Safeguarding Policy.

 

Policy Statement:

As a registered childminder my first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it to First Contact, following the all wales child protection procedures.

 

 

 

Procedure:

 

I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, bulling or neglect and what to do if I have a concern.

 

 I have copies of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Every six months I check that I have the latest version of the relevant procedures (or any documents that may replace them in the future).

 

Children will only be released from my care to the parent/carer or to someone named and authorised by them. A password might be used to confirm identity if the person collecting the child is not previously known to me.

 

Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which I will record and ask parents to sign.

 

Unless I believe that it would put the child at risk of further harm, I will discuss concerns with a child’s parent if I notice:

 

·         Significant changes in a child’s behaviour 

·          Bruising or marks not consistent with a reported accident 

·          Any comments made by a child which give me cause for concern

·          Signs of neglect.

 

If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:

 

• Show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously.

 • Encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account.

 • Explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child.

• Record what I have been told using exact words where possible.

• Make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion.

 

I will call the local social services’ duty desk for advice and an assessment of the situation.

 

If an allegation is made against me, any member of my family or any other adult or child in my setting I will report it to Care Inspectorate Wales and social services, following the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

 

In all instances I will record:

 

• the child’s full name and address

 • the date and time of the record

 • factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present

• details of any previous concerns

• details of any explanations from the parents

 • any action taken such as speaking to parents.

 

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Local Social Services duty desk - 01492  575111

Emergency duty team (out of hours)   - 01492 515777

Local police station   0845 607 1001

CIW - 01597 829319

PACEY Cardiff - 0845 880 1299

NSPCC child protection helpline - 0808 800 5000