Safeguarding means protecting children from abuse, neglect and avoidable harm while supporting their health, development and wellbeing.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Squirrels. Every concern is taken seriously, and the child’s welfare always comes first.
How we keep children safe
Our safeguarding responsibilities include:
Following the Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding and welfare requirements
Maintaining appropriate staff recruitment and suitability checks
Providing safeguarding training for staff
Keeping the nursery environment secure
Following safe collection procedures
Managing accidents, medication and health needs appropriately
Recording and responding to concerns
Working with relevant safeguarding agencies when necessary
Staff remain alert to changes in a child’s appearance, behaviour, communication or emotional wellbeing. A single sign does not necessarily mean that a child is being harmed, but concerns must never be ignored.
Sharing information with us
Please tell us about anything that may affect your child’s wellbeing. This might include an injury, illness, difficult experience, change in family circumstances or something your child has said.
Speak to the nursery manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead if you are concerned about a child. You do not need to investigate the situation or be certain that harm has occurred before sharing a genuine concern.
What happens after a concern is raised?
We will listen, record the relevant information and follow our safeguarding procedures. Depending on the circumstances, we may need to seek advice or share information with children’s social care, the police, Ofsted or another appropriate professional.
Although we aim to work openly with families, information may sometimes need to be shared without parental consent where seeking consent could increase the risk to a child or interfere with safeguarding action.
Getting urgent help
If a child is in immediate danger or a crime is taking place, call 999.
Anyone worried that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect in Hertfordshire can contact Children’s Services on 0300 123 4043. The service is available at any time.
For concerns about the nursery itself, families should normally speak to the nursery manager first unless doing so could place a child at risk. Concerns about a registered childcare provider can also be reported to Ofsted.