Safeguarding at Leechpool Caterpillar Nursery and After-School Club

Leechpool Nursery and After School Club is committed to supporting, development and learning through high quality care for our children, their families and the community to ensure we provide them with the very best start in life. We are dedicated to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.

All staff, students and volunteers have the responsibility for safeguarding the children within our setting. Being aware of and identifying safeguarding concerns and ensuring these are reported in line with the policy. We ensure all staff, students and volunteers have sufficient knowledge to support their roles and responsibilities and have an understanding of how this policy and the procedure support them in promoting safeguarding the welfare of children. This is carried out through ongoing training to keep knowledge up-to-date and supporting staff within their specific roles.

This policy is updated at least annually in line with statutory guidance and its effectiveness is monitored through staff’s knowledge and feedback. It is the responsibility of every staff member, student or volunteer to report any breeches of the policy to the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

The role of the DSL

It is the role of the DSL to:

• Monitor and update the safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures in line with any updates and new legislation to ensure it is effective and all staff have sound knowledge of the correct procedures.

• Ensure new legislation is added to our practice as soon as it is known.

• Act as a support for all staff, students, volunteers, parents and children who have child protection concerns.

• Ensure referrals are detailed, accurate and secure written records.

• Review all written safeguarding reports.

• Access information provided promptly, carefully and refer as appropriate to external agencies.

• Provide signposting to other agencies.

• Consult with statutory child protection agencies and regulatory bodies where required.

• Make formal referrals to statutory child protection agencies or the police as required.

In addition to the above duties:

• Keep up to date with good practice and national requirements for safeguarding and child protection.

• Provide information for safeguarding and child protection for the setting.

• Ensure they have awareness of all safeguarding and child protection training that is needed and implement this where required.

• Retain up to date knowledge of the role of the Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP) arrangements and local child protection procedures. The DSLs do not investigate whether a child has been abused or investigate an allegation or disclosure. Investigations are for the relevant agencies, usually the police or social services. 

Please see our Safeguarding Policy