Nannies and safeguarding procedures

[NannyR]

I'm having an OFSTED inspection next week so I've been brushing up on some of the things they might ask.

When looking at safeguarding and child protection, what procedures should a nanny follow if they are worried about a child in their care? From what I've read online, you are supposed to raise your concerns with your line manager or designated child protection lead, then together refer to social services, but this approach doesn't work for nannies (or childminders) as you are working on your own.

If I noticed significant behavioural changes, or inappropriate behaviour that made me concerned or evidence of physical abuse - do I discuss with parents first or go straight to social services or discuss with the childs teacher or health visitor?

The child's welfare should be the most important thing so therefore going straight to social services would be the logical thing and would be my instinctive reaction, but do you completely bypass the parents in the process, or do you ask them about how suspect injuries have occurred, or raise your concerns about behaviour changes with them first, then go to social services if you're not satisfied with their explanations?

Thankfully I've never had to deal with this and hopefully never will, but I need to know the correct way to go about this "just in case".
Is there any training available that is appropriate for nannies? Should I have some sort of written child protection policy?

Procedure will vary slightly between local authorities, so check out your local authority guidance. There will often be either a central number to which safeguarding referrals are made, or a regional one (for example Surrey has recently split into 4 areas).

Is there any training available that is appropriate for nannies?
Your local authority may provide a course, it is often multi-agency so not relevant to any particular line of work. You may find they do one aimed at those who work with children, rather than adults, but probably not one for nannies - will be more likely one for childminders/nursery workers.

Should I have some sort of written child protection policy?
Some Ofsted inspectors seem to be requesting it, others not. So may be wise to create something.

BromleyCMA Policies & Procedures - may be useful as a starting point. Any thing you create will need to be custom for your location as whom to contact/refer will be unique to your area.
Have a look on local nursery websites - some may have a Safeguarding Children policy online, which may help give more local info.
Your local authority may provide an example, have a look on their website, in the Early Years Providers section.

A useful leaflet if working with babies (even if you are not in Surrey) is:
Bruising in Children who are not Independently Mobile (pdf)
Your local authority may have produced something similar. It is one of the latest things that has been raised following case reviews. You and parents need to be aware that bruising on babies is taken very seriously.

You may find the "What to Do If You'r Worried a Child is Being Abused" document from Government worth reading. It is quite long, 74 pages. Download from Gov.uk (pdf)
There is a 20 page Summary (pdf)

If you notice signs of abuse, or a child discloses information to you, then you need to consider if talking to the parents would put that child at a greater risk of harm.

The child may have told you about an aunt, uncle, someone at school, it could be anyone.

You would usually contact parents:

• discuss concerns to gain their view of events
• inform parents when a record is made of concerns and tell them that a note of any discussion with them regarding a concern is also made.
• if a suspicion of abuse warrants referral, parents are informed at the same time that the referral is made, except where guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board does not allow this. For example, where it is believed that the child may be placed in greater danger. This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser.

Body Maps can be handy, print a couple off.
Here is a Body Map suitable for recording injuries on children (pdf)

Thanks Nick, that's all very helpful, especially the bruising in babies leaflet.

I've just been looking at the NSPCC website and that has lots of useful info and leaflets.

I've read my local authorities "safeguarding children" information, but it seems to aimed at people working in settings with lots of people.

I think as far as the inspection goes, I can demonstrate that I could identify behaviours which may indicate abuse and I know the correct departments and phone numbers to report concerns to, I should be ok.

Recent message thread about Nanny Inspection may be useful. A nanny who was inspected last month said "She expected a written Safeguarding and complaints policy".

Requirements for Childcare Register - Childminders and Home Childcarers - Ofsted document.

Some inspectors seem to be confused,
CR2.1 "Childminders must keep and implement a written
statement of procedures to be followed for the protection
of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared
for from abuse or neglect." clearly states CHILDMINDERS.
CR7.1 "Childminders must have a written statement of procedures
to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the
requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent
makes in writing or by email." clearly states CHILDMINDERS.

So you don't need those written policies/procedures but it does no harm to have them, especially as some inspectors seem to think nannies should have them.

CR9.3 - Ofsted's address/contact. Make sure you know their current details as they did move a few years ago. 0300 123 4666

Looking at inspection reports published over the past week the following Actions have been given to people:

improve familiarity with issues of child protection and
procedures for the protection of children, to safeguard them
from abuse or neglect

complete a qualification to a minimum of level 2 in an area of
work relevant to childcare or complete training in the core skills
as set out in the document 'common core of skills and
knowledge for the children's workforce'.

complete an appropriate first aid qualification. (voluntary part
of the Childcare Register)

ensure a current paediatric first aid certificate is in place at all
times

inform Ofsted of changes to the address of the premises where
child care is provided.

One of them had:
keep and implement a written statement of safeguarding
procedures to be followed for the protection of children
(voluntary part of the Childcare Register)

I am asking Ofsted for confirmation about that report as it is not what their guide to registration says.

I

If you've still not been inspected then you might find the BAPN guide useful. A written policy is not required - this has been successfully challenged by nannies in the past after some overzealous inspectors didn't read the requirements properly.

When PACEY were the NCMA they had a free safeguarding guide which covered nannies briefly, but really OFSTED expect you to act as a childminder would.

when my CM spotted an unusual bruise she went straight to SS, i felt she did the correct thing.