Safeguarding Children

Our first responsibility and priority is towards the children in our care. If we have any cause for concern we will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The relevant local procedures that are held by us are available on request. We understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. We must notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in our care. 

We keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications such as Creative Minds, Jigsaw etc. This helps us to be aware of the latest changes in the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if we have a concern.

We have access to, and regularly check the following website

www4.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/lscb/

for the latest information regarding safeguarding children and young adults.

If we are concerned about a child’s welfare, we may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, PACEY, or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality.

Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child will remain confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.

Parents must notify us of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded on the pre-existing injuries sheet.

We work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. (Please see our Working with Parent(s)/carers policy).

If we notice:

• significant changes in behaviour
• unexpected bruising or marks
• any comments made, which give us cause for concern
• deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern

We will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. We will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. We will keep a factual record of the concern.

The national standards for registered childminders require us to let Ofsted know of any concerns that we have reported without delay.

If a child tells us that they or another child is being abused, we will:

• Show that we have heard what they are saying, and that we take their allegations seriously
• Encourage the child to talk, but we will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. We will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
• Explain what actions we must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
• Write down what we 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 our 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 us, we will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. We will also contact PACEY’s safeguarding children service for advice and support.

In all instances we 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.

It is NOT our responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation ourselves.

Useful telephone numbers