1.2 Safeguarding Children and Child Protection

1.2 Safeguarding

Purpose and Aims

The purpose of Cullompton Pre School’s safeguarding policy is to provide a secure framework for the workforce in safeguarding, and in promoting the welfare of the children who attend our setting.

The policy aims to ensure that:

All our children are safe and protected from harm.
Other procedures and policies are in place to enable children to feel safe and adopt safe practices.
Staff, committee, visitors, outside agencies, students, volunteers and parents are aware of the expected behaviours and the setting’s legal responsibilities in relation to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of our children.
We are committed to building a ‘culture of vigilance’ in which children are protected from abuse and harm in all areas of our service delivery.
We introduce key elements of keeping children safe into our programme to promote the personal, social and emotional development of all children so that they may grow to be strong, resilient and listened to and so that they develop an understanding of why and how to keep safe.
We create within the setting a culture of value and respect for individuals, having positive regard for children’s heritage arising from their colour, ethnicity, languages, cultural or social background.
We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is developmentally appropriate for the children.

Support to families

We believe in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff and volunteers.
We make clear to parents our role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, such as for the reporting of concerns, information sharing, monitoring of the child, and liaising at all times with the local child’s social care team.
We will continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to any alleged abuse, where appropriate.
We follow the Child Protection Plan as set by the child’s social care worker in relation to the setting’s designated role and tasks in supporting that child and their family, subsequent to any investigation.
Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child in accordance with the Confidentiality and Client Access to Records procedure and only if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Ethos

‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right.’ Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Safeguarding in Cullompton Pre School is considered everyone’s responsibility, and as such, our setting aims to create the safest environment within which every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Cullompton Pre School recognises the contribution it can make to ensure that all children who use our setting feel that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. We will do this by working in partnership with other agencies in accordance with ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children – March 2018’, seeking to establish effective working relationships with parents, carers and colleagues to develop and to provide activities and opportunities that will help to equip our children with the skills they need. This will include resources and learning experiences that will encourage our children to develop essential life skills and protective behaviours.

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989; and in line with the following:-

“Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015”
“What to do if you are worried a Child is being Abused” 2015
“Keeping Children Safe in Education” 2016
“The Prevent Duty” 2015
“Information Sharing; Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers” 2015

Responsibilities and expectations

Cullompton Pre School has a Committee whose legal responsibility it is to make sure that the setting has an effective safeguarding policy and procedures in place, and who monitors that the setting complies with them.

The proprietor/trustees/committee should also ensure the following:-

that the safeguarding and child protection policy is made available to parents and carers.
that all staff and volunteers are properly checked to make sure they are safe to work with the children who attend our setting.
that the setting has procedures for handling allegations of abuse made against members of staff (including the Pre-School Leader/Administration Manager) or volunteers.
the safe and appropriate use of cameras, mobile phones, technology and on line equipment within the setting.
the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 which places a duty on early years and childcare providers “to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism” (The Prevent Duty) is implemented, taking into account the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board ‘Prevent’ policies, protocols and procedures and ensuring the Fundamental British Values are implemented as stated in the EYFS.
a Safeguarding Designated Officer (SDO) is appointed who has lead responsibility for dealing with all safeguarding issues in our setting.
Our procedures will be annually reviewed and up-dated.

The Safeguarding Designated Officer is Amelia Joyner.

If they are not available then contact the

Deputy Safeguarding Designated officer who is Andrea Parker

(These persons can also be contacted with any safeguarding concerns).

The Named Member of the Committee for Safeguarding is Alex Fox.

It is the responsibility of the SDO to ensure that all safeguarding issues raised, in setting, are effectively responded to, recorded and referred to the appropriate agency. They are also responsible for arranging the whole setting’s safeguarding training, for all staff and volunteers who work with children and young people in our setting. The SDO must ensure that the whole setting’s safeguarding training takes place at least every three years; which they can deliver within setting, provided they are linked in to the support and quality assurance process offered by the Local Authority.

The SDO is required to attend, or ensure that a senior member of staff who has the relevant training and access to appropriate supervision, attends where appropriate, all child protection case conferences, reviews, core groups or meetings where it concerns a child at our setting and to contribute to multi-agency discussions to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.

The SDO has a duty of care to share information with other agencies to safeguard children. This includes when a child transfers to another educational setting, new GP, Social Services or Police.

The SDO is responsible for ensuring the acceptable, safe use and storage of all camera technology, images, and mobile phones through the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the appropriate policies and procedures. This includes our On-Line & ICT Safety Policy (which includes our Camera Policy and Acceptable Use Policy) and our Mobile Phone Policy.

All Child Protection concerns need to be acted on immediately. If you are concerned that a child may be at risk, or is actually suffering abuse, you must tell the Safeguarding Designated Officer.

All Adults, including the SDO, have a duty to refer all known or suspected cases of abuse to the relevant agency including MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub), Children and Young Peoples Service (CYPS) – Social Care, or the Police. Where a disclosure is made to a visiting staff member from a different agency, e.g. Early Years Consultants, Health Visitors, it is the responsibility of that agency staff to formally report the referral to the Setting’s Designated Officer in the first instance. Any records made should be kept securely on the Child’s Protection file.

Recognising concerns, signs and indicators of abuse

Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. For our setting it includes such things as child safety, bullying, racist abuse and harassment, radicalisation, visits, intimate care and internet safety etc. However it must be acknowledged that 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 affect on those who are party to it, as well as the child subjected to the actual abuse, and in itself will have a significant impact on the health and emotional well-being of the child. Abuse can take place in any family, institution or community setting, by telephone or on the internet. Abuse can often be difficult to recognise as children may behave differently or seem unhappy for many reasons, as they move through the stages of childhood or their family circumstances change. However, it is important to know the indicators of abuse and to be alert to the need to consult further.

Physical Abuse

This can take many forms including but not limited to 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. This was previously known as Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy.

Emotional 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 Domestic Violence or 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 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 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 soreness, injuries or disclosure, sexually transmitted diseases, inappropriate sexualized behaviour including words, play or drawing. 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, appropriate clothing for conditions and medical attention and treatment when necessary.At Cullompton Pre-School we support and believe in the Fundamental British Values comprising of: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty and Mutual Respect and Tolerance.We believe that these are the values needed to be a good human being and that being compassionate and kind is part of life.All staff (as at November 2015) have completed the online Prevent training and a certificate is held on file to prove that this training has taken place. Staff complete the Prevent on-line training course during their induction process.We will monitor absence and share this information with the Pre-School Leader on a weekly basis.We will assess the risk of any of our families being drawn into terrorism or families who support terrorist ideologies, reporting this activity to appropriate authorities.The Pre-School Leader will hold responsibility for making any referrals to the Channel Programme or to MASH and will be involved in any concerns of a safeguarding nature – following our current safeguarding procedures and policy and in partnership with the LSCB.What to do if you are concerned
If a child makes a disclosure or allegation of abuse against an adult, or other child, or young person, it is important that you:
We aim to send Amelia Joyner, Safeguarding Designated Officer, onto the government approved WRAP (Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent) training when available locally.
If we see any changes in children’s behaviour we will be alert and make assessments in line with our safeguarding policy.
We will work to identify any children who we feel may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
We will discuss at regular intervals the need to be aware and will not shy away from difficult conversations.
We understand the need to be alert to possible signs of extremism and radicalisation and that we must all be part of preventing terrorism.
We have researched and looked carefully at our practice to see how and where we can teach and support these values. We make reference to them in our planning and our learning objectives on a weekly basis and they are promoted at staff meetings and during child/adult interactions and between all colleagues within our pre-school.
Prevent Duty and British Values
Neglect
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of abuse which involves children (male and female, of different ethnic origins and of different ages) receiving something (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) in exchange for sexual activity. It can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition.
Sexual Abuse

Stay calm and listen carefully.
Reassure them that they have done the right thing in telling you.
Do not investigate or ask leading questions.
Let them know that you will need to tell someone else.
Do not promise to keep what they have told you a secret.
Inform your Safeguarding Designated Officer as soon as possible.
Make a written record of the allegation, disclosure or incident which you must sign, date and record your position.Informing Parents
If you are concerned that a member of staff, or adult in a position of trust, poses a danger to a child or young person, or that they might be abusing a child or young person, you should report your concerns to the Safeguarding Designated Officer. Where those concerns relate to the Safeguarding Designated Officer however, this should be reported to the Chair of Committee using the setting’s ‘Whistle blowing’ policy.

Parents are normally the first point of contact. Concerns are discussed with parents to gain their view of events, unless it is felt that this may put the child in greater danger.
Parents are informed when we make a record of concerns in their child’s file and that we also make a note of any discussion we have with them regarding a concern.
If a suspicion of abuse warrants referral to social care, parents are informed at the same time that the referral will be made, except where the 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.
If there is a possibility that advising a parent beforehand may place a child at greater risk the designated person should seek advice from children’s social work services, about whether or not to advise parents beforehand, and should record and follow the advice given.

Managing Allegations

We are aware of the possibility of allegations being made against members of staff or volunteers that are working or may come into contact with children and young people, whilst in our setting. Allegations will usually be that some kind of abuse has taken place. This could include: inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff, or other persons working with the children, such as inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one to one attention beyond the requirements of their role and responsibilities, inappropriate sharing of images. They can be made by children and young people, or other concerned adults. Allegations are made for a variety of reasons:

Abuse has actually taken place.
Something has happened to the child that reminds them of a past event – the child is unable to recognise that the situation and people are different; children can misinterpret your language or your actions.
Some children recognise that allegations can be powerful and if they are angry with you about something they can make an allegation as a way of hitting out.
An allegation can be a way of seeking attention.
If an allegation is made against an adult in a position of trust, whether they be members of staff or volunteers, this should be brought to the immediate attention of the SDO, who will advise the Chair of Committee. In the case of the allegation being made against the SDO, this will be brought to the immediate attention of the Chair of Committee. The SDO/Chair of Committee will need to discuss with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) the nature of the allegations made against the adult, in order for the appropriate action to be taken. This may constitute an initial evaluation meeting, or strategy discussion, depending on the allegation being made. Chair of Committee will need to:

Refer to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately and follow up in writing within 48 hours. Consider safeguarding arrangements of the child or young person to ensure they are away from the alleged abuser.
Contact the parents or carers of the child/young person if advised to do so by the LADO.
Consider the rights of the staff member for a fair and equal process of investigation.
Advise Ofsted of the allegation within 14 days of the allegation
Ensure that the appropriate disciplinary procedures are followed, including whether to suspend a member of staff from work until the outcome of any investigation if this is deemed necessary.
Act on any decision made in any strategy meeting.
Advise the Independent Safeguarding Authority where a member of staff has been disciplined or dismissed as a result of the allegations being founded. A copy of “What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused” booklet is kept on our staff noticeboard. This sets out the guidelines on dealing with incidents, disclosures and the procedures that must be followed.All members of staff and volunteers will have access to whole setting safeguarding training at least every three years, in line with Devon Safeguarding Children’s Board (DSCB). We will also, as part of our induction, issue information in relation to our Safeguarding policy and any policy related to safeguarding and promoting our children/young people’s welfare to all newly appointed staff and volunteers.Our Committee will have access to safeguarding training and our Named Committee Member for Safeguarding will also undertake additional awareness training at least every three years. They will also be advised to undertake additional training to support their employers’ role in Handling Allegations against adults who work with children and young people, including our staff and volunteers.We include a copy of the Safeguarding policy on our website. A paper copy is available for parents upon request. A copy of this and all of our policies, are available in our policy file, stored in the main room at pre-school. We may be able to arrange for our policy to be made available to parents whose first language is not English, on request. Cullompton Pre School has policies and procedures in place with regard to the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting and on visits etc. Details of these policies are listed below.1.2.2 On-line and ICT SafetySafeguarding covers more than the contribution made to child protection in relation to individual children. It also encompasses issues such as child health and safety, bullying and a range of other issues, for example, arrangements for meeting the medical needs of children, providing first aid, setting security, drugs and substance misuse, etc. There may also be other safeguarding issues that are specific to the local area or population. 1.14 Promoting Positive Behaviour 1.2.2 On-line and ICT Safety (including Acceptable Use Policy) 3.2 Health and Safety General Standards 1.8 Supervising Children on Outings and Visits 2.4 Recruitment and Retention Children Act 1989, 2004School Standards and Framework act 1998Every Child Matters 2003Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused 2015 July 2013 – This policy has been updated and, thus, has been subsequently reviewed and re-adopted by the management committee.
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
Manuals kept in setting:
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2014
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2015
Education Act 1996, 2002 (Section 175)
Legislation relating to this policy:
1.5 Information Sharing
1.11 Whistleblowing
1.12 Valuing Diversity and Promoting Equality
1.2.1 Mobile Phone Policy
1.4 Confidentiality and Client Access to Records
This policy will cross reference to related and adopted setting policies and other protocol:
Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfES 2007
Related Setting Policies
1.2.1 Mobile Phones
Mobile Phones and Cameras
Our Safeguarding arrangements are reported on an annual basis to our Committee and our Safeguarding policy is reviewed annually, in order to keep it updated, in line with local and national guidance/legislation.
Our Safeguarding Designated Officer will undertake further safeguarding training, Group 3 DSCB Multi-agency Safeguarding course or Group 3 Refresher Courses, in addition to the whole setting training. This will be undertaken at least every three years which updates their awareness and understanding of the impact of the wide agenda of safeguarding issues. This will support both the SDO to be able to better undertake their role, and support the setting in ensuring our safeguarding arrangements are robust and achieving better outcomes for the children in our setting. This includes taking part in multi-agency training in addition to safeguarding training.
Training

Previously reviewed on:-

23^rd November 2015

Sarah Lush

Chairperson

Previously reviewed on:-

27^th February 2017

Jenny Keenor

On behalf of the Chair

Previously reviewed on:-

26^th February 2018

Owen Jones

Chairperson

Previously reviewed on:-

25^th February 2019

Alex Fox

Chairperson

Reviewed by Staff on:	24^th February 2020 (AJ)
Reviewed by Committee on:	14.06.20
Date of next review:	February 2021
Signed on behalf of the Management Committee:	A Fox
Name of Signatory (printed):	ALEX FOX
Role of Signatory (e.g. Chairperson)	Chairperson

For further information regarding any child protection procedure, please consult

www.swcpp.org.uk

Useful Contacts:

Devon Safeguarding Childrens Board www.devonsafeguardingchildren.org

South West Child Protection Procedures www.swcpp.org.uk

Devon Early Years and Childcare Service www.devon.gov.uk/eycs

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency www.ceop.org.uk

NSPCC Safe (Safe Activities for Everyone) Network www.safenetwork.org.uk

CYPS area contact numbers:

(9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm Friday)

Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0345 155 1071

email: mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk

MASH Consultation Line 0345 155 1071 (ask for Consultation Line)

Early Help co-ordination centre 0345 155 1071 (ask for Early Help)

Out of hours for CYPS (Social Care):

5pm -9am and at weekends and public holidays, please contact:

Emergency Duty Service 0845 6000 388 (low-rate call)

Police Central Referral Unit: 0845 605 116

EYCS Consultation Service:

If you have concerns about a child but are unsure whether to make a Social Care referral. The numbers are:

Nikki Phillips – Locality Manager for Exeter, East and Mid Devon 01392 383000

Melissa Filby – Locality Manager for Northern Devon 01392 383000

Susan Bolt – Locality Manager for South West Devon 01392 383000

DCFP

DCFP Office: 01392 383000

Child Protection Chairs and Local Authority Designated Officers for managing allegations against staff:

Allegations against staff Referral Co-ordinator 01392 384964

Devon’s Domestic Abuse Helpline 0345 155 1074 EYCS Model Safeguarding Policy Sept 2014 11

Prevent Email:- prevent@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub – MASH

Manages contacts and referrals received from any source (usually CYPS and Police 121A reports)

Develops a document recording the concern information and all other available information in the Hubs within agreed timescales and an Early Years and Families manager makes an informed decision using all of the available information.
Develops concern information into an Early Years and Families referral if services are required under section 17 or section 47 of The Children Act 1989
Liaises with the Early Response Service for children and young people who need services but do not meet The Children Act 1989 threshold
Provides consultation to agency referrers about thresholds, appropriate action to be undertaken and services. The Hub contributes to improved outcomes for safeguarding children because it has the ability to swiftly collate and share information held by the various agencies and to provide a multi-agency risk assessment of each case for ‘actual or likely harm’. available for you to look at OR please go to https://www.devon.gov.uk/mashparentsfactsheet. pdf for a copy of the MASH Factsheet for Parents” The above list is not exhaustive and as new policy guidance and legislation develops within the remit of Safeguarding we will review and update our policies and procedures as appropriate and in line with the Devon Safeguarding Children Board and Local Authority. (This section highlights optional extras that Settings may consider adopting to accompany their Safeguarding policy) (The following Safeguarding issues are all considered to be child Protection issues and should be referred immediately to the most relevant agency. The issues featured below are linked to guidance and local procedures which can be found on the South West Child Protection Procedures at www.swcpp.org.uk (Direct links to the policies listed below are included where available). Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites. In order to minimize the risks to our children and young people Cullompton Pre-School will ensure that we have in place appropriate measures such as security filtering, and an acceptable use policy linked to our E-Safety policy. We will ensure that staff are aware of how not to compromise their position of trust in or outside of the setting and are aware of the dangers associated with social networking sites.
Good Practice – Individuals Recognise the symptoms and distinguish them from other forms of abuse
Our E-safety policy will clearly state that mobile phone, camera or electronic communications with a child at our setting is not acceptable other than for approved setting business. Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse or cyber bullying we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.
Child Exploitation and E-Safety
Some members of our communities hold beliefs that may be common within particular cultures but which are against the law of England. Cullompton Pre-School does not condone practices that are illegal and which are harmful to children. Examples of particular practices are:
Current Safeguarding Issues
A copy of the MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) Factsheet for Parents

Treat the child/young person as a victim of abuse.
Understand the [perspective/behaviour of the child and be patient with them.
Help the child to recognise that they are being exploited.
Collate as much information as possible.
Share information with other agencies and seek advice/refer to Social CareGood Practice – Organisations

Ensure robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place which cover CSE.
Promote and engage in effective multi-agency working to prevent abuse.
Work to help victims move out of exploitation.
Co-operate to enable successful investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators.Forced Marriages (FM)FM is illegal in England and Wales. This includes:-
Cullompton Pre-School does not support the idea of forcing someone to marry without their consent. FM is now a specific offence under S121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 that came into force on 16^th June 2014. A FM is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, and where duress is a factor. Forced marriage is when someone faces physical pressure to marry (e.g. threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (e.g. if someone is made to feel like they’re bringing shame on their family). This is very different to an arranged marriage where both parties give consent.

Taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)
Marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they’re pressured to or not)Under-age Marriage FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore should be dealt with as part of existing child safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures. FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Other than in the excepted circumstances, it is an offence for any person (regardless of their nationality or residence status) to:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
In England, a young person cannot legally marry until they are 16 years old (without the consent of their parents or carers) nor have sexual relationships.

Perform FGM in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 1 of the Act);
Assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 2 of the Act); and
Assist (from England, Wales or Northern Ireland) a non-UK person to carry out FGM outside the UK on a UK national or permanent UK resident (section 3 of the Act).Ritualistic Abuse It is acknowledged by those working with young people that most young people under the age of 18 will have an interest in sex and sexual relationships. The Protocol for Sexually Active Young People under 18 years old has been designed to assist those working with children and young people to identify where these relationships may be abusive, and the children and young people may need the provision of protection or additional services. Safeguarding Disabled Children Disabled children do however require additional action. This is because they experience greater risks and ‘created vulnerability’ as a result of negative attitudes about disabled children and unequal access to services and resources, and because they may have additional needs relating to physical, sensory, cognitive and/ or communication impairment (Safeguarding Children, DCSF, July 2009) Cullompton Pre-School will ensure that our disabled children are listened to and responded to appropriately where they have concerns regarding abuse. In order to do this we will ensure that our staff and volunteers receive the relevant training to raise awareness and have access to specialist staff in the event they have concerns regarding abuse of a child.
Disabled children have exactly the same human rights to be safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes as non-disabled children.
Sexually Active under Eighteen years old
Some faiths believe that spirits and demons can possess people (including children). What should never be considered is the use of any physical or psychological violence to get rid of the possessing spirit. This is abusive and will result in the criminal conviction of those using this form of abuse even if the intention is to help the child.

Safer Recruitment and Selection

It is a requirement for all agencies to ensure that all staff recruited to work with children and young people are properly selected and checked. At Cullompton Pre-School we will ensure that we have a member on every recruitment panel who has received the appropriate recruitment and selection training. That all of our staff are appropriately qualified and have the relevant employment history and checks to ensure they are safe to work with children in compliance with the Key Safeguarding Employment Standards.

Honour Based Violence

Honour based violence’ is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community’. It is important to be alert to signs of distress and indications such as self-harm, absence from setting, infections resulting from female genital mutilation, isolation from peers, being monitored by family, not participating in setting activities, unreasonable restrictions at home. Where it is suspected that a child/young person is at risk from Honour based violence Cullompton Pre-School will report those concerns to the appropriate agency in order to prevent this form of abuse taking place.

Trafficked Children

Child trafficking involves moving children across or within national or international borders for the purposes of exploitation. Exploitation includes children being used for sex work, domestic work, restaurant/ sweatshop, drug dealing, shoplifting and benefit fraud. Where Cullompton Pre-School is made aware of a child is suspected of or actually being trafficked/exploited we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.

Domestic Abuse

The Government defines domestic abuse as “Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality”.

Staff need to understand what is required of them if children are members of the household where domestic abuse is known or suspected to be taking place. Our policy includes action to be taken regarding referrals to the Police and Children and Young People’s Services and any action to be taken where a member of staff is the alleged perpetrator or victim of domestic abuse. At Cullompton Pre-School we will follow our safeguarding policy and report any suspected concerns regarding Domestic Abuse to the relevant agency.

Private Fostering

Private fostering is an arrangement made between the parent and the private foster carer, who then becomes responsible for caring for the child in such a way as to safeguard and promote his/her welfare.

A privately fostered child means a child under the age of 16 (18 if a disabled child) who is cared for and provided with accommodation by someone other than:

A parent.
A person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility.
A close relative.
A Local Authority.

for more than 28 days and where the care is intended to continue. It is a statutory duty for us at Cullompton Pre-School to inform the Local Authority via MASH where we are made aware of a child or young person who may be subject to private fostering arrangements