Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults

Child protection policy

(Including managing allegations of abuse against a member of staff)

Policy statement

Our setting will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Our safeguarding policy is based on the three key commitments of the Pre-school Learning Alliance Safeguarding Children Policy. Safeguarding in Waterloo Road Community Pre-school is considered everyone’s responsibility and as such our setting aims to create the safest environment within which every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Waterloo Road Community Pre-school recognises the contribution it can make in ensuring that all children registered or who use our setting feel that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. We will do this by working in partnership with other agencies and seeking to establish effective working relationships with parents, carers and other colleagues to develop and provide activities and opportunities throughout our curriculum that will help to equip our children with the skills they need. This will include materials and learning experiences that will encourage our children to develop essential life skills and protective behaviours.

Procedures

We carry out the following procedures to ensure we meet the three key commitments of the Alliance Safeguarding Children Policy which incorporates responding to child protection concerns.

Key commitment 1

The Alliance is committed to building a 'culture of safety' in which children are protected from abuse and harm in all areas of its service delivery.

Staff and volunteers

Our designated safeguarding lead/DSL (a member of staff) who co-ordinates child, young person and vulnerable adult protection issues is : Emma Clements
Our deputy DSL (a member of staff) who co-ordinates child, young person and vulnerable adult protection issues is: Tracey Rowland
Our designated safeguarding officer (a committee member) who oversees this work is: Samantha Rylatt
The above ensure they have relevant links with statutory and voluntary organisations with regard to safeguarding
The DSL and deputy DSL understand the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) procedures, attend relevant SSCP training at least every two years and refreshes their knowledge of safeguarding at least annually.
We ensure all staff and parents are made aware of our safeguarding policies and procedures. We send this policy to all parents with our parent pack.
We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children.
All staff understand that safeguarding is their responsibility.
All staff have an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, are alert to potential indicators and signs of abuse and neglect and understand their professional duty to ensure safeguarding and child protection concerns are reported to the local authority children’s social care team or the NSPCC. They receive updates on safeguarding at least annually.
All staff are confident to ask questions in relation to any safeguarding concerns and know not to just take things at face value but can be respectfully sceptical.
All staff understand the principles of early help (as defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018) and are able to identify those children and families who may be in need of early help and enable them to access it.
All staff understand the thresholds of significant harm and understand how to access services for families, including for those families who are below the threshold for significant harm, according to arrangements published by the SSCP or safeguarding partners in areas where the safeguarding partners have replaced the SSCP
All staff understand their responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, and understand relevant safeguarding legislation, statutory requirements and local safeguarding partner requirements and ensure that any information they may share about parents and their children with other agencies is shared appropriately and lawfully.
We will support families to receive appropriate early help by sharing information with other agencies in accordance with statutory requirements and legislation.
We will be transparent about how we lawfully process data.
All staff understand what the organisation expects of them in terms of their required behaviour and conduct, and follow our policies and procedures on positive behaviour, whistleblowing and dignity at work.
Children have a key person to build a relationship with, and are supported to articulate any worries, concerns or complaints that they may have in an age appropriate way.
All staff understand our policy on promoting positive behaviour and follow it in relation to children showing aggression towards other children.
When the setting is open but the designated person is not on site, a suitably trained deputy DSL is available at all times for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns.
The designated person (and the person who deputises for them) understands LSCB safeguarding procedures, attends relevant LSCB training at least every two years and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Candidates are informed of the need to carry out 'enhanced disclosure' checks with the Data and Barring Service before posts can be confirmed or a certificate of good conduct or refreshes their knowledge of safeguarding at least annually.
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 DBS 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 and must:

-be aged 17 or over

-be considered competent and responsible;

-receive a robust induction and regular supervisory meetings;

-be familiar with all the settings policies and procedures

Information is recorded about staff qualifications, and the identity checks and vetting processes that have been completed including: the criminal records disclosure reference number, certificate of good conduct or equivalent where a UK DBS check is not appropriate, the date the disclosure was obtained and details of who obtained it.
All staff and volunteers are informed that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders or reprimands and warnings which may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment with us).
From 31 August 2018, staff and volunteers in childcare settings that are not based on domestic premises are not required to notify their line manager if anyone in their household (including family members, lodgers, partners etc.) has any relevant convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands or warnings or has been barred from, or had registration refused or cancelled in relation to any childcare provision or have had orders made in relation to care of their children. For childminders and childcare provided from domestic settings they will be required to notify if anyone in their household has any relevant convictions, court orders or reprimands or had registration refused or cancelled in relation to childcare provision or have had certain Orders made in relation to the care of their children in accordance with the Childcare Disqualification and Childcare Regulations 2018, and Disqualification under the Childcare Act guidance effective from 31 August 2018.
Staff receive regular supervision, which includes discussion of any safeguarding issues, and their performance and learning needs are reviewed regularly.
In addition to induction and supervision, staff are provided with clear expectations in relation to their behaviour [outlined in the employee handbook].
We notify the Disclosure and Barring Service of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of a child protection concern.
We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the setting.
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 take steps to ensure children are not photographed or filmed on video for any other purpose than to record their development or their participation in events organised by us. Parents sign a consent form and have access to records holding visual images of their child.
. Any images of children are held securely and in a locked filing cabinet when not in use. Staff do not use personal cameras or filming equipment to record images.
Personal mobile phones are not used where children are present. All visitors are asked to turn phone off or to hand their phone to a member of staff to be locked away.
Any personal information is held securely and in line with data protection requirements and guidance from the ICO.
We keep a written record of all complaints and concerns including details of how they were responded to.
We ensure that robust risk assessments are completed, that they are seen and signed by all relevant staff and that they are regularly reviewed and updated, in line with our health and safety policy.
The designated data protection officer will support the designated safeguarding lead to undertake their role adequately and offer advice, guidance, supervision and support.
The designated data protection officer is TRACEY ROWLAND
The designated safeguarding lead will inform the designated data protection officer at the first opportunity of every significant safeguarding concern, however this should not delay any referrals being made to children’s social care, or where appropriate, the LADO, Ofsted or RIDDOR.

Key commitment 2

The Alliance is committed to responding promptly and appropriately to all incidents, allegations or concerns of abuse that may occur and to work with statutory agencies in accordance with the procedures that are set down in ‘Guidance for day carers’ Somerset Local Safeguarding Children Board – Child Protection (2013), ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ (HMG, 2015) and the Care Act 2014.

Responding to suspicions of abuse

We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms - physical, emotional, and sexual, as well as neglect.
We ensure that all staff have an understanding of the additional vulnerabilities that arise from special educational needs and/or disabilities, plus inequalities of race, gender, language, religion, sexual orientation or culture, and that these receive full consideration in relation to child, young person or vulnerable adult protection.
When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or may be experiencing neglect, this may be demonstrated through:
significant changes in their behaviour;

deterioration in their general well-being;
their comments which may give cause for concern, or the things they say (direct or indirect
disclosure);
changes in their appearance, their behaviour, or their play;
unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect; and
any reason to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting
We understand how to identify children who may be in need of early help and how to access services for them
We understand that we should refer a child who meets the s17 Childrenn Act 'child in need' definition to local authority children's work services
We are aware of the ‘hidden harm’ agenda concerning parents with drug and alcohol problems and consider other factors affecting parental capacity and risk, such as social exclusion, domestic violence, radicalisation, mental or physical illness and parent’s learning disability.
We are aware that children’s vulnerability is potentially increased when they are privately fostered and when we know that a child is being cared for under a private fostering arrangement, we inform our local authority children’s social care team.
We are prepared to take action if we have concerns about the welfare of a child who fails to arrive at a session when expected. The DSL will take immediate action to contact the child’s parent to seek an explanation for the child’s absence and be assured that the child is safe and well. If no contact is made with the child’s parents and the DSL has reason to believe that the child is at risk of significant harm, the relevant professionals are contacted immediately and SSCP procedures are followed. If the child has current involvement with social care the social worker is notified on the day of the unexplained absence.
In relation to radicalisation and extremism, we follow the Prevent Duty guidance for England and Wales published by the Home Office and SSCP procedures on responding to radicalisation.
We are aware of other factors that affect children’s vulnerability such as abuse of children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, fabricated or induced illness, cuckooing, child abuse linked to beliefs in spirit possession, sexual exploitation of children such as through internet abuse, Female Genital Mutilation, that may affect or may have affected children and young people using our provision.
Staff complete online Channel training and online Prevent training to ensure they are familiar with protocol and procedures for responding to concerns about radicalisation.
We are also aware that early years practitioners should follow local authority published safeguarding procedures to respond to FGM and other safeguarding issues, which involves contacting police if a crime of FGM has been or may be about to be committed.
We also make ourselves aware that some children and young people are affected by gang activity, by complex, multiple or organised abuse, through forced marriage or honour based violence or maybe victims of child trafficking. While this may be less likely to affect young children in our care we may become aware of any of these factors affecting older children and young people who we may come into contact with.
If we become concerned that a child may be a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking we will refer to the National Referral Mechanism, as soon as possible and refer and/or seek advice to the local authority children’s social work service and/or police.
We will be alert to the threats children may face from outside their families, such as that posed by organised crime groups such as county lines and child sexual exploitation, online use and from within peer groups and the wider community.
Where we believe a child in our care or known to us may be affected by any of these factors we follow the procedure for reporting child protection and child in need concerns and follow the local procedures as published by the local safeguarding partners..

Where such indicators are apparent, the child's key person makes a dated record of the details of the concern and discusses what to do with the setting leader or manager who is acting as the DSL. The information is stored in our Child Protection folder which is kept securely.

We refer concerns about children’s welfare to the local authority children’s social care department and co-operate fully in any subsequent investigation.
NB In some cases this may mean the police or another agency identified by the SSCP.

We respond to any disclosures sensitively and appropriately and take care not to influence the outcome either through the way we speak to children or by asking questions of children (although we may check out/clarify the details of what we think they have told us with them).

We take account of the need to protect young people aged 16-19 as defined by the Children Act 1989. This may include students or school children on work placement, young employees or young parents. Where abuse or is suspected we follow the procedure for reporting any other child protection concerns. The views of the young person will always be taken into account, in an age appropriate way, but the setting may override the young persons refusal to consent to share information if it feels that it is necessary to prevent a crime from being committed or intervene where one may have been or to prevent harm to a child or adult. Sharing confidential information without consent is done only where not sharing it could be worse than the outcome of having shared it.
All staff are also aware that adults can be vulnerable and know how to refer adults who are in need of community care services.
All staff know that they can contact the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline if they feel that the organisation and the local authority have not taken appropriate action to safeguard a child and this has not been addressed satisfactorily through organisational escalation and professional challenge procedures.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Where a child makes comments to a member of staff that gives cause for concern (disclosure), observes signs or signals that gives cause for concern, such as significant changes in behaviour; deterioration in general well-being; unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect that member of staff:

listens to the child, offers reassurance and gives assurance that she or he will take action;

does not question the child; although it is OK to ask questions for the purposes of clarification.

makes a written record 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.

These records are signed and dated and kept in our Child Protection folder which is kept securely and confidentially.
The member of staff acting as the designated person is informed of the issue at the earliest opportunity, and always within one working day.
Where the SSCP procedures stipulates the process for recording and sharing concerns, we include those procedures alongside this procedure and follow the steps set down by them

Making a referral to the local authority social care team

The Pre-school Learning Alliance's publication Safeguarding Children contains procedures to help in making a referral to the local children’s social care team, as well as a template form for recording concerns and to assist with making a referral. This is based on ‘Guidance for Day Carers’. Somerset Local Safeguarding Children Board – Child Protection (2013).

Escalation process

If we feel that a referral made has not been dealt with properly or that concerns are not being addressed or responded to, we will follow the SSCP escalation process.
We will ensure that staff are aware of how to escalate concerns.
We will follow local procedures published by the SSCP or safeguarding partners to resolve professional disputes.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. We discuss concerns with parents to gain their view of events unless we feel this may put the child or other person in greater danger or may interfere with the course of a police investigation or may unduly delay the referral, or unless it is otherwise unreasonable to seek consent.. Advice will be sought from social care or in some circumstances police, where if necessary.

We inform parents where we make a record of concerns in their child’s file and that we also make a note of any discussion we have with them regarding a concern.
If a suspicion of abuse warrants referral to social care, parents are informed at the same time that the referral will be made, except where the procedures of the SSCP does not allow this, for example, where it is believed that the child may be placed in greater danger. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser or where sexual abuse may have occurred.

If there is a possibility that advising a parent beforehand may place a child at greater risk (or interfere with a police response) the designated person should consider seeking advice from children’s social care, about whether or not to advise parents beforehand, and should record and follow the advice given.

Liaison with other agencies and multi-agency working

We work within the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership guidelines.
The current version of ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ is available for parents and staff and all staff are familiar with what they need to do if they have concerns. We will also use 'Effective Support for Children and Families in Somerset’
We have procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues and concerns about children’s welfare, including maintaining a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of social workers, to ensure that it is easy, in any emergency, for the setting and social services to work well together. In the first instance we contact the consultation line, on 0300 123 3078 or if we feel a child is at risk we will contact children’s social care on 0300 123 2224.

We notify the registration authority (Ofsted) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which may affect the wellbeing of children or where an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff.

Contact details for the local National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) are also kept.

Allegations against staff and persons in position of trust

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 ensure that all staff volunteers and anyone else working in the setting knows how to raise concerns that they may have about the conduct or behaviour of other people including staff/colleagues.
We differentiate between allegations, and concerns about the quality of care or practice and complaints and have a separate process for responding to complaints.
We respond to any inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff, volunteer or any other person living or working on the premises, which includes:

inappropriate sexual comments;
excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities, or inappropriate sharing of images

We will recognise and respond to allegations that a person who works with children has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
- behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children

We follow the guidance of the SSCP 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 respond to any disclosure by children or staff that abuse by a member of staff or volunteer within the setting or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, may have taken, or is taking place, by first recording the details of any such alleged incident.
We also report any such alleged incident to Ofsted and what measures we have taken (unless advised by LADO that this is unnecessary due to the incident not meeting the threshold), as well as what measures [we/I] have taken. We are aware that it is an offence not to do this.
We co-operate entirely with any investigation carried out by children’s social care in conjunction with the police.

Where the management committee and children’s social care agree it is appropriate in the circumstances, the chairperson will suspend the member of staff on full pay, or the volunteer, 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. Where it is appropriate and practical and agreed with LADO, we will seek to offer an alternative to suspension for the duration of the investigation, if an alternative is available that will safeguard children and not place the affected staff or volunteer at risk.

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 Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) 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

Key commitment 3

The Alliance is committed to promoting awareness of child abuse issues throughout its training and learning programmes for adults. It is also committed to empowering young children, through its early childhood curriculum, promoting their right to be strong, resilient and listened to.

Training and Staffing

We seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in the setting to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and signals of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse (including child sexual exploitation) and neglect and that they are aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals.
Training opportunities should also cover extra familial threats such as online risks, radicalisation and grooming, and how to identify and respond to families who may be in need of early help, and organisational safeguarding procedures.
All staff have an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, are alert to potential indicators and signs of abuse and neglect and understand their professional duty to ensure safeguarding and child protection concerns are reported to the local authority children’s social care team or the NSPCC. They receive updates on safeguarding at least annually.
We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the setting.
All staff are confident to ask questions in relation to any safeguarding concerns and know not to just take things at face value but can be respectfully sceptical.
The designated lead(s) receive appropriate training, as recommended by the SSCP, every two years and refresh their knowledge and skills at least annually.
All staff understand the principles of early help (as defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2015/2018) and are able to identify those children and families who may be in need of early help and enable them to access it.
All staff understand the thresholds of significant harm and understand how to access services for families, including for those families who are below the threshold for significant harm.
All staff understand their responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations and the circumstances under which they may share information about you and your child with other agencies.
All staff understand how to escalate their concerns in the event that they feel either the local authority and/or their own organisation has not acted adequately to safeguard.
All staff understand what the organisation expects of them in terms of their required behaviour and conduct, and follow our policies and procedures staff behaviour, positive behaviour, online safety (including use of mobile phones), whistleblowing and dignity at work.
All staff complete online Channel Prevent training and the designated safeguarding leads attend local WRAP training where available to ensure they are familiar with the local protocol and procedures for responding to concerns about radicalisation.
We ensure that all staff receive updates on safeguarding via emails, newsletters, online training and/or discussion at monthly staff meetings.

Planning

The layout of the rooms allows for constant supervision. No child is left alone with staff or volunteers in a one-to-one situation without being visible to others within sight and/or hearing of other staff or volunteers.

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.
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.
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 with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the SSCP and in line with the GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Working Together 2018

Support to families

We believe in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff and volunteers in the group.
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 the local children’s social care team.
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.
We will engage with any child in need plan or early help plan as agreed.
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 SSCP

Non engagement

We recognise non engagement and aim to work with the families seeking further support if needed.

Non engagement is where professionals are unable to progress work with a child and their family when contact is so limited it makes on going work impossible.

Recognising non engagement

Ambivalence. Consistently late for appointments or cancelling, changing the subject during discussion to avoid dealing with issues.

Avoidance avoiding or failing to turn up to appointments. Being unavailable for planned visits or cutting visits short.

Non Compliance actively sabotaging implementation of the child’s plan either through actions or omissions.

Disguised compliance. Giving an outward appearance of compliance whilst subverting the implementation of the plan.

Confrontation challenging professionals disputing facts

Hostility Threats of actual acts of violence against workers including behaviour designed to intimidate.

Families who fail to engage

May avoid contact with professionals or the quality of contact may be poor and characterised by resistance, an unwillingness to provide information and a general hostility and mistrust.

We as a setting aim to work with the family at all times. If we feel that we are unable to make progress with a child due to non engagement then relevant services Children’s Social Care would be contacted. A multi- agency strategy would be developed for engagement.

Prevent Duty and British Values

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Prevent Duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on specified authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, insinuations or habits of the mind. Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

It is important to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the local area, city and society. Staff are reminded to suspend any ‘professional disbelief’ that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to be ‘professionally inquisitive’ where concerns arise, following the appropriate procedures for recording and passing on information

Early years settings have responsibility to meet the following:
Provide staff with sufficient training to be fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation and be aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified early
Staff will be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection (children at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views). The key person approach means we already know our key children well and so we will notice any changes in behaviour, demeanour or personality quickly.
Be alert to any safeguarding and child protection issues in the child’s life at home or elsewhere (paragraph 3.4 EYFS)
Take action to protect children from harm and be alert to harmful behaviour by other adults in the child’s life
Be aware of how settings can provide support to help families and children to be resilient and able to resist involvement in radical or extreme activities
We will be aware of the online risk of radicalisation through the use of social media and the internet
Understand when to make referrals and where to get additional advice and support
Work in partnership with the SSCP and ‘Somerset Direct’ for guidance and support
Support children’s personal, social and emotional development by helping children develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities
Ensure children learn right from wrong, mix and share with other children and value other’s views, know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes (in an age appropriate way)

The British values and Prevent duties relate to the Equality Act 2010, as organisations that perform ‘public functions’ (such as settings offering the Free Entitlement) are also covered by these duties to:

Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic, and those who do not
Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic, and those who do not.

We will actively promote fundamental British values and not promote views or

theories as fact, which are contrary to established scientific or historical evidence

and explanations.

Thee fundamental British values of:democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are already embedded in the 2014 EYFS and are further clarified below, based on the Fundamental British Values in the Early Years Guidance (Foundation Years 2015)

See how we promote them here.

What is not acceptable:
Actively promoting intolerance of other faiths, cultures and races
Failure to challenge gender stereotypes and routinely segregate girls and boys
Isolating children from their wider community
Failure to challenge behaviours (whether staff, children or parents) that are not in line with the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.

Legal framework

Primary legislation

Children Act (1989 s47)
Protection of Children Act (1999)
The Children Act (Every Child Matters) (2004)
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
Early Years Foundation Stage (2017)

Childcare Act (2006)
Children and social work act (2017)
Child safeguarding practice review and relevant agency Regulations (2018)

Secondary legislation

Sexual Offences Act (2003)
Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000)
Equalities Act (2010)
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) (2018)
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015)
Care Act (2014)
Serious Crime Act (2015)
Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations (2009)
Children and Families Act (2014)
Serious crime act (2015)
Childcare (disqualifications) regulations (2009)

Further guidance

Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG, 2015) (2018)
What to do if you’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG, 2015)
Revised Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (HMG, 2015)
Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (HMG 2008)
Hidden Harm – Responding to the Needs of Children of Problem Drug Users (ACMD, 2003)
Information Sharing: Advice for Practitioners providing Safeguarding Services (DfE 2018)
Disclosure and Barring Service: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings, (Ofsted, 2016)
Employee Handbook ( Ofsted 2016)
People Management in the Early Years (2016)
Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years (Ofsted 2015)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016)(2018)(2020)
Effective Support for Children and Families in Somerset (2017)
Framework for assessment of children in need and their families (DoH) (2000)
Common assessment framework for children and young people for practitioner (CWDC 2010)
Safeguarding Children and Protecting Professionals in Early Years Settings: Online Safety Guidance for Practitioners (2019)

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