Child Protection Policy

Child Protection is provided by the Social Services Department, which supplies support for families whose children are in need of safeguarding to promote their welfare and upbringing. All staff members should be aware of the possible indications of abuse or neglect and of the procedure for dealing with suspected cases.

If a child arrives with injuries the staff should:

Ensure immediate medical attention, if necessary.
If possible ask the parent/carer how the injuries occurred and get them to complete an 'accident at home' form.
Explanations, however puzzling, should be accepted and accusations should not be made. Make a written record, including diagrams, of observations and explanations given. Have a witness wherever possible. This recording of information is to ensure that reasonably full and clear information is obtained in order to be able to make an appropriate referral to the Social Services Department if necessary.
If you suspect that the injuries have been caused by assault or by failure to protect the child you must tell the member of staff in charge. That person will contact, without delay, the Duty Social Worker in the Social Services Office for the district in which the child resides or the Emergency Duty Team out of office hours. The member of staff in charge should also contact the Under Eights Officer who will offer support and advice wherever possible.

Suspicion of Abuse

If through conversation or other contact with the child you have cause to suspect physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect of a child in your care:

Listen to what the child says. Be comforting and sympathetic. Ensure that the child feels as little responsibility as possible.
It is particularly important not to make any suggestions to the child regarding how the incident may have happened, therefore do not question the child except to clarify what he/she is saying.
Write down exactly what the child says, or what actions concern you, and what you have said in response. Sign and date it.
Do not make assumptions about who the allegation might concern. If a member of staff may be involved, appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the safety of the child and other children.
Inform the member of staff in charge of your suspicions and that person will contact without delay the Duty Social Worker in the Social Services Office for the District in which the child lives, or the Emergency Duty team if out of office hours. The member of staff in charge should also contact your Under Eights Officer who will offer advice and support to you wherever possible, although they will not be responsible for conducting enquiries into the allegation/suspicion.
Once a child is referred to Social Services they and the Area Child Protection Committee will make an assessment of the child's needs.

Subsequent Action

Following such a referral, Social Services and possibly the Police will undertake enquiries. Staff may be required to provide statements and attend an Initial Child Protection Conference.

Confidentiality

The nursery has the right to share any information regarding child protection with other childcare professions. All information will be kept confidential.