The safety and welfare of children in my care is extremely important to me.  I will follow guidelines and legislation as laid out by both my Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and Ofsted. 

I will always adhere to the adult:child ratios laid out by Ofsted. I will ensure that all toys and equipment available conform to the minimum safety and suitability guidelines laid out in legislation. I will maintain a public liability insurance policy and display the certificate prominently.

I have completed local authority approved safeguarding training, and will participate in regular safeguarding training. I have been trained in recognizing signs and symptoms of all forms of abuse; sexual, physical, emotional and neglect.  I have also received training in how to recognize and deal with bullying.

If I have any reason to suspect that a child in my care is being abused, in any way, I will need to report this to my LSCB.  In these circumstances, I may need to share confidential information relating to that child with LSCB, Ofsted and/or the police.  I will keep records of any incidents (including bruises and marks) that take place in or away from my setting that I feel may be relevant.  If a child in my care makes a disclosure to me, I will make a note of the facts and pass them on to the relevant authorities. I will keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular courses and reading relevant publications.

I will inform Ofsted immediately of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living in, working at, or looking after children at my premises (whether that allegation relates to harm or abuse committed in the setting or away from the setting), or any other abuse which is alleged to have taken place on the premises, and of the action taken to deal with these allegations. 

I will ensure that any adults who regularly care for children in the setting are subject to an enhanced DBS check. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.  Should any allegations be made against myself, or any member of my household/family, I will report this to Ofsted and the L.A.D.O.  I will inform Ofsted within 14 days of what action has been taken in regard of any allegations.

I will keep full, accurate and factual records of what has happened, what has been said, and by whom, with dates and times.  I would also ask any witnesses for statements and contact details.  I will conform to any recommendations Ofsted make regarding safeguarding.  I will adhere to all guidelines set out in the Statutory Framework “Early Years Foundation Stage” (2025) government document.

It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate any situation.

Any photography or video images taken in my setting will be considered confidential and be stored securely unless otherwise agreed by written consent.  Parents are welcome to view any images of their child at any time, providing it does not cause conflicts regarding confidentiality. The most common use of photography or video recording will be for the purposes of sharing information with parents.

Mobile phones may be used in my setting by myself, my staff or by other children.  Myself and my staff may check emails, take photographs or make telephone calls relating to the minded children, the setting, and use apps related to the setting e.g. tapestry.  All children bringing camera phones into the setting will be asked place them in a secure location until they leave, they will not be permitted to use them for any purpose other than making essential contact. If other adults wish to use a mobile phone or camera on the premises, they will be asked to do so in an area that is completely isolated from any children.

Children will only be released to known legal guardians, unless written consent has been given in advance.  A password system is used, if and when necessary. I take measures to ensure that I have control over who comes into our home so that no unauthorized person has unsupervised access to the children. No adult visitor will have unsupervised access to children unless I have confirmed they are a suitable person, or written permission has been received by the child’s legal guardians.

I will keep accurate and up to date confidential records for each child in my care.

No adult will be allowed on the premises whilst minded children are present unless they have a purpose for being there, for example; they are collecting/dropping off a child; attending an appointment to discuss their child; or they are an OFSTED inspector.