Safety Features at Tops: How We Keep Children Safe Every Day

When choosing a nursery, safety is always a top priority. At Tops, safeguarding is built into everything we do, from our environments and daily routines to our digital systems and staff training. We go beyond basic requirements to create a secure, nurturing space where children can learn, play, and thrive with confidence.

Here’s a closer look at the comprehensive safety features in place across our nurseries.

Supervision & Environment Safety

Creating a safe physical environment is the foundation of high-quality childcare. At Tops, we’ve carefully designed our spaces and routines to ensure children are always supervised and protected.

Safety mirrors in playrooms and corridors

We position mirrors strategically to eliminate blind spots. This means colleagues can always see and hear children, supporting constant supervision in line with EYFS and safeguarding expectations.

Structured headcounts throughout the day

Regular headcounts take place at key times, such as transitions between activities and outdoor play. This ensures every child is accounted for at all times, significantly reducing the risk of anyone becoming unaccounted for.

Secure entry systems & controlled access

All entry points are monitored, and we follow strict visitor procedures. This prevents unauthorised access and ensures children remain safe within the nursery environment at all times.

Digital & Online Safety

In today’s world, safeguarding extends beyond the physical environment. At Tops, we take digital safety seriously to protect children both online and offline.

No personal mobile phone or smart device use in playrooms

Colleagues, parents, and visitors are not permitted to use personal devices around children. This prevents unauthorised photos or videos and ensures colleagues remain fully focused on the children in their care.

Secure ICT systems & restricted internet access

We use web filters to block inappropriate content, allowing access only to approved apps and websites. This protects children from harmful or unsuitable online material.

Weekly device checks by safeguarding leads

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) carry out regular checks on tablets and systems. This ensures ongoing compliance and helps identify any potential risks early.

Sleep Safety

Sleep time is carefully managed to ensure babies and young children are safe, comfortable, and well-monitored.

Safer sleep practices

Babies are always placed on their backs in a clear, uncluttered sleep space, with their own individual bedding. This reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related incidents.

Regular sleep checks (at least every 10 minutes)

While children sleep, colleagues carry out thorough three-point checks:

• Visual checks: Monitoring breathing, colour, and position
• Physical checks: Gently checking temperature and comfort
• Hearing checks: Listening for breathing and any signs of distress

These checks ensure children are continuously monitored—not just observed—so any changes can be quickly identified and responded to.

Intimate Care & Personal Safety

We understand the importance of balancing dignity with safeguarding. Our care routines are designed to protect both children and colleagues.

Observed but respectful care routines

Intimate care is carried out respectfully, with appropriate oversight within the room. This approach protects children’s dignity while maintaining strong safeguarding practices.

Detailed care recording systems

All care routines, such as nappy changes and accidents, are carefully logged and monitored. This provides transparency for parents and helps identify any patterns or concerns early.

Existing injury recording procedures

Any injuries are recorded, and where appropriate, photographed and reviewed by safeguarding leads. This helps identify patterns and ensures children are protected from harm.

Safeguarding reporting systems & chronologies

All concerns are documented, tracked, and reviewed. This ensures early intervention and clear accountability across the nursery.

Privacy & Data Protection

Protecting children’s personal information is just as important as their physical safety.

Strict photography permissions

Parents have full control over how images of their child are used. This ensures transparency and respects each family’s preferences.

No naming children on social media

Children are never publicly identified online. This protects their identity and reduces safeguarding risks.

Secure data systems (EyLog & EyMan)

We use encrypted, password-protected systems with restricted access. This ensures children’s personal information remains safe and confidential at all times.

Staff Training & Safeguarding Culture

A strong safeguarding culture starts with well-trained, vigilant colleagues. At Tops, we invest heavily in training and recruitment to maintain the highest standards.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in every nursery

Each nursery has trained safeguarding experts available daily. This ensures any concerns are acted on quickly and professionally.

Robust recruitment & DBS checks

All colleagues working with children undergo enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough suitability assessments. This ensures children are cared for by safe, vetted adults, giving parents peace of mind.

Ongoing safeguarding training for all colleagues

Safeguarding training is continuous, with regular updates, meetings, and supervision. This keeps knowledge current and ensures best practices are embedded in everyday routines.

A Safe, Supportive Environment for Every Child

At Tops, safety isn’t just a policy, it’s part of our culture. Every procedure, environment design choice, and colleague action is focused on creating a secure, supportive space where children can grow with confidence.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach to safeguarding or visit one of our nurseries, feel free to get in touch—we’d love to show you how we keep children safe every day.