Safeguarding information at Koala Day Nursery

Koala Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting children's development in every form. We expect parents, carers, families and visitors to share this commitment.

Please find our safeguarding policy below

Please see more information for parents and carers below

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the nursery is Rakeeya Ayub and Deputy Safeguarding Officer is Nadhrat-Un -Naeem

If you have a concern about an adult or child please report to safeguarding officers of the nursery.

Alternatively you can report a concern about a child at https://www.safeguardingsheffieldchildren.org/sscb/safeguarding-information-and-resources/referring-a-safeguarding-concern-to-childrens-social-care

If you have a concern about an adult, please refer to https://www.sheffieldasp.org.uk/sasp

Please see the E safety policy that is in operation at the nursery for use of digital technologies: 

Koala Day Nursery
ICT Acceptable Use Policy
New technologies have become integral to the lives of children in today’s society
both within school and in their lives outside nursery. The internet and other
digital information and communication tools can stimulate discussion and
promote creativity helping towards effective learning.
This policy is intended to ensure:
• That children and adults will be responsible users and stay safe whilst
using the internet and other communication technologies for educational,
personal and recreational use.
• That nursery ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or
deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and users at
risk.
Koala Nursery will try to ensure that pupils will have good access to ICT to
enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the pupils to agree to be
responsible users.
Pupils' use of internet
• Use of the internet, for resources such as ‘top marks’ or ‘twinkl’, is
permitted as directed by Nursery practitioners for purposes such as: -
research and learning activities directly related to the curriculum.
• Pupils will only be able to download a file under the direct supervision of a
member of staff and it will be virus checked prior to being opened.
• The use of game-style activities and websites should be monitored by
practitioners to determine suitability.
• The E safety officer will be responsible to monitor the use of ICT
services and record findings. The E safety Officer will also be
responsible for appropriate escalation if it is required by the findings. Staff use of internet
• Use of the internet on nursery premises should principally be for learning
use, e.g. accessing learning resources, educational websites, researching
curriculum topics.
• Use of the nursery’s internet for personal financial gain (including the use
of online auction sites), gambling, political purposes or advertising is
excluded. The internet connection will be filtered to minimise the chances
of children/ staff accessing in appropriate material and children are
always supervised on computers.
• Staff should not be accessing the internet for personal reasons whilst
teaching children.
• Use of the internet to access any illegal sites or inappropriate material is
a disciplinary offence. (If accessed accidentally users should report
incident immediately to the head Nursery Manager and it should be
logged in the esafety log book.)
• The nursery recognises that many staff will actively use Facebook,
Twitter, and other such social networking sites, blogging and messaging
services. Staff must not post material (including text or images) which
damages the reputation of the school or which causes concern about their
suitability to work with children. Staff must recognise that it is not
appropriate to discuss issues relating to children or other staff via these
networks. Those who post material which could be considered as
inappropriate could render themselves vulnerable to criticism or
allegations of misconduct..
• Existing parents will not be accepted as “friends” on social networking
sites. If a parent of a pupil seeks to establish contact, the member of
staff should refuse to accept the ‘friendship request’.
• Setting a high security level on social networking sites is advisable and
needs to be regularly reviewed
.
Use of portable computer systems, USB sticks or any other removable
media
• All laptops must be password protected.
• Sensitive data, such as children’s details and reports, should be stored on
an encrypted storage device.
• Other data, such as lesson plans and resources, may be stored on
unencrypted devices. Use of mobile phones
• Staff should NOT use their personal phones for nursery business unless,
in exceptional circumstances, an emergency telephone call needs to be
made.
• Personal mobile numbers should not be given to parents.
• Mobile phones should not be used when teaching, unless in an emergency.
They should be stored in a secure location ( in office) away from pupils.
Use of digital images
• Any photos or videos taken by teachers, other adults (including parents),
and the children themselves during ANY school activity (including trips /
camp) should not be put on public display or published anywhere on the
internet (including social networking sites such as Facebook).
• All photos taken of the children using nursery cameras should be
downloaded onto the nursery network and deleted as soon as possible.
Staff training and making children aware of risks
Staff will be trained at least annually on e safety policies and procedures and
the risks of children accessing internet.
This will be on safeguarding children website and through in- house staff
meetings.
Children will be able to access books that tell them about the risks posed to
them by being online. They also have an online agreement that parent and
carers sign on their behalf and they are reminded to ask a staff member for
help if they get stuck or if something has come on that shouldn’t have.
Reporting Procedures
In the case of an e safety breach occurring from staff, they will be subject to
disciplinary procedures. If a child has declared an e safety issue or staff
have been made aware of an e safety occurrence the E safety Lead for the
setting should be notified with the date, time and details of the occurrence.
The E safety lead will follow the E safety flowchart and report either to local
child protection team or CEOP by email https://www.ceop.police.uk/safetycentre/ or by call on 0370 496 7622 .
For bullying offences the NSPCC will be contacted on 0808 800 5000 or
contacted by email https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
The above excludes the publication of photos on the nursery website (see E-safety policy for guidelines) as well as use by nursery for
educational/display uses.
Pupils and their parents will sign an ICT agreement at the beginning of each
academic year.
All staff will sign the ICT Code of Practice for Teachers and Adults when they
join the nursery.
Signed…………………………………………………
Date………………………………….

Please also see acceptable use of digital technologies agreement: 

Acceptable use of online material to support learning.

• I will be using the internet to play games to support my learning such as ‘Top Marks’, ‘Twinkl’ and ‘Paint’ programs.
• I will always be supervised by an adult
• My use of internet will be monitored regularly
• I will be asked to ask a teacher for help if I do not know what I am accessing or if I get stuck
• I have available resources at nursery to reinforce the rules on the computer
• The nursery computer will have anti- virus software and the internet connection will be filtered from our reputable network provider.

 

 

• I will not be emailing or messaging anybody
• I will not access gaming such as fortnight
• I will not be allowed free access to web
• If I cannot abide by the expectations of the nursery practitioners, I will be asked to find something else to play with and be given time during the day to understand the rules using the e- safety resources in nursery.
• I will not be accessing any illicit or inappropriate material

Please refer to the full e-safety policy alongside this acceptable use of online material to support learning document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consent form for families

Childs name: _____________________________

I (parent/carer) understand the above document and the full e safety policy.

I agree to the use of ICT, computers and internet to promote my child’s learning.

I will also speak to my child so he/she is aware of the expectations within nursery.

Parent name:       ________________________

Parent signature   ______________________

 

 

Other useful websites are NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Child net https://www.childnet.com/

 

 

SAFEGUARDING pOLICY & pROCEDURES

 

WELCOME

Koala Nursery policies and procedures are at the heart of everything we do these include, health and safety, equal opportunities, child behaviors, parent partnership, staffing, Koala Nursery routines and child protection. These policies are fundamental to ensuring we always maintain the highest standards.

The key policy and procedures are the guiding principles for managing Koala Nursery. Our policies and procedures aim to explicitly define structure and to materialise its philosophies and vision; they are defined guidelines to be followed and to be referred to when necessary. Nonetheless, it is paramount to understand that they are not exhaustive and there are implicit expectations of a common-sense nature which may not be mentioned, but they are expected from all staff, students, parents, volunteers and community in general.

In trying to organise the policies by sections, we aim to facilitate its reading flow, but it is important to understand that the area that each policy covers might be appropriate and common to other sections as well. Thus, they are to be understood within a flexible reasoning. In order to keep these policies and procedures relevant, they are reviewed annually by management, or earlier if necessary.

The triggers for a new policy and/or procedure may include:

• Changes to the external operating environment;
• Changes to government policy or legislation;
• Review of the strategic directions of Koala Day care Ltd
• New initiatives within or across the sector or management areas.
• Need for consistency across areas of service delivery.

It is important to us that these policies and procedures are easily understood, we welcome all feedback, comments, opinions and explanations are always received and given with interest and respect (info@koalanursery.co.uk)

How we communicate our policy and procedures

Staff team

New staff members will be introduced to our policies and procedures from the outset, starting with their inductions. Were they will be introduced to the company’s policies and procedures and receive a mentor, normally a senior member of staff, who will introduce them to the way in which we operate in term of the guiding principles of our policies and procedures. Staff will have access to a full set of policy and procedures. Any student or Volunteers will go through the same process to ensure they too have an understanding

All staff will be made aware of any changes and updates via staff meetings / one to ones where they will have opportunities to ask questions.

Parents

Parents will be made aware of the policy and procedure through the information pack and discussed during the registration process. All updates will be communicated to via the parent notice board and newsletters and subject to having parents’ permissions we may utilise emails and text messaging. Copies of our policies and procedures will be made on our website and hard copies available to read onsite.

 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Statutory Requirement for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standard for learning, development and care for children from 0-5. This framework is mandatory for all early years’ providers (from 1 September 2014) and sets out the following principles: 

1. Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important. Good parenting and high-quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.
2. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years’ providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.
3. The EYFS seeks to provide:

• Quality and consistency in all early years’ settings, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind.
• A secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly.
• Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers.
• Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

4. The EYFS specifies requirements for learning and development and for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The learning and development requirements cover:

• The areas of learning and development, which must shape activities and experiences (educational programs) for children in all early years’ settings.
• The early learning goals that providers must help children work towards (the knowledge, skills and understanding children should have at the end of the academic year in which they turn five).
• Assessment arrangements for measuring progress (and requirements for reporting to parents and/or carers).

5. The safeguarding and welfare requirements cover the steps that providers must take to keep children safe and promote their welfare.

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENT
SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding Children Policy Statement
Safeguarding Children Procedures
Safeguarding Adults Policy Statement
Safeguarding Adult Procedures
Equality Statements
Online Safety Policy
CCTV
Key Persons Relationships
Safe Care & Practices
Intimate Care
Spotting the Signs of Abuse
Whistleblowing
Non-Collection of Children
Prevent Duty
Mobile Services, Smartwatches and Social Networking

 

Safeguarding Children Policy Statement

Introduction to Koala Nursery’s safeguarding children policy statement

Our setting keeps the needs and best interests of children at the core of everything we do. We aim to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in our care by;

 

Providing a safe learning environment that builds their confidence and self-esteem:

• Where children’s physical safety is protected
• Where children can talk and are listened to
• Where children do not experience bullying, harassment, racism or any other form of discrimination
• Where children’s medical and health needs are met

 

Providing a positive and preventative curriculum that teaches and supports young children:

• To make good choices about healthy, safe lifestyles
• To ask for help if their health or wellbeing is threatened, including their emotional wellbeing

 

Promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law,

individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance by:

• Encouraging children to know that their views count, to value each other’s views and values and to talk about their feelings
• Providing activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration
• Supporting children to understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences and to learn to distinguish right from wrong
• Providing activities that involve children in creating rules and codes of behaviour and developing understanding that the rules apply to everyone
• Actively promoting a culture of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued, and children are engaged with the wider community
• Promoting diverse attitudes and challenging stereotypes by providing resources and activities that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences and challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping

 

Working in partnership with mothers, fathers and carers:

• We are committed to developing and maintaining an honest and open relationship with mothers, fathers and carers
• We are committed to involving mothers, fathers and carers at all stages of a child’s care and learning
• Mothers, fathers and carers understand our setting’s safeguarding responsibilities and how we will implement them

 

Working in an inclusive way that helps every child:

• To feel accepted and included
• To develop confidence and self-esteem and fulfil their potential
• To receive an equal service regardless of their needs and circumstances

 

Working in an integrated way with other agencies that maximises opportunities for:

• Early identification of additional needs, early intervention and prevention
• Speedy intervention based on multi-agency co-operation
• Common methods of sharing information and assessing need e.g. use of the Family Common Assessment Framework, Information Sharing advice and the Lead Professional role
• Resolving professional disagreements with other agencies in a constructive and timely fashion

 

Having up-to-date safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance:

• Based on current national statutory guidance, The Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures and the Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare Requirements (2017)
• Easily accessible by all staff and volunteers
• Understood and used by all staff, students and volunteers
• Reviewed annually

 

Having well trained staff and management who:

• Recognise their individual responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in their care
• Receive training and supervision appropriate to their level of responsibility
• Are clear and confident about what is expected of them
• Ask for advice and support to act on safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action

 

The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead

To enable the setting to meet the safeguarding responsibilities set out in this document, the Designated Safeguarding Lead should;

 

Supervision, Support and Training

Provide support, supervision and advice for any staff member, volunteer or student with a safeguarding or child protection concern

• Ensure own safeguarding training is up to date e.g. by completing the Sheffield Early Years Safeguarding and Child Protection training pathway
• Provide safeguarding induction for new staff, students and volunteers
• Ensure that the whole staff group is appropriately trained and that a register is kept of staff who have completed Induction, Introductory, Advanced and Advanced refresher safeguarding and child protection training

 

Integrated Practice

• Co-ordinate the early identification of vulnerable children and families and the involvement of mothers, fathers and carers
• Co-ordinate the development of integrated practice for vulnerable children and families including using the Family Common Assessment Framework (FCAF), and the Sheffield Thresholds of Need Guidance
• Liaise with, and make referrals to, appropriate agencies about children where there are safeguarding or child protection concerns, including as appropriate Prevention and Assessment Teams, Multi-Agency Support Teams (MAST), Children and Families Social Care Teams, South Yorkshire Police and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Co-ordinate and support the setting when working with a child who has a Child in Need or a Child Protection Plan
• Ensure that the setting is meeting its legal and statutory requirements, in liaison with the registered person
• Regularly update the Registered Person of changes to legal and statutory requirements in relation to safeguarding
• Ensure that the setting can demonstrate that it is meeting statutory requirements that staff and volunteers are suitable for their role
• Undertake an annual review and update of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
• Ensure that policies and procedures relating to safeguarding are fully implemented by the setting and followed by staff, students and volunteers
• Ensures that the setting responds in a timely and appropriate way to safeguarding concerns including liaison with Ofsted
• Set up and managing clear, accurate and secure record keeping systems

 

Who to contact within our setting about safeguarding concerns

The Safeguarding Strategic Lead in this setting is: Name                                Rakeeya Ayub   Job title                              Manager     Contact telephone number:  0114-2015057

                        

The Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) in this setting is: Name     Rakeeya Ayub                            Job title     Manager                        Contact telephone number: 0114-2015057

 

To discuss safeguarding concerns about the behaviour of any member of staff, student or a volunteer in this setting, contact the named Senior Manager, nominated in our safeguarding procedure for dealing with allegations against staff: Name                               Rakeeya Ayub Job title                             Manager     Contact telephone number: 0114-2015057

 

To discuss safeguarding concerns about the behaviour of the Named Senior Manager nominated in our safeguarding procedure for dealing with allegations against staff contact: Name                               Abdo Naqeeb Job title                            Director Contact telephone number: 0114-2015057 / 07869150877

 

To discuss safeguarding concerns about the behaviour of the Registered Person, in this setting, contact: Name                              OFSTED           Job title                            whistle blowing hotline Contact telephone number : 0300 123 3155 Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

 

To discuss concerns about possible wrongdoing in this setting, contact the named Senior Officer, nominated in our whistleblowing policy, who is:

Name  : Rakeeya Ayub                                 

Job title   : Manager                             

Contact telephone number: :  0114-2015057

Who to contact in other organisations about safeguarding concerns Concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing If you have safeguarding concerns about a child or young person, or are concerned about their welfare, you should make a telephone referral to the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub 0114 2734855. This number is for professionals and members of the public and is available 24 hours Outside the hours of 09.15 to 17.15 weekdays (16.45 Friday) the Emergency Duty Service will respond to calls. Wherever possible agencies should contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub during office hours when a full service is available

 

 

Contacting South Yorkshire Police If a child or anyone else is in immediate danger call South Yorkshire Police on 999. You can also contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 with any non-emergency child protection concerns

 

Allegations of abuse or misconduct by a member of the children’s workforce If you are concerned that someone working with children in a paid or voluntary capacity may have harmed a child, you should also inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day via the LADO referral form on the SSCB website www.safeguardingsheffieldchildren.org You can contact the LADO for advice on 0114 273 4850 email: scsp@sheffield.gov.uk

 

n  Responding to concerns that a child or young person may be at risk from radicalisation or extremism n  If you are unsure about the possible impact on the child, you can seek advice from the Prevent Co-Ordinator on 0114 2734850

 

Ofsted To inform Ofsted about harm to a child or abuse committed by any person living, working or looking after children at a registered setting, call the general Ofsted helpline 0300 123 1231. To raise concerns about potential wrongdoing in a registered setting, you can phone the general Ofsted helpline 0300 123 1231 or the Ofsted whistle blowing hotline 0300 123 3155. You do not have to give your name or contact details

 

 

Safeguarding Children Procedures

Purpose of this document

The purpose of this document is to outline our policy for responding to concerns regarding the safeguarding and protection of children and young people aged less than 18 years, including unborn children[1]. This policy combined with the associated procedures provides guidance to all staff, students and volunteers who may come across concerns of this nature within the context of their work with us. These include:

• All members of our workforce, including early years’ practitioners, play workers and other staff;
• Students on placement;
• Volunteers;
• Individuals, consultants and agencies contracted by our service.

The policy seeks to promote effective multi-agency working considering the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

Safeguarding children and young people not in our care

We will also respond to concerns regarding the protection of other children and young people not in our care where these are identified through the course of our normal activities.

 

We will follow the The Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) and Sheffield Adult Safeguarding Partnership Protocol for Children’s and Adults’ Services:  Raising concerns about a vulnerable child or adult (March 2010), which applies to all staff working in services for adults and services for children.

 

Safeguarding adults

Our setting has a linked policy and procedure for responding to safeguarding concerns about adults when these are identified through the course of our normal activities. This can be found in Part 4 of this document.

 

Definition of safeguarding children

Our setting adopts the definition of safeguarding used in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), which focuses on safeguarding and promoting children, including unborn children, and young people’s welfare and can be summarised as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and
• Undertaking that role to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

 

The following procedures relate to the first point, protecting children from maltreatment. They set out what to do when responding to specific concerns about the protection of children.

 

How our setting will put this safeguarding policy into practice

Our setting is clear that we are not the statutory authority for the conduct of enquiries into specific child protection concerns and we will not investigate allegations or suspicions of abuse or significant harm to children. All staff, students and volunteers will follow the current The Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures to ensure that all allegations or suspicions of abuse or significant harm to any child are reported to the children’s social care team for the area where the child lives.

 

Our setting will share all relevant information with the respective statutory child protection agencies (children’s social care services and/or police) without delay and within agreed protocols based on Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services for children, young people, parents and carers DfE (2018).

 

All staff, students and volunteers working for our setting will have a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection concerns, including the potential abuse and neglect of children and young people, which may come to light during their work. Where a staff member, student or volunteer, at whatever level in the organisation, identifies risks to children, they will highlight them and seek to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to safeguard the children concerned.

 

We will ensure that all staff, students and volunteers and those who undertake work on our behalf, maintain a proper focus on safeguarding children and that this is reflected in both sound individual practice and our internal policies and guidance.

 

All staff, students and volunteers working with children must:

• Give highest priority to children’s welfare
• Ask for advice and support to act on safeguarding concerns and take appropriate

    action

• Access relevant, up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training
• Recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding

    concerns relating to children

• Respond appropriately to disclosure of abuse by a child
• Respond appropriately to allegations against staff, other adults, and against

    themselves

• Follow whistle blowing procedures to respond to concerns about potential wrongdoing in the setting
• Act appropriately and understand safe practice in carrying out their duties
• Be alert to the risks which abusers, or potential abusers, may pose
• Be aware of the importance of the role of early years services in promoting the welfare of children
• Contribute as necessary to all stages of the setting’s safeguarding and protection processes

 

Effective Challenge and Escalation

Our setting understands that when working in the arena of safeguarding and child protection, it is inevitable that from time to time there will be professional disagreement between agencies. We will take any action necessary to resolve disagreements in a timely and constructive fashion that promotes the best outcomes for the children involved.

 

Where disagreements cannot be resolved between the practitioners involved, we will use the process of challenge and escalation as set out in the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) Effective Challenge and Escalation procedure and will seek advice from the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub 0114 2734855. (Mon - Fri, 9 -5)

 

Policies relating to our safeguarding roles and responsibilities as defined by the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017)

The EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (2017) require every setting to have a safeguarding policy and procedure that is in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and that includes an explanation of the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff.

Policy and procedure in relation to the use of cameras and mobile phones within the setting 

The EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (2017) require every setting to have a safeguarding policy and procedure that covers the use of cameras and mobile phones within the setting

Recognising inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff or any other person working with children

The EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (2017) require every setting to ensure that staff can recognise and respond in a timely and appropriate way to inappropriate behaviour displayed by other members of staff, or any other person working with children e.g. inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images

In addition to this safeguarding policy and child protection procedure that includes an explanation of the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff, the following policies and procedures enables us to demonstrate how we are meeting this requirement:

• Intimate care
• E-safety including an Acceptable Use Policy for the Setting
• Safer recruitment and selection
• Induction, supervision and appraisal
• Whistleblowing

Policies relating to our other safeguarding roles and responsibilities as defined by the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

 

In addition, written policies and procedures in place to show how Koala Nursery meets the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements in relation to:

• Administering medicines
• Allocation of staff in relation to qualifications and experience, staff ratios and key person role
• Changes that must be notified to Ofsted
• Complaints
• Fire safety and emergency evacuation of the premises
• First Aid
• Hygiene including food hygiene
• Illnesses, accidents and injuries
• Information recorded about the child
• Information provided for parents and carers
• Information recorded about the provider
• Procedure to be followed if a child goes missing from the setting
• Procedure to be followed if parent fails to collect a child at the appointed time
• Record keeping including the retention of records
• Suitable people including safer recruitment and selection, staff training, support and supervision

 

Additional related policies

• Behaviour management
• Equal opportunities
• Health and safety
• No smoking
• Safety and risk assessment relating to premises and equipment
• Safety and risk assessment relating to outings

 

Policies relating to our safeguarding responsibilities under Section 11 Children Act (2004)

Section 11 of the Children Act (2004) places a statutory duty on local authorities and other organisations providing services for children and families to make sure that they carry out their work in a way that considers the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

 

Mobile Phone and Camera Image Policy

 

General Welfare Requirement: Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Welfare

The provider must take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

 

Health and Safety

Policy statement: Koala Nursery embraces new technology but has a mobile phone and camera policy on personal phone and camera use. This is to protect children in the setting from abuse and misuse of their images.

General signed consent to take photographs or record images of children will be requested from the parent on enrolment of their child. The purpose for taking any images is to be clearly explained and agreed. Any consent given is to be reviewed on a regular basis (of a period of no more than one year) until such time the child no longer attends the setting. This consent will cover the taking of images for, photographs which will be used to document children’s learning, displays within the Koala Nursery setting and promoting our service delivery. 

        

 Procedures

Koala Nursery respects that members of staff may bring their phones to work, for use in receiving emergency phone calls. However, staff must ensure that they give people their work number regarding such calls. The pre-school land line phone may be used by staff.  However, the receiving and making of calls should be kept to a minimum and limited to important calls only.

• All phones must be switch off and stored in the staff room in staff bags.
• Under no circumstances should photos be taken on mobile phones by either staff or visitors.
• When on outings only Koala Nursery mobile phone is to be used
• Under no circumstances must cameras of any kind be taken into the toilets without prior consultation with the Safeguarding Officers
• If photographs need to be taken in the toilet area i.e. (photographs of children washing their hands) then the Safeguarding Officers must be told, and staff supervised whilst carrying out this kind of activity. At all times the camera must be placed in a prominent place where it can be seen.
• All parents should be discouraged from using phones inside the pre-school and they should not to be used for taking photos.
• Any staff using a phone to take photos will have it removed from their person until the photos are removed.
• All cameras in the pre-school including those on staff mobile telephones can be subject to scrutiny at any time by the Safeguarding Officers or committee.
• Staff should only use the pre-school memory cards to take photos and these must not be downloaded onto any personal computers except the pre-school computer which is password protected and covered by data protection.
• No electronic copies of photo should be passed to outside agencies unless educational use has been signed for.

 

Children photographing each other

Statement of intent

Children may on occasion be given the opportunity to photograph each other and their surroundings. This practice may occur during off-site activities and for most children it will be normal practice to take photographs to record a trip or event. Children also have access to cameras within the setting environment to support their learning and development needs. These activities will be encouraged in a safe and enabling environment.

 

The Strategic Safeguarding person, is responsible for ensuring the safe storage of all images, in accordance with Koala Nursery procedures.

 

Procedures

Staff are required to discuss and agree some age appropriate acceptable use rules with children regarding the appropriate use of cameras.

Parents will also be advised to monitor their child’s use of cameras within the home and social environment.

 

The right of parents to take photographs and videos

Statement of intent

Parents and carers will not be covered by the Data Protection Act 2018(GDPR) if they are to take photographs or make a video recording for their own private use. The Act will therefore not prevent parents from taking photographs or making video recordings of their own children within the setting environment, for example, during nativity plays.

The right to refuse parents the opportunity to take photographs and make videos is however to be reserved on health and safety grounds. This right will be implemented should it be deemed appropriate. For example, if an excessive use of flashlights and/or bulky and noisy equipment are to be considered a potential health and safety risk.

 

Procedures

Parents will be required to sign in the Photography Request book should they wish to take or make any recordings within the setting environment. Authorised use will only be permitted on agreed dates and times, and within designated areas of the setting.

Before a photography request can be authorised, consent will need to be obtained from all parents of other children who may be captured in any photograph or video. Should it not be possible, to gain consent from the parents of all children who may be implicated, there will be no option but to refuse an open request to take or make images. Consideration will however be given to organising a one-off photograph opportunity which will only involve those children for who consent has been obtained.

Parents will only be permitted to make recordings or take photographs of any event for their own personal use. The use of such images and recordings for any other purpose, without express permission, will be a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR).

 

Parents who are to be authorised to use photographic equipment must be encouraged to be mindful of others when making and taking such images. This will be to ensure minimum disruption to other parents during any event or production. Care must be taken to ensure the view of others will not be obscured and intrusive photography or filming must be avoided always. The right to withdraw consent will be maintained and any images or filming must be open to scrutiny at any time.

Every effort must be made to ensure that individuals with no connection to the early years setting are to be given no opportunity to film covertly. Koala Nursery staff are to have the authority to question anybody they do not recognise (subject to their own safety being ensured) should they be observed using any photographic equipment at events and productions or within the general vicinity. Care will be taken always, to prevent any opportunist photography or filming taking place.

 

Use of a professional photographer

Statement of intent

Koala Nursery will ensure that any professional photographer who is to be engaged to record any events will be prepared to work according to the terms of this policy document and the following: guidelines:

In the context of data protection legislation, the photographer will be considered a ‘data processor’ and any agreement with them will be in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Photographers will only be used where they will guarantee to act appropriately to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing of images; and will insure against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.

Procedures

• Photographers will be asked to sign an agreement which will aim to ensure:
• Compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR).
• Images are only to be used for a specified purpose and will not be used in any other context.
• Images will not be disclosed to any third party unless it is to be a specific requirement to do so to fulfil the requirements of the agreement. Such use will also be subject to parental permission.
• Only reputable photography agencies and/or professional photographers will be used. Evidence of such authenticity will be required.
• Details of any checks regarding suitability, which are to include evidence of Criminal Record Bureau checks, will be requested. Photographic identity will be checked on arrival. Should there be any concerns in respect of the authenticity of any photographer, entry will be refused. Such concerns will be reported as is to be deemed appropriate.

 

     Legal Framework

• This policy complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR), Freedom of Information Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1998 and other relevant Acts regarding the taking and use of photographic images of children.
• Further guidance
• Data Protection Policy 2018 (GDPR),
• Confidentiality policy

Procedures for responding to specific child protection concerns about a child at risk of significant harm

 

Scope of the Procedure

Our staff, students and volunteers may become aware of child protection concerns during their work from several routes;

• Raised by the child themselves,
• Through direct activity and observation.
• Alleged by others e.g. a member of the public contacting the setting or by a parental complaint.

 

The concern might relate to:

  What is happening (or has happened) to a child outside the setting e.g. in their own family. What is or may be happening (or happened in the past) to a child in our setting

 

The concerns may be about the behaviour of a:

• Child, young person or adult in the community (for instance a relative or family friend)
• Peer (for instance another child in our setting)
• Member of staff, student or volunteer from our setting
• Member of staff, student or volunteer from another service/setting received or attended by the child

 

The concern may relate to actions or inaction (for instance insufficient response by a parent in response to illness or injury to a child)

 

The concern may be about a current situation or past events

 

The concern may involve allegations or disclosures of;

• physical abuse
• physical neglect
• sexual abuse
• emotional abuse or neglect
• a combination of one or more of these
• Staff and volunteers may receive this information by one or more means, such as through observation, discussion, the review of child records or accident forms, a telephone call, a letter, an email, or from another person (a third party)

Any member of staff, student or volunteers could receive such information. 

In all circumstances, they must respond in accordance with the procedure set out in this document

If the information relates to a concern, allegation or suspicion that a member of staff, student, volunteer or carer who works with children, may have harmed a child, they must also follow the procedures set out in this document

Action to take if, as a member of staff, volunteer, or student, you observe abuse in your setting; whilst it is taking place

This could take several forms, for example;

• Seeing an adult hit a child,
• Observing an adult using inappropriate restraint or language,
• Witnessing the neglect of basic care needs of a child.

 

First, do all you can to stop the abuse immediately without putting the child or young person, or yourself, at undue risk

• Inform the perpetrator of your concerns
• Advise him/her to stop the action immediately.
• Ask him/her to move to an area where there is no contact with children.
• Advise him/her that you will immediately inform the senior manager within the setting of what you have witnessed.

In an emergency, don’t delay. Ring 999 for South Yorkshire Police Don’t put the child or yourself at any more risk!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the perpetrator fails to stop; take any appropriate action you can to separate the child and perpetrator, and call for assistance

 

If the perpetrator does stop, and even if they leave the scene as requested, it is essential that you stay with the child until you can transfer them to the care of another responsible adult.

 

Report the incident immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Leads or your line manager.

 

• Inform the setting’s most senior person on site that day

 

• Take notes of what you have heard or seen and what has been said - if it is not possible to take notes at the time, do so immediately afterwards. Keep the notes taken at the time, without amendment, omission or addition, whatever subsequent reports may be written. The notes should be dated and signed. The notes should cover what you saw, who said what, what action you took, and the details of date, time and location and name of child and perpetrator.

 

Concern about a person working with children

If the information relates to a concern, allegation or suspicion that a member of staff, student, volunteer or carer who works with children, may have harmed a child, you must also follow the procedures set out in this document.

If the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Designated Safeguarding Deputy is not available:

In an emergency, don’t delay. Ring 999 for South Yorkshire Police

Talk to the setting’s most senior person on site that day, without delay

• Seek advice about your concerns from; Sheffield Safeguarding Hub

0114 273 4855

 

Do not delay acting to protect the child because the Designated Safeguarding Lead is not available

 

Action to take if, as a member of staff, volunteer, or student, you observe injuries or behaviour in a child that could indicate that he/she has suffered abuse, or is likely to suffer significant harm

This could take several forms, for instance;

• A child has an unexplained injury, bruise, mark or other signs of possible abuse
• A child has an injury, bruise or mark and the explanation given for how it was caused is not consistent with the injury
• There are significant changes in a child’s behaviour
• The child shows signs of significant neglect, including untreated medical conditions
• The child makes comments that give you cause for concern

 

Stop other activity and focus on what you have seen or are being told. Responding to suspicion of abuse takes immediate priority.

So long as it does not put the child at increased risk, ask the mother and father / carer about what you have observed. You can also ask the child if he/she is old enough. Note what they tell you and how they behave.

If you decide not to discuss your concerns with the child’s parent you must record this and the reasons why you made that judgement. You must also tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead

 

Act to obtain urgent medical attention for the child, if required

Record what you have heard or seen, what has been said, and what you

did:

• Use a body map if this is helpful, but do not take photographs.
• If it is not possible to make notes at the time, do so immediately afterwards.
• Notes should be dated and signed by the staff member completing them and by the parent if the child has arrived with a pre-existing injury.

 

Keep the notes taken at the time, without amendment, omission or addition, whatever subsequent reports may be written.

 

Talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Designated Safeguarding Deputy without delay. It is easier for children’s social care services to act on a report of an existing injury rather than if they are told about it later

 

When not to discuss your concerns with

mothers and fathers/caregivers

Practitioners should, in general, discuss concerns with the family and, where possible inform them that they are making a referral unless this may, either by delay or the behavioural response it prompts or for any other reason, place the child at increased risk of Significant Harm.

Situations where it would not be appropriate to inform family members prior to referral include where:

• Discussion would put a child at risk of significant harm
• There is evidence to suggest that involving the mother and father/caregivers would impede the police investigation and/or Children and Families Services enquiry
• Sexual abuse is suspected
• To contact mothers and fathers/caregivers would place you or others at risk
• Discussion would place one parent at risk of harm e.g. in cases of domestic abuse
• It is not possible to contact mothers and fathers/caregivers without causing undue delay in making the referral
• Where there are concerns about a possible forced marriage or honour based violence

 

Responding to concerns about injuries or abuse in infants under two-year-old

The Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) has produced specific guidance that

considers the additional vulnerability of and risks to this group of children. This is

summarised in a SSCB Factsheet which can be downloaded from

www.safeguardingsheffieldchildren.org.uk

 

 

Concern about a person working with children

If the information rel