Child Protection
As a registered full day care provider for children, all statutory requirements form the foundation to our policies and procedures
The Provider; Kate Taylor
Safeguarding Coordinators; Sarah Connor, Zoe Tilden, Kate Taylor
Introduction Sandcastles takes all necessary steps to keep children safe and well. The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements in Section 3 of the Statutory Framework details in full our duty of care. Please follow the link to view the document
https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2017/03/EYFS_STATUTORY_FRAMEWORK_2017.pdf
The Role of the Safeguarding Coordinators: To take lead responsibility to Safeguard Children whilst in Sandcastles care and beyond; to have regard to the Government Statutory Guidance, Working together to Safeguard Children 2018; to liaise with local statutory children’s services agencies and with the Local Safeguarding Children Board and Southend, Essex and Thurrock Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures and the police if necessary; to provide support, advice and guidance to staff on an ongoing basis enabling them to have full knowledge of the expectations and procedures linked to safeguarding and child protection; to keep training current; to keep records up-to-date; to ensure Sandcastles makes reasonable adjustments as part of the assessment for children with special education needs and disabilities; to seek advice from outside professionals when needed.
Safeguarding training All new staff are given in-depth in-house safeguarding training as a priority when joining Sandcastles and complete online safeguarding training. This provides all staff with information on how to deal with concerns. All practitioners have level 1 online training and level 2 face to face training annually. The designated Safeguarding Leads receive level 3 training to fulfil this role.
Working together to safeguard children This policy is in place to meet the criteria outlined in Working together to Safeguard Children 2018 and the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory framework. Giving appropriate regard to General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and confidentiality, Sandcastles is aware that it is recommended that consent to share information is favourable. However, if it is believed that discussing concerns with the parent/carer could place the child at increased risk of serious harm, referrals will be made immediately.
Staff receive training in identifying and responding to inappropriate behaviour displayed by any member of staff or any person in contact with the children. If there are concerns about possible abuse, theft, fraud, inappropriate comments, interactions or inappropriate sharing of images or any misconduct they should bring the matter to the attention of management. Any employee with such knowledge who does not report it may be subject to disciplinary action. Anyone attempting to stop or discourage another employee from coming forward will be subject to disciplinary action. Likewise, anyone who criticizes or victimises an employee after a concern has been expressed will be subject to disciplinary action. Sandcastles management team will investigate the complaint and involve outside agencies if necessary. The results of the investigation will be related to the employee, whilst protecting the confidentiality of others involved.
Allegations made against a member of staff: All details given by either a child, member of staff or parent/carer relating to allegations of abuse by a staff member/volunteer are firstly recorded in-house then reported to the LADO without delay but within 24 hours of any situation arising. The role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) helps co-ordinate information sharing. As soon as reasonably practical but no later than 14 days after the allegation, Ofsted must be notified of the situation along with any measures put into place regardless of where the alleged abuse has taken place (in the setting or elsewhere). When appropriate, to protect all concerned, the member of staff under investigation will be suspended on full pay. If the investigation results in the member of staff being dismissed, Sandcastles will contact all professional bodies concerned with guidance from the LADO and in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Boards and refer to SET procedures for Southend, Essex and Thurrock Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures. LADO 03330 139797 Ofsted contact No: 0300 1234666
Whistle Blowing If at any time individual members of staff are dissatisfied with the Safeguarding Officers actions/decisions to refer cases, they have a duty to refer and can report directly to the Family Operations Hub Tel: 0345 603 7627 and Ofsted Whistle blower hotline on 0300 123 3155 (Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm) email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk.
NB The Whistleblowing hotline is for safeguarding concerns. The in-house grievance procedure found in the employee handbook should be followed for all employment matters.
Monitoring existing injuries and absence All existing injuries and absences are logged as they arise. Any patterns or cause for concern relating to an individual are raised to the safeguarding lead for action. All existing injuries and absences are monitored and reviewed monthly by management and any actions linked to practice are addressed.
Collection of Children Parents/carers authorised to collect children are indicated on the enrolment forms. If someone other than these authorised people or someone that our staff would not recognise is going to collect, we require prior notification, a password, clear description or photograph and as much additional information as possible. It is accepted that the parent/carer will only authorise collection by someone deemed responsible and it is understood that the child, once left Sandcastles, is the full responsibility of the person who has collected. If staff have concerns over the collection arrangements, the child will not be released until further enquiries have been carried out for the safety and welfare of the child.
It is essential that staff know who is in the building at any time. Persons are not permitted to enter the building when the door is open for someone else, and we ask that everyone is vigilant in not allowing anyone to enter with them. All persons not knowing our entry code must use the intercom system to speak to a member of staff prior to entry. CCTV screens are present in the main office and in Dolphins (preschool) room adjacent to the intercom, to provide visual recognition and monitoring of the main entrance. If our staff do not recognise someone they will not hesitate to ask for identification and if necessary, check this with a senior staff member. The Entry Code: Once children are enrolled at Sandcastles, parents/carers will be told the entry code. As this code allows entry to the building it is imperative that it remains confidential. For additional security, the number is changed periodically. The number is restricted to adult use only, as is the door release button. If a child is not collected at the appointed time, staff refer and follow the procedures set out in the staff training folder. Should a child still be in our care 1/2 an hour after Sandcastles closes, and after trying all contact details provided by the parent/carer, the situation will be reported to the relevant services listed below.
Lost Child Regular headcounts and registers are taken throughout each day. If a child is missing, management are informed, and an immediate search is carried out of the whole premises. Staff are sent immediately to the front of the site to check all exits and beyond. If the child is not found, the police and parents are contacted. This is followed up with a full report to Ofsted and relevant authorities. Should this situation occur when outside the setting, in addition, the staff at the location being visited are informed in order that their procedures can be followed, and Sandcastles is notified.
Intruders An intruder is a person who has not followed established visitor procedures and may or may not be a safety hazard to Sandcastles. We have a risk assessment in place and staff are fully trained on the procedures to follow.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 Sandcastles acknowledges its duty to implement The Prevent Duty guidance within its daily practise and works in accordance with The Department for Education, The Prevent Duty June 2015 and The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 section 26. Through our staff induction, staff are made aware of their responsibility to be able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they’re identified. Fundamental British Values are promoted: values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. In the event of expected radicalisation, Sandcastles will liaise with outside professionals seeking their guidance accordingly. Effective working practise is in place to ensure positive partnerships with families. We acknowledge the importance of being able to identify signs of radicalisation and assist and advise families who raise concerns and can point them to the right support mechanisms. Please refer to our IT and staff training policies for further information.
Use of Mobile Phones and Cameras: The taking of photos at Sandcastles is restricted to supporting the EYFS, for special events and occasions and to promote the provision on our Sandcastles social media pages. Sandcastles provides its own electronic devices for use and images must not be shared. Parent consent is gained through our terms and conditions. The use of mobile phones is not permitted whilst caring for the children except during outings when they are taken for security purposes. Parents and visitors to our setting are not permitted to use mobile phones and/or cameras when on the premises or on Sandcastle organised excursions.
Staff behaviour policy: A staff behaviour policy is in place to outline expectations of personal conduct so that the whole staff team can be alert to signs of inappropriate behaviour and language around children. This is discussed with all staff during their induction.
Essex
Social Care Referrals – Essex Family Operations Hub – 0345 6037627 Out of hours 0345 606 1212
Southend
Southend Referrals (First Contact Team) – 01702 215007
Southend Out of hours/Emergency Duty Team) – 0345 606 1212
Thurrock
Children’s Services initial response
Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) – 01375 652 802
Email: thurrockmash@thurrock.gov.uk
Emergency contact outside of office hours – 01375 372 468
The Prevent Duty – Extremism concerns – 020 7340 7264
email: counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk
Advice line only – non-emergency, Emergency Duty Service,
Out of Hours – 0845 606 1212 or 0300 1230 779