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Safeguarding Policy

Little Luminaries Day Care

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Little Luminaries Day Care, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We believe that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and expect all staff, volunteers, students, and visitors to share this commitment.

Our safeguarding policy ensures that children’s welfare is always the top priority and that all staff are confident in identifying concerns, responding appropriately, and working in partnership with families and outside agencies.

2. Aims and Objectives

Our key safeguarding aims are to:

  • Protect all children attending Little Luminaries Day Care from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

  • Provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on identifying and reporting concerns.

  • Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for every child, including those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

  • Work closely with parents, carers, and external professionals to promote children’s wellbeing.

  • Maintain safe recruitment, vetting, and supervision of all adults working with children.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the following UK legislation and statutory guidance:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

  • The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2024)

  • The Human Rights Act 1998

  • The Equality Act 2010

  • Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / GDPR

4. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Insert Name, Role, Contact Number]

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): [Insert Name, Role, Contact Number]

Both the DSL and DDSL have completed advanced safeguarding training and receive updates every two years or sooner if legislation changes.

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL or DDSL immediately.

5. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise the four main categories of abuse:

Type

Description

Possible Indicators

Physical Abuse

Deliberate physical injury to a child

Bruises, burns, unexplained marks

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment

Low self-esteem, withdrawal, fearfulness

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child into sexual activities

Behavioural changes, inappropriate knowledge

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet basic needs

Poor hygiene, constant hunger, tiredness

Staff also remain alert to indicators of:

  • Domestic abuse

  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

  • Child criminal exploitation (CCE)

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

  • Online abuse

  • Radicalisation and extremism

6. Procedures for Reporting Concerns

If a member of staff has a concern about a child’s welfare:

  1. They must record their concern immediately using the Safeguarding Concern Form.

  2. The concern must be reported to the DSL without delay.

  3. The DSL will assess the concern and decide whether to:

    • Monitor the situation.

    • Discuss with parents/carers (unless doing so places the child at risk).

    • Make a referral to the Local Authority Safeguarding Hub.

  4. All decisions and actions will be recorded and stored securely.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP): [Insert local authority contact]

  • Police (non-emergency): 101

  • Emergency: 999

7. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student, or volunteer:

  • The concern must be reported immediately to the DSL or, if it involves the DSL, to the Registered Person / Director.

  • The DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours.

  • The staff member may be suspended pending investigation if necessary to protect children.

  • Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

8. Safe Recruitment

We follow Safer Recruitment procedures to ensure all adults working with children are suitable:

  • Enhanced DBS check for all staff and volunteers.

  • Two written references verified before appointment.

  • Full employment history checked with explanations for any gaps.

  • Ongoing supervision and performance reviews.

9. Training and Supervision

All staff:

  • Receive safeguarding induction training before starting work.

  • Complete refresher training annually.

  • Are supervised regularly to discuss safeguarding, behaviour, and child development.

  • Are aware of the Whistleblowing Policy and can raise concerns safely.

10. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding records are kept securely and separate from general child files.

  • Information is shared only with those who need to know.

  • Parents are informed unless doing so places the child at greater risk.

  • All documentation is retained according to GDPR and Ofsted requirements.

11. Partnership with Parents and Carers

We believe in open communication and partnership with parents.
We will always:

  • Work respectfully with families.

  • Share concerns promptly when appropriate.

  • Support families to access early help services if needed.

  • Involve parents in safeguarding planning wherever possible.

12. Inclusion and SEND

Little Luminaries Day Care is committed to inclusion.
Children with SEND are supported through:

  • Individual support plans (ISPs).

  • Consistent communication with parents and SENCO.

  • Specialist referrals where needed (e.g., SALT, OT, EP).

  • Training for staff to identify and respond to SEND-related safeguarding concerns.

13. Prevent Duty

We are alert to the risks of radicalisation and extremism.
All staff are trained to:

  • Identify concerning language or behaviour.

  • Promote British values of tolerance, democracy, and respect.

  • Report concerns to the DSL or relevant authorities.

14. Whistleblowing

All staff have a duty to report any safeguarding concern, including concerns about colleagues or management.
Reports can be made to:

  • The DSL or Director.

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

  • Ofsted Whistleblowing Hotline: 0300 123 3155.

15. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

Safeguarding extends to ensuring a safe physical and emotional environment:

  • Daily risk assessments are conducted for all rooms and play areas.

  • Equipment and toys are checked regularly.

  • Staff ratios comply with EYFS statutory guidance.

  • Children are supervised at all times, including toileting and outings.

16. Online Safety

Children are protected from harmful online content through:

  • No unsupervised internet access.

  • Use of child-safe devices only.

  • Parental consent required for any digital media use.

  • Staff never using personal devices to photograph or communicate with children.

17. Review of Policy

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.
The DSL and management team are responsible for updates and ensuring all staff understand the revised version.

18. Key Contacts

Role

Name

Contact

Notes

DSL

Donia Said

020 3576 1708

Main safeguarding lead

DDSL

Page Knowles

020 3576 1708

Backup contact

Local Authority Safeguarding Hub

020 8937 4300 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm). Outside of these hours, there is an emergency duty team at 020 8863 5250. If you think a child has been harmed or is at risk, call 020 8937 4300. 

LADO

020 8937 4300 – Option 1

Ofsted

0300 123 1231

For reporting safeguarding concerns

19. Approval and Sign-Off

This policy has been approved and adopted by:

Etana Strength
Director & Registered Person
Little Luminaries Day Care Ltd
Date: ____22/10/2025__________________

Next Review Date: ____23/10/2026__________________

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