Safeguarding Policy
This policy is one of a series in the pre-school’s integrated safeguarding portfolio
Other policies include Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Board’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, Keeping Children Safe In Education (2020), Working Together to Safeguard Children (DFE 2018), Information Sharing (July 2018), Behaviour management, Complaints, Safer Recruitment, Child Protection Policy, E Safety and Acceptable use, Promoting British Values, Whistleblowing, Equal Opportunities, Toileting and Nappy Changing, Safety, Accident Emergency and Medical, Confidentiality, Health and Hygiene, Special Needs.
The pre-school’s safeguarding arrangements are inspected by Ofsted under the judgements for behaviour & safety and leadership & management.
Our core safeguarding principles are:
- The pre-school’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance.
- Children who are safe and feel safe are better equipped to learn.
- This pre-school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- Policies will be reviewed annually unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review.
If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child a referral will be made to the Front Door team immediately. Anybody can make a referral. If the child’s situation does not appear to be improving, any staff member with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some stage.
All staff members will maintain an attitude of ‘It could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the interests of the child.
Child protection statement
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and directors and are consistent with those of Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB).
Policy principles:
- Welfare of the child is paramount.
- All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection.
- All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm at home, in the community or in school.
- Pupils and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support
Policy aims:
- To provide all staff with the necessary information to enable them to meet their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
- To ensure consistent good practice.
- To demonstrate the school’s commitment with regard to safeguarding and child protection to pupils, parents and other partners.
- To contribute to the school’s safeguarding portfolio.
- The Management Committee and staff intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is dealt with promptly and appropriately.
Roles & Responsibilities
The designated Safeguarding lead (DSL) is Amy Dunne
Contact details: 01926 494351
The deputy designated safeguarding leads is Vanessa Bernardo
Contact details: 01926 494351
The Chair of director is Lynne Daniels
Contact details: 01926 494351
The designated safeguarding lead (DSL):
- Is appropriately trained with updates every two years.
- Encourages a culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings.
- Has a working knowledge of Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Board Procedures.
- Has an understanding of the Early Help process and would initiate if necessary.
- Keeps detailed records.
- Refers cases to Front Door
- Ensures parents are aware of pre-school’s role in keeping children safe.
- Acts as case officer in the management of allegations concerning members of staff.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead will perform all of the above in the absence of DSL.
The Chair of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the DSL role is effectively carried out and that all directors, regular volunteers and all staff have read and understood and follow the guidance within the Warwickshire Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
This policy is available to parents on request and a copy is held in the policy folder in pre-school.
This policy was reviewed by Westgate Pre-school Ltd and Directors, Dec 23
Signed on behalf of Westgate Pre-school Vanessa Bernardo………
Amy Dunne…………………..
Review Date Jan 2025
