Child Protection

 

Definitions of abuse

Physical: this involves hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, suffocating or other physical harm. Deliberately causing a child’s ill health also constitutes physical abuse.

Sexual: this involves forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. Showing children pornographic materials, sexual activities or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways also constitutes sexual abuse.

Emotional abuse: this is present in virtually all child protection incidents but can also constitute abuse in its own right. It involves persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or torture causing, or anything that causes severe adverse effects on the emotional stability of a child. Emotional abuse also deeply affects children who witness or hear domestic abuse.

Neglect: is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical i.e., lack of food or clothing, emotional or psychological needs, so to have a severe impact on their health, development, or emotional stability.

 

Statement of intent

 Little Owls want to work with children, parents, and the community to ensure the safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Our aims are to protect children, families and staff from neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying including online bullying and prejudice-based bullying, racist disability and homophobic abuse, gender-based violence/violence against women and girls, radicalisation and/or extremist behaviour, child sexual exploitation and trafficking, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, fabricated or induced illness.

• Our named and designated lead persons who co-ordinates child protection issues are Joanne Whiteley, Kayley Grice (North Site), Emma Mansfield, Kayleigh Carolan (South Site) Wendy Johnson, Rebecca Holtby (West Site) the designated officers ensure they have relevant links with statutory and voluntary organisations regarding safeguarding, the designated lead persons receive Safeguarding training every two years and their knowledge & skills are refreshed annually. There are several other DSL that can be contacted across all 3 sights: Sharon Holtby, Clare Grice, Gemma Leitch, Erika Wilkins, Katie Lappin.    
• All staff have an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues, are alert to potential indicators and signs of abuse and neglect and understand their professional duty to ensure safeguarding and child protection concerns are reported to the local authority children’s social care team single point of contact on 01724 296500 or Ofsted 0300 123 1231.
• All staff receive updates on safeguarding at least annually.
• All staff are confident to ask questions in relation to any safeguarding concerns and know not to just take things at face value but can be respectfully sceptical.
• All staff understand the principles of early help (as defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2015) and can identify those children and families who may be in need of early help and enable them to access it.
• All staff understand LSCB thresholds of significant harm and understand how to access services for families, including for those families who are below the threshold for significant harm.
• All staff understand their responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations and the circumstances under which they may share information about you and your child with other agencies.
• All staff understand how to escalate their concerns if they feel either the local authority and/or Little Owls has not acted adequately to safeguard.
• All staff understand what the organisation expects of them in terms of their required behaviour and conduct and follow our policies and procedures.
• All staff are vigilant to check the children who are enter the setting have no bruises, injuries before they are left in our care if a child does come in with any pre-existing injury’s a form must be filled in and an explanation given. Little Owls will report more than 3 pre-existing injury forms in one half term to the LSCB.
• Children have a key person to build a relationship with, and are supported to articulate any worries, concerns or complaints that they may have in an age-appropriate way.
• All staff understand our policy on Promoting Positive Behaviour and follow it in relation to children showing aggression towards other children.
• Adequate and appropriate staffing resources are provided to meet the needs of children as set out by Ofsted.
• Applicants for posts within the setting are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• DBS and barred lists checks and other suitability checks are carried out for staff and volunteers prior to their post being confirmed, to ensure that no disqualified person or unsuitable person works at the setting or has access to the children. See Little Owls Recruitment Policy
• Where applications are rejected based on information disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information.
• Enhanced criminal records and DBS checks are carried out on anyone living or working on the premises.
• Volunteers must:

-            be aged 17 or over.

-            be considered competent and responsible.

-            receive a robust induction and regular supervisory meetings.

-            be familiar with all the settings policies and procedures.

-            be fully checked for suitability and will have no unsupervised access to the children at any time.

• Information is recorded about staff qualifications, and the identity checks and vetting processes that have been completed including:

-            the DBS reference number.

-            certificate of good conduct or equivalent where a UK DBS check is not appropriate.

-            the date the disclosure was obtained; and

-            details of who obtained it.

• All staff and volunteers are informed that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders or reprimands and warnings which may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment with us)
• Little Owls notify the Disclosure and Barring Service of any person who is dismissed from our employment or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of a child protection concern.
•  Procedures are in place to record the details of visitors to the setting, please see
  • Little Owls Strangers and Intruders Policy
  • Little Owls Arrivals and Departures Policy  
• Security steps are taken to ensure that we have control over who comes into the setting so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children.
• Steps are taken to ensure children are not photographed or filmed on video for any other purpose than to record their development or their participation in events organised by us. Parents sign a consent form and have access to records holding visual images of their child, please see 
  • Little Owls Camera and recording device use policy.
• In line with the revised EYFS the following policies and procedures are part of our safeguarding policy, please see
  • Little Owls Mobile phone and social networking policy
  • Little Owls Camera and recording device use policy.
  • Little Owls Whistleblowing Policy
  • Prevent Duty
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Sexual Exploitation 
• Any personal information is held securely and in line with the GDPR requirements and guidance from the ICO. http://wwww.ico.org.uk

Little Owls are committed to responding promptly and appropriately to all incidents, allegations or concerns of abuse that may occur and to work with statutory agencies in accordance with the procedures that are set down in 'What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused' (HMG, 2015) and the Care Act 2014.

Concerns about a child

Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children’s play gives cause for concern, the Nursery follows the LSCB guidelines in recording those concerns. When children are suffering from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or experiencing neglect, this may be demonstrated through:

• significant changes in their behaviour.
• deterioration in their general well-being.
• their comments which may give cause for concern, or the things they say (direct or indirect disclosure); changes in their appearance, their behaviour, or their play.
• unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect; and
• any reason to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting.

We are aware of the ‘hidden harm’ agenda concerning parents with drug and alcohol problems and consider other factors affecting parental capacity and risk, such as social exclusion, domestic violence, radicalisation, mental or physical illness and parent’s learning disability.

We are aware that children’s vulnerability is potentially increased when they are privately fostered and when we know that a child is being cared for under a private fostering arrangement, we inform our local authority children’s social care team.

We are prepared to act if we have concerns about the welfare of a child who fails to arrive at a session when expected. The designated person will take immediate action to contact the child’s parent to seek an explanation for the child’s absence and be assured that the child is safe and well. If no contact is made with the child’s parents and the designated person has reason to believe that the child is at risk of significant harm, the relevant professionals are contacted immediately and LSCB procedures are followed. If the child has current involvement with social care the social worker is notified on the day of the unexplained absence.

Where such changes in behaviour occur, or where children’s play gives cause for concern, the Nursery follows the LSCB guidelines in recording those concerns.

• Educational needs and/or disabilities; fabricated or induced illness; child abuse linked to beliefs in spirit possession; sexual exploitation of children, including through internet abuse; Female Genital Mutilation and radicalisation or extremism.
• In relation to radicalisation and extremism, Little Owls follow the Prevent Duty guidance for England and Wales published by the Home Office and LSCB procedures on responding to radicalisation.
• The designated person completes online Channel training, online Prevent training where available to ensure they are familiar with the local protocol and procedures for responding to concerns about radicalisation.
• Little Owls are aware of the mandatory duty that applies to teachers, including early year’s practitioners, and health workers to report cases of Female Genital Mutilation/Breast Ironing to the police.
• We also make ourselves aware that some children and young people are affected by gang activity, by complex, multiple or organised abuse, through forced marriage or honour-based violence or may be victims of child trafficking. While this may be less likely to affect young children in our care, we may become aware of any of these factors affecting older children and young people who we may come into contact with.
• Where we believe that a child in our care or that is known to us may be affected by any of these factors, we follow the procedures below for reporting child protection concerns and follow the LSCB procedures.
• In the event that a staff member or volunteer is unhappy with the decision made of the designated person in relation to whether to make a safeguarding referral they must follow escalation procedures.
• We refer concerns to the local authority children’s social care team and co-operate fully in any subsequent investigation. NB In some cases this may mean the police, or another agency identified by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
• We take account of the need to protect young people aged 16-19 as defined by the Children Act 1989. This may include students or school children on work placement, young employees or young parents. Where abuse is suspected we/follow the procedure for reporting any other child protection concerns. The views of the young person will always be considered, but the setting may override the young person’s refusal to consent to share information if it feels that it is necessary to prevent a crime from being committed or intervene where one may have been, or to prevent harm to a child or adult. Sharing confidential information without consent is done only where not sharing it could be worse than the outcome of having shared it.
• All staff are also aware that adults can also be vulnerable and know how to refer adults who are in need of community care services.
• We have a whistleblowing policy in place, please see
  • Little Owls Whistleblowing Policy
• We have a duty to create and implement strategies in the nursery to prevent and address all discriminatory behaviour, please see
  • Little Owls Dealing with Discriminatory Behaviour   

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

Where a child makes comments to a member of staff that give cause for concern (disclosure), or a member of staff observes signs or signals that give cause for concern, such as significant changes in behaviour; deterioration in general well-being; unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect; that member of staff:

• Offer Reassurance to the child.
•  Listens to the child.
•  Gives reassurance that he or she will act.
• The member of staff does not question the child.
• Does not question the child, although it is okay to ask questions for the purposes of clarification.
• Makes a written record that forms an objective record of the observation or disclosure that includes: the date and time of the observation or the disclosure; the exact words spoken by the child as far as possible; the name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with the date and time; and the names of any other person present at the time. These records are signed and dated and kept in the child's personal file, which is kept securely and confidentially.
• The member of staff acting as the designated person is informed of the issue at the earliest opportunity, and within one working day.
• Where the Local Safeguarding Children Board stipulates the process for recording and sharing concerns, we include those procedures alongside this procedure and follow the steps set down by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. 

Escalation process

• If we feel that a referral made has not been dealt with properly or that concerns are not being addressed or responded to, we will follow the LSCB escalation process.
• We will ensure that staff are aware of how to escalate concerns.

Informing parents

• Parents are normally the first point of contact. Concerns are discussed with parents to gain their view of events, unless it is felt that this may put the child at risk or interfere with the course of a police investigation. Advice will be sought from social care if necessary.
• Parents are informed when we make a record of concerns in their child’s file and that we also make a note of any discussion we have with them regarding a concern.
• If a suspicion of abuse warrants referral to social care, parents are informed while the referral will be made, except where the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board does not allow this, for example, where it is believed that the child may be placed at risk.
• This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser.
• If there is a possibility that advising a parent beforehand may place a child at greater risk (or interfere with a police response) the designated person should seek advice from children’s social care, about whether to advice parents beforehand, and should record and follow the advice given.

Liaison with other agencies

• Little Owls work within the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines.
• We have procedures for contacting the local authority regarding child protection issues, including maintaining a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of social workers, to ensure that it is easy, in any emergency, for the setting and children's social care to work well together.
• We notify Ofsted of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which may affect the well-being of children or where an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff (whether the allegations relate to harm or abuse committed on our premises or elsewhere). Notifications to Ofsted are made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegations being made.

Allegations against staff

• Little Owls ensure that all parents know how to complain about the behaviour or actions of staff or volunteers within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, which may include an allegation of abuse.
• We respond to any inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff, volunteer or any other person living or working on the premises, which includes: 
  • inappropriate sexual comments.
  • excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities, or inappropriate sharing of images.
• We follow the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board when responding to any complaint that a member of staff or volunteer within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, has abused a child.
• Little Owls ensure that all staff and volunteers know how to raise concerns about a member of staff or volunteer within the setting. We respond to any concerns raised by staff and volunteers who know how to escalate their concerns if they are not satisfied with our response.
• We respond to any disclosure by children or staff that abuse by a member of staff or volunteer within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, may have taken, or is taking place, by first recording the details of any such alleged incident. 

Disciplinary action

Where a member of staff or volunteer has been dismissed due to engaging in activities that caused concern for the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults, Little Owls will notify the Disclosure and Barring Service of relevant information, so that individuals who pose a threat to children and vulnerable groups can be identified and barred from working with these groups.

The member of staff against whom an allegation has been made should always be:

• Treated fairly and honestly and helped to understand the concerns and the process involved.
• Kept informed of the progress and outcome of any investigation and the implications for themselves, e.g., disciplinary or related processes.
• Kept informed about events in the workplace if they have been suspended Suspension does not need to be automatic.
• The individual returns to work following suspension, the employer should consider what help and support might be appropriate and how best to manage the staff members contact with the child concerned if they are still attending the setting. 

We are committed to promoting awareness of child abuse issues throughout our training and learning programmes for adults. We are also committed to empowering children through our early childhood curriculum, promoting their right to be strong, resilient, and listened to. 

Training

• Training opportunities are sought for all adults involved in the setting to ensure that they can recognise the signs and signals of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse (including child sexual exploitation) and neglect and that they are aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals.
• Designated persons receive appropriate training, as recommended by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, every two years and refresh their knowledge and skills at least annually.
• We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording any concerns they may have about the provision.
• We ensure that all staff receive updates on safeguarding via emails, newsletters, online training and/or discussion at staff meetings at least once a year.

Planning

• The layout of the rooms allows for constant supervision. For group provision: no child is left alone with staff or volunteers in a one-to-one situation without being within sight and/or hearing of other staff or volunteers.
• No child will be left alone or with another child without supervision to safeguard the children and minimise the risk of peer-on-peer abuse please see
  • Little Owls Peer on Peer Abuse Policy
• Staff ratios are correct every day and will be checked by management.

Curriculum

• We introduce key elements of keeping children safe into our programme to promote the personal, social, and emotional development of all children, so that they may grow to be strong, resilient and listened to and so that they develop an understanding of why and how to keep safe.
• We create within the setting a culture of value and respect for individuals, having positive regard for children's heritage arising from their colour, ethnicity, languages spoken at home, cultural and social background.
• We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is developmentally appropriate for the children.

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 Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Support to families

• We believe in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff, and volunteers.
• We make clear to parents our role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, such as for the reporting of concerns, information sharing, monitoring of the child, and always liaising with the local children’s social care team.
• We will continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to any alleged abuse.
• We follow the Child Protection Plan as set by the child’s social worker in relation to the setting's designated role and tasks in supporting that child and their family, subsequent to any investigation.
• Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child in accordance with the Confidentiality and Client Access to Records procedure, and only if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

 

Legal framework

 

Primary legislation

• Children Act (1989 s47)
• Protection of Children Act (1999)
• The Children Act (2004 s11)
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
• Childcare Act (2006)

Secondary legislation

• Sexual Offences Act (2003)
• Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000)
• Equality Act (2010)
• General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) (2018)
• Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations (2009)
• Children and Families Act (2014)
• Care Act (2014)
• Serious Crime Act (2015)
• Counterterrorism and Security Act (2015)

 

CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD TELEPHONE CONTACT NUMBERS

REFERRALS RE A CHILD IN THE SETTING

• SINGLE DUTY TEAM – 01724 296500
• DUTY TEAM OUT OF HOURS – 01724 296555
• POLICE 999 (EMERGENCY) 101 (NON-EMERGENCY)
• OFSTED - 0300 123 1231
• LADO – 01724 298293

 

 FOR ALLERGATIONS AGAINST A STAFF IN THE SETTING

• SINGLE DUTY TEAM – 01724 296500
• OFSTED 0300 123 1231
•  EARLY YEARS BEST START TEAM – 01724 297953
•  LADO – 01724 298293

       Referral Management Team

       Church Square House

       Church Square

       Scunthorpe

       DN15 6NL

 

       General Enquiries

       LSCB

      Hewson House

      Station Road

      Brigg

      DN20 8XB

      Email: LSCB@northlincs.gov.uk

 

Further guidance

 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG, 2015)
• What to do if you’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG, 2015)
• Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH 2000)
• The Common Assessment Framework for Children and Young People: A Guide for Practitioners (CWDC 2010)
• Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (HMG 2008)
• Hidden Harm – Responding to the Needs of Children of Problem Drug Users (ACMD, 2003)
• Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners providing Safeguarding Services (DfE 2015)
• Disclosure and Barring Service: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
• Revised Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (HMG, 2015)
• Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings, (Ofsted, 2016)

Other useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications

• Safeguarding Children (2013)
• Safeguarding through Effective Supervision (2013)
•  The New Early Years Employee Handbook (2016)
•  People Management in the Early Years (2016)

 

This policy was adopted by Clare Grice on 19/12/2024 and is due to be reviewed on 19/12/2025