicalisation, by signposting to other agencies, alongside the support that the setting can provide. . Staff are trained in the importance of the prevention of safeguarding children/young people/adults and also the risks of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. Staff have undertaken the statutory Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent (WRAP) training and have completed basic Right Time, Right Service training. Staff are trained to support each other as well as other children/young person/adult through team meetings and individual supervisions . IT policy is of course a major part of safeguarding and we have a separate policy to deal with such issues. Please refer to ‘On-line safety and IT Policy’ for a detailed account. . For building children’s resilience to radicalisation, please refer to our British Values Statement. Staff also teach children according to the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Standard – 2014) within which, the learning area of PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) is of high importance and comes under the umbrella of the Prime Areas of Learning, showing its significance within the curriculum . The staff member or volunteer should write down what the child/young person/adult said or the details of any significant marks or behaviour which were observed, noting any names, dates and times, adding their own name in print as well as signature. A note should also be made of any witness – did anyone else hear what the child/young person/adult said, see the marks or notice the behaviour? Their name should also be printed and signed. This should be done as soon as possible, while the details are still fresh. The notes must record exactly what the child/young person/adult said (FACT), not what the staff member or volunteer thinks was meant. The staff may want to record this as well, but must start with what the child/young person/adult said. . The procedure stresses the need to keep the focus of any action on the welfare of the child/young person/adult as a possible victim of abuse or radicalisation. . Where a child/young person/adult makes comments to a member of staff that gives cause for concern (direct disclosure), observes signs or signals that gives cause for concern, such as significant changes in behaviour, deterioration in general well-being, the use of language, unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse, neglect or radicalisation – change in appearance, that member of staff must:-

1. Listens to the child/young person/adult, offers reassurance and gives assurance that she or he will take action; does not ask any leading questions. Open ended questions may be asked but this must be brief and in a manner that is appropriate to the development of the child/young person.

10 2. Makes a written record on a child protection form (CR8 & 10 - kept in the office) that forms an objective record of the observation or disclosure that includes: - the date and time of the observation or the disclosure; - the exact words spoken by the child as far as possible; - the name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time; and - the names of any other person present at the time. 3. These records are signed and dated and kept in key group development matters folder which is kept secure and confidential in the office.

If a child/young person/adult makes a direct allegation about an adult/young person or another child Staff and volunteers must not promise to keep allegations secret. When an abusive or exploitive relationship exists, the agency cannot agree to keep this secret. The staff member or volunteer should let the child/young person/adult speak but should not question him/her. The basic rule is to ask only questions (not leading and must be open ended questions) which are necessary to clarify whether the child/young person/adult is alleging that abuse has taken place, and at the child/young person/adults level of understanding. If, at any time, it becomes clear that there has been a misunderstanding and that the child/young person/adult is not alleging that abuse has taken place, you should re-assess the situation as it may not be appropriate to follow this procedure. If the child/young person/adult is clearly alleging abuse, the CASS team will follow up from the assessment of allegation. This does not mean that one should tell the child/young person/adult to say nothing more until the authorities arrive. The child/young person/adult should be allowed to speak for as long as they want.

If a child/young person/adult’s comments seem to suggest abuse If the child/young person/adult seems to be suggesting abuse, but it is not clear, the staff member or volunteer should: . Quickly try to create a situation in which the child/young person/adult can talk freely. . Let the child/young person/adult speak, and ask open ended questions only if they are necessary to clarify whether or not the child/young person/adult is trying to say that they have been abused; (do not ask leading questions). . Listen carefully, remembering that a young child may not have the vocabulary to explain clearly what it is that distresses him/her; and take notice of body language displayed. . If it is clear that the child/young person/adult is alleging abuse (direct disclosure); avoid asking any further questions. If a child makes a serious allegation about an adult or about older child, there is a reason and additional enquiries should be made. The child should always be taken seriously, but this does not mean accepting everything that the child says as a fact.

11 If, as a result of what the child has said, one is suspicious about a particular person, they should not be questioned by the staff or volunteer.

If a bruise or mark, or the child/young person/adult behaviour, causes suspicions There are a number of things which may raise questions; a child/young person/adult may have bruises or other marks, or the child/young person/adult’s behaviour is unusual. These observations could have several different explanations and staff may be unsure whether they should be concerned or not, however they should document and report any concerns they have about a child/young person/adult. If a staff member or a volunteer is concerned, they should try to be clear in their own mind exactly what it is that is disturbing them. It may be appropriate to ask the child, young person or the parent/adult about a mark or about unusual behaviour. Suspicion may be aroused more by an evasive or unconvincing answer than by the mark or behaviour itself. If a staff member or a volunteer is concerned, they should note the names of anyone else who saw the mark, behaviour etc. which caused the concern.

Making a referral to the CASS Team . The document ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ (HMG 2015) – Please see Appendix 6, contains detailed procedures for making a referral to the CASS team. To support this, we also use the ‘Staff Safeguarding Information folder’ to guide us through the process along with a setting DSL. . We keep a copy of these documents and follow the detailed guidelines given. All members of staff are familiar with the information in the Staff Safeguarding folder and follow the procedures for recording and reporting. Refer to the procedure flow chart and emergency numbers in this policy and which can be located in the office and in both play rooms, as well as on the safeguarding display board in the main corridor. . A list of abbreviations and meanings can be found displayed in the office, staff safeguarding information folder and both play rooms, as well as on the safeguarding display board in the main corridor. . Information to assist staff in making any kind of safeguarding decision can be found in the staff room.

12 Co-operating with child protection Child protection enquiries are carried out by the CASS team and staff and volunteers of voluntary and independent agencies are expected to co-operate with enquiries, as far as is reasonable within the role of the Nursery and of the staff member or volunteer.

When there is a concern relating to a person in a position of trust If an allegation is made about a member of staff or a volunteer, or for any other reason suspicion falls on a member of staff or a volunteer, under the Nursery’s own disciplinary procedure, the Nursery will follow the procedure of the position of trust flowchart which can be found in the office. The Nursery manager will: . Immediately take the person aside and inform them that an allegation has been made against them. Complete the Position of Trust Referral/Consultation – Required Data form from Birmingham City Council . At this point the person will not be informed about the nature of the allegation. . Remove the said person from any direct contact with children. It may be necessary to suspend the staff member or volunteer from involvement in any contact with children on behalf of the Nursery. This action is intended to safeguard the welfare of children and does not assume that the person is guilty. It is also important to recognise the person’s need to support at this time and to help. . Make the Parent of the child aware immediately of the concerns. During this time all care will be taken to ensure confidentiality of all persons concerned. . Refer to position of trust flow chart . Refer to Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016) . Contact RELEVANT Early Years Consultant (EYC) . Contact CASS on 0121 303 1888 - LADO team (Tel: 0121 675 1669) or emergency duty team (Tel: 0121 675 4806) . Inform Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Allegations against staff . We ensure that all parents know how to complain about the behaviour or actions of staff or volunteers within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, which may include an allegation of abuse. We do this by advertising the 3 C’s folder (Compliments, concerns and complaints) on the monthly newsletter as well as giving them a verbal explanation of what it is on the open evening which is before the child begins at the setting. . We refer any complaint to and follow the guidance of the CASS team when responding to any complaint that a member of staff, or volunteer within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, has abused a child. We also report any

13 such alleged incident to Ofsted and what measures we have taken. We are aware that it is an offence not to do this. . We follow the flow chart ‘What to do if you have an allegation or serious concerns against a person in a Position of Trust,’ which can be found on the Safeguarding Display Board and in the Staff Safeguarding folder – Please see Appendix 7 . We respond to any disclosure by children or staff that abuse by a member of staff or volunteer within the setting, or anyone working on the premises, may have taken, or is taking place, by first recording the details of any such alleged incident. Refer to POT referral consultation form. . We co-operate entirely with any investigation carried out by children’s social care/CASS Team in conjunction with the police. . The manager of Hollyfield Nursery will suspend the member of staff on full pay, or the volunteer, without prejudice, for the duration of the investigation. This is not an indication of admission that the alleged incident has taken place, but is to protect the staff as well as children and families throughout the process.

When suspicion falls on a staff member or volunteer there are three possible outcomes: 1. It may be proved to the Nursery’s satisfaction that the person has abused one or more children. In this case the person concerned will be asked to leave immediately. 2. It may be proved to the Nursery’s satisfaction that the person is not guilty of abuse, no action will be taken. 3. The enquiries may be inconclusive, leaving suspicion, but no proof about the person’s behaviour - in the best interest of the nursery, the person concerned would be asked to work out their notice and their contract terminated. The above mentioned procedures are in keeping with the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB). (Section 22) Children’s Services Guide for Professionals.

Disciplinary action . Where a member of staff or volunteer has been dismissed due to engaging in activities that caused concern for the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults, we will notify the CASS team and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) of relevant information so that individuals who pose a threat to children (and vulnerable groups), can be identified and barred from working with these groups.

Training . We seek out training opportunities for adults involved in the setting to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and signals of all types of possible abuse and that they are

14 aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals. When the opportunity for training arises the DSL cascades relevant information. . We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the setting through reading and signing this policy, keeping up-to-date with the latest training possible, rigorous testing during staff meetings and supervisions.

Curriculum . We introduce key elements of keeping children safe into our programme to promote the personal, social and emotional development of all children, so that they may grow to be strong, resilient and listened to and that they develop an understanding of why and how to keep safe, through conversation whenever the opportunity arises. . We create within the setting a culture of value and respect for the individual, having positive regard for children's heritage arising from their colour, ethnicity, languages spoken at home, cultural and social background. This is known as British Values. However, this will not be taken into account where any kind of abuse is suspected and the safeguarding procedures will apply. . We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is developmentally appropriate for the children.

Confidentiality . All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. Any information is shared under the guidance of the BCSB and staff refer to Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners and Managers (DCSF 2015)

Support to families . We believe in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff and volunteers in the group. . We pay particular attention to families who may be in need of support and advice due to lack of, or poor parenting skills and offer our support as a key person and also make referrals to agencies such as Children’s Centre, Think Family and Forward Thinking. . We make clear to parents our role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, such as for the reporting of concerns, providing information, monitoring of the child, and liaising at all times with CASS . We will continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to any alleged abuse. . We follow the Child Protection Plan as set by the child’s social care worker in relation to the setting's designated role and tasks in supporting that child and their family, subsequent to any investigation.

15 . Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child in accordance with the Confidentiality and Client Access to Records procedure and only if appropriate under the guidance of the BCSB

Contact List . In all instances of Safeguarding the ‘Quality and Compliance Guide’ will be referred to before completing a Refer for Support (RFS) Form . If necessary, information and support will be obtained from Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2016) . Please follow the guidance from Birmingham City Council ‘What to do if you have an allegation or serious concern against a person in a Position of Trust (POT) attached to this policy. . Emergency Duty Team Children’s Social Care – 0121 675 4996 or 01216751943

. Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS) 01213031888 for options:-

0. Information and advice about childcare places, Early Years funding and other family services 1. Named social worker or team 2. Concerns about a child 3. Information about school places

. Inform Ofsted – 0300 123 1231 . Designated Safeguarding Leads – Lydia Enefer, Marie Brown, Lindsay Beech and Donna Morgan

This policy (1 - Safeguarding Children and Child Protection) is not exclusive to safeguarding our children at Hollyfield Pre-School Nursery – please also refer to the following policies for detailed information:- . 1. Main Safeguarding – See policy’s own folder . 2. Children’s Right’s and Entitlements . 3. Uncollected child . 4. Missing Child . 5. Online and IT Safety . 6. British Values . 7. Critical Incident Policy . 8. Information Sharing . 9. Looked After Children . 10. Confidentiality and client access to records . 11. Supervision of Children on Outings and Visits . 12. Transport on Outings

16 . 13. Maintaining a Child’s safety and security on Premises . 14. Making a Complaint . 15. Whistle Blowing . 16. Valuing Diversity and Equality . 17. Achieving Positive Behaviour . 18. Special needs . 19. Food and drink . 20. Administering Medicines . 21. First Aid . 22. Smoking . 22. Employment and Staffing . 23. Managing Children’s Allergies . 24. Staff Disciplinary Procedure . 25. Admissions . 26. Basic Opening and Closing Kitchen Checks . 27. Children’s records . 28. Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation . 29. Food Hygiene . 30. Health and Safety General Standards . 31. Induction of Staff, Volunteers and Managers . 32. Nappy Changing . 33. Parental Involvement . 34. Provider records . 35. Recording and Reporting of Accidents and Incidents . 36. Risk Assessment . 37. Staff Training and Development . 38. Student Placements . 39. The Role of the Key Person and Settling In . 40. Working in Partnership with Other Agencies . 41. Zero Tolerance . 42. Emergency Closure Policy . 43. Animals in the Setting

Legal framework

17 Primary legislation Primary legislation . Education Act (2002) . Children Act (1989 s47 and 2004) . Protection of Children Act (1999) . Data Protection Act (2003) . The Children Act (Every Child Matters) (2004) . Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2010) . The Prevent Duty (2015) . Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners and Managers (DCSF 2015) . United Nations Conventions Right’s of the Child (1989) . Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Guidance (2007) . Keeping Children safe in Education (2016)

Secondary legislation . Sexual Offences Act (2009) . Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000) . Human Rights Act (2010) . Race Relations (Amendment) Act (2010) . Race Relations (Amendment) Act (1976) Regulations (2003) . Equalities Act (2013) . Data Protection Act (2003) Non Statutory Guidance

Further Guidance

. Working Together to Safeguard Children (revised HMG 2016) . Right Service, Right Time (2013) . What to do if you’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG 2015) . Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH 2000) . Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2014) . The Common Assessment Framework (2006) . Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (HMG 2007) . Information Sharing: Practitioners’ Guide (HMG 2015) . Independent Safeguarding Authority (2012) : www.isa-gov.org.uk

This policy was adopted at Hollyfield Pre School Nursery’s Staff meeting in June 2012

Updated – May 2016 18 Date to be reviewed – September 2017

Updated – April 2017

Other useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications

. Safeguarding Children (2010)