Child Protection Policy

A child protection policy is required by law for all nurseries, playgroups and childcare providers.
The pre-school has a duty to be aware that abuse does occur in our society.
This statement lays out the procedures that will be taken if we have reason to believe that a child in our care is subject to either emotional, physical or sexual abuse or neglect.

Our primary responsibility is the welfare and well being of all children in our care. As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents/main carers and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention.

Southwell Pre-school has a duty to report any suspicions around abuse to Social Services whether this stems from allegations against staff, volunteers, carers or the general public. The Children Act 1989(section 47(1)) places a duty on social services to investigate such matters. The preschool will follow the procedures set out in the social services child protection documents and as such will seek their advice on all steps taken subsequently.

The pre-school will notify OFSTED if social services are investigating a child protection matter relating to the group.
Social services take the lead role in enquiring about child protection issues related to the child whilst the employer retains the responsibility for disciplinary actions related to their staff member, volunteer or carer.

1.Physical Abuse

Action will be taken under this heading if the staffs have reason to believe that there has been a physical injury to a child, including deliberate poisoning, where there is a definite knowledge, or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented.

Procedure
1. Any sign of a mark/injury to a child when they come into pre-school will be recorded, discussed with the parent and the parent will be asked to countersign a record.
2. The incident will be discussed with the parent/carer.
3. Such discussion will be recorded and the parent/carer will have access to such records.
4. If there appears to be any queries regarding the injury, Social Services will be notified.

2.Sexual Abuse

Action will be taken under this heading if the staff team have witnessed occasions where a child indicated sexual activity through words, play, drawing or had an excessive pre-occupation with sexual matters or had an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour.
Procedure
1. The observed instances will be reported.
2. The matter will be referred to Social Services.

3.Emotional Abuse

Action will be taken under this heading if the staff team have reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child caused by persistent or severe ill treatment or rejection.

Procedure

1. The concern will be discussed with the parent/carer.
2. Such discussion will be recorded and the parent/carer will have access to such records.
3. If there appears to be any queries regarding the circumstances, Social Services will be notified.

4; Neglect

Action will be taken under this heading if the staff team have reason to believe that there has been persistent or severe neglect of a child (for example; by exposure to any kind of danger, including cold and starvation) which results in serious impairment of the child’s health or development, including non-organic failure to thrive.

Procedure

PLEASE NOTE
There are exceptions to the above procedures. If any child is thought to be in immediate danger, Pre-school staff will contact Social services immediately.

The designated staff members responsible for Child Protection/Parent Liaison are……………………….or……………………………..

Consent form

I,………………………..(parent/guardian/main carer) of ………………………(child), have read and fully understand the above procedures relating to Child Protection issues.
I am aware that the pre-school has the authority to make a report to Social Services if such circumstances arise.
In the event of a report being made, the Pre-school will inform me in writing. This will of course remain confidential at all times.