Policy & Procedure No.19
‘This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment’ (Children’s Workforce Development Council 2009).
1. It is a requirement that any practitioner or volunteer working at Millfield Pre-school (MPS) accepts responsibility to passon information and concerns regarding a child who may have been abused, or is likely to be abused (The Children’s Act 1989). The Safeguarding Lead Practitioner is Rachel Griffiths. In the event of the Safeguarding Lead Practitioner not being in the session, responsibility will fall to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead Practitioner.
“Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger, for example via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.” This paragraph is taken directly from ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (2010).
Areas of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
2. If a practitioner has any of the following concerns about a child:
- Changes in mood
- Injuries seen on their body
- Incidents a child describes to them
- General appearance or welfare
- Someone else expresses concern(s)
They will:
a. Inform the Lead Practitioner/Manager (Safeguarding Lead Practitioner) verbally and complete the Recording Form for Safeguarding Concerns (Appendix A).
b. The child will be asked open questions in an appropriate manner.
c. The parent/carer will be asked about the incident the child has mentioned.
d. If the Lead Practitioner/Manager is satisfied with the parents’/carers’ explanation, no further action will be taken.
e. However, if fears have not been dispelled, a member of Social Services will be contacted as an advisor.
f. Staff may then decide to make a referral.
g. In cases of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse, the parent/carer will NOT be informed of concerns or the referral. The Lead Practitioner/Manager will contact District Social Services immediately.
Referrals and Helpline, Children’s Services telephone number: 0344 800 8020 (24 hour service) or the Police 999 if immediate action is needed. All details will be recorded.
3. If any practitioners have any concerns about another practitioner they will:
a. Approach the Lead Practitioner/Manager or Senior Assistant. If there are reasons to be concerned, the practitioner in question will be suspended from duty while the matter is investigated by LADO.
Norfolk County Council Children Services. LADO Team 01603 223473
b. If there are any concerns raised about the Lead Practitioner/Manager by another practitioner, they will immediately approach the Committee who will suspend the Lead Practitioner/Manager while the matter is investigated as at Paragraph 3a.
4. If a parent/carer has any concerns about a practitioner, they should:
a. Approach the Lead Practitioner/Manager. (All concerns will be discussed and acted on if necessary.)
b. If a parent/carer has any concerns about the Lead Practitioner/Manager, they should approach the Senior Assistant and/or the Committee.
5. If at any time MPS requires more information or guidance on any matter concerning child protection issues, the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board will be contacted for confidential advice.
At all times the child’s welfare will be the main priority.
6. In addition, all practitioners have the responsibility of completing a Recording Form for Significant Concerns (Appendix B) if applicable and verbally reporting their concerns to the Lead Practitioner/Manager or Senior Assistant.