Policy statement.
As a Registered Childminder my first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The relevant local procedures that are held by me are available on request. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I must notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care.
Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)
I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications such as , “Nursery World” and “Practical Professional Childcare”. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern.
I have copies of, and am familiar with, the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. I check regularly that I have the latest version of the relevant procedures (or any documents that may replace them in the future).
I have a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance, I have read them and understand them.
If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality.
Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.
Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded.
I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. Please see my Working with Parents policy. I will not leave the children in the care of anyone without CRB clearance unless in an extreme emergency. (All adults in my home have been Police/CRB cleared.)
If I notice:
- significant changes in behaviour
- unexpected bruising or marks
- any comments made which give me cause for concern
- deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern
I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk.
The National Standards for Registered Childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted know of any concerns that I have reported without delay.
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, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
- explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
- write down 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
- then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation.
If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to Ofsted and the relevant Local Authority Designated officer following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures.
In all instances I will record:
- the child’s full name and address
- the date and time of the record
- factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
- details of any previous concerns
- details of any explanations from the parents
- any action taken such as speaking to parents.
Use of Mobile Telephones and Cameras
The use of mobile phones or cameras by parents or visitors is prohibited in the presence of children at the setting. This is to prevent unauthorised photographs, videos and recordings being taken. Staff at the setting are not authorised to take photographs, videos or audible recordings on any equipment except that belonging to the Childminder and with authorisation from the Childminder in line with the Data Protection policy and parental permissions in place for each child
It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself.
Safeguarding Children Statement
I understand that as a registered childminder, Laura Scales has a duty to safeguard any child entrusted to her care and to discuss any concerns about the child with the parent / carer unless it places the child, the childminder’s family or the childminder herself at further risk.
If it is apparent that her concerns deserve further investigation, she is obliged to refer the situation to the Nominated Safeguarding Children Officer of the local authority Children’s Services covering the area in which the child lives and to inform the relevant authority responsible for her registration as a childminder (Ofsted).
I also understand that it may become necessary for her to disclose confidential information, and that this will be the minimum strictly necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the child.
I understand I can refuse to consent to this information being disclosed.
I have read and understood this statement and the need for it.