Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Statement of Intent

[Setting Name] is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We believe that every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and happy. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and students working at our setting.

We will always act in the best interests of the child. If we have concerns about a child's welfare, we will follow the procedures set out in this policy without delay.

2. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• EYFS Statutory Framework (2024) — specifically the safeguarding and welfare requirements
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) — where applicable
• The Children and Families Act 2014
• Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) procedures for [Your Local Authority]

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The designated safeguarding lead at [Setting Name] is: [Your Full Name]

The DSL is responsible for:

• Being the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns
• Liaising with local children's social care and other agencies
• Keeping detailed, accurate, and secure records of all concerns
• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local safeguarding procedures

3.2 All Staff and Volunteers

All adults working at [Setting Name] are required to:

• Hold a current, valid enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Complete safeguarding training before working unsupervised with children
• Be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect
• Report any concerns to the DSL immediately — even if unsure
• Never investigate concerns themselves
• Maintain confidentiality on a need-to-know basis

4. DBS Checks and Vetting

• All staff, volunteers, and regular visitors hold a valid enhanced DBS check
• DBS checks are renewed every [3 years / or per your policy]
• We subscribe to the DBS Update Service to maintain current checks
• Parents, carers, and occasional visitors to the setting are supervised at all times
• A record of all DBS checks is maintained securely and available for Ofsted inspection

5. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect can take several forms. All staff are trained to recognise the following signs:

5.1 Physical Abuse

Unexplained injuries, bruising, burns or marks. Injuries inconsistent with the child's age or the explanation given.

5.2 Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional ill-treatment, including rejection, humiliation, or imposing inappropriate expectations on a child.

5.3 Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. This includes non-contact activities such as viewing or creating sexual images.

5.4 Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs. This includes inadequate food, clothing, hygiene, supervision, or medical care.

6. Reporting Procedure

1. Concern identified — Any concern (observed or disclosed) is reported to the DSL on the same day.
2. DSL assessment — The DSL considers the concern, reviews any previous records, and decides the appropriate response.
3. Record keeping — All concerns are recorded on our Concern Log with date, time, description, and any action taken.
4. Referral if required — Where there are reasonable grounds for concern, the DSL will contact children's social care: [Local Authority name + phone number]
5. If immediate risk — Where a child is in immediate danger, we will call 999 and then inform children's social care.
6. LADO referral — Where a concern relates to a staff member, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) is contacted on the same day.

7. Safer Recruitment

We follow safer recruitment practices for all staff, including:

• Reviewing application forms and CVs for any gaps in employment
• Taking up references from previous employers — at least two before appointment
• Conducting face-to-face interviews and assessing suitability to work with children
• Verifying identity and right to work in the UK
• Obtaining enhanced DBS check and checking the Children's Barred List before unsupervised work begins
• Checking qualifications and professional registrations

8. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns override our normal confidentiality commitments. We will share information with appropriate agencies where this is necessary to protect a child, even without parental consent, if seeking consent could put a child at greater risk.

We will record all information sharing decisions and the reasons for them. Our data protection (GDPR) policy outlines how personal data is stored and managed.

9. Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against any member of staff (including the DSL), the following procedure applies:

• The person who receives the allegation must refer immediately to the setting owner/manager (if not the person alleged against)
• The LADO must be contacted on the same day: [LADO contact details]
• The alleged person is not informed until advised by the LADO
• Internal records are kept securely and separately

10. Training

The DSL completes Level 3 safeguarding training and updates this at least every two years. All other staff complete safeguarding awareness training before working with children and refresh this annually. Training records are kept on file and available for Ofsted inspection.

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or local guidance changes. It is available to parents on request and displayed at the setting.

Next review date: [Date]