This Policy links to the Early Year’s Foundation Stage requirements, safeguarding and welfare requirements, keeping safe, Every Child Matters, Outcome ‘staying safe’.
As a registered Childminder my priority is that every single single child in my care is protected from harm and safeguarded.
I am aware that abuse can be one of many different things for example: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or even a mixture of these and I am fully aware of the signs and symptons of these.
I am required as a registered childminder to notify OFSTED and social services of any allegations of abuse that are alleged to have taken place while in my care including any allegation against me, any members of my family or other adults or children who may have come in contact the the child.
Parents must inform me at drop off of any concerns or incidents affecting the child and I will record them and ask the parents to sign it
Procedure
If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused I will
- Show that I have listened to them and that I take their allegation seriously
- I will encourage the child to talk to me but will not ask any leading questions or prompt them in any way, I will not interrupt the child or make them repeat themselves about any incident
- Explain to them what actions I must take in a way that is appropriate for their age and understanding
- Make a note of the date, time, place and any people who were present
- Record as much detailed information as I can about what I have been told
In every instance I will record the following details:
- The childs full name
- The date and time of the record
- Facts about the concern for example bruising, what the child has said and who was present
- Details of any previous concerns
- Details of any explanations from parents
- Any action which I have taken e.g. speaking to the parents
I will make sure I keep up to date with all the latest safeguarding procedures required by the Gloucestershire safeguarding children board and will take regular and relevant training courses relating to this.
Use of Cameras and Mobile Phones
I will use mobile phones and cameras as part of my child minding service for observation, assessment and planning subject to permission from the parents
I have put in place procedures which will make sure all children are protected and kept safe
- Pictures will be taken by myself only and only with full written permission from the parents
- Pictures will be printed ASAP and then deleted
- Parents and visitors are not allowed to use their mobile phone in the setting and will be asked to leave to use their phone
- Parents must ensure when attending events or trips organised by me that they only take pictures of their own children and not of any other child