safeguarding

Emma Durrant - One of of OFSTED’s approved childminders and an NCMA Children Come First Network member. Based in Benfleet.

If your child has any food allergies and requires a modified diet, you must notify me of the situation in writing. Please also provide a Doctor’s written instruction describing any foods your child is not permitted to eat. Whenever possible, an appropriate alternative should be suggested or provided.

back to policies

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED AND IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT CHILDREN

In accordance with the guidelines laid down by Southend, Essex and Thurrock Councils in the SET Child Protection Handbook and under Section 3 of the welfare requirements “safeguarding and promoting childrens’ welfare” as required by Section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006, I have to inform parents of my responsibilities to the children in my care.

As a childcare professional I have a duty to report any concerns I have about a child in my care if I have reasonable cause to suspect that they are suffering, or are likely to suffer significant harm.

To avoid any unnecessary suspicion, any injuries that a child sustains outside of my care must be entered into the accident book, together with a brief explanation of how the injury occurred. The parent is required to sign the accident book.

Any accident that may occur while the child is in my care must also be entered in the accident book, together with a clear explanation of how the accident occurred. The parent must sign this entry to show that you have been informed.

If I have suspicions that a child in my care has been or may be harmed through neglect, physical or mental maltreatment, I will:

• Initially approach the parent(s)/carer(s)

• If there is a satisfactory explanation for the circumstances that have given rise to my concerns, no further action will be taken.

• If the parent(s)/carer(s) acknowledge that there may be a need for family support, we will work in partnership together and a referral will be made with parental consent to Children Social Care Services in the best interests of the children involved.

• If the explanation provided by the parent(s)/carer(s) is unsatisfactory or gives rise to any further suspicion, there will be no hesitation in me contacting the Children Social Care Services and reporting my concerns without seeking parental permission.

There are certain criteria laid down which dictate circumstances where the parent(s)/carer(s) should not be approached prior to a referral to Children’s Social Care Services being made:

• If approaching the parent(s)/carer(s) may place either the child at risk of significant harm

• If approaching the parent(s)/carer(s) may place me or a member or my family at risk

• If approaching the parent(s)/carer(s) may lead to a risk of loss of evidential material

Essex Children Social Care Services: 0845 603 7627

Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (urgent cases): 0845 306 7634

Out of Office Hours Emergency Duty Service (Social Care): 0845 606 1212

Essex Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 0126 877 1919

If you have any questions at all about this policy, please ask as I am required by law to ask you to sign a form stating that you have read and understood the Safeguarding Children Policy.