Laleham Church Playgroup – Safeguarding Policy
This document is based on guidance from the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2024, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
Key Personnel
Manager: Louise Hawthorn
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Susie Morris
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Natalie Apthorp
Mrs. Jan Vince - All Saints PCC, Children’s Advocate Telephone 01932 560515
c/o The Parish Office The Broadway Laleham TW181RZ
Status & Review Cycle: March 2024- Yearly
Next Review Date: March 2025
Safeguarding Statement
At Laleham Church Playgroup we believe it is our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We make every effort to provide an environment in which children and adults feel safe, secure, valued, and respected. We want children and adults to feel confident to talk if they are worried, believing they will be effectively listened to.
The purpose of this policy is to provide all staff, volunteers and parents with the framework they need to keep children safe and secure in our setting. This policy also informs parents and carers how we will safeguard their children whilst they are in our care.
Terminology
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
• protecting children from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of children's health or development;
• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
• Preventing impairment of children’s mental or physical health or development.
Child Protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering significant harm.
Early Help means providing support as soon as any needs emerge or are identified at any point in a child’s life.
Staff refers to all those working for or on behalf of the setting, full or part time, temporary or permanent, in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
Child(ren) includes everyone under the age of 18. On the whole, this will apply to children within our setting; however, the policy will extend to visiting children and students from other establishments.
Parents refers to birth parents and other adults who are in a parenting role, for example step-parents, foster carers, and adoptive parents.
Social Care refers to Children’s Services in the area in which the child is resident, unless a child is a Child Looked After then this will be the Children’s Services in their home authority.
MAP refers to the Surrey Multi-Agency Partnership.
C-SPA refers to the Children’s Single Point of Access.
Introduction
This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the
Children Acts 1989 and 2004, The Childcare Act 2006, and in line with statutory guidance:
• Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2024
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, Revised Safeguarding Statutory Guidance
• Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families 2000
• What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused 2015
• Early years inspection handbook for Ofsted-registered provision for 2024
The policy also reflects Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) Procedures.
This policy applies to all members of staff in the setting including the
Manager, Friends of Laleham Church playgroup, and members of All Saints PCC .
The Manager of the setting will review this policy at least annually. This policy will additionally be updated in line with changes in Local and National Guidance and Legislation.
Parents/carers can obtain a copy of the Child Protection Policy and other related policies on request or on our website lalehamchurchplaygroup.info
The Early Years Foundation Stage (2021) states ‘Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them.’
Laleham Church Playgroup will demonstrate a commitment regarding Safeguarding and Child Protection to children, parents, and other partners. We will maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’, where the welfare of the child is paramount.
All children have a right to be protected from harm and abuse. All staff have a role in the prevention of harm and abuse and an equal responsibility to act immediately on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, either in Laleham Church Playgroup or in the community, taking into account contextual safeguarding, in accordance with statutory guidance.
We acknowledge that working in partnership with other agencies protects children and reduces risk and we will engage in partnership working to protect and safeguard children.
Whilst Laleham Church Playgroup will work openly with parents as far as possible, we reserve the right to contact Social Care or the Police, without notifying parents, if this is believed to be in the child’s best interests.
This policy should be read in conjunction with: Behaviour management, Safer Recruiting, Staff Code of Conduct, Confidentiality and Data Protection, Information Sharing, Recruitment and Retention, Safety, Staff Induction, Supervision/Appraisal, Mobile Phone Policy, Policy of Storage/Handling/Use of DBS, Whistleblowing, Significant Occurrence policies, which can all be accessed on our website or in our policies file at Playgroup.
We recognise that Laleham Church Playgroup may provide a safe place and the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses abuse and/or violence may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame themselves, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth.
We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal, to aggressive or withdrawn.
We recognise that Laleham Church Playgroup plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our children by providing children with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends, and an ethos of protection.
Laleham Church Playgroup will support all children:
• By treating each child as an individual so that they can learn, be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
• By teaching children to be strong and independent through positive relationships
• By establishing and maintaining an ethos where children feel safe and secure, and are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through conversation, story-telling, and role play
• Ensure that all children know there is an adult in Laleham Church Playgroup whom they can approach if they are worried
• Reassure children who report concerns that they are being taken seriously and that they will be supported and kept safe.
• We will encourage self-esteem and self-awareness through the Early Years Foundation Stage and through positive relationships within the community
• We will respond sympathetically to any requests for quiet time
• We will liaise and work in partnership with other support services and agencies involved in Early Help and the safeguarding of children
• We will notify Social Care immediately if there is a significant concern
We will ensure that:
Laleham Church Playgroup operates a safer recruitment procedure that includes statutory checks on staff suitability to work with children including verification of their identity, qualifications, disqualification by association regulations, and a satisfactory DBS check (according to EYFS requirements). We comply with the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 guidance issued in August 2018.
Laleham Church Playgroup will obtain an enhanced criminal records check (DBS) in respect of every person aged 16 and over including unsupervised volunteers that:
• work directly with children
• work on the premises on which the childcare is provided (unless they do not work there at times when children are present)
An additional criminal records check (or checks if more than one country) will be made for anyone who has lived or worked abroad
Laleham Church Playgroup ensures that there is at least one person who has completed Safer Recruitment training.
Laleham Church Playgroup will record information about staff qualifications and the identity checks and vetting processes that have been completed. This information is stored in the staff files and kept in a locked cupboard
Laleham Church Playgroup will make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service and Ofsted where a member of staff is dismissed (or would have been, had the person not left the setting first) because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm (Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006).
All staff receive information about the safeguarding arrangements upon induction, the safeguarding statement, staff behaviour policy (code of conduct), Child Protection policy, the role and names of the DSL and their deputy(ies).
The name of the DSL and DDSL for Safeguarding and Child Protection, are clearly advertised on our website and on our notice boards at Playgroup with a statement explaining our role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected harm and abuse.
All staff will have access to Part 1 and Annex B of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 and will sign to say they have read and understood it.
All staff receive Safeguarding and Child Protection training at induction in line with advice from Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership which is regularly updated.
All staff are trained in, and receive regular updates in, ‘Online safety and reporting concerns’, as required, but at least annually, by reading updated policies and signing the policy. Copies of relevant information are given out at half-termly staff meetings and additional emails are sent regularly.
Laleham Church Playgroup will advise all staff that they must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect their ability to care for children. If a staff member is taking medication which may affect their ability to care for children the staff member should seek medical advice. We will ensure that staff members only work directly with children if medical advice confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair that staff member’s ability to look after children properly. All medications on the premises are securely stored, and out of reach of children, at all times.
Laleham Church Playgroup will advise staff they must disclose any reason that may affect their suitability to work with children including convictions, cautions, court orders, and warnings.
All staff and the manager have regular Child Protection awareness training, updated by the DSL as appropriate, to maintain their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.
All staff will be provided with a copy of our setting’s behaviour management and physical intervention policy
All staff will be made aware of the expectations relating to the use of mobile technology within the setting, including mobile phones and cameras. All staff will be made aware of the professional risks associated with the use of social media and electronic communication. Staff will adhere to relevant setting policies including staff behaviour policy, mobile phone, digital camera, ICT usage policy.
Staff support and Supervision:
Laleham Church Playgroup will follow their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 including the fair and equal treatment of practitioners regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Laleham Church Playgroup has in place supervision for all staff members who have contact with children and families, in line with Early Years Foundation Stage 2024. The Early Years Foundation Stage states that ‘effective supervision provides support, coaching and training for the practitioner and promotes the interests of children’. Supervision should foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork, and continuous improvement, which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
Supervision will provide opportunities for staff to:
• discuss any issues – particularly concerning children’s development or well-being, including Child Protection concerns
• identify solutions to address issues as they arise
• receive coaching to improve their personal effectiveness
Roles and Responsibilities
All staff:
Have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children. To achieve this they will:
• Attend training in order to be aware of, and alert to, the signs of abuse and neglect, so they are able to identify cases of children who may need help or protection
• Provide a safe environment in which children can learn
• Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to
• Have a duty of care to take appropriate action and work with other services as needed
• Be prepared to identify children who may benefit from Early Help
• Be aware of the local Early Help process and their role in it
• Ensure children know that there are adults in the setting who they can approach if they are worried or have concerns.
• Be aware that mental health issues can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Respond appropriately to mental health issues
• Understand the setting’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and procedures
• Take appropriate action to respond and report a Safeguarding concern to the DSL/DDSL
• Be prepared to refer directly to the Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPA), 0300 470 9100 and the Police if appropriate, if there is a risk of significant harm and the DSL or their Deputy is not available
• Follow the allegations procedures if the disclosure is an allegation against a member of staff
In addition to the role and responsibilities for all staff, the Manager will ensure that:
• There is a whole setting approach to Safeguarding and the setting fully contributes to inter-agency working in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 guidance.
• The setting has effective Safeguarding policies and procedures including a
Child Protection Policy, a Staff Behaviour Policy and a Behaviour Policy.
• The setting operates a Safer Recruitment procedure that includes statutory checks on staff suitability to work with children, and disqualification by association regulations, and by ensuring that there is at least one person on every recruitment panel who has completed safer recruitment training. If there is not a panel conducting interviews, then the individual will have completed the safer recruitment training.
• Staff have been trained appropriately and this is updated in line with guidance and that mechanisms are in place to assist staff in understanding and discharging their roles and responsibilities as set out in the guidance.
• All staff are provided with the setting’s Child Protection policy and, if applicable, the staff behaviour policy.
• The setting has procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff (including the Manager, volunteers and against other children, and that a referral is made to the DBS and Ofsted if a person in regulated activity, has been dismissed or removed due to safeguarding concerns or would have had they not resigned.
• Policies and processes are in place to deal with concerns (including allegations) which do not meet the allegation/harm threshold or “low level concerns” as defined in KCSIE 2021.
• The DSL will take lead responsibility for Safeguarding and Child
Protection and that the role is explicit in the role holder’s job description.
• That on appointment, the DSL and deputy(ies) undertake inter-agency training (SSCP Foundation Modules 1&2) and also initially undertake DSL ‘New to Role’ with ‘Refresher’ training every two years as well as attending DSL network events to refresh knowledge and skills.
• Children are taught about safeguarding (including online safety).
• The setting will ensure application filters and monitoring systems are in place to safeguard children online.
• Clear systems and processes are in place for identifying possible mental health concerns including routes to escalate, and clear referral and accountability systems.
• Any weaknesses in safeguarding are remedied immediately.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead:
In addition to the role and responsibilities of all staff the DSL and 2nd DSL will:
Hold the lead responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection (including online safety) and be available every day for staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns
Manage referrals:
The DSL/2ndDSL is expected to refer cases:
• Of suspected abuse and neglect to the C-Spa and support staff to make these referrals.
• To the Channel programme (where there is a radicalisation concern) and support staff to make these referrals.
• Report concerns that a child may be at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism, and use the Prevent referral form. If the matter is urgent then Police must be contacted by dialling 999. In cases where further advice from the Police is sought dial 101 or 01483 632982 and ask to speak to the Prevent Supervisor for Surrey.
• To the Disclosure and Barring service - 01325 953795(where a person is
dismissed/left due to risk/harm to a child)
• To the Police 999 (where a crime may have been committed)
Work with others:
• Act as a source of support, advice, and expertise for all staff
• Act as a point of contact for the safeguarding partners; Local Authority, Police and Health
• Liaise with the “case manager” and the Local Authority Designated Officer
• Liaise with staff and external agencies on matters of safety and safeguarding (including online and digital safety) so that children’s needs are considered holistically
• Promote supportive engagement with parents and/or carers in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including where families may be facing challenging circumstances
• Know who its cohort of children who have or have had a social worker are, understanding their academic progress and attainment, and maintaining a culture of high aspirations for this cohort
Raise awareness:
• Ensure each member of staff has access to and understands the Child Protection and Safeguarding policy and procedures
• Ensure the policy is reviewed annually (as a minimum)
• Ensure the policy is available upon request, recognising that even when statutory social care intervention has request and parents, are aware of the setting’s obligations to refer cases where necessary
• Link with safeguarding partners to make sure staff are aware of training opportunities and SSCP arrangements
• Help promote the educational and developmental outcomes by sharing information about the welfare, safeguarding, and Child Protection issues that a child is experiencing or has experienced, with appropriate staff members.
Training, knowledge, and skills
• Undergo training to provide them with knowledge and skills required to carry out the role (at least every two years)
Understand Surrey’s Effective Family Resilience assessment process and request for support pathway for providing Early Help and statutory intervention
• Have a working knowledge of how local authorities conduct a Child Protection case conference/ review conference and attend/contribute effectively
• Understand the importance of the role in providing information and support to children social care
• Understand the lasting impact that adversity and trauma can have, including on children’s behaviour, mental health, and wellbeing, and what is needed in responding to this in promoting educational outcomes
• Are alert to the specific needs of children in need, those with additional needs and disabilities, those with relevant health conditions, and young carers
• Understand the importance of information sharing, both within the setting, and with the safeguarding partners, other agencies, organisations, and practitioners
• Understand and support the setting with regards to the requirements of the Prevent duty, and provide advice and support to staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation
• Are able to understand the unique risks associated with online safety and be confident that they have the relevant knowledge and up to date capability required to keep children safe whilst they are online at the setting
• Can recognise the additional risks that children with additional needs and disabilities face online
• Obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses
In addition to the formal training set out above, their knowledge and skills should be refreshed (this might be via e-bulletins, meeting other DSL’s, attending Early Years network meetings or simply taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments) at regular intervals, as required, and at least annually, to allow them to understand and keep up with any developments relevant to their role.
Support and advise staff and help them feel confident on welfare, safeguarding and Child Protection matters. This includes specifically to:
• ensure that staff are supported during the referrals processes; and
• support staff to consider how safeguarding, welfare, and educational outcomes are linked.
• Encourage a culture among all staff of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings, and in any measures the setting may put in place to protect them
• Understand the difficulties that children may have in approaching staff about their circumstances and consider how to build trusted relationships which facilitate communication
• Understand the importance of information sharing, both within the setting and with other settings on transfer including in-year, and with the safeguarding partners, other agencies, organisations and practitioners.
• Understand relevant data protection legislation and regulations, especially the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
• Be able to keep detailed, accurate, secure written records of concerns and referrals and understand the purpose of this record-keeping.
Any deputies should be trained to the same standard as the DSL and the role should be explicit in their job description. Whilst the activities of the DSL can be delegated to appropriately trained deputies, the ultimate lead responsibility for Child Protection, as set out above, remains with the DSL, this lead responsibility should not be delegated.
At Laleham Church Playgroup if a member of staff suspects abuse, spots signs or indicators of abuse and neglect, or they have a disclosure of abuse made to them they must:
• Listen positively and try to reassure the child
• Only use open questions to clarify information, i.e. Tell, Explain, Describe (TED)
• Not promise confidentiality
• Explain that they need to pass information to the DSL/other professionals to help keep the child and/or other children safe.
(Additional consideration needs to be given to children with communication difficulties and for those whose preferred language is not English. It is important to communicate with children in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding and preference.)
1. Make an initial record of the information related to the concern.
2. Report it to the DSL and Manager immediately.
3. The DSL will consider if there is a requirement for immediate medical intervention, however urgent medical attention should not be delayed if the DSL is not immediately available.
4. Make an accurate record (which may be used in any subsequent court proceedings) as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the occurrence, of all that has happened, including details of:
· Dates and times of their observations
• Dates and times of any discussions in which they were involved
• Any injuries
• Explanations given by the child / adult
• Rationale for decision making and action taken
• Any actual words or phrases used by the child
2. The records must be signed and dated by the author or / equivalent on electronic based records
3. In the absence of the DSL or their Deputy, staff must be prepared to refer directly to C-SPA 0300 470 9100 (and the Police if appropriate) if there is the potential for significant harm
In all cases: if staff are unsure they will always speak to the DSL (or deputy).
Following a report of concerns the DSL must:
Use the SSCP Levels of Need document (Continuum of Support’) to decide the relevant actions to be taken.
If we suspect a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, harm or abuse, the DSL must contact the C-SPA. By sending a Request for Support Form by secure email to: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk.
If a child is in immediate danger and urgent protective action is required the Police (dial 999) must be called. The DSL must also notify the C-SPA of the occurrence and what action has been taken made and notify the Police if it is appropriate. If there is not a risk of significant harm, the DSL will either actively monitor the situation or consider offering Early Help.
The DSL may seek advice or guidance from the C-SPA consultation line before deciding next steps.
When a child needs urgent medical attention and there is suspicion of abuse the DSL or their Deputy should take the child to the accident and emergency unit at the nearest hospital while another member of staff notifies the C-SPA. The DSL should seek advice about what action the C-SPA will take and about informing the parents, remembering that parents should normally be informed that a child requires urgent hospital attention.
The exception to this process will be in those cases of known FGM where there is a mandatory requirement for the staff member to report directly to the Police. The DSL should also be made aware.
At Laleham Church Playgroup we will make all attempts to discuss any concerns about a child’s welfare with the family and where possible to seek their agreement before making a referral to the C-SPA. Where there are doubts or reservations the DSL should clarify with the C-SPA or the Police as to whether the parents should be told about the referral and, if so, when and by whom.
However, if it is suspected that by informing the parents it will place increased risk to the child or impede a Police investigation, advice will be sought from the C-SPA and or the Police about next steps.
What happens next?
It is important that concerns are followed up and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they are. The member of staff should be informed by the DSL what has happened following the initial concern. If they do not receive this information they should seek it out.
If we have concerns that the disclosure has not been acted upon appropriately, we will follow Surrey’s Inter-Agency Escalation Policy and Procedure.
At Laleham Church Playgroup we maintain records and obtain and share information (with parents and carers, other professionals working with the child, the Police, social services and Ofsted, as appropriate) to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting, and to help ensure the needs of all children are met.
At Laleham Church Playgroup we record any concerns about a child’s welfare or safety in the first instance in an occurrence book. If there seems to be worrying changes a specific and confidential record will be set up for that child and will be kept securely in a separate file. These records will include the child’s words and factual information, timed and dated observations which are described objectively without comment, signed and dated by the recorder. A body map will be completed if injuries are observed.
The record will always be signed and dated by the person making the report and will be shared immediately with the DSL. If there is an immediate concern the member of staff will discuss the concern with the DSL, first to ensure the safety of the child and then will complete the report after.
The DSL will record any discussions, decisions, and reasons for those decisions on the child’s Safeguarding and Child Protection file. All files will be kept for 24 years or until the child is at least 25 years old.
At Laleham Church Playgroup we ensure:
Safeguarding and Child Protection files are kept up to date. Information will be kept confidential and stored securely. Safeguarding and Child Protection concerns, and referrals will be kept in a separate Child Protection file for each child.
The file is only accessed by trained staff who need to see it and where the file or content within it is shared it will be, in line with information sharing policy.
Where children leave the setting (including ‘in year’ transfers) the DSL will ensure their Safeguarding and Child Protection file is transferred to the new setting or school as soon as possible, and within 5 days for an ‘in-year’ transfer or within the first 5 days of the start of a new term. This should be transferred separately from the child’s main file, ensuring secure transit, and confirmation of receipt should be obtained. Receiving settings and schools should ensure key staff such as DSLs and SENCOs are aware as required.
If the setting is unable to locate the new setting/school, the file will be kept until the child is 25 (this is seven years after they reach the school leaving age) (Information and Records Management Society (IRMS), 2019).
At Laleham Church Playgroup all matters relating to Child Protection will be treated as confidential and only shared as per the ‘Information Sharing Advice for Practitioners’ (DfE 2018) guidance.
All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children and that the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR are not a barrier to sharing information where a failure to do so would place a child at risk of harm. There is a lawful basis for Child Protection concerns to be shared with agencies who have a statutory duty for Child Protection.
Information will be shared with staff within the setting who ‘need to know’.
Relevant staff have due regard to GDPR principles which allow them to share (and withhold) information.
All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing.
All staff will always undertake to gain parent/carers consent to refer a child to Social Care unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm or impede a criminal investigation.
Laleham Church Playgroup’s trained Data Protection Officer (DPO) is Louise Hawthorn. It is a requirement by the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) to ensure that our setting is compliant with all matters relating to confidentiality and information sharing.