Shoreham Preschool LTD

Safeguarding Policy

 At Shoreham Preschool we know that children learn best when they are healthy, safe, secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the people caring for them.

We will keep an on-going record of observations of significant changes in children’s behavior or appearance which will be written, dated and signed and kept confidential.

This policy outlines our procedures for recognising, reporting, and responding to concerns or signs of abuse or neglect. We work in partnership with parents, relevant authorities, and agencies to safeguard children and promote their welfare.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Bekki Forrest (DSL) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, staying updated on safeguarding issues, and liaising with relevant agencies. The DSL has received appropriate training from West Sussex and is the main point of contact for staff, parents, and external agencies regarding safeguarding concerns. The DSL will alert all relevant staff to any concerns in a child’s life at home or elsewhere.

All staff members have undertaken safeguarding training provided by WSCC which include all areas outlined in Annex C of EYFS framework, which will be updated every 2 years. Staff will receive regular updates to keep them informed of emerging safeguarding issues during staff meetings and receive ongoing support to fulfil their safeguarding duties.

If anyone has a safeguarding concern about a child:

  • Staff must report any concerns to the DSL immediately.
  • The DSL will have a conversation with the child’s parent/carer and raise our concerns, unless we feel that would put the child at significant harm.
  • If the concern met the threshold West Sussex Continuum of Need / Threshold Guidance – West Sussex SCP (which can be found on the staff information board in the preschool office)

we would gain permission from the parent/carer to refer them to the integrated front door (IFD) IFD- 01403 229900    WSChildrenservices@westsussex.gov.uk

  • Accurate records will be securely kept of any disclosures, concerns, incidents and conversations with parents or children.
  • If a child is in immediate danger call 999

Prevent:

All staff will complete government prevent training and will monitor our families and staff in the light of the government’s Prevent Strategy and would report concerns to West Sussex prevent lead Beverley.knight@westsussex.gov.uk or call 101 and ask for the prevent team.

FGM:

If staff are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM this must be shared with the DSL, IFD and/or the Police.  FGM helpline: 0800 028 3550

If an allegation of abuse is made about a member of staff:

  • The whistleblowing policy 1.4 will be followed

Concerns about a parent

  • Parents/carers should be in a fit state to collect their child/ren. If a parent/carer arrives in an ‘unfit’ state, though, for example, alcohol or drug abuse. The staff cannot refuse to hand over the child/ren but should persuade the parent to remain at the pre-school. An offer will be made firmly that the preschool contacts another responsible family member to collect both the adult and the child. A member of staff will then inform the responsible carer that we will be contacting IFD as stated in our policy. Preschool will then inform IFD on 01403 229900 or online referral form. If a parent becomes aggressive, the police will be informed. The safety and emotional well-being of the child will be our paramount priority.

All details of concerns, progress, case conferences etc are confidential and will not be discussed with anyone not authorised to have this information.

 Please also refer to:

  • Safer Recruitment Practices: Safer recruitment policy 1.3
  • Mobile phones and cameras: Use of mobile phone and use of cameras policy 1.7
  • Privacy During Personal Care: Intimate care policy 5.4
  • Following up absences: Absences and attendance policy 1.9