Safeguarding Children

…learning through play

Safeguarding Children (including lost and not collected)

I have duty of care responsibility and it is my priority to safeguard children in my care. This may involve reporting any concerns following the ‘Safeguarding Children Board’ procedures.  The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework states in 3.4 ‘All practitioners must be alert to any issues of concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere’.

Working Together to Safeguard Children states, in section 233. “Early years providers have a duty under section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 to comply with the welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). Early years providers must ensure that: • they are alert to any issues of concern in the child’s life.”

Child abuse can be physical, emotional, neglect and sexual or a mixture. In any event I would need to report to Ofsted informing them of any allegation. I have a duty to report to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01403 229900 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

I also have a duty to report any other concerns that could potentially cause harm to the child these could include bullying – including online bullying and prejudice-based bullying, racist, disability and homophobic or transphobic abuse, gender based violence/violence against women and girls, radicalisation and/or extremist behaviour, child sexual exploitation and trafficking, child criminal exploitation and county lines (crime and organised crime networks exporting drugs in one or more area in the UK), the impact of technology on sexual behaviour – for example ‘sexting’ and accessing pornography, teenage relationship abuse, substance misuse, issues that may be specific to a local are or population – for example gang activity and youth violence, domestic abuse, fabricated, or induced illness, poor parenting, homelessness, breast ironing.

Be aware of Cuckooing (criminal gangs taking over homes of elderly or vulnerable people and running their networks from their home).

Witchcraft – is the practice of magic. Faith or belief-based abuse can be linked to child deaths (Vicotria Climbie for example) – witch doctors claim to be able to remove supernatural powers from children might beat them or cause them harm.

You may see the child acting it out in a role play or using language related to the abuse. You might see a bruise that gets bigger as a sign of ritual being repeated on the child. Possibly wearing jewellery which contains glass shards.

Whistleblowing – each Childminder has a responsibility to refer any concerns where another Childminders does not continually meet the requirements of their registration – record factually, accurately and report.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework in England.

The EYFS 2025 states that I must be aware of the requirement to disclose information if the intention is to keep children safe. This is also covered by the ‘Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners’ guidance –

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-advice

Whistleblowing procedures are in place for assistants / staff to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in the setting’s safeguarding provision. This will include, for example –

  • When and how to report concerns about poor staff practice including disqualification notifications – immediately to the Local Safeguarding Partners (LSP) and notification to Ofsted and DBS.
  • When and how to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice – for example, inappropriate comments, excessive one-to-one attention beyond the normal or inappropriate sharing of images by a colleague or manager – suspend the staff member and report immediately to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and notify Ofsted.
  • When and how to raise concerns if the childminder or staff are worried about a child in any context (in the setting or at home) – immediately to the LSP and the police if the situation is urgent.

Note that when 2 or more childminders work together, each childminder is equally responsible for safety.

Assistants / staff (where relevant) will be trained on whistleblowing procedures during induction and reminded of the procedures at other times – for example, during supervision meetings and safeguarding update training. They will be trained that if they are concerned and feel they cannot raise the issue with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in the setting, they can contact –

  • NSPCC whistleblowing advice line – staff can call 0800 0280285 – 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 18:00 at weekends. The email address is: help@nspcc.org.uk.,
  • The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH.
  • Ofsted provides guidance on how to make complaints about a childcare provider –

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/about/complaints-procedure

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) will be the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns regarding children and young people in West Sussex which includes front door access for Early Help.

It brings together expert professionals, from services that have contact with children, young people and families, and makes the best possible use of their combined knowledge and resources to keep children safe from harm and promote their families’ wellbeing.

The MASH will do this by:

  • Acting as a front door to manage all safeguarding concerns
  • Researching information held on professional databases to inform decisions
  • Continuing to provide support to professionals working in Early Help. Especially identifying families who need Think Family Keyworker Services and other key working services, and family network responses
  • Providing a secure and confidential environment for professionals to share information
  • Identifying low–level repeat referrals which taken in isolation may not appear concerning, but do when the child’s journey is reviewed
  • Accessing quickly and efficiently the child protection investigation staff both within children’s social care, the Police and Health (holding strategy discussion centrally)

Referring to the MASH

Social Services Children’s services 01243 642555.  Ofsted 0300 123 1231.  MASH 01403 229900

Under any reporting circumstances I would not be able to keep information regarding your child(ren) confidential, but may need to share it with Ofsted, Social Services and Police if requested.

 


West Sussex Contacts

Children’s Social Care Integrated Front Door (IFD)Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of a child can contact a single countywide phone number, known as the Integrated Front door (IFD). Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm: 01403 229900At all other times, including nights, weekends and bank holidays, contact the ‘out of hours’ emergency team: 0330 222 6664Email: wschildrenservices@westsussex.gov.uk Designated Professionals West Sussex Designated Doctor, Jamie CarterDesignated Nurses, Safeguarding Children: Louise Jackson and Sharon WardEmail: sxicb.safeguarding@nhs.net Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) Email: LADO@westsussex.gov.uk  Phone: 0330 222 6450
Police
Safeguarding Investigations Unit: Telephone 101 and ask for the Safeguarding Investigations Unit or in an emergency dial 999
Safeguarding Partnership Safeguarding Partnership Independent Scruniteer
Independent Scrutineer – Chris Robson, please contact WSSCP@westsussex.gov.uk

Accidents and Injury

Any accidents and injuries that occurs whilst in my care would be documented, parents informed and request them to sign my records.

If there were ever any allegations made towards me or my family I would gain support and professional advice.  I would contact my insurance company, Childminding Development Co-Ordinator, Legal Advice Line, and Ofsted must be informed within 14 days.  All details would be written down including what was said, by who and times and dates.  If there are any witnesses I would also ask them to write a statement and gain their contact details in case it needs to be followed up by the authorities.

Allegations

As a Childminder that works by myself, I may be more vulnerable to allegation of any abuse being made against me or someone in my home.

  • I limit visitors to my house whilst Childminding, if any visitors do arrive they would never be left alone with the children,
  • log all accident / incidents in my book and ask parents / carers to sign on collection,
  • ensure the children are always in my sight / hearing at all times according to child’s age and stage of ability,
  • ensure that any older children are protected from allegations of abuse by, for example, ensuring they do not carry younger children or attempt to care for them intimately,
  • if over 8-year old’s impact on the care of the younger children in my provision I have the right to give them notice.

If there were ever any allegations made towards me or my family I would gain support and professional advice.  I would contact my insurance company, Childminding Development Co-Ordinator, Legal Advice Line, LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer), and Ofsted must be informed within 14 days.  All details would be written down including what was said, by who and times and dates.  If there are any witnesses I would also ask them to write a statement and gain their contact details incase it needs to be followed up by the authorities.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) needs to be contacted within one day of the incident happening or the allegation being made.  LADO : 0330 222 3339 (West Sussex).

Ofsted : 0300 123 1231

Early Years Foundation Stage 2024 states 3.9 “Depending on how they are registered, childminders must inform Ofsted or their CMA of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by anyone living, working, or looking after children at the premises. This must happen whether the allegations of harm or abuse are alleged to have been committed on the premises or elsewhere, for example, on a visit. Childminders must also notify Ofsted or their CMA of the action they have taken in response to the allegations. Ofsted/the CMA must be notified as soon as is reasonably practicable, but, in any event, within 14 days of allegations being made. A childminder who, without a reasonable excuse, fails to do this commits an offence.”

Do You Have a Concern About the Safety or Welfare of a Child or Children?

You can call a single countrywide telephone number, (known as the Integrated Front Door – IFD) : 01403 229900

You would speak to a qualified social worker who will deal with your enquiry and provide the most appropriate course of action.

Please be aware this is only for enquiries relating to a child’s safety or welfare and where they do no currently have a social worker.

This telephone is staffed between 9am and 5pm.  For urgent enquiries outside of these hours you can call (MASH) Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0330 2226664

If you think a child is in immediate risk, always call 999 and ask for the police.

Early Years Foundation Stage 3.8 states, “If childminders have concerns about children’s safety or welfare, they must immediately notify their local authority children’s social care team, in line with local reporting procedures, and, in emergencies, the police. Childminders must also take into account the government’s statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and ‘Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales’ .”

 

Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO.

If I have any concerns about a child, I should first speak to the parents.  However, if I was worried that by speaking to parents the child’s wellbeing will deteriorate further, then I would take up urgent advice.

The LADOs for West Sussex are Miriam Williams and Donna Tomlinson.
Consultation Contact Number: 0330 222 6450 (Available 09.00 – 17.00)
LADO Service Contact Number: (Available through the MASH) 01403 229900
LADO Service email address: LADO@WestSussex.gov.uk

If I had to make a disclosure, I must write it down, keeping as close to the words as possible and refer it to the LADO within 24 hours.  The LADO will be there to help with liaison between other agencies such as the police and medical services, sharing information as required to support the child and help bring the case to an appropriate conclusion.  The LADO will monitor the progress of the investigation.

Further help and support

  • Local Safeguarding Children Board – 0330 222 7799 email: llscb@westsussex.gov.uk
  • Local authority designated officer (LADO) – West Sussex LADO 0330 222 3339
  • Social Care / Social Services – Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub : 01403 229900, email: mash@westsussex.gcsx.gov.uk – phone : 033 022 26664 out of hours (5:00pm – 00:00am weekdays) and for emergencies at weekends and bank holidays (24 hours)
  • Ofsted – 0300 123 1231
  • NSPCC – http://www.nspcc.org.uk

 

Medication.

I have a Medication policy – any administration of medication must be accurately recorded and signed by parents.

Policies and Procedures

My policies and procedures are linked to the Welfare and Safeguarding requirements that comply with the Childcare Register 2012.

All policies are reviewed at least once a year to comply with the requirements of the Childcare Register, and amended as and when necessary, you will be informed when this happens.

ICT (including Mobile Phones, Cameras and iPads)

If you bring your child here, one of the permissions slips I ask you to sign (though by no means have to) is for you to give me permission to take photographs of your child.  These will only be used in your child’s folder and possibly display work.  I use WhatsApp to send daily details and photos, if possible, for preschool children to the parents, which may include having other children in them, which states what sort of activities the children have been up to, details on meal times, snacks and any nappy changes. (You may not to use photos with other children in on Social Media sites without permission from the parents’ – it is just a nice way to see your child’s friends as well as what your child has been doing). I am registered with the ICO Data Protection.

We have a Ring door bell, all images are deleted after the set time and not viewed by anyone else

Any older child that may have a working mobile phone will not be permitted to keep it with them whilst here (unless supervised at that time – this includes other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities).  No visitors will be allowed to take photos of your child either.

I have a firewall and up to date virus protection which regularly scans.  My computer requires a password to log on.  Any paper with any information on to be destroyed is always shredded.

Outings

I have a Risk Assessment policy.  I continually do visual risk assessments, and if I were to take the children somewhere new – I would go there first on my own to check the area.

Buggies and other equipment are constantly being checked.

I also have attended Risk Assessment courses.

Activities

I plan certain activities for the children to include safety issues – such as (for example) Beep Beep Day, Road and Track Safety, People Who Help Us, lots of Road Safety to practice when out and about, very young children will either be in buggies or on reigns if walking and prompted to hold hands and/or hand onto the buggy, I take the safety of the children very seriously, whilst still trying to have fun.

Lost Child

 

The care of your child is paramount and I will always try to ensure that they remain with me and are safe.

However sometimes children can become ‘lost’ in busy places and therefore as a responsible childminder I have written a procedure that will be followed in the unlikely event of this happening.

  • I will immediately raise the alarm to all around me that I have lost a child and enlist the help of everyone to look for them
  • If it is a secure area such as a shopping centre, I will quickly alert the security staff so they can seal off exits and monitor the situation on any CCTV
  • I will provide everyone involved in the search with a description of the child.
  • I will reassure the other children with me, as they may be distressed
  • I will then alert the police and provide a full description
  • I will then alert the parents of the situation

I take precautions to avoid situations like this happening by implementing the following measures:

  • Ensuring the children hold my hand or the pushchair whilst we are out
  • Young children wear reigns
  • Avoid going to places that are overcrowded
  • I teach the children about the dangers of wandering off and of talking to strangers

Child Not Collected

If a child is not collected at the end of the day, I will try contacting all parents / carers.  If no answer, then the emergency contacts given will be contacted.  After a period of time, if there is still no answer then I will gain advice from Children’s Social Services / Ofsted as to the next steps.  Of course, keeping the child safe in my care at all times.

If I cannot contact parents, I will make every effort to ring children’s emergency contact numbers, leaving messages where possible.  If I do not personally know emergency contacts, I will arrange a password system to use with them.

Parents, I will ask you for up to 2 additional emergency contacts – please keep all emergency contact numbers up to date. If you cannot provide emergency contact numbers, I will discuss your wishes if you cannot collect your child – this might include adding children’s social care and / or the police to the list of emergency contacts.

You must also inform me of any major changes to your child’s family situation that may affect people collecting from me or any changes to emergency contact people.

If I cannot contact an appropriate adult to collect a child, the steps I will follow include:

  • Contact the Police.
  • Contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Partners and take advice from the duty social worker;
  • Contact Ofsted to advise them of the incident within 14 days of it occurring.

Attendance

I have an Attendance Folder, that I use to record the exact time of arrival and departure, also a brief note to record why a child is not here if contracted day, as required to do so.

Alternative Care Options

I can, by all means, ask local Childminders to cover for me if I was unable to work, though I cannot guarantee this would be available due to their own working requirements.

Complaints.

I follow my ‘Information and Complaints’ policy.  There is also the Ofsted Parents poster on the notice board in the porch, which has details of how to contact Ofsted (this can also be found in my Information and Complaints policy).

Confidentiality.

Each child has their own folder of confidential information.  Parents are allowed access to written records, apart from in exceptional circumstances, e.g. Safeguarding.

Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Designated Safeguarding Officer – Stacey Roberts (as required to state), responsible for safeguarding issues.

Safeguarding Folder.

I have a Safeguarding folder that I keep lots of details and up to date information in – this is also where I keep the contents and link for ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ which all Childminders must have access to.  I obtain regular updates regarding safeguarding via Local Authority, Local Safeguarding Children Board etc.

Dietary Requirements.

I follow my Food and Drink policy and professional guidelines.

You must inform me of any allergies and dietary requirements as stated in my Food and Drink policy.

Plus keep me updated of any changes.

Emergency Evacuation.

I have an Emergency Evacuation policy and regularly check fire alarms and the carbon monoxide alarms).

First Aid

I follow my Illness and Injuries policy.  My Paediatric First Aid training must be updated every 3 years.

Equality.

I have an Equality and Opportunities policy and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

Documentation Retention.

The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework states “3.76 Childminders must maintain records, obtain and share relevant information (with parents and carers, other professionals working with the child, the police, social services and Ofsted or their CMA, as appropriate). This is to ensure their setting is safe and efficiently managed, and the needs of all children are met. Childminders must enable a regular two-way flow of information with parents and/or carers (and between other providers if a child is attending more than one setting). If requested, childminders should incorporate parents’ and/or carers’ comments into children’s records.

3.79 Records relating to individual children must be retained for a reasonable period of time after they have left the provision.”

I have completed the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) audit and printed the certificate out for my folder.

I am also registered with the ICO.

Prevent Duty

I comply with the requirements of the Prevent Duty Guidance and its aim to protect children from radicalisation, extremism and being drawn into terrorism. I have taken the ‘Anti-Terrorism, Channel’ course.

I am aware of the Government PREVENT strategy which aims to protect children from terrorism and radicalisation and I want to share with you how I will incorporate the strategy into my safeguarding procedures.

Definitions

Terrorism – the Terrorism Act 2000 defines terrorism as: “The use or threat of action designed to influence the government or an international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public, or a section of the public; made for the purposes of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause; and it involves or causes: serious violence against a person; serious damage to a property; a threat to a person’s life; a serious risk to the health and safety of the public; or serious interference with or disruption to an electronic system.”

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

I understand that the PREVENT strategy will require early years providers to identify any children who are considered to be at risk of being involved in terrorism or radicalised and refer them to the Local Authority.

British values – alongside the PREVENT strategy, the Government has stated that all early years providers must teach children about and actively promote fundamental British values.  The Govt have stated that early education funding will be withdrawn from any providers who do not comply with this requirement and Ofsted will judge how effectively British values are taught during inspections.

Fundamental British values include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs and must be taught in age-appropriate ways.

My commitment to teach children British values

I am committed to providing the highest quality care and learning for all children.

I recognise the requirement from the Department for Education (inspected by Ofsted) to ensure children are protected from radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

I am committed to teaching the children in my care about British values which are embedded in everything I do.

Ofsted guidance states that the requirement to teach children British values aims to “promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain.”

The government defines British values in the Prevent Strategy as:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty and personal responsibility
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those of different cultures, faiths and beliefs

To ensure I comply with these government requirements I have reflected on my teaching and curriculum and considered how we promote British Values in our provision –

Democracy –

  • Children are treated with respect and dignity;
  • Their views are requested and always considered;
  • They are given choices about where they want to go and what they are

doing;

  • When we buy new resources or make changes to the provision children are consulted;
  • Believe in free speech for all;
  • When a child says ‘no’ we stop and think more carefully about what we are asking them to do.

The rule of law –

  • Children are taught about right and wrong and contribute to our behaviour goals;
  • Reminders about appropriate behaviour are displayed in the playrooms;
  • Children are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour during group activities using props and books appropriate for their ages and stages of        learning;
  • Themes such as ‘people who help us’ support children to learn about the police and emergency services and their role in our society.

Individual liberty and personal responsibility –

  • Children understand the need for rules to keep them safe;
  • They support the younger children;
  • They recognise the need to respect resources and equipment;
  • Children’s successes are in their Learning Journey files which are regularly shared with parents;
  • Children are given shared responsibility for ensuring the provision is safe for everyone;
  • Independence is promoted from the earliest age.

Mutual respect –

  • We use role play and group sessions to teach children how to show empathy for and understanding of others;
  • Personal, social and emotional development is embedded in our day-to- day curriculum;
  • Children learn how they can share and take turns with others in respectful ways;
  • Adults and older children are positive role models;
  • Positive images and stories of disability promote equality of opportunity for all;
  • Children are always spoken to respectfully;
  • Close working partnerships with parents and other settings children attend help us to raise outcomes for all children;
  • As part of our balanced curriculum group activities support children to learn about British festivals such as St George’s Day, the London Olympics          and special days celebrated by our British Royal family.

Tolerance of those of different cultures, faiths and beliefs –

  • Children are taught about modern Britain through group activities which help them to learn in age appropriate ways about their local area, art,         history, special days and the country in which they live;
  • They learn about Christianity as the major religion of the country in which they live;
  • We plan activities to help children mark special days from other religions, countries and cultures through our group planning to teach them to    respect the views and beliefs of others;
  • The children learn about their place in the wider world through books, multicultural and diverse resources, displays and themed activities;
  • The children are taken on outings to learn about the area of Britain in which they live.

A child would never be smacked or physically punished – I follow my Behaviour Policy.

I will require you to sign that you have read and understood the policies.  If you have any concerns regarding this policy please discuss them with me.

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email     stacey@staceyroberts-childminding.com