​

Our Policies

​

 

Accidents & Incidents.

 

The safety of your child is paramount, and every measure will be taken to ensure they are protected from hurting themselves. However, accidents do happen and the following information details how the incident will be dealt with:

 

Your child will be comforted and reassured.

The extent of your child's injuries will be ascertained and if necessary medical assistance will be called for.

Necessary first aid procedures will be carried out on your child.

You will be contacted to inform you of the accident and if necessary, ask you to collect your child from the setting or to meet me at the hospital.

 

All other children within the care of Bella's Childcare who were not involved in the accident / incident will be kept safe at all times, if necessary, Bella's Childcare will instigate their emergency procedures for children who are not injured, i.e.: using emergency backup / other childminders to care for these children.

 

After every accident, however minor Bella's Childcare will:

 

Complete a report on the Baby's Days system, this will include full details of the accident / incident. You will be able to view the accident / incident details by connecting to the system from any location, you will also be able to view the report when you arrive at the setting.

 

If the incident requires any medical treatment Bella's Childcare will:

 

Inform Ofsted (under Standard 14.3 Children Act regulation, Inform Ofsted about any significant events)

Inform its Insurance Company.

Contact the PACEY / local authority for additional advice/support.

Contact the local Social Care and RIDDOR if required.

 

It is important that you keep Bella's Childcare informed regarding your child's condition following an accident and if you have sought additional medical advice or care.

 

 

 

Alcohol & Drugs

​

To ensure that staff within Bella's Childcare are alerted to any dangers and able to protect your child, Bella's Childcare will ensure all staff must not be under the influence of alcohol or any form of drugs (including some prescription medication).

If any other staff are prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics Bella's Childcare will inform Ofsted who will make a decision as to whether this member of staff shall stay on the premises whilst on said prescription. 

No staff at Bella's Childcare will drink any alcohol during or before the working day.

 

​

 

Allegations of Abuse Against the Setting

​

As a childcare setting, we are more vulnerable to allegations of abuse being made against us. Bella's Childcare will take precautions to protect the company and its staff from this happening by:

• Ensuring all staff members over 16 are DBS checked and cleared.

• Ensuring all visitors to the premises sign the visitors book and do not have unsupervised access to the children under any circumstances.

• Any regular visitors to Bella's Childcare will have a DBS check carried out.

• Bella's Childcare will not allow any visitors to take minded children to the toilet or change their nappies. 

• Bella's Childcare will request identification from all visitors not known to them and will refuse entry if unsure of them. 

• Bella's Childcare will endeavour, when possible, to arrange for any maintenance work to my property to be carried out at weekends and during non-minding hours. 

• Bella's Childcare will maintain a visitors book which is available for you to look at.

• Bella's Childcare will ensure, where possible, that no workmen are in the premises during minded hours, unless it is to repair an emergency service or for Health and Safety Reasons.

• Bella's Childcare will document every accident and incident that occurs whilst in their care, informing parents and requesting them to sign relevant records.

• Bella's Childcare will note any marks on the children when they arrive and asking parents to inform me of any accidents that have occurred whilst outside its care.

• Ensuring the children are supervised at all times.

• Bella's Childcare will record information regarding the child's daily care and teaching routine via the babys days account.

• However, sometimes allegations are made, and this unfortunate situation cannot be avoided. Bella's Childcare will then follow the procedure detailed below.

• Bella's Childcare will follow the local safeguarding children's board procedure and inform LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) within one working day and Ofsted within 14 days, but as soon as possible following their advice as to whether to continue working.

​

• Bella's Childcare will gain support and professional advice from the following organisations:

• Bella's Childcare's insurance company

• PACEY Legal Advice Line

• Family Solicitor

• Ofsted

• Local Early Childhood Services 

• Bella's Childcare will write a detailed record of all related incidents, including what was said and by whom, with times and dates.

• Bella's Childcare will ask any witnesses (if there were any) to also write a statement detailing the incident they witnessed and giving their contact details in case it needs to be followed up by the authorities.

 

​

 

Behaviour.

​

Promoting positive behaviour is very important to Bella's Childcare and we do this by:

​

• Giving lots of praise for good behaviour.

• Giving the children individual attention so they feel valued.

• Setting a good example, being a good role model.

• Listening to what the children have to say.

• Rewarding good behaviour (choosing next activity etc).

• Using a good behaviour chart.

• Giving children certificates for good behaviour, sharing etc.

 

Bella's Childcare help the children understand any rules, which are realistic and they are consistent in the enforcing of them. Bella's Childcare do not give out confusing signals, Saying No means No!

 

Bella's Childcare are aware of the different reasons why children misbehave and will endeavour to keep to routines so that your child feels safe and is not over tired or hungry.

 

However all children will misbehave at sometime. Bella's Childcare have developed several different strategies on how to deal with a child misbehaving and use different ones depending on the age/stage of ability of the child and the situation:

 

Distraction. Remove the child from the situation and give them an alternative activity.

Ignore. Depending on the situation Bella's Childcare may ignore the bad behaviour if it is felt it is being done to get a reaction.

Discuss with Child. If the child is able to understand Bella's Childcare will discuss their behaviour and try and get them to appreciate the consequences of their actions on others. 

 

If a child's behaviour is consistent then Bella's Childcare will make contact with the parent to arrange a meeting to discuss a behaviour strategy.

Bella's Childcare will work with you and keep you informed on the matter. In most cases the matter will not require any further action.

 

There may be times when Bella's Childcare will need to physically intervene or restrain a child to prevent or stop an incident taking place, this could be when a child is, has or is about to scratch, bite or hit another child or run into a road etc.

 

Bella's Childcare will explain to the child, according to their age and understanding that their actions are unacceptable behaviour. For younger child this may be by tone of voice and facial expressions rather than lots of words.

​

​

​

British Values.

​

At Bella's Childcare we hope for the children to grow to treat others with mutual respect and tolerance, regardless of their differences in background, ability or experience. 

We promote the fundamental British Values of: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

 

Democracy:

We actively involve the children in our planning through informal discussions during play and by planning a curriculum that follows the child's interests to scaffold and extend their learning.

 

The Rule of Law:

Bella's Childcare rules are outlined within our behaviour Policy and our expectations of the children are modelled by all staff. We display the rules and boundaries within the setting which children refer to daily. We welcome visits from the Police and Fire services to support rules and boundaries.

 

Individual Liberty:

We encourage children to make choices through our daily choosing of activities where they can decide which activities they want to be involved in or which resources they want to access. The children are encouraged to make positive and safe choices. We educate and provide boundaries for the children to make choices and take risks safely, through our provision of a safe environment. Children are encouraged to know and understand their

rights.

 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance:

We aim to enhance the children's understanding of different faiths and beliefs by participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year. We encourage children of different beliefs and cultures to share their practices and celebrations. This diversity is reflected in our resources. Staff actively encourage the children to be respectful of others and kind in words and deed.

 

Part of our behaviour policy is based on respect. Our behaviour policy aims to promote:

• Feelings of Safety and happiness

• High self-esteem and feeling valued

• Care and kindness towards others

• Respect for themselves and others

• Understanding rules and boundaries

• Listening and responding appropriately to instructions

• The resolution of conflict by the children themselves with adult support when necessary

• Begin to develop the ability to manage their emotions

​

​

​

Complaints Procedure.

​

Bella's hope that you are happy with the service that they provide, but appreciate there may be times when we may not be offering you and your child the service that you require.

​

Bella's hope that you will feel able to discuss any concerns or issues that you may have with them directly. If you would rather not talk in front of your child then we can arrange a more convenient time during the day to have a discussion. 

 

It is a requirement by Ofsted that all complaints are logged along with the outcome and any action taken, these records must be available to show an Ofsted Childcare Inspector if required.

 

If you feel that you are unable to talk to a Manager or representative of Bella's, or that after talking, the matter remains unresolved then you can put your complaint in writing, Bella's will investigate the matter and reply to you within 28 days.

 

If you wish to make a formal complaint then you can contact the Ofsted Complaints and Investigation

Unit on Tel: 0300 123 1231 or contact Ofsted at: Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD.

​

​

​

Data Protection Act.

​

Kerry Hetherington is the responsible person for the Data Protection Act. We are registered with the Information Commissioners Office as a Limited Company - Bella's Childcare. 

 

The Data Protection Act

The Data Protection Act controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

Everyone responsible for using data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’. They must make sure the information is:

• Used fairly and lawfully

• Used for limited, specifically stated purposes.

• Used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive.

• Accurate

• Kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary handled according to people’s data protection rights.

• Kept safe and secure.

• Not transferred outside the UK without adequate protection. 

 

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

Ethnic background

Political

Opinions

Religious beliefs

Health sexual health

Criminal records

​

​

​

Early Intervention & Multi Agency Working

​

Bella's Childcare will use and take information from the Early Help Hub and/or the MASH team. There is a copy of the Threshold Document available we will use the indicators for level of need, to identify and support individual children.

​

​

​

Equal Opportunities

​

Bella's childcare give all children in their care the opportunity to reach their full potential. Sometimes this means adapting an activity to the child's ability and stage of development, providing additional resources or giving one child more attention and support than others during a particular activity or routine.

 

All children in the care of Bella's are given the opportunity to play with all the toys (subject to health and safety with children under 3 years of age). No toys are just for girls or just for boys. Bella's will try to ensure that toys reflect positive images of children and people from different cultures and with different abilities. Bella's has toys and resources that challenge stereotypical ideas on what careers are open to men and women.

 

No child in the care of Bella's will be discriminated against in anyway, whether for their skin colour, culture, gender, ability or religion. Bellaclaire will challenge any remarks that it feels are inappropriate.

 

Bella's encourages the children in it's care to learn more about their own culture and to find out about the culture and religions of other children. We do this in a fun way through sharing books, colouring sheets, cooking and eating food from around the world and celebrating special festivals. Bella's will provide resources such as woks and chopsticks, dressing up clothes and multicultural skin tone crayons and pencils.

 

Bella's encourages the children to develop a healthy respect of each others differences and to value everyone as an individual.

 

Bella's encourages Parents to share with us any festivals, special occasions or artefacts, which may enhance the children's learning and understanding.

 

Bella's is aware that some children may have special needs and to be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken when a child is identified as having special needs or starts in it's care. Bella's must promote the welfare and development of the child in partnership with parents and other relevant agencies. 

 

Bella's have, therefore, put the following procedures in place: 

 

If Bella's childcare thinks a child in it's care has an additional need Bella's will: 

• Keep observational notes. 

• Share these with the child's parents. 

• Discuss what support is available. 

• Keep all matters confidential. 

 

If Bella's is caring for a child with additional needs they will include them by: 

• Valuing and acknowledging children's individuality and help them to feel good about themselves. 

• Seek information from parents about the child's routines, likes and dislikes. 

• Adapting activities to enable children with special needs to take part. 

• Arrange access to specialist equipment if needed. 

• Consider any risk factors. 

• Encourage children's confidence and independence. 

 

Bella's will work in partnership with parents and discuss: 

• Agencies that are also involved in the child's support and care. 

• Equipment that the child may need. 

• Advice or support that will help me to provide the best care possible for their child. 

 

Bella's Childcare is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating discrimination in both its role as an employer and as a provider of services. Our aim is that our staff and volunteers are truly representative of all sections of society and work in an environment where everyone is respected and able to perform to the best of their ability. Our policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our employment and in our provision of services and not to discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.

 

Bella's childcare opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. It is our policy to provide a suitable environment for people with disabilities. All reasonable facilities will be provided for staff and volunteers with disabilities to perform their roles without difficulty or disadvantage.

 

The Company will not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination against any person on grounds of age, disability, gender / gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation whether in the field of recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, career progression, training, transfer or dismissal.

 

It is also the responsibility of all staff in their daily actions, decisions and behaviour to endeavour to promote these concepts, to comply with all relevant legislation and to ensure that they do not discriminate against colleagues, customers, suppliers or any other person associated with the Company.

 

In adopting these principles Bella's childcare.

• Will not tolerate acts that breach this policy and all such breaches or alleged breaches will be taken seriously, be fully investigated and may be subject to disciplinary action where appropriate.

• Fully recognises its legal obligations under all relevant legislation and codes of practice.

• Will allow staff to pursue any matter through the internal procedures which they believe has exposed them to inequitable treatment within the scope of this policy. If you need to access these procedures they can be obtained from your line manager e.g. Grievance Procedure, Dignity at Work Procedure etc.

• Will ensure that all managers understand and maintain their responsibilities and those of their team under this policy.

• Will offer opportunities for flexible working patterns, wherever operationally feasible, to help employees to combine a career with their domestic responsibilities. 

• Will provide equal opportunity to all who apply for vacancies through open competition. 

• Will select candidates only on the basis of their ability to carry out the job, using a clear and open process.

• Will provide all employees with the training and development that they need to carry out their job effectively.

• Will provide all reasonable assistance to employees who are or who become disabled, making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to provide continued employment. We will ensure an appropriate risk assessment is carried out and that appropriate specialist advice is obtained when necessary.

• Will distribute and publicise this policy statement throughout the Company.

​

​

​

Female Genital Mutilation.

​

Under international law, female genital mutilation (FGM) is a human rights violation, torture, and an extreme form of violence and discrimination against girls and women. FGM violates a number of human rights, including women’s and girls’ rights to equality, life, security of the person, and dignity, as well as freedom from discrimination and torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

 

International law is the set of rules and minimum standards that governs relations between States. There are various sources of international law, which include but are not limited to:

 

Treaties: A treaty is a written agreement between States, and legally binding on those States that have ratified the treaty.

 

General Comments/Recommendations of Treaty Monitoring Bodies: Treaty monitoring bodies oversee the implementation of several United Nations human rights treaties, and on occasion issue General Comments/Recommendations to clarify or explain any ambiguities in treaty texts. Though General Comments/Recommendations are not strictly legally binding, they are highly authoritative.

 

International Consensus Documents: Consensus documents, such as resolutions or declarations, are formal expressions of opinion or will of the United Nations, African Union, Council of Europe, or Organization of American States organs, such as the United Nations General Assembly. Most resolutions or declarations typically are not considered binding on States, but may represent widely accepted principles of international law.

 

Several treaties, General Comments/Recommendations of treaty monitoring bodies, and consensus documents explicitly condemn FGM as a human rights violation. Other core human rights treaties of the United Nations and African Union provide general protections for the human rights of women and girls, which have been interpreted to prohibit FGM. Many of the sources of international law that are most frequently referenced to end FGM are listed below, though this list is not exhaustive.

 

Read the relevant text about FGM from each of the sources listed below.

 

International Law Source Documents

 

Two regional human rights treaties explicitly condemn FGM as a human rights violation.

• Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. Adopted 11 July 2003; Entered into Force 25 November 2005.

• Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Adopted 11 May 2011; Entered into Force 1 August 2014.

 

Several United Nations human rights treaty monitoring bodies have explicitly condemned FGM as a human rights violation.

• Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. General Recommendation No. 14 on Female circumcision under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 1990.

• Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. General Recommendation No. 19 on Violence against women under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 1992.

• Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. General Recommendation No. 24 on Article 12 (Women and health) of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 1999.

• Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 4 on Adolescent health and development under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 19 May-6 June 2003.

• Human Rights Committee. General Comment No. 28 on Article 3 (Equality of rights between men and women) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 29 March 2000.

• Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. General Comment No. 14 on Article 12 (The right to the highest attainable standard of health) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 25 April-12 May 2000.

​​

Several United Nations consensus documents have explicitly condemned FGM as a human rights violation.

• Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1. 25 September 2015.

• General Assembly Resolution 67/146, Intensifying global efforts for the elimination of female genital mutilations. 20 December 2012.

• General Assembly Resolution 48/104, Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. 20 December 1993.

• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women. 4-15 September 1995.

• Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. 5-13 September 1994.

• Commission on the Status of Women Resolution 51/2 on Ending of Female Genital Mutilation. 26 February-9 March 2007.

​​

Several other core international and regional human rights treaties generally protect women’s and girls’ human rights, including protection from female genital mutilation.

• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Adopted 18 December 1979; Entered into force 3 September 1981.

• Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted 20 November 1989; Entered into force 2 September 1990.

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Adopted 16 December 1966; Entered into force 23 March 1976.

• International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Adopted 16 December 1966; Entered into force 3 January 1976.

• Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Adopted 10 December 1984; Entered into force 26 June 1987.

• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Adopted 27 June 1981; Entered into force 21 October 1986.

• African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Adopted 1 July 1990; Entered into force 29 November 1999.

​

​

​

​

Healthy Eating.

​

A good balanced diet is vital for children to develop healthily along with fresh air and regular exercise.

 

Bella's childcare will provide all children in their care with healthy breakfast (where required), snacks and drinks, or to cook/serve food provided by their parents.

 

If you want to supply food for your child for consumption on the premises, you must be aware of food hygiene when preparing packed lunches or snacks. 

 

This includes checking dates for consumption of both dried and perishable foods, and correct storage of food items when sent to the setting. 

 

As consumption of all food on my premises, inclusive of packed lunches provided by parents, is ultimately our responsibility, the following must be observed at all times. 

 

Any perishable foods inclusive of dairy and meat products must be identified and labelled with your child's name. These will then be stored in the refrigerator until required. 

 

Any food not consumed by your child will be sent home again in the lunchboxes so parents can see what their child has eaten. 

 

Any out of date foods will not be given to your child. A staff member will label these foods and they will be sent home for the parent/carer to dispose of.

This includes food labelled 'best before' dates as well as 'use by' dates. 

 

Food brought to the setting to meet your child's specific Dietary requirements can only be stored on a weekly basis and must be collected at the end of the week. 

 

Bella's childcare encourage children to choose healthy options and to experiment by trying new foods from other cultures. Older children are encouraged to help in the preparation of food and meals. We are happy to discuss menus with parents and cater for children with different food allergies and cultural/religious requirements. If your child has any particular dislikes or favourite dishes please let us know. 

 

Bella's childcare does not permit children to have fizzy drinks. Children are offered water or milk in the setting. 

 

Bella's childcare does not encourage children to eat sweets on a regular basis, however we may sometimes offer sweets for special occasions.

 

Please let us know what, if any sweets you permit your child to eat.

 

Bella's childcare has a strict no nut policy - this is to protect others.

​

​

​

​

Heatwave Policy.

​

Children's susceptibility to high temperatures varies; those under 4 years of age, who are overweight, or who are taking certain medication may be at increased risk of adverse effects. Some children with disabilities or complex health needs may be more susceptible to high temperatures. 

 

Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat-related illness can range from mild heat stress to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body)

At Bella's childcare we make sure that the correct precautions are put in place so children are unlikely to be affected by hot conditions.

 

Heat Stress:

Children suffering from heat stress may seem out of character or show signs of discomfort and irritability (including those listed below for heat exhaustion) These signs will worsen with physical activity and if left untreated can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

 

Heat Exhaustion:

Symptoms are as follows;

Tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hot, red and dry skin, confusion.

 

Heatstroke:

Symptoms are as follows;

High body temperature - a temperature of or above 40c (104F) is a major sign of heatstroke red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops, fast heartbeat, fast shallow breathing, confusion/lack of co-ordination, fits, loss of consciousness.

​

Actions to protect children suffering from heat illness:

1.Move the child to as cool a room as possible and encourage them to drink cool water (such as water from cold tap)

2.Cool the child as rapidly as possible, using whatever methods possible such as a sponge or spray with cool water, ice packs around the neck and armpits, or wrapping the child in a cool, wet sheet and assisting with a cool fan.

3. Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes.

Protecting Children outdoors

 

During high temperatures the following steps will be taken:

1. Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are in excess of 30c

2. encourage children playing outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible

3. children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims to avoid sunburn

4. use sunscreen (at least factor 30 with UVA protection) to protect skin if children are playing or taking lessons outdoors for more than 20 minutes.

5. Provide children with plenty of water (such as water from a cold tap) and encourage them to drink more than usual when conditions are hot.

 

Protecting children indoors:

1. open windows as early as possible in the morning before children arrive to allow stored heat to escape from the building.

2. almost close windows when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors - this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate

ventilation

3. use outdoor sun awnings if available, or close indoor blinds or curtains, but do not let them block window ventilation.

4. keep the use of electric lighting to a minimum

5. switch off all equipment, including computers, monitors and printers when not in use- equipment should not be left in 'standby mode' as this generates heat.

6. Oscillating mechanical fans can be used to increase air movement if temperatures are below 35c - at temperatures above 35c fans may not prevent heat-related illness and may worsen dehydration

7. if necessary, Bella's may rearrange opening and closing hours to avoid care between during very hot conditions.

8. Encourage children to eat normally and drink plenty of cool water.

 

Bella's main priority is to safeguard the children and staff. The management team will monitor cases of extreme heat throughout the day, if we feel that the setting is too hot which can cause danger to life we will make the decision to close the nursery until it is safe to re-open.

​

​

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (Covid-19)

​

​

This addendum of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy contains details of our changed safeguarding arrangements during the current pandemic in order to protect all children, whether attending the setting or remaining at home, from harm and abuse.

 

The principles of the early Years Foundation Stage 2017 (Section 3 Safeguarding and Welfare requirements) and Working Together 2018 apply with regard to keeping children safe. Despite the changes, the setting's safeguarding and child protection policy is fundamentally the same: children and young people always come first, staff should respond robustly to safeguarding concerns and contact the Designated Person/s for Child Protection (DP) in line with our established safeguarding procedure.

 

Early Years setting will remain open to all children as advised by government guidance 'National lockdown: Stay at Home', 4.1.21. Where it is not possible for children to attend, regular contact will be made by the setting to those with vulnerabilities (see 'Supporting Vulnerable Children' section of this document).

 

Our setting is operating within the following guidance:

​

• Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Implementing Protective Measures in Education and Childcare settings: Department for Education (DfE), 30.12.20

• National lockdown: Stay at Home: HYM Government, 4.1.21

 

Our setting has a Covid-19 Risk assessment that is regularly reviewed and updated in line with national guidance. This guidance supports the Management Team and DPs in settings:

​

• With regard to safeguarding, the best interests of the child must always continue to be a priority

• A DP should always be available on site while the setting is open. In the unusual circumstance this is not possible a DP will be contactable by phone or email and all staff should have these contact details.

• If staff have a safeguarding concern about any child, they should continue to follow the setting's usual safeguarding procedures. This includes the Child Protection procedure which requires staff to advise a DP immediately about concerns they have about any child, whether in the setting or not. COVID-19 means a need for increased vigilance due to the pressures on services, families and Young people, rather than a reduction in our standards.

• It is essential that unsuitable people are not able to enter the children's workforce and/or gain access to children.

• Children should continue to be protected when they are on line.

 

Our setting will;

​

• Aim to have a DP on site when the setting is open (to be able to access relevant records and take necessary action)

• Ensure there are contingency arrangements should the DP not be available (a DP is available by phone) 

• Ensure all staff know who the DP is on a daily basis

• Ensure that the DP knows how to contact Children's social care and the early help hub.

 

DP training is available for the staff new to the role and DPs who require refresher training (recommended every 2 years) to support settings with the above responsibilities. DPs will continue to read and implement, as relevant, updates added to the Cambridgeshire Early Years and Childcare:

Designated Person for Child Protection (PVI) knowledge hub and the safeguarding children partnership board communications and website.

 

Supporting Vulnerable Children.

​

We have put in place specific safeguarding arrangements in respect of the following groups:

​

• Children in Care

• Previous children in care

• Children subject to a child protection plan

• Children who have, or have previously had, a social worker. There is an expectation that children with a social worker MUST attend the setting ( or another setting by arrangement), unless in consultation with the child's social worker and family it is agreed this is not in the best interests of the child.

• Children with an education, Health and Care plan (EHCP)

• Children on the edge of Social Care involvement or pending allocation of a social worker. Where required these children will be offered a place at setting ( or another setting by arrangement)

• Other children the setting considers vulnerable. More children may be added to this group in response to concerns raised with the DP. This may also include families where there is Domestic Abuse. These children can be offered care at the setting if required.

Each of the above children has an individual support plan which has been shared with other agencies involved in their care.

 

Maintaining Contact with Vulnerable Children Not Currently Attending.

​

We recognise that some children will not be attending our setting due to current government restrictions, this includes after school and breakfast clubs. Other reasons for not attending may include self-isolation, shielding or parental choice.

​

• If our setting is closed or vulnerable children are absent the designated person (DP) should contact other relevant professionals to make them aware and agree any further action required. We will consider setting up a secure safeguarding email inbox that is accessible only to the DP and include their contact details on 'Out of office' replies, phone messages and the setting website. This will enable partner agencies to contact the DP if necessary.

• For children who are currently on a child protection Plan (CP), the DP should have daily contact, ideally by phone. If there are concerns, the DP should contact the child's social worker as normal.

• For children open to Social Care under Child in need (CIN), the contact should be 2 - 3 times a week.

• If the child also attends school, the DP should have weekly contact and depending on the child's individual circumstances, more frequently if required.

• In exceptional circumstances, where a phone call may not suffice there may need to be some face-to-face contact, consider using Skype or similar platform.

 

General attendance of all children.

​

Where a child is expected at the setting and does not arrive, we will follow our attendance procedure and make contact with the family. If contact is not possible by 9.30am (those attending morning sessions) or 2.00pm (those attending afternoon sessions) the DP will be informed. The DP will attempt a range of methods to contact the parent (through a relative or other emergency contact etc). If we are unable to make contact with a family about a child with whom we have concerns, after a reasonable number of attempts, we may need to seek further advice from other professionals about safe and well checks. A risk assessment will be taken to consider how to manage the implications of COVID-19 alongside other risks perceived to the child. The risk of COVID-19 DOES NOT OVERRIDE our duty to ensure children are safe.

 

Supporting children in the setting.

​

The pressures on children and their families at this time are significant. There may be heightened awareness of family pressures through being contained in a small area, poverty and financial or health anxiety. Supporting children's wellbeing will be at the forefront of our approach. Staff will talk to children about the changes to their life in an age appropriate manner, acknowledge and listen to their anxieties and support them to understand routines within the setting. Staff will be aware of the mental health of both children and their parents and carers, informing the DP about any concerns.

 

We recognise that for some children, home may not be a safe space. Staff have been reminded of the need to respond sensitively to children's differing experiences. Staff have been asked to be particularly vigilant for signs and indicators that suggest a child may have experienced abuse or neglect. Staff have been trained about how to manage a disclosure from a child, and understand that any safeguarding concerns, including those that relate any period of setting closure, must be referred immediately to a setting DP in the usual way.

 

Child on Child Abuse.

​

We recognise the potential for abuse to occur between children, especially in the context of a setting closure or partial closure. Our staff will remain vigilant to the signs of peer-on-peer abuse, including those between children who are not currently attending our provision. Extra care should be taken where groups have mixed age, developmental stages, are attending other settings or schools as an interim measure and similar. When stages, are attending other settings or schools as an interim measure and similar. When making contact with these families our staff will ask about relationships between children.

 

Online Risks.

​

Children may be currently using the internet more. Staff will be aware of the signs and indicators of cyberbullying and other risks online and apply the same child-centred safeguarding practices as when children were attending the setting.

• The setting continues to ensure appropriate filters and monitors are in place

• Staff have discussed the risk that professional boundaries could slip during this exceptional period and been reminded of the setting's staff code of conduct and importance of using setting systems to communicate with children and their families.

• Parents and carers have received information about keeping children safe online with peers, the setting and the wider internet community. Parents have been offered the following links:

​​

Internet matters - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe inline

London grid for learning - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

Net-aware - for support for parents and carers from the NSPCC

Parent info - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

Thinkuknow - for advice from the National crime Agency to stay safe online

Uk Safer Internet centre - advice for parents and carers

 

Free additional support for staff in responding to online safety issues can be accessed from Professional online safety helpline at the uk safer internet centre.

 

Allegations of concerns about staff.

​

We remind all staff to maintain the view that 'it could happen here' and to immediately report any concern about colleagues, no matter how small, to the Ofsted Registered Person, Manager or DP.

 

All new permanent/temporary staff and volunteers will complete an induction to ensure they are aware of our safeguarding practices and know how to take action, using the setting procedures, if they are concerned. The arrangements to contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) at the local authority remain unchanged. The setting will continue to follow the duty to refer to Disclosure and barring service (DBS) any adult who has harmed or poses a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult as relevant.

 

An allegation may relate to a person who works or volunteers with children who 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

 

If an allegation is made against a person who works or volunteers with children, the following action will be taken (as 'Allegation against a person who works or volunteers with children' flowchart and guidance):

 

The setting will ensure the immediate safety of the children.

• The setting will not start to investigate but will immediately contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):  01223 727967

• If LADO decides the matter is a child protection case, external/internal agencies )e.g. police) will be informed by the LADO and the setting will act upon the advice given to ensure that any investigation is not jeopardised. * The setting will notify Ofsted of significant event

• It may be necessary for the employer to suspend the alleged perpetrator. Suspension is neutral act to allow a thorough and fair investigation.

• If it is agreed that the matter is not a child protection case, the setting will investigate the matter themselves.

 

New staff or volunteers.

​

New starters must have an induction before starting or on their first morning with the DP. They will be asked to read setting Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and Addendum, the Behaviour Policy, the Whistleblowing Policy and the staff code of conduct. The DP will ensure new staff know who to contact if worried about a child and ensure the new starters are familiar with the child protection procedure.

 

Our child protection procedures hold strong:

​

• Volunteers may not be left unsupervised with children until suitable checks have been undertaken. People supervising volunteers must be themselves in regulated activity, able to provide regular, day to day supervision and reasonable in all circumstances to protect children.

• The setting will undertake a written risk assessment on the specific role of each volunteer to decide whether to obtain an enhanced DBS check (with barred listing information) for all staff and volunteers new to working in regulated activity in line with DBS guidance.

• When undertaking ID checks on documents for the DBS it is reasonable to initially check these documents online through a live video link and to accept scanned images of documents for the purpose of applying for the check. The actual documents will then be checked against the scanned images when the employee or volunteer arrives for their first day.

 

New children at the setting.

• Where children join our setting from other settings we will require confirmation from the DP whether they have a child welfare file or SEN statement/EHCP. This file must be provided securely before the child begins at our setting and a call made from our DP to the placing school/setting's DP to discuss how best to keep the child safe. In some unusual circumstances this may not be possible. Information provided must include details for any appointed social worker. Safeguarding information about children placed in our setting will be recorded using our safeguarding system. Information will be securely copied to the placing setting/school DP and will be securely returned to the placing setting on completion of the child's placement with us so there is a continuous safeguarding record for the child.

• The DP will undertake a risk assessment in respect of any new information received, considering how risks will be managed and which staff need to know about the information. This will be recorded on our safeguarding recording system.

​