**Ask me about Funded hours
As a registered Childminder I take seriously my responsibility to ensure the safety and promote the welfare of children in my care in line with the procedures laid out by the South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Board (STSCB). I have developed a structured procedure to be followed in the case of suspected abuse, which is regularly reviewed and updated.
I attended level 2 / 3 Safeguarding Training on 21st February 2024 and I receive regular updates on safeguarding issues via the Early Years and Childcare Services Digest and the STSCB website. I am aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse: physical, emotional and sexual, and those of neglect:
Physical Abuse - can involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, punching, kicking, scalding, burning, drowning and suffocating. It can also result when a parent or carer deliberately causes the ill health of a child in order to seek attention through fabricated or induced illness. Female genital mutilation is a form of physical abuse.
Emotional Abuse - is where a child’s need for love, security, recognition and praise is not met. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of someone else such as in the case of Domestic Abuse. A parent, carer or authority figure is considered emotionally abusive when they are consistently hostile, rejecting, threatening or undermining toward a child or other family member. It can also occur when children are prevented from having social contact with others or if inappropriate expectations are placed upon them. Symptoms that indicate emotional abuse may include:
· Excessively clingy or attention-seeking.
· Very low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism.
· Withdrawn behaviour or fearfulness.
· Lack of appropriate boundaries with strangers; too eager to please.
· Eating disorders or self-harm.
Sexual abuse and exploitation
Sexual abuse - involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This may include physical contact both penetrative and non-penetrative, or viewing pornographic material including through the use of the internet.
Indicators of sexual abuse include allegations or disclosures, genital /anal soreness, sexually transmitted infections, and inappropriate sexualized behaviour including words, play or drawing.
Child Sexual Exploitation - involves children receiving something (e.g. food, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) in exchange for sexual activity. This doesn’t always include physical contact and can occur via the use of technology.
Indicators (as well as the above) include unexplained gifts; substance misuse; and regular absence from school.
Neglect - is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs which can significantly harm their health and development. Neglect can include inadequate supervision (being left alone for long periods of time), lack of stimulation, social contact or education, lack of appropriate food, shelter, suitable clothing for weather conditions and medical attention and treatment when necessary.
Abuse can occur within the child’s home or something that a child has been subject to such as female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or abuse can take place within the community often referred to as contextual safeguarding and incorporates all forms of exploitation.
Technology -itself will not present the greatest risk, but the behaviours of individuals using such equipment will. The witnessing of abuse can have a damaging effect on those who are party to it, as well as the child/adult subjected to the actual abuse, and in itself will have a significant impact on the health and emotional well-being of the child. The Safeguarding Children and Protecting Professionals in Early Years Settings: Online Safety Considerations document identify the responsibilities for me with regard to online safety for the children
‘You play an essential role in helping young children learn the foundations of safe online behaviour. Even if children don’t have access to technology within your setting, they may be using it at home, with their friends or in other public spaces. Children are naturally curious to understand the world we live in; it is our responsibility to enable them to do so, including helping them to recognise the value of technology and use it safely. Role modelling safe use of the internet should become part of our everyday practice’. (2019)
I am aware that these abuse descriptors are not a definitive list although children’s poor behaviour may be a sign that they are suffering harm or that they have been traumatised by abuse, some children may present poor behaviour for reasons other than abuse.
Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities
All children have the right to be safe, yet research shows that disabled children are three times more likely to be abused. Several factors have been identified as to reasons why these children are more at risk (see bullet points) and as a childminder, I am aware of these and endeavour to protect all children.
· a general reluctance of people to believe that disabled children are abused
· limited opportunities to seek help from someone else
· a skills gap between disability and child protection workers
· inadequate teaching about personal safety skills e.g. NSPCC pants campaign
· issues relating to the child’s specific disability or special educational need, e.g. difficulties in communicating or an inability to understand what is happening
How I aim to keep the children in my care safe:
I update my safeguarding training as necessary.
I am alert to circumstances when a child and family may need access to early help
I take responsibility for ensuring the acceptable and safe use and storage of all camera technology, images, mobile devices (i.e. smart watches, tablets etc) and phones.
If a parent tells me that they are/have been suffering from Domestic Abuse I will provide them with information and phone numbers for support via the South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board
I ensure staff/volunteers are recruited safely and understand the Safeguarding Policy. (Include corresponding policies; for example; Recruitment and Induction Policy, Student Placement Policy).
A copy of What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused is kept with this policy and an additional copy is available for parents/carers to read if required. This sets out the guidelines for recording any incidents and disclosures and the procedures I must follow.
South Tyneside Multi-Agency Information is available for parents/carers
I have regard to the Fundamental British Values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, which are embedded in the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework. This is alongside my awareness of the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, and adhere to the Protecting Children from Radicalisation Prevent duty
If I have reason to believe that any child in my care needs protection in any way I will:
· I will notify my local child protection agency (LADO) and Ofsted of any serious accident, illness or injury to or death of, any child whilst in my care. Ofsted must be informed within 14 days.
If a child confides in me I will:
Show that I have understood what they are saying and that I take their allegations seriously.
Encourage the child to talk, without asking leading questions or interrupting when a child is recalling a significant event. I will use the tell Me, explain to me and describe to me types of questions.
Record the concern and the child’s comments in writing, in their own words as far as possible. The record will contain:
Ø The child’s name.
Ø The child’s date of birth.
Ø The date the record is made.
Ø A note of the child’s non-verbal behaviour.
Ø A body map, if appropriate, to record any visible injuries or marks.
Ø My name and signature.
Inform the child that I cannot promise not to share this information but that everything I do will be in the interest of their safety.
Seek advice from LADO if necessary, enquire.
Children are not left unsupervised with visitors, and I have a procedure in place for checking the identity of all visitors to my home whilst I have minded children in my care:
Ø I record all visitors to my home during Childminding hours with the time and nature of the visit. The record is signed by the visitor.
Ø If the visitor is unknown to me, I ask for proof of identification and, if appropriate, which organisation they work for. e.g. identity badge; driving licence. If I need further verification, I will contact the phone number of their organisation and ask to be put through to the visitor’s manager. I record that the ID has been checked.
Ø If I know the visitor, they must have a valid reason for visiting during Childminding hours.
I will take precautions to protect myself from allegations of abuse against myself; my
household members and staff (if applicable). I will aim to prevent this from happening
by:
· Ensuring all household members aged 16 and over have DBS.
· Ensuring all visitors to the house are recorded as above, and do not have unsupervised access to the children under any circumstances.
· Ensuring, where possible, that no workmen/women are in the house during
minded hours, unless it is to repair an emergency service or for health and
safety reasons.
· Documenting every accident and incident that occurs whilst children are in my
care, informing parents of such events and requesting them to sign my
records.
· Noting any noticeable marks on the children when they arrive and asking parents to inform me of any accidents that have occurred whilst outside my care.
· Ensuring the children are within sight and/or hearing at all times according to the child’s age & ability.
· Ensuring that any occasion where physical intervention is used to manage a child’s behaviour is recorded as an incident and parents are informed about it on the same day.
· Checking the behaviour of adults - for example, inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; and inappropriate sharing of images. Keeping Children Safe in Education provides advice on this:
However, if an allegation of serious harm or abuse is made against me as a Childminder or anyone living or working on the premises, I will then follow the procedure detailed below to gain support and professional advice:
Inform:
· The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately to discuss the nature of the allegation and the appropriate action to be taken: 01914246293
· Ofsted as soon as possible but within 14 days to advise them of the allegation: 0300 123 1231.
Contact:
· My Insurance Company.
· Relevant Legal Advice Line or Family Solicitor.
I will write a detailed record of all related incidents, including what was said and by
whom, with times and dates.
After seeking advice/approval from the LADO I will ask witnesses (if there were any) to also write a statement detailing the incident they witnessed and give their contact details in case it needs to be followed up by the authorities.
Use of Mobile Devices, Phones and Cameras
I understand that if I am processing personal information electronically for the provision of childcare – including taking photos of children in my care using a digital device I must register with Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
Mobile devices, phones and cameras
As a registered Childminder I recognise that it is important for me to be able to communicate with parents instantly. I understand that mobile phones are an everyday part of life for parents and childminders. Mobile phone technology has developed significantly to include internet access and wireless connections as well as camera, video and sound recording and sending and receiving messages. They are now an extremely effective method of communication, which can be an advantage regarding Safeguarding children. However, I understand that there is a need to balance the advantages with the potential for misuse, and intend to protect the children in my care with the following procedures:
To safeguard children, and myself I will refer to Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety guidance for practitioners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
I will ensure my mobile phone or other mobile devices are with me at all times in case of emergencies
I will seek your permission to take photographs on my mobile devices to record your child’s progress and share activities with you.
The photographs will be uploaded to the online system, and used for daily diaries and observations, the photographs will then be added to your own designated memory stick and stored in a locked cupboard which will become yours upon termination of the contract.
I will not publish any photographs of your child on any social networking sites or share with any other person without your permission
If your child has an electrical device that they wish to bring into the setting please let me know so that we can work together to ensure the safety of all children in my care
Visitors to my setting are not permitted to use their electronic devices whilst on my premises, except in exceptional circumstances, when the devices must be used away from the children.
I have registered with the Information Commissioner Office as a data controller in line with the GDPR
If you have any concerns regarding this policy, I will be happy to meet and discuss them with you.
Childminder’s signature: ________________________Date: __________
Review date: ____________________
Phone Numbers
For Immediate Referrals:
In the case of an Allegation:
LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) Angela Nolan - 0191 4246293
For Advice & Guidance:
South Tyneside Children & young people Team
0191 424 5010 (Monday to Thursday - 8.30am to 5pm, Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm)
0191 456 2093 (Outside of the above time)
For more information and advice free phone the NSPCC 0808 800 5000.
If a crime is taking place now:
Dial 101 to inform the police (or 999 if it is a serious crime / emergency)
Call 999 if you believe any other emergency service is needed
Early Years Locality Manager: Jo-Anne Pringle 01914246317
Early Help Hub Karen King 01914246463