Safeguarding Policy

Designated safeguarding lead

Registered providers, except childminders must have a designated person to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children. Childminders must take the lead responsibility themselves. 

The lead practitioner is responsible for liaising with local statutory children's services agencies, and with the Cheshire East Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (CESCP). They must provide support, advice and guidance to any other staff on an on going basis and on any specific safeguarding issues as required. 

The lead practitioner must attend a child protection training course (taking account of any advice from the  CESCP or the Local Authority on appropriate training courses) so they can identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse.

Safer recruitment practices

All Owners and Managers have a duty to ensure the safe recruitment of staff. This includes a rigorous process for appointing staff, taking up references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and providing induction, supervision and appraisal for all team members.

Information about Disclosure and Barring Service checks can be found on the DBS website.

Guidance on Safe Recruitment  should also be taken into account when appointing new staff. For further information about Safer Recruitment visit the Safer Recruitment Consortium website. Safer Recruitment training can be booked on through the training hub.

Allegations against adults who work with children and young people

If an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff, Owner or Manager of a setting then the Local Authority  Designated Officer ( LADO) should be notified immediately on 01606 288931. Ofsted must also be informed about the allegation.

Domestic abuse

Some very young children live in households where there is domestic abuse. Any practitioner who has concerns about the immediate safety of a child must contact the Children's Assessment Team.

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership can support and advise parents/carers/practitioners who are victims of domestic abuse. 

It is good practice for all settings to have leaflets and posters clearly visible to advise staff and parents on where support can be obtained.

Resources when working with children

• Monkey Bob - keeping yourself safe booklet (PDF, 2.5MB)

Internet safety

Owners and managers must adopt clear policies and procedures which ensure that staff and parents are aware of the importance of the safe use of the internet and social networking sites.

Practitioners and parents also need to guide children about the safe use of the Internet. 

Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations is a guidance to help those who work in early years settings consider their practice and to take steps to safeguard both children and adults online.