Child Protection Policy

Statement of Intent

The staff and Committee of Stoke Gabriel Pre-School recognise that the welfare, safety and protection of children are of paramount importance and they have a duty to act quickly and responsibly if abuse or neglect is suspected. This policy outlines the procedures that must be followed by staff in order to fulfil this duty.

The staff and Committee will follow procedures set out in the guidance provided by the local area Child Protection Committee Documents and will follow their advice and guidance on any action necessary.

We intend to create in our Pre-School, an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.

Designated Person

The Pre-school Supervisor, Carine Selva, is the Child Protection Officer and is responsible for child protection issues and for liaising with the appropriate agencies. Appropriate training has been attended.

Other Staff

All staff including students on placements and volunteers, working within the provision has the opportunity to listen carefully to what children say and observe any changes in their appearance or behaviour which may result from abuse or neglect and have a duty to pass on any concerns to the designated person.

Arrangement for the Protection of Children at the Provision

The following policies relate to ensuring all children are protected:

  • Safety policy-sections 9,10 & 11
  • Staffing Policy
  • Recruitment and Selection Procedures
  • Responsibilities and Accountabilities
  • Code of Staff Conduct

The following arrangements ensure all children are protected:

Visitors
All visitors must ring the bell for entry.
Any person visiting the provision in an official capacity, not previously known to staff, are required to provide proof of identity.
All visitors must sign in the Visitors' Book noting the time of arrival and departure.
Visitors must never be left unattended with the children.
Curriculum
We introduce key elements of child protection in our foundation stage curriculum, so that children develop understanding of why and how to keep safe
We create within the Pre-School a culture of value and respect for the individual
We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is appropriate for the ages and stages of our children.
Complaints
We ensure that all parents know how to complain about staff or volunteer action within the Pre-School, which may include allegation of abuse
We follow the guidance of Devon Child Protection Committee when investigating any complaint that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child.
We follow all the disclosure and recording procedures when investigating an allegation that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child as if it were an allegation of abuse by any other person.

Procedures Following Suspected Child Abuse when Abuse is Suspected Outside the Provision

These procedures will immediately come into action if any child attending the provision is suspected of being the victim of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or persistent/severe neglect outside the provision. Please refer to the flow charts on pages 10, 11 & 12 of the attached document 'What to do if You're Worried a Child is Being Abused'

  • The staff member expressing concern will discuss the situation immediately with the designated Child Protection officer/Supervisor and note down the reasons for concern on a Report Form detailing dates and details of concerns.
  • The Supervisor must inform the Chair of the pre-school Committee but not discuss the case with any other members of the Committee members.
  • The Supervisor should raise their concerns with the parents/carers in a confidential meeting but only if they feel this would not put the child or themselves in danger. Records of any meetings must be kept.
  • If, following discussion, the Supervisor still has concerns, they should refer to Social Services and submit a written report of their concerns within 48hrs.

The matter will be referred to the Local Authority and the Supervisor and staff must work with the relevant agencies as requested to assist in any investigation

Written Report

As a result of the suspected abuse a comprehensive, confidential report will be compiled. It will include:

  • A description of the alleged abuse/neglect
  • A diary of events
  • Accounts of any meetings with parents
  • Any action taken
  • The steps taken to support the child
  • Any lessons learnt
  • Details of any resulting changes to be made in the provision's procedures/practices

Procedures Following Suspected Child Abuse when Abuse is Suspected within Stoke Gabriel Pre-School

  • If an allegation is made against a member of staff, by a parent or colleague, an immediate and thorough investigation will be conducted by the Supervisor in conjunction with the child's parents and the Committee supported by the appropriate external agencies.
  • In the case of an allegation being made against the Supervisor, an immediate and thorough investigation will be conducted by the Committee in conjunction with the child's parents and supported by the appropriate external agencies.
  • The staff member against whom the allegations have been made will be suspended pending further investigation
  • The matter will be referred to the Local Authority and all staff must co-operate in any investigation by Police and Social Services
  • Ofsted will be notified of the allegations and informed of the outcome by the Committee.
  • The child's parents will be kept fully informed throughout from the Supervisor and Chair.
  • Staff will need to work with the child and their family to offer them support and rebuild trust
  • The staff will be supported throughout by the Committee.
  • The Committee check its policies and procedures and review as necessary in light of the allegations and the outcome of any investigation.

Written Report

As a result of the allegation a comprehensive, confidential report will be compiled and circulated to the parents and Committee members as necessary. It will include:

  • A description of the allegation
  • A diary of events
  • Accounts of any meetings with parents
  • Details of the internal provision's investigation and the subsequent involvement of any professionals/agencies
  • Any action taken
  • The steps taken to support the child and family
  • Any lessons learnt from the allegation and resulting investigations
  • Details of any resulting changes to be made in the provision's procedures/policies.

Protection of Staff from Allegation of Abuse

Staff in Stoke Gabriel Pre-School is privileged to be able to work closely with children and their families, forming warm and caring relationships. However, because of the nature of their work, staff is also vulnerable to allegations of child abuse. Therefore, in order to protect themselves, staff should avoid putting themselves in situations that may lead to allegations being made against them.

They also need to observe closely the provision's Code of Staff Conduct, particularly ensuring:

  • The safety and welfare of the child is always paramount
  • They fulfil their responsibilities and duties towards children by working in partnership with parents
  • Their relationship with children and families are conducted in a professional manner at all times
  • All provision policies and procedures are followed, those listed below are particularly relevant:
    • Parental Involvement
    • Behaviour Management
    • Equal Opportunities/Inclusion/Special Educational Needs
  • Vigilance in Health & Safety matters, eg recording any bruises/marks a child has on arrival in their incident record file, using a separate sheet for each child to ensure confidentiality
  • Comprehensive reporting of all children's accidents is made to parents and written records are signed by parents, again using a separate sheet for each child.
  • Any training needs identified in themselves or other team members are passed on to the Supervisor, or in the case of the Supervisor, passed onto the Chair.
  • Advice, help and/or support is sought from other team members or outside agencies if they find a child's behaviour is persistently challenging or difficult to manage.