Safeguarding
Definition
The NSPCC definition of child abuse is when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child – it can be over a period of time but can also be a one-off action. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.
Procedure
Moonstone follow guidelines set out by the UK Government, Birmingham and Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board to ensure we keep children safe from harm and those who may harm them.
Our safeguarding procedures are based on Working Together to Safeguard Children (March 2018). This guidance sets out what should happen in any local area when a child or young person is believed to need support. Effective safeguarding arrangements should aim to meet the following two key principles:
** Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility: for services to be effective, everyone and organisation should play their full part; and
** A child-centred approach: for services to be effective, they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.
Working Together to Safeguard Children defines Safeguarding as:
* Protecting children from maltreatment.
* Preventing impairment of children's health or development;
* Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
* Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Each of our settings our setting has a Designated Senior Lead Practitioner and at least one assistant, one of whom is always contactable.
The DSL is responsible for liaising with children’s services and the Local Safeguarding Children Team. The Lead practitioner attends safeguarding training which enables them to understand and respond to possible signs of abuse and neglect. All DSL’s attend designated DSL training yearly provided by the council along with attending the localities DSL networking meetings. This ensures that the DSL is up to date with their knowledge.
As part of safeguarding children, our responsibilities include giving them the age-appropriate skills and knowledge, so they are empowered to keep themselves safe. Ways to do this include providing activities regarding stranger danger, they can also do this through talking to the children about keeping themselves covered up and how nappy times and toilet times are private occasions.
Due to the many hours of care we provide, staff will often be the first people who sense that 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. Therefore, all staff members are trained and provided information in which will aid them in noticing signs and symptoms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as neglect. They are also made aware of how and to whom they should report if they have a concern.
Who Can You Speak With
Each of our nurseries will a DSL and a Deputy DSL who you are able to speak with as a parent if you have concerns for a child and unsure what to do or who to speak with. In the reception area of our nursery, the named DSLs will be made clear as well as our Newsletters.
If you are clear about to do and feel more comfortable speaking with someone external, see contacts below.
Children's Advice & Support Service (CASS) - BirminghamT: 0121 303 1888 or via E: .ku.oc.tsurtsnerdlihcmahgnimrib%40SSAC
Outside of normal office hours please call 0121 675 4806LADO:
Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together T: 01902 555392E: ku.vog.notpmahrevlow.eruces%40TSW
Outside of the above hours for emergencies on 01902 552999
If a concern arises around a Person in a Position of Trust that raises a query as to their suitability to work within the setting (staff members, Students, Volunteers etc) a referral to LADO will be made.
The Birmingham LADO Team T: 0121 675 1669 or via E: ku.oc.tsurtsnerdlihcmahgnimrib%40maetodaL
Wolverhampton's Local Authority Designated Officer, Kenny EdgarTel: 01902 550477Secure email:ku.vog.notpmahrevlow.eruces%40ODAL