As a childcare provider I have a legal duty to protect all children. I have attended safe guarding training and know the signs and symptoms of abuse, I understand that abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I have read, and understood the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS. I have also read the national statutory guidance document, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. I will update my knowledge by checking procedures on Surrey County Council website and by attending refresher training every 3 years.

 

Unless I believe that it would put a child at further risk from harm, I will discuss concerns with a child's parent if I notice;

 

* significant changes in a child's behaviour.

* deterioration in a child's general well-being

* unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect.

* a child's comments which give me cause for concern.

* any reason to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting.

 

It is a requirement that I report any signs of bruising found on children who are not independently mobile.

 

If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will;

 

* show that I have heard what they are saying and that I take their allegations seriously

* encourage the child to talk without asking leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events or make them repeat their account

* record what I have been told using exact words where possible

* make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion.

 

I will contact Children's services for advice or to make a referral on 03001231620. If it is outside of office hours I will call the Emergency Duty team 01483 517898 or call the police.

 

 

Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which I will record in my accident book and ask parents to sign.

 

 

I must notify Ofsted within 14 days of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care, including any allegations against me, or other adults or children in my setting who have had contact with minded children and the outcome of any action taken in regard to such allegations. In these circumstances I will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) duty team 03002001006 – option 4 then option 3. If they want to investigate any concerns I would need to fill in a Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF).

 

In all instances I will record;

 

* the child's full name and address

* the date and time of the recorded

* factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present.

* details of previous concerns

*details of any explanations from parents

*any action taken such as speaking to parents.

I will respect the privacy and dignity of children in my care and as such would ensure that should a child need intimate care this would be carried sensitively and in a dignified way that would not cause undue distress to the child.

 

I will only use physical intervention, and possibly restraint, to prevent an accident such as a child running into the road, or to prevent injury. Any such interventions will be recorded at the back of  my accident book.

 

I will record non-attending children in the event that a pattern of frequent absences should emerge and indicate a welfare issue/concern.

 

 

I will always check the identity of visitors to my home in order to ensure the safety of children in my care. All adults living in my home are DBS checked and at no time will children be left unsupervised with an unchecked visitor. Children will at all times be within sight or hearing of me.

 

I understand that mobile phones and other forms of technology which have cameras and internet access are an everyday part of life for parents and childminders and considering that I have laid out my procedure for their use.

 

* I will ensure my mobile phone is fully charged and with me at all times in case of emergencies.

* I have the facility to take photographs on my mobile phone and will seek your permission to         take any photographs of your child to record activities and share progress.

* Any photographs taken will be deleted after being sent to you.

* I will not publish any photographs of your child on any social networking sites or share them with any other person without your permission.

* I request that you do not use your mobile phone whilst dropping off and collecting your child.

* Any visitors to the setting will also be asked not to use their mobile phone.

* If your child has a mobile phone that they wish to bring to the setting please let me know so that we can work together to ensure the safety of all the children in attendance.

* Children will only have supervised access to the internet for the purposes of eg. research for homework, fact finding.

 

 

 

Prevent Duty

 

The Prevent Duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on specified authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

 

As a childcare provider I will assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism, including support for extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology. I understand that there is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to a terrorist ideology. As with all safeguarding issues I will be alert to changes in children's behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.

 

The Prevent Duty does not require childcare providers to carry out unnecessary intrusion into family life, but, as with any safeguarding issue I will take appropriate action if any behaviour causes concern.

 

 

I will provide suitable opportunities which encourage children to respect each others views and values, to understand that their views count, and to talk about their feelings. Activities will involve turn taking, sharing and collaboration. Children will be encouraged to understand their own and others behaviour and it's consequences. An ethos of total acceptance of all views, faiths, cultures and races will be created where children will appreciate and respect their own and others cultures.

 

 

Whistle blowing

 

I have a duty to report unacceptable behaviour to the relevant authorities, including that of other childminders, childcare workers and other professionals working with children. This action is necessary when their actions are detrimental to children, have placed a child at risk, caused actual harm to a child or are illegal.

 

I will follow the listed procedure if I suspect any of the above has taken place;

 

* Identify the bad practice.

* Record exactly what was observed.

* Establish witnesses wherever possible.

* Keep copies of all correspondence and relevant information.

* Seek support from colleagues.

* Ask to be informed of the outcome.

 

In such instances I must consult with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours 0300 2001006 option 4 then option 3.