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Policies and Safeguarding

Policies play a crucial role in my childminding business as they establish clear guidelines and standards, ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of the children I care for, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Adhering to these policies is essential for providing a high-quality childcare service. All my policies are available for you to review upon request, and I will provide key ones during our initial meeting to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.

 

As safeguarding is one of the most important policies, detailing the measures I take to protect children from harm and ensure their welfare at all times, I will outline my policy below:​​​

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Precious Angels Childcare Safeguarding Policy

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Purpose: To ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our care by adhering to the guidelines set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the

Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures.

 

Scope: This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors involved in our

childminding service.

 

Policy Statement: Our primary responsibility is to protect children from harm and ensure they feel safe and secure. We are committed to creating an environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

 

Legal Framework

 

This policy is based on:

 

  • The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.

  • Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures.

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004.

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (where applicable).

 

Roles and Responsibilities

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jayne Parker

 

  • The DSL is responsible for ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented effectively.

  • Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers must understand and comply with this safeguarding policy and attend regular training.

 

Safe Environment

 

Risk Assessment:

 

  • Conduct regular risk assessments of the premises, equipment, and activities to

  • identify and mitigate risks.

  • Maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

  • Health and Safety:

  • Follow health and safety procedures, including fire safety and emergency.

  • evacuation plans.

  • Ensure all staff are trained in paediatric first aid.

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Recognising and Reporting Abuse

 

Types of Abuse:

 

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Domestic Violence

  • Harmful Cultural Practices

 

Recognising Signs of Abuse:

 

  • Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, such as unexplained

  • injuries, changes in behaviour, and signs of malnutrition.

  • Reporting Procedures:

  • All concerns about a child’s welfare must be reported to the DSL immediately.

  • The DSL will follow the Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures for

  • reporting concerns to children’s social care.

  • Maintain confidentiality and only share information with relevant agencies.

 

 

Safe Recruitment

 

Recruitment Procedures:

 

  • Conduct thorough background checks, including DBS checks, for all staff and volunteers.

  • Obtain at least two references for new staff members.

 

Training and Development

 

Staff Training:

 

  • Provide mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.

  • Ensure ongoing professional development in safeguarding practices.

 

 

Partnership with Parents

 

Communication:

 

  • Maintain open communication with parents about their child’s well-being.

  • Provide information about our safeguarding policies and procedures.

  • Parental Involvement:

  • Encourage parents to be involved in their child’s care and development.

  • Seek parental feedback to improve our services.

 

Confidentiality

 

Information Sharing:

 

  • Share information on a need-to-know basis, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.

  • Follow guidelines for information sharing as per the Warrington Safeguarding

  • Partnership Procedures.

 

Allegations Against Staff

 

 

Reporting Allegations:

 

  • Any allegations against staff members must be reported to the DSL and handled.

  • according to the Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures.

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be informed, and appropriate.

  • actions will be taken.

 

Monitoring and Review

 

Policy Review:

 

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or when there are significant changes in

  • legislation or safeguarding procedures.

  • Regularly update staff and parents on any changes to the policy.

 

 

Contact Information:

 

  • Warrington Safeguarding Partnership:

Email: safeguardingpartnerships@warrington.gov.uk Telephone: 01925 443126

 

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):

Email LADO@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 442079.

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