Policy (Nursery)

Policy statement

Storm Nursery promotes children’s right to be strong, resilient and listened to by creating an environment in our setting that encourages children to develop a positive self-image, which includes their heritage arising from their colour and ethnicity, their languages spoken at home, their religious beliefs, cultural traditions and home background.

We promote children’s right to be strong, resilient and listened to by encouraging children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence.

We promote children’s right to be strong, resilient and listened to by enabling children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.

We help children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers, and with other adults.

We work with parents to build their understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of safeguarding all children in our care

What it means to promote children’s rights and entitlements to be ‘strong, resilient and listened to’.

To be strong means to be:
 secure in their foremost attachment relationships, where they are loved and cared for by at least one person who is able to offer consistent, positive and unconditional regard and who can be relied on
 safe and valued as individuals in their families and in relationships beyond the family, such as day care or school
 self-assured and form a positive sense of themselves – including all aspects of their identity and heritage.
 included equally and belong in our setting and in community life
 confident in their own abilities and proud of their achievements
 progressing optimally in all aspects of their development and learning
 part of a peer group in which they learn to negotiate, develop social skills and an identity as global citizens, respecting the rights of others in a diverse world
 able to represent themselves and participate in aspects of service delivery that affects them, as well as aspects of key decisions that affect their lives

To be resilient means to:
 be sure of their self-worth and dignity
 be able to be assertive and state their needs effectively
 be able to overcome difficulties and problems
 be positive in their outlook on life
 be able to cope with challenge and change
 have a sense of justice towards themselves and others
 develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others
 be able to represent themselves and others in key decision-making processes

To be listened to means:
 adults who are close to children recognise their need and right to express and communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas
 adults who are close to children are able to tune in to their verbal, sign and body language in order to understand and interpret what is being expressed and communicated
 adults who are close to children are able to respond appropriately and, when required, act upon their understanding of what children express and communicate
 adults respect children’s rights and facilitate children’s participation and representation in imaginative and child centred ways in all aspects of core services.

STORM Nursery
255 – 257 Battersea Park Road
Battersea, London SW11 4LF

STORM Nursery Tel: 0207 720 7437, Email: storm-nursery@outlook.com

STORM Family Centre | Website: stormfamilycentre.com | Main Office Tel: 0207 498 0311

Safeguarding children and child protection

The welfare of the children in our care is of paramount importance.

At STORM nursery, we plan to provide an environment which ensures children are safe from potential abuse including bullying and radicalisation and will respond to any suspicion of potential abuse in a way which respects the right of the child. We believe that every child has the right to develop their full potential. Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children will always take priority.

If anyone is worried about the safety or welfare of a child using our nursery there is a legal duty and responsibility to act on these concerns. In most cases we will discuss these concerns with parent/carers in first instance. If necessary , we will make a child protection referral to MASH or Wandsworth Children Specialist Services.

If a parent wishes to discuss any aspects of child protection or safeguarding, please speak to the designated safeguarding officer (DSO), or a person in charge.

We recognise that child abuse occurs in all cultures, all religions and all social classes, It is important to ensure assumptions are avoided, that a particular way of caring for children is harmful just because the parent may have different approach. However, the situations where children are clearly at risk or where illegal practices are involved should not be ignored because of family’s different background or belief.

Safeguarding is also enshrined in Law under children Act (1989, 2004) and associated guidance:

Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE)
Keeping children Safe in Education: Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges (DfE)
Dudley Safeguarding Board
Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People
What to do if you are worried if a Child is Being Abused.
Furthermore, each area has a Local Designated Officer (LADO) to whom child protection issues can be referred.

This policy has been written in accordance with locally agreed inter-agency procedures and has taken into consideration obligations under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The key components of the policy are to:

Ensure safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children.
Raise awareness of child protection issues and equip children with the skills needed to keep them safe
Develop and then implement procedures for identifying and reporting cases or suspected cases of abuse
Establish a safe environment in which children can learn and develop
In accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan, supporting children who have been abused
STORM Nursery will work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect to be safe from any abuse in whatever form. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, for the sake of this policy is defined as:
Protecting children from maltreatment.
Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development.
Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. (from HM Government “Working Together to Safeguard Children”)
A child or young person up to the age of eighteen years is considered to be abused or at risk by parents or carers, if the basic needs of the child are not being met through avoidable acts of commission or omission so as to have caused or to have placed the child at risk of harm. Harm is defined by the Children Act 1989 as ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development (deciding if harm is significant, where it related to health or development, for the purposes of obtaining emergency protection orders, care orders or supervision orders under the Act, will depend on a comparison of the child’s health or development with what could reasonably be expected of a similar child)

AIMS
All practitioners have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children. Due to the hours of care provided, staff will often be the first people to sense there is a problem. They may well be the first people in whom children confide about abuse. The Nursery has a duty to be aware that abuse does occur in our society.
This policy lays out the procedures that will be followed if the Nursery staff have any reason to believe that a child in the care of the Nursery is subject to welfare issues including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

The prime responsibility is the welfare and wellbeing of all children in the care of the Nursery. As such, the Nursery staff have a duty to the children and parents to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that comes to light. All staff will work as part of a multi-agency team where needed in the best interests of the child.

The Nursery aims to:

Ensure that children are never placed at risk while in charge of Nursery staff
Ensure that confidentiality is always maintained
Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed
Ensure that all staff are alert to the signs of abuse, understand what is meant by child protection and are aware of the different ways in which children can be harmed including by other children i.e. bullying, discriminatory behaviour
Ensure that all fears and allegations of abuse are reported to the Designated Person in the Nursery. Also, that reports be referred to the LADO where necessary
Ensure all staff are familiar with and updated regularly on child protection issues and procedure.
Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding Child Protection matters, including attending case conferences
Ensure parents are fully aware of child protection policies and procedures when they register with the Nursery and are kept informed of all updates when they occur
Keep the child at the centre of all we do
Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately and ensure all records are kept securely in confidential files
Provide immunity from retribution or disciplinary action against staff for “whistleblowing” in good faith.
Ensure that this policy and the Nursery’s procedures are reviewed at least annually by the Management Team in conjunction with the Local Authority
Have regard to the safeguarding procedures as outlined in the DfE Guidance Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Dealing with Allegations of Abuse
Children will be supported by offering reassurance, comfort and sensitive interactions. Activities will be devised according to individual circumstances.

The following procedures are to be used as a working document for staff members, parents/carers and children at STORM Nursery. These procedures are to be followed when anyone has a concern regarding the health and safety of a child in the Nursery or if someone suspects that any form of child abuse is taking place including within the workplace.

WHAT IS ABUSE?
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment – a person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to prevent harm. Children and young people may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. There are some behaviours that are commonly seen in children who are abused. These are intended to give an indication and cannot be used as confirmation of abuse:

Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, bites or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
The child says that s/he is being abused, or another person says they believe (or know) that abuse is occurring
The child has an injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent, or which has not been adequately treated
The child’s behaviour changes, either over time or quite suddenly and s/he becomes quiet and withdrawn or alternatively becomes aggressive
Refusal to remove clothing for normal activities or keeping covered up in warm weather
The child appears not to trust particular adults or a parent with whom she/he would be expected to have, or once had, a close relationship
An inability to make close friends
Inappropriate sexual awareness or behaviour for the child’s age. If staff feel unsure or worried they should always do something about it
Staff should seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Person for the Nursery regarding any concerns.

Types of Abuse

PHYSICAL ABUSE:
This is a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, excessive physical constraint or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. It may involve consumption of drugs or alcohol. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms o or deliberately induces illness in a child.

Staff are reminded that children who have been physically abused will often go to some lengths to hide or cover-up their injuries, for example by wearing long clothing even in hot weather. Physical abuse also includes female genital mutilation (FGM) which is an extremely harmful practice and is illegal in the UK. Despite being an embedded practice in some cultures, FGM is not a matter which can be decided by personal preference.
Staff must be alert to the indicators that a child may be at risk of FGM and must refer any suspicions to the DSL. More information on FGM, including the Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines, indicators of imminent risk or post-FGM trauma, and measures the DSL should consider implementing to raise awareness of FGM are available on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-guidelines

Procedure:

All signs of marks/injuries to a child, when they come into Nursery or occur during time at Nursery will be recorded as soon as noticed by a staff member.
The incident will be discussed with the parent at the earliest opportunity.
Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records.

NEGLECT
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food and clothing or shelter, including exclusion from home or abandonment; failing to protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; failure to ensure adequate supervision, including the use of inadequate care-takers; or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic needs. (Definitions taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children).

Procedure:

The concern will be discussed with the parent
Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records
An Early Help referral may need to be completed
If there appears to be any queries regarding the circumstances the LSCB in the local authority will be notified

SEXUAL ABUSE
Child sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in the production of sexual images, ‘sexting’, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people receive something (for example food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, gifts, money or in some cases simply affection) as a result of engaging in sexual activities. Sexual exploitation can take many forms ranging from the seemingly ‘consensual’ relationship where sex is exchanged for affection or gifts, to serious organised crime by gangs and groups. What marks out exploitation is an imbalance of power in the relationship. The perpetrator always holds some kind of power over the victim which increases as the exploitative relationship develops. Sexual exploitation involves varying degrees of coercion, intimidation or enticement, including unwanted pressure from peers to have sex, sexual bullying including cyberbullying and grooming. However, it is also important to recognise that some young people who are being sexually exploited do not exhibit any external signs of this abuse.
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is an abuse of a position of trust, and thus a criminal offence, for a member of staff to ‘groom’ or engage in sexual activity with a pupil under the age of 18. The consent of the young person (or the agreement of a parent) is irrelevant. Furthermore, a relationship between a member of staff and a pupil over the age of 18, or a recent former pupil, is also deemed inappropriate and will lead to questions about that member of staff’s suitability for work in an educational context.

Procedure:

The adult should reassure the child and listen without interrupting if the child wishes to talk
The observed instances will be detailed in a confidential report
The observed instances will be reported to the Nursery Manager

EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Some level of emotional abuse will generally occur in all types of maltreatment. It may be defined as the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such that it will cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve a relationship with an adult which is inappropriate or grossly inconsistent; the persistent denial of love and affection; conveying that a child is worthless, unloved and inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate, making them feel stupid.

Children also suffer if they are persistently shouted at, or used as scapegoats. Emotional abuse may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another, such as the observation of serious bullying or domestic violence, or exposure to extreme horror of violence through audio visual media. It may involve being a victim of serious bullying (including online or cyberbullying), causing the child frequent feelings of humiliation or fear for their safety.
This category of abuse may also involve the oral, economic or ideological corruption of children. Such corruption could be for the purposes of gratification or criminality or it might be ideologically motivated, for example through a child’s exposure to propaganda promoting extremist views.

Procedure:

The concern should be discussed with the manager
The concern should then be discussed with the parent
Such discussions will be recorded and the parent will have access to such records
An Early Help referral may need to be completed

FABRICATED ILLNESS
This is also a type of physical abuse. This is where a child is presented with an illness that is fabricated by the adult carer. The carer may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation. The signs may include a carer exaggerating a real illness or symptoms, complete fabrication of symptoms or inducing physical illness for example through poisoning, starvation, inappropriate diet. This may also be presented through false allegations of abuse or encouraging the child to appear disabled or ill to obtain unnecessary treatment or specialist support.

CHILDREN WHO RUN AWAY OR WHO ARE MISSING FROM HOME
There are no exact figures for the number of children who go missing or run away, but estimates suggest that the figure is in the region of 100,000 per year. Children may run away from a problem, such as abuse or neglect at home or somewhere they want to be. They may have been coerced to run away by someone else. Whatever the reason, it is thought that approximately 25% of children and young people that go missing are at risk of serious harm. There are particular concerns about the links between children running away and the risks of sexual exploitation. Missing children may also be vulnerable to other forms of exploitation, to violent crime, gang exploitation or to drug and alcohol abuse. Although looked after children are particularly vulnerable when they go missing, the majority of children who go missing are not looked after and go missing from their family home. They can face the same risks as a child missing from local authority care.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Home Office defines domestic violence as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 years old or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

Psychological
Physical
Sexual
Financial
Emotional
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim. Children who live in households where domestic violence is taking place are seen to be highly vulnerable. There are other forms of abuse that put children at risk.

RADICALISATION
Some young people and adults at risk of harm may be vulnerable to radicalisation for the purpose of violent extremism. Concerns regarding radicalisation will be referred to Channel which is a multi-agency panel who offer guidance and support with the aim of preventing activity which could be deemed as criminal.

BULLYING
While bullying between children is not a separate category of abuse and neglect, it is a very serious issue that can cause considerable anxiety and distress. At its most serious level, bullying can have a disastrous effect on a child’s wellbeing and in very rare cases has been a feature in the suicide of some young people. Children under the age of five may not be bullied by peers in an obvious way, but they may feel excluded or dominated by other children. Nursery Practitioners will be vigilant and alert to ensure no child is singled out by other children in a negative way. All children will be encouraged to treat their peers with kindness, and supported to help them understand any differences that may lead to fear or confusion. Bullying someone because of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation disability and/or transgender will not be tolerated as the Nursery operates a zero tolerance approach. Bullying can take many forms and includes:
Emotional Being excluded, tormented (for example, hiding things, threatening gestures.
Physical Pushing, kicking, punching or any use of aggression and intimidation.
Racial Racial taunts, use of racial symbols, graffiti, gestures
Sexual Unwanted physical contact, sexually abusive comments and graffiti.
Verbal Name calling, spreading rumours, teasing
Cyber All areas on internet, such as email and internet, chat room misuse, mobile threats by text message and calls. Misuse of associated technology i.e., camera and video facilities, sexting, any threatening/slanderous behaviour on social media.

MULTIPLE NEEDS

Research shows that the environment in which a child lives is crucial to his or her health, safety and well-being
The term ‘Toxic Trio’ has been used to describe the issues of domestic abuse, mental ill-health and substance misuse which have been identified as common features of families where harm to children has occurred. They are viewed as indicators of increased risk of harm to children and young people
Work in this area has shown that there is large overlap between these parental risk factors and cases of child death, serious injury and generally poorer outcomes for children across all ages (Brandon et al, 2008)

Experiencing serious, multiple disadvantage cuts across many domains of family life. Families with multiple and complex needs are likely to have difficulties meeting the needs of their children and parenting effectively. Children can be at heightened risk of abuse and neglect (Cleaver et al 2007) and at higher risk of adverse outcomes.

Given the predominance of families experiencing multiple and complex difficulties who become involved with child protection and the arrange of social and economic issues that interact with presenting problems such as metal health concerns, family violence and substance abuse the challenge for child protection is how to provide a holistic and contextual response to the needs of the whole family.

CULTURE, FAITH AND BELIEFS
The number of known cases of child abuse linked to accusations of ‘possession’ or ‘witchcraft’ is small, but children involved can suffer damage to their physical and mental health, their capacity to learn, their ability to form relationships and to their self-esteem. It is likely that a proportion of this type of abuse remains unreported. Such abuse generally occurs when a carer views a child as being ‘different’, attributes this difference to the child being ‘possessed’ or involved in ‘witchcraft’ and attempts to exorcise him or her.

A child could be viewed as ‘different’ for a variety of reasons such as disobedience, independence, bed-wetting, nightmares, illness or disability. There is often a weak bond of attachment between the carer and the child.

There are various social reasons that make a child more vulnerable to an accusation of ‘possession’ or ‘witchcraft’. These include family stress and/or a change in the family structure.

The attempt to ‘exorcise’ may involve severe beating, burning, starvation, cutting or stabbing and isolation and usually occurs in the household where the child lives.

Any siblings or other children in the household may be well cared for with all their needs met by the parents and carers. The other children may have been drawn in by the adults to view the child as ‘different’ and may have been encouraged to participate in the adult activities.

Concerns reported in the cases known from research have involved children aged 2- 14, both boys and girls and have generally been reported through schools or nongovernmental organisations. The referrals usually take place at a point when the situation has escalated and become visible outside the family. This means that the child may have been subjected to serious harm for a period of time already.

The initial concerns referred have been about:

Issues of neglect such as not being fed properly or being ‘fasted’, not being clothed, washed properly etc. but left to fend for themselves especially compared to the other children in the household
Often the carer is not the natural parent and the family structure can be complex.
Children often appear distressed or withdrawn
The child is seen as the scapegoat for a change in family circumstances for the worse
In a group of children, it may be the child who is relatively powerless vis-a-vis the parents /carers, may be a child with no essential role in the family
The child is seen as someone who violates the family norms by being physically different perhaps because of illness, disability or, in some case, a suspicion by the father of adultery by the mother
Child abuse linked to faith or belief may occur where a child is treated as a scapegoat for perceived failure

PRIVATE FOSTERING
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/affinity).

Although Local Authorities are charged with several duties, including the implementation of measures designed to strengthen private fostering notification arrangements, raising awareness of private fostering across partner agencies, ensuring that relevant training practices are developed, reviewing the findings of the annual private fostering report submitted by the local authority and responding to the findings of OFSTED inspections, all partner agencies of the LSCB, parents and private foster parents have a responsibility and duty to:

Ensure that privately fostered children are protected.
Raise awareness of private fostering and the need to notify the Local Authority of arrangements.
Ensure that private fostering arrangements are satisfactory and compliant with legislation.
Ensure that the private foster parents are suitable, and that appropriate advice is being given.
Consider post 16 supports for those who are no longer subject to private fostering due to their age.
In a private fostering placement, the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child stays with the parent. Local Authorities of LSCBs do not approve or register private foster parents. Placement cannot be prevented unless the person is disqualified, or a prohibition order is imposed. The Local Authority cannot remove the child except under an Emergency Protection Order.

REFUGEES AND TRAUMA
Events that refugees have experienced related to war or persecution can all be called “traumatic events”. It is important to note that children are very resilient and can often cope with difficult experiences and events in healthy and productive ways. Such children may not display any symptoms and may not need service providers to intervene. However, for some children, exposure to traumatic events has a profound and lasting effect on their daily functioning.

The impact of exposure to traumatic events on children may be different depending on the child’s age and stage of development. There are some signs of distress as a result of exposure to traumatic events that are specific to a child’s developmental stage. For example:

Preschool children may experience:

Bed wetting
Thumb sucking
Acting younger than their age
Trouble separating from their parents
Temper tantrums
Aggressive behaviour like hitting, kicking, throwing things or biting
Not playing with other kids their age
Repetitive playing out of events related to trauma exposure
RISK INDICATORS OF CHILD ABUSE
Physical abuse:
Injuries, bruises, burns, bite marks which are unexplained or implausibly explained
Repeated injuries or requests to be excused through injury, illness
Fear, watchfulness, over-anxiety to please
Reluctance to get changed for sports etc.
Sexual abuse:
Comments about sexual activity
Sexual knowledge, comments, behaviour inconsistent with a child of that age
Unexpected reaction of fear or wariness to people
Repeated urinary or genital infections
Pregnancy/sexually transmitted diseases
Genital trauma

Emotional abuse

Withdrawn, anxious behaviour, lack of self-confidence, mood swings
Challenging/disruptive/aggressive behaviour which is inconsistent with previous experience of the child
Self-harm and eating disorders
Demanding or attention seeking behaviour
Unwillingness to communicate. Secretive and reluctant to share information
Repetitive, nervous behaviour such as rocking, hair twisting or pulling

General indicators of abuse or neglect

Poor attendance or frequent absences which are implausibly explained
Deterioration in educational progress
Parents show little interest in child’s performance or behaviour and are nonresponsive or dismissive to professional concerns
The child’s clothes are often dirty, scruffy or unsuitable for the weather
No one seeks medical help when the child is ill or hurt
Poor hygiene (smelly, dirty)
The child is left alone with unsuitable carers
The child talks of running away
Evidence of alcohol or other substance abuse
Unexplained gifts of money
The child is thin, pale or lacking in energy
Please note: this is not a comprehensive list. Staff should consult with the DSL if in doubt about any symptoms which might be indicative of abuse.

Conversely, excessive interest from parents, along with unrealistic expectations of their child and evidence of pressure which is causing the child distress should also be give careful consideration.

RESPONSE FROM PARENTS
Research and experience indicates that the following responses from parents may suggest a cause for concern across all four categories of abuse:

An unexpected delay in seeking treatment that is obviously needed
An unawareness or denial of any injury, pain or loss of function (for example, a fractured limb)
Incompatible explanations offered, several different explanations or the child is said to have acted in a way that is inappropriate to his/her age and development
Reluctance to give information or failure to mention other known relevant injuries
Frequent presentation of minor injuries
Unrealistic expectations or constant complaints about the child
Alcohol misuse or other drug/substance misuse
Parents request removal of the child from home
Violence between adults in the household
RECORDING SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE AND DISCLOSURE
Staff should make an objective record (supported by the Nursery Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) of any observation or disclosure and include:
Child’s name
Child’s address
Age of the child and date of birth
Date and time of the observation or the disclosure
Exact words spoken by the child
Exact position and type of injuries or marks seen
Exact observation of an incident including any other witnesses
Name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with date and time and the names of any other person present at the time
Any discussion held with the parent(s), where deemed appropriate
These records should be signed by the person reporting this and the Manager/DSL, dated and kept in a separate confidential file. If a child starts to talk to an adult about potential abuse it is important not to promise the child complete confidentiality. This promise cannot be kept. It is vital that the child is allowed to talk openly and disclosure is not forced or words put into the child’s mouth. As soon as possible after the disclosure it is vital details are logged down accurately.

It may be though necessary that through discussion with all concerned the matter needs to be raised with MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) or an Early Help referral needs to be initiated. Staff involved may be asked to supply details of any information/ concerns that they have with regard to a child.

The nursery expects all members of staff to co-operate with agencies in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children. Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about a parent’s or staff’s supposed or actual behaviour.

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 LSCB does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent or family member is the likely abuser, or where a child may be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases, the investigating officer will inform parents. All staff members must remember that we are committed to working in close partnership with parents/carers and therefore it is our policy to inform them first of any concerns we may have unless the child will be put at risk. It is important to remember that the child’s welfare is paramount. This must always be done in a tactful and confidential manner and in no circumstances should staff make any judgement or accusation towards that parent/carer. Always concentrate on the facts and give clear reasons as to why there is a concern.

CONFIDENTIALITY
All suspicions, enquiries and external investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the LSCB (Local Safeguarding Children’s Board).

SUPPORT TO FAMILIES
The Nursery takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff and volunteers within the Nursery. The Nursery continues to welcome the child and the family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with respect in a non-judgemental manner whilst any external investigations are carried out in the best interest of the child.

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 LSCB with the provision that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child’s family.

REFERRAL PROCEDURES AND CONTACTS
It is the responsibility of the Nursery DSL once a concern has been reported, to assess the potential risk the child may be facing, and the action that needs to be taken, for example immediate referral or monitoring and recording. Where a member of staff or manager/deputy is sufficiently concerned, they must contact the Multi Agency safeguarding Hub (MASH) for advice. The Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF) may then need to be completed.

The Nursery Designated Safeguarding Lead is Faduma Ali

MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): mash@wandsworth.gov.uk
0208 871 6622, or 020 8871 6000 for out-of-hours service

If you consider a child/young person is in immediate risk, call 999 immediately