Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedure
BOSH Ltd.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY AND PROCEDURE
One of the underlying principles of the Children’s Act 2004 is that:
‘’the welfare of the child is paramount at all times‘’
In order to protect the welfare of the child we will follow the Every Child Matters strategy where inter-agency co-operation underpins the implementation of statutory duties, legislation and guidelines.
At BOSH we intend to create a safe, caring and positive environment in which children are safe and protected from abuse and any suspicions of abuse are promptly and appropriately responded to.
We will endeavour to promote children’s awareness of their own personal safety by following, Every Child Matters Outcomes, EYFS Framework, Ofsted Guidelines and the Local Authorities Safeguarding Children’s Procedures for Manchester and Trafford:
Manchester: Manchester Safeguarding Children Board, Overseas House, Quay St, ManchesterM3 3BB Tel: 0161 234 7007 or Contact Centre 0161 255 8250
Trafford CYPS: MARAT[The Multi Agency and Referral Team] Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 OTH Tel: 0161 912 5125 Fax: 0161 912 5056.
EYFS Welfare of the Child relates to protecting children from harm. Each setting should be aware of the area of Safeguarding Children Committee procedures. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities to children in their care. Appropriate training for all staff will be addressed.
Our safeguarding children policy is designed to address the rights of the child and parent/carers. The policy attempts to cover all areas of safeguarding children and is the parent/carers guarantee that BOSHhas a responsible system in place. It is the result of discussions we have held with the relevant stakeholders and experts. The major additions are our insistence on a parent/carer signed consent before any work on personal safety issues and publication of a child’s identity.
Staffing
Our named person who co-ordinates Safeguarding Children issues is:
Anna Hillock
BOSH has a policy where children feel secure and cared for by competent, caring staff. Staff will never be left alone with children for long periods and ratios will be covered according to age and needs at all times.
All posts, both paid or voluntary, will be subject to a probationary period and will not be confirmed unless the Directors and Play Manager(s)are confident that the applicant can be safely entrusted with children, and that all staff/volunteers at BOSH have undertaken an Enhanced CRB Check.
Two references will be taken up for all staff and volunteers who have significant contact with children and evidence of identity and relevant qualifications are seen.
It will be made clear to applicants that the position is exempt from the Provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. BOSH will abide by Ofsted requirements in respect of references and CRB checks.
The Play Manager will ensure that all visitors are signed in and supervised when visiting the settings. Volunteers will not be left unsupervised.
Disciplinary Action
Where a member of staff is dismissed 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.
IT Acceptable Use Policy
Please see our separate policy on ‘Acceptable Use’, which is aimed at ensuring that staff and children will benefit from the use of technology offered by BOSH in a safe and effective manner.
Informing Parent/Carers
Parent/Carers are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parent/carers are informed at the same time as the report, except where the guidance of the local authority child protection team does not allow this. In these instances the investigating officer will inform the parent/carer.
Significant changes in a child’s behaviour or physical appearance will be investigated fully.
The parent/carer will be given opportunities to explain changes about the child to the Play Manager or the child’s key worker.
Significant or worrying changes, observed in a child’s behaviour or physical appearance, will be fully investigated. However, whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance a specific confidential file will be created by the designated Safeguarding Children named person.
The record will include child’s name, address, age, timed and dated observation describing objectively the child’s behaviour and appearance. Records will be kept in a separate file and in a locked secure place.
The setting will operate in accordance with local authority guidelines and will liaise with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board for advice and guidance before making a referral.
Support to Parent/Carers
We will take every step to ensure trusting and supportive relationships are built between the staff and the parent/carer. Care and safety of the child must always be paramount. The setting will do all in its power to support and work alongside the parent/carer and child.
If a report on a child is to be made to the Local Authority Safeguarding Children’s Board the child’s parent will be informed at the same time the report is made.
Wherever possible, and provided that this will not place the child at greater risk or harm, we will discuss concerns with the family and seek their agreement before making a referral.
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 Safeguarding Children Board.
Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parent/carers if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Authorities Safeguarding Children’s Board.
Before making a referral the following procedures will be followed in accordance with the local authority guidelines:
If there is a Physical Injury
- Ask a Parent/Carer to fill out an incoming injuries form and sign it.
- Where appropriate, ask a child what happened using open ended questions what, where when, why and where.
- Do not over question
- Make a note on a skin map if appropriate
- Consider the need for urgent treatment
If there is an allegation of sexual abuse
- Let the child know that it is not their fault
- Allow the child to say what happened in their own words if appropriate
- Reassure the child that they are right to tell someone
Main categories of abuse
Physical Injury
This is non- accidental injury deliberately inflicted which can include hitting, shaking, squeezing, burns, bruises, broken bones, scalds, bites, cuts, gripping, giving children inappropriate drugs or alcohol: attempting to poison, suffocate or drown. Physical abuse can cause long term problems such as scars, internal injuries, brain damage and death.
Sexual Abuse
This is taking advantage of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult
Sexual abuse can have long lasting effects. This will include having difficulties in later life in forming trusting and stable personal relationships.
Emotional Abuse
This is the persistent lack of affection and physical interaction with a child. Continuous failure to show love and affection, persistent rejection, criticism, be-littling, bullying, frightening, harassment, taunting, threatening, ridiculing, and ignoring. Emotional abuse can cause a child to become nervous, withdrawn, lacking in confidence and self esteem.
Neglect
This is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs. It may involve a parent, carer or guardian failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Neglect may lead to a child having health problems and the child failing to thrive.
This Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that at the very minimum the organisation is following relevant legislation.
Reviewed June 2010