Child protection is the process of protecting children and young people who have been identified as suffering, or likely to suffer harm as a result of abuse.
There are four types of abuse:
The attached information sheet explains them in more detail.
Safeguarding is the action that people take to keep all children safe, for example;
What do you need to know about safeguarding in pre-school?
Acorns pre-school has a senior member of staff who is responsible for child protection. Their title is Designated Safeguarding Lead – Michelle Stephens, we also have three deputy safeguarding officers: – Debbie Stephens, Charlotte Smith and Mat Stephens
At Acorns we keep a record of concerns raised and parents can review any that are specific to their child. We follow GDPR guidance and a copy of our Privacy Notice is shared with you on Registration.
All Staff have a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service- criminal record check)
Electronic/photographic equipment is not allowed into the toilets and entrance doors to these room remain open.
CCTV covers most of the setting.
Parents are asked not to use mobiles phones or take photos in the setting. Visitors are asked to hand in mobile phones to the office.
Children will only be able to leave the setting with someone authorised by the parent / carer to collect them. Please ensure you advise us if it is someone not on your contacts / collection list. If there is any doubt we will contact you to confirm arrangements
Useful websites:
http://torbaysafeguarding.org.uk/
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/digital-resilience-toolkit
Acorns has a Safeguarding and Child Protection policy; this sets out the process for dealing with a child protection concern. The link for this policy is attached below and we can provide a hard copy or electronic form copy from the office (message us via Famly or phone 01803 217863).
Parents & Carers Safeguarding Guide Link
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Link
All adults in the setting, undertake regular training to ensure that they are aware of the signs of abuse and know what to do about their concerns. They must be alert to any issues for concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere and have a duty to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If a concern is raised about your child, this will be discussed with you unless we think that the conversation could put your child at greater risk.
Acorns has a legal duty to talk to other agencies such as Children’s Social Care and the Police if they think a child may be at risk of harm. The social worker may consult with other agencies before deciding what should happen next. They will discuss the concern with you and keep you informed of what is happening.
Allegations about an adult who works at the pre-school.
If a concern is raised the Manager will hold discussions with the Police and Children’s Social Care and inform Ofsted. If your child is involved, you will be kept informed if and discussions and decisions as appropriate.
