Do you think this Safeguardig Children Policy looks ok?

[geraldinetheluckygoat]

Sorry for the really boring question, just updating policies, I am not sure if this is too vague, what does anyone that can be bothered to read it think??????

As a Registered Childminder, I have a responsibility to safeguard all of the children within my care and to take appropriate action should I have any concerns regarding the safety of any of the children in my care. These could be concerns relating to the possibility of emotional, sexual or physical abuse or neglect.

I have a professional responsibility to share any concerns that I may have, even if I have some doubts that a child might be being harmed. This responsibility is key to providing a service which aims to protect all children and to support them in their right to live safely within their family and wider community.

Should I have any concerns regarding the safety of any of the children in my setting, I will take the following action:
? I will make a written log of the details surrounding any concerns I have.
? If appropriate, I will discuss the concerns with the parent, unless I deem this as potentially putting the child or myself at risk of harm.
? I will seek further advice from my local NCMA Development Officer.
? If appropriate, I will make contact with a Duty Social Worker at Bedfordshire Social Care, and Ofsted. I will do this with the consent and knowledge of the parents, if appropriate. I will explain my concerns, keeping a written log of any conversations that I have and any advice that I am given.
? I will act on advice given to me by the Social Worker and Ofsted.

If an allegation of abuse is made against me or anyone else living at this address, I will take the following action:
? I will keep a written log of any allegations and details of the time and date that these were made.
? I will immediately contact Ofsted and the Local Safeguarding Chidlren Board to inform them of the allegations, and to seek further advice.
? I will also contact my local NCMA Development Officer, seek legal advice, and any other advice that I see as appropriate.
? If the parent has not already done so, I will suspend the childminding contract.

Thanks for looking, any advice appreciated very much!

Safeguarding Policy:
I will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by:
Adopting child protection guidelines through procedures as set out in the .. council 'Safeguarding of Children child Protection Procedures' and referring to HM Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused summary'

Attending training whenever appropriate

Responding quickly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse or issues relating to child welfare.

Providing parents/carers and children with the opportunities to voice any concerns they may have.

Ensureing that access to confidential information is stored and managed in accordance with National Guidance.

Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

I will implement child protection procedures when responding to signs or suspicions of abuse including:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
sexual abuse
Neglect

Procedures:

If I see a pattern is emerging and significant factors come together I would ....

I would not question the child as this could contaminate the evidence

I will complete the 'gathering information' form

Depending on the nature of the incident, I will talk to the parent or carer of the child and record the results of this discussion asking parent/carer to sign the record

I may discuss my concerns with NCMA's Safeguarding Children Allegations & Complaints Service and ask to be put in touch with one of the NCMA's specially trained members of staff

If I still have concerns, or I feel that a child may be at significant risk of harm I will complete the details ont he proforma 'getting in touch with the Social Care Access Team and immediately contact:
...Access Team. Social Services on......
I may also contact the police on......
If the referral is made by telephone, I will confirm in writing within 48 hours.
Social Care should acknowledge the referral in 1 working day. If I have not heard within 3 working days i would contact social care again.
I will also immediately inform Ofsted on ....

The Procedures i would follow when responding to a child disclosing abuse:

Listen carefully to what the child says
Not promise to keep secrets
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling me
Explain what I will do next
Record in writing in my Incident book what was said using the child's own words, noting the time, date, any names mentioned.
Contact the Social Care Access Team
Inform ofsted

If you think your child or another child in my care may be at risk of harm from me as the childcare provider, you should telephone the local authority immediately (access team, social services on ..... then notify ofsted on ......

Procedure I will follow when responding to allegation of abuse against myself:
Inform ofsted
keep detailed notes
refer to Sure Start's 'Guide to what may happen if an allegation is made against a childcare worker'
contact NCMA's Insurance Line
Contact NCMA's Safeguarding Children Allegations and complaints service
If I am suspeded from childminding I will inform all parents

I am committed to ensuring that this safeguarding children policy is a living document that is reviewed and updated at least annually.

I HOPE THIS IS OF HELP. I DON'T SAY IT IS TOTALLY CORRECT IT IS JUST MY INTERPRETATION.

Paperfreek - very similar to mine! I also have a form I've compiled for parents to sign to confirm they have read and accept the contents of my Safeguarding Children Policy. The form and a copy of the policy are kept in the child's individual file - my CM coordinator liked the idea and is advising other cms in the area to do the same!

Anyone updating policies, check out the eyfs-in-practice.com website for their resources. Fantastic! Takes you through the welfare requirements of EYFS and guides you on writing policies relevant to your own setting - the best money on CM resources I've ever spent!

Also the BCMA website is brilliant for getting inspiration when writing policies.

Good luck!

I have got my policies and procedures from the eyfs-in-practice website they are very comprehensive and in line with the welfare requirements. There is also a direct phone help line to the Director of the company who offers one to one support to anyone who purchases one of her welfare files. I have just been on a Safeguarding Course and recommend anyone offered the course should attend to update their knowledge.