Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm, it focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child, protecting children from abuse and maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s health and development, ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
The consequences of inadequately trained practitioners can be tremendous, with children’s security and well-being being in the firing line if mistakes are made. It is for this reason that Ofsted scrutinises all early years’ settings on their safeguarding policies, procedures, and training. Slip-ups in this area can lead to a setting dropping their grade and receiving an inadequate status.
Tops Day Nurseries recognises that all children have the right to grow up in an environment safe from harm and exploitation. We also recognise that children from all race, disability, religion, gender, sexuality, age, cultures, political or immigration status and social backgrounds may be subject to abuse. Whilst Tops recognises disabled children must receive the same level of protection from harm as other children, they are more vulnerable to abuse.
Tops recognise all children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We maintain a comprehensive health record for each child, which includes an up to date immunisation vaccination programme, details of illness, disability, allergies and sensitivities, accidents and incidents, provided that parents co-operate fully with communicating activities performed away from the day nursery. The child will remain welcome at Tops and the situation will be kept confidential on a need to know basis. All children are welcome at Tops.
All staff, learners and volunteers in a post prior to December 2012 would have completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS). With effect from the 1st December 2012, all staff appointed undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), health check and reference check under the recruitment and selection process of the company.
All staff are required to complete an assessment prior to employment to ensure that they are not disqualified by association. A waiver will be applied to Ofsted in the event that an applicant is disqualified and would not be allowed to start employment until this had been returned clear.
Staff are all offered training on Safe Guarding Children and we have a designated officer who is responsible for following up any allegations. The designated officer is usually the Manager who is closely supported by the Operations Team.
All organisations that work with or come into contact with children should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every child, regardless of their age, gender, religion or ethnicity, can be protected from harm.
If you would like to view a copy of our safeguarding policy, please contact your local nursery manager.
