Policies & Procedures |
Child Protection PolicyCold Ash Pre-school works with children, parents and the community to ensure the safety of children attending the pre-school. The legal framework for this work is: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act We work within the Area Child Protection Committee guidelines and a copy of these are available for staff and parents to see. We notify the registration authority (Ofsted) of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements, which affect the well being of children. Procedures for contacting the local authority on child protection issues are in place for the pre-school and social services to work well together. Records of the local NSPCC contacts are also kept. If a report is to be made to the authorities, we act within the Area Child Protection guidance in deciding whether we must inform the child's parents at the same time. Staffing and volunteering The pre-school has a nominated person who co-ordinates child protection issues. Applicants for posts within the pre-school are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information. We abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and police checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works at the pre-school or has access to the children. Volunteers do not work unsupervised. Details of visitors to the pre-school are fully recorded. Security measures are taken to ensure that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children. Disciplinary Action Where a member of staff or a volunteer is dismissed from the pre-school or internally disciplined because of misconduct relating to a child, we notify the Department of Health administrators so that the name may be included on the List for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. We abide by the Protection of Children Act requirements in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have lead to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern. Training We provide training opportunities for all staff to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect and they have awareness of the local authority guidelines for making referrals as well as full knowledge of the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the pre-school. Planning The layout of the room allows for constant supervision. Curriculum We create an environment in our pre-school which encourages children to develop a positive self image, regardless of race, language, religion, culture or home background. Children are helped to establish and sustain satisfying relationships with their families, peers and other adults. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of autonomy and independence. The pre-school aims to enable children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches. Complaints & responding to suspicions of abuse.
The pre-school will respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse. If a volunteer or member of staff is accused of any form of child abuse, they will be interviewed immediately. The person accused may choose to attend the interview accompanied by a friend or colleague and to seek advice from a union representative. The interview will usually be with the pre-school supervisor unless the allegation is against the supervisor, in which case the committee chairperson may conduct the interview. The person against whom the allegation is made will be informed of the allegation and will be immediately suspended on full pay while the investigation takes place. Investigations are in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures and conducted with the Area Child Protection Committee. Confidential records will be kept of the allegation and of all subsequent proceedings. When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, this may be demonstrated through changes in their behaviour, or in their play. Where such changes in behaviour or play occur, the pre-school investigates further. Investigations are carried out with sensitivity. Staff in the pre-school will take care not to influence the outcome either through the way they speak to children or ask questions of children. Where a child shows signs and symptoms of 'failure to thrive' or neglect, we make appropriate referrals. Disclosures Where a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff will offer reassurance to the child, listen to the child and give reassurance that she or he will take action and not question the child. Record suspicions of abuse and disclosures - this includes: The child's name These records are signed and dated and kept in a separate confidential file. All members of staff know the procedures for recording and reporting. Informing Parents Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the local Area Child Protection Committee does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases the investigating officers will inform parents. Confidentiality All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the Area Child Protection Committee. Support to families The pre-school aims to build up trusting and supportive relations with families, staff and volunteers. We continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child only if appropriate under the guidance of the Area Child Protection Committee. The care and safety of the child, we will do all in our power to support and work with the child's family. Contact Numbers: (correct at time of date of issue) Child Protection Team: 01635 516811 |
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