Our setting has a duty under the law to help safeguard children against suspected or actual ‘significant harm’. Our employment practices ensure children against the likelihood of abuse in our settings, and we have a procedure for managing complaints or allegations against a member of staff.
Our way of working with children and their parents ensures we are aware of any problems that may emerge and can offer support, including referral to appropriate agencies, when necessary, to help families in difficulty.
We follow the Child Protection procedures for the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, “Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018” and Northamptonshire “Thresholds and Pathways” document. It may be helpful for you to know that the law (Children Act 1989) requires all Pre-school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including non-accidental injury, neglect, emotional or sexual abuse. We are encouraged to take the approach that where there are grounds for concern we should be over-cautious and seek advice, rather than to risk a child’s safety. Occasionally, this duty placed on staff means that a concern is passed on which is later shown to be unfounded. It is hoped that parent/carers will appreciate how difficult it is for Pre-school to carry out this delicate responsibility and accept that the staff member was acting in good faith and in the best interests of all children.
Designated Safeguarding Leads for Child Protection are:
Victoria Rice (Manager) and Lorna Britten (Deputy Manager).
If you have concerns regarding children’s safety and protection, it is essential that you contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads.
For referrals regarding allegations against adults in education:
Email: DOReferral@northamptonshire.gcsx.gov.uk
All Pre-school staff, Trustee’s and volunteers have to have Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Useful Links
Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) is a statutory partnership which was set up as a requirement of the Children and Social Work Act 2017. NSCP ensures that all organisations that work with children work together to keep children and young people safe from harm. NSCP undertakes this role through providing training, the development of policies and procedures and awareness raising.
Further information about the Partnership can be found here.
Parent’s guide to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) provides lots of useful information to help keep your child safe online, about spotting the signs and dealing with exploitation. There are different areas of the website for parents and for children.
Thinkuknow (CEOP)Keeping your child safe online – a checklist for parents and carers (CEOP).
Smartie the PenguinAn online safety story – follow the adventures of Smartie the Penguin as he learns how to be safe on the internet.
The Underwear Rule (from NSPCC) Teach your child the Underwear Rule and help protect them from abuse. Its a simple way that parents can help keep children safe from abuse – without using scary words.
Educating against Hate – useful link for parents.
Related Policies:
Currently being reviewed.
Bugbrooke Pre-School 