POLICIES & PROCEDURES

At Total Tots we care for children between the ages of birth and 5 years.

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When considering admissions, we are mindful of staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

A child requiring a full-time place may have preference over one requiring a part-time place. This is dependent upon work commitments, occupancy and room availability.

We operate an inclusion and equality policy and ensure that all children have access to nursery places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents.

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign contract, registration form and a one-off registration fee of £50.00. These forms provide the nursery with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc.

At Total Tots we currently provide funded places available for children subject to availability. These places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and can be booked a term in advance. Please note for admissions for the funded nursery education we have a termly intake, beginning the term following your child’s *second/*third birthday.

All funded sessions are now in line with the flexible arrangement as specified by the Government. When you register your child for their funded place, we will discuss your needs and, as far as possible with availability and staffing arrangements, we will accommodate your wishes.

At Total Tots we take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children in our care. This includes making sure any visitors to the nursery are properly identified and supervised at all times.

All visitors must sign the visitors’ book on arrival and departure.

Visitors may include prospective parents, other professionals, e.g. local authority workers, Ofsted inspectors, people in the community that may come to talk to the children (e.g. librarians), contractors to complete work, deliveries etc.

Where applicable, we ask visitors to book in advance, so arrangements can be made to accompany them. The identity is checked of any visitors attending in a professional capacity, e.g. Ofsted inspectors, speech and language therapists.

All visitors are informed of any relevant policies including the Fire safety procedures and Mobile phone and electronic device use policy including the use of smartwatches and other devices capable of recording or sharing audio and/or images, e.g. smart (camera) glasses.

We give each visitor a visitor’s lanyard to wear to identify themselves to staff and parents within the nursery. A member of staff must accompany visitors in the nursery at all times while in the building; at no time should a visitor be left alone with a child unless under specific circumstances arranged previously with the manager.

Security of premises

• All external doors must be kept locked at all times and external gates closed. All internal doors and gates must be kept closed to ensure children are not able to leave the nursery unattended

• Staff, parents, visitors and students are reminded not to hold doors open or allow entry to any person, whether they know this person or not. Staff within the nursery should be the only people allowing external visitors and parents entry to the nursery.

The nursery will under no circumstances tolerate any form of harassment from third parties, including visitors, towards others, including children, staff members and parents. The police may be called in these circumstances.

At Total Tots we take great care to treat each individual as a person in their own right, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all staff, children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation has no place within our nursery.

We do not tolerate discriminatory behaviour and take action to tackle discrimination, including taking all reasonable steps to prevent harassment and sexual harassment of our employees, including harassment from third parties, such as visitors to the premises.

A commitment to implementing our Inclusion and equality policy is part of each employee’s job description. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the nursery manager at the earliest opportunity.

Appropriate steps will then be taken to investigate the matter and if such concerns are well-founded, the nursery’s Disciplinary procedure will be followed.

The legal framework for this policy is based on:

• Special Education Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice 2015

• Children and Families Act 2014

• Equality Act 2010

• Childcare Act 2006

• Children Act 2004

• Care Standards Act 2002

• Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

• Worker Protection Act 2023.

The nursery and staff are committed to:

• Recruiting, selecting, training and promoting individuals on the basis of occupational skills requirements. In this respect, the nursery will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation

• Creating a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued

• Providing a childcare place, wherever possible, for children who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities or are deemed disadvantaged according to their individual circumstances

• Making reasonable adjustments for children with special educational needs and disabilities to remove barriers and improve access for all

• Striving to promote equal access to services and projects by taking practical steps (wherever possible and reasonable), such as ensuring access to people with additional needs and by producing materials in relevant languages and media for all children and their families

• Providing a secure environment in which all our families are listened to, children can flourish, and all contributions are valued

• Including and valuing the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality, inclusion and diversity

• Providing positive non-stereotypical information

• Continually improving our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality, inclusion and diversity and training all staff about their rights and responsibilities under the inclusion and equality policy.

Regularly reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of inclusive practices to ensure they promote and value diversity and difference and that the policy is effective and practices are non-discriminatory

• Making inclusion a thread which runs through the entirety of the nursery, for example, by encouraging positive role models through the use of toys, imaginary play and activities, promoting non-stereotypical images and language and challenging all discriminatory behaviour (see Dealing with discriminatory behaviour policy).

Admissions and service provision The nursery is accessible to all children and families in the local community and further afield through a comprehensive and inclusive admissions policy.

The nursery will strive to ensure that all services and projects are accessible and relevant to all groups and individuals in the community within targeted age groups.

Recruitment Recruitment, promotion and other selection exercises such as redundancy selection will be conducted on the basis of merit, against objective criteria that avoids discrimination. Redundancy selection will take account of the legal protections from redundancy, as described below.1

Shortlisting will be done by more than one person, where possible.

All members of the selection group are committed to the inclusive practice set out in this policy and will have received appropriate training in this regard.

Application forms are sent out along with a copy of the equal opportunities monitoring form. Application forms do not include questions that potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent.

Vacancies are generally advertised to a diverse section of the labour market. Advertisements avoid stereotyping or using wording that may discourage particular groups from applying.

At interview, no questions are posed which potentially discriminate on the grounds specified in the statement of intent. All candidates are asked the same questions and members of the selection group will not introduce nor use any personal knowledge of candidates acquired outside the selection process. Candidates are given the opportunity to receive feedback on the reasons why they were not successful.

We may ask questions (under the Equality Act 2010) prior to offering someone employment in the following circumstances:

1 Protection from redundancy We recognise that employees on maternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave must be given priority over other employees in being offered any suitable alternative employment should their existing role be made redundant. While these do not prevent the employee being selected for redundancy, it ensures that they have priority under these circumstances. Under maternity leave regulations, the protection against redundancy is from the point the employer is made aware of the pregnancy and up to 18 months after the birth of the child. For those on adoption leave, the redundancy protection is extended to 18 months from the date of the placement of the adopted child(ren). For employees taking less than 6 weeks shared parental leave, they are protected during their period of leave. Employees taking more than 6 continuous weeks of shared parental leave are protected for 18 months from the birth of the child or placement of the adopted child/ren. If the pregnancy ends and the employee is not entitled to statutory maternity leave then the protected period will end two weeks after the pregnancy.

• To establish whether the applicant will be able to comply with a requirement to undergo an assessment (i.e. an interview or selection test)

• To establish whether the applicant will be able to carry out a function that is intrinsic to the work concerned

• To monitor diversity in the range of people applying for work

• To take positive action towards a particular group – for example offering a guaranteed interview scheme

The National College for Teaching and Leadership provides further guidance specific to working with children, which we follow:

Providers have a responsibility to ensure that practitioners have the health and physical capacity to teach and will not put children and young people at risk of harm. The activities that a practitioner must be able to perform are set out in the Education (Health Standards England) Regulations 2003. Providers are responsible for ensuring that only practitioners who have the capacity to teach remain on the staff team.

People with disabilities or chronic illnesses may have the capacity to teach, just as those without disabilities or medical conditions may be unsuitable to teach. Further information on training to teach with a disability is available from the DfE website.

Successful applicants offered a position may be asked to complete a health questionnaire prior to commencing the programme. Providers should not ask all-encompassing health questions but should ensure that they only ask targeted and relevant health-related questions, which are necessary to ensure that a person is able to teach.

Staff It is our policy not to discriminate in the treatment of individuals. All staff are expected to co-operate with the implementation, monitoring and improvement of this and other policies. They are expected to challenge language, actions, behaviours and attitudes which are oppressive or discriminatory on the grounds specified in this policy and recognise and celebrate other cultures and traditions. All staff are expected to participate in equality and inclusion training.

We foster a safe, inclusive, and positive work environment, with our leadership team ensuring policies are kept up-to- date, conducting risk assessments, providing regular training and monitoring to ensure effective implementation. These demonstrate taking ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure compliance with the duty to prevent harassment of our employees, including harassment from third parties

Staff will follow the Dealing with discriminatory behaviour policy where applicable to report any discriminatory behaviours observed. Our zero-tolerance approach includes having anonymous reporting procedures and dealing with any instances which arise via our disciplinary procedures. Training The nursery recognises the importance of training as a key factor in the implementation of an effective inclusion and equality policy. All new staff receive induction training including specific reference to the Inclusion and equality policy. The nursery strives towards the provision of inclusion, equality and diversity training for all staff on a during their induction.

Training includes ensuring staff understand that harassment, of any kind, is subjective and so depends on how the behaviour makes someone feel. We encourage all staff members to create a culture of zero tolerance towards discrimination and sexual harassment in our setting.

Early learning framework We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory requirements and ensure that all learning opportunities offered in the nursery encourage children to develop positive attitudes to people who are different from them. Our curriculum encourages children to empathise with others and to begin to develop the skills of critical thinking.

We do this by:

• Identifying a key person to each child who will ensure that each child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs and continuously observe, assess and plan for their learning and development

• Listening to children’s verbal and non-verbal communication and making children feel included, valued and good about themselves

• Ensuring that we know what each child knows and “can do” and has equal access to tailored early learning and play opportunities

• Reflecting the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources

• Avoiding stereotypical or derogatory images in the selection of materials

• Acknowledging and celebrating a wide range of religions, beliefs and festivals

• Creating an environment of mutual respect

• Supporting children to talk about their feelings and those of others, manage emotions and develop empathy (supported with the use of the colour monster on arrival to nursery)

• Helping children to understand that discriminatory behaviour and remarks are unacceptable

• Knowing children well, being able to meet their needs and know when they require further support

• Establishing strategies that consistently enhance the opportunities and experiences of disadvantaged children, those with SEND, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or well-being

• Working in partnership with all families to ensure they understand the policy and challenge any discriminatory comments made

• Ensuring the medical, cultural and dietary needs of all children are met and help children to learn about a range of food and cultural approaches to mealtimes and to respect the differences among them. (care plans to be completed & submitted)

Parent information and meetings Information about the nursery, its activities, experiences and resources are shared with parents as well as information about their child’s development. This is given in a variety of ways according to individual needs (written, verbal, digital and were requested translated), to ensure that all parents can access the information they need. Wherever possible, meetings are arranged to give all families opportunities to attend and share information about their child. We also consult with parents about the running of the nursery and ask them to contribute their ideas.

At Total Tots we do not tolerate discriminatory behaviour and take action to tackle discrimination. We believe that parents have a right to know if discrimination occurs and what actions the nursery will take to tackle it. We follow our legal duties in relation to discrimination and record all perceived or actual incidents relating to discrimination on any grounds and report these where relevant to children’s parents and the registering authority.

We provide a neutral working environment where no one should feel threatened or intimidated and everyone should be treated with equity, inclusivity, dignity and respect. This includes ‘work situations’ such as social events and social media posts and interactions between colleagues.

Definition and legal framework Types of discrimination

• Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic

• Discrimination by association occurs when there is a direct discrimination against a person because they associate with a person who has a protected characteristic

• Discrimination by perception occurs when there is a direct discrimination against a person because they are perceived to have a protected characteristic

• Indirect discrimination can occur where a provision, criterion or practice is in place which applies to everyone in the organisation but particularly disadvantages people who share a protected characteristic and that provision, criterion or practice cannot be justified as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim

• Harassment is defined as ‘unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual’; we have zero tolerance towards such behaviour

• Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating a hostile environment for them; the law requires the setting to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers in the course of their employment; we have zero tolerance towards such behaviour

• Third party harassment occurs where a person is harassed by someone who does not work for the same employer, such as a visitor or supplier; we have zero tolerance towards such behaviour

• Victimisation occurs when an employee is treated badly or put to detriment because they have made or supported a complaint or raised grievance under the Equality Act 2010 or have been suspected of doing so. Protected characteristics The nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity. Examples of discriminatory behaviour are:

• Physical assault against a person or group of people

• Derogatory name calling, insults and discriminatory jokes

• Graffiti and other written insults (depending on the nature of what is written)

• Provocative behaviour such as wearing badges and insignia and the distribution of discriminatory literature

• Threats against a person or group of people pertaining to the nine protected characteristics listed above

• Discriminatory comments including ridicule made in the course of discussions

• Patronising words or actions. Incidents may involve a small or large number of persons, they may vary in their degree of offence and may not even recognise the incident has discriminatory implications, or at the other extreme their behaviour may be quite deliberate and blatant.

Our procedures We tackle discrimination by:

• Providing inclusive early years practice where all staff are able to identify, understand and break down barriers to participation and belonging and create an ethos of equality

• Consistently promoting the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs to all practitioners, children and families in the setting. We value diversity and celebrate differences in children and families

• Providing training and support around this subject to support staff understanding and confidence in challenging discriminatory practice, including understanding that harassment, of any kind, is subjective and so depends on how the behaviour makes someone feel. Training ensures staff understand this in order to create a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment in the workplace

• Ensure a zero-tolerance approach is actually taken by challenging any observed instances of inequalities, discrimination and prejudice as they arise in play, conversation, books or other contexts from practitioners, children and families and follow this policy, as outlined below, to ensure that discriminatory behaviours against the protected characteristics are not tolerated within our setting

• Ensuring all children and families have a sense of belonging and they can see themselves and their family’s identity reflected in the setting

• Expecting all staff in the nursery to be aware of and alert to any discriminatory behaviour, stereotyping, bias or bullying taking place in person or via an online arena

• Expecting all staff to intervene firmly and quickly to prevent any discriminatory behaviour or bullying, including behaviour from parents and other staff members

• Expecting all staff to intervene in the case of third-party harassment, reporting issues to the nursery manager and/or reporting criminal acts to the police; we have an anonymous reporting procedure for sexual harassment

• Expecting all staff to treat any allegation seriously and report it to the nursery manager. Investigating and recording each incident in detail as accurately as possible and making this record available for inspection by staff, inspectors and parents where appropriate, on request. The nursery manager is responsible for ensuring that incidents are handled appropriately and sensitively and recorded appropriately. Any patterns of behaviour should be noted. The perpetrators and victim’s initials may be used in the record.

• Ensuring any online bullying or discriminatory behaviour is tackled immediately

• Informing the parents of the child(ren) who are perpetrators and/or victims of the incident and of the outcome, where an allegation is substantiated following an investigation

• Excluding or dismissing any individuals who display continued discriminatory behaviour or bullying, but such steps will only be taken when other strategies have failed to modify behaviour. This includes any employees where any substantiated allegation after investigation leads to disciplinary procedures (please see the Disciplinary procedures).

We foster a safe, inclusive, and positive work environment, with our leadership team ensuring policies are kept up-to- date, conducting risk assessments, providing regular training and monitoring to ensure effective implementation. These demonstrate taking ‘all reasonable steps’ to ensure compliance with the duty to prevent harassment of our employees, including harassment from third parties, such as visitors to the premises.

We record any incidents of discriminatory behaviour or bullying to ensure that:

• Strategies are developed to prevent future incidents

• Patterns of behaviour are identified

• Persistent offenders are identified

• Effectiveness of nursery policies are monitored

• A secure information base is provided to enable the nursery to respond to any discriminatory behaviour or bullying.

If the behaviour shown by an individual is deemed to be radicalised, we will follow our procedure as detailed in our Safeguarding children and child protection policy and the Prevent duty and radicalisation policy in order to safeguard children and families.

Nursery staff We expect all staff to be alert and seek to overcome any ignorant or offensive behaviour based on fear or dislike of distinctions that children, staff or parents may express in nursery.

We aim to create an atmosphere where the victims of any form of discrimination have confidence to report such behaviour, and that subsequently they feel positively supported by the staff and management of the nursery.

It is incumbent upon all members of staff to ensure that they do not express any views or comments that are discriminatory or appear to endorse such views by failing to counter behaviour, which is prejudicial in a direct manner. We expect all staff to use a sensitive and informed approach to counter any harassment perpetrated out of ignorance.

We have a duty to create and implement strategies in the nursery to prevent and address racism.

Such Strategies include:

• The nursery records all racist incidents.

• That all incidents are reported to the parents/carers and when appropriate to the registering authority.

Definition of racial harassment “Violence which may be verbal or physical and which includes attack on property and people because of their race, nationality, ethnic origins when the victim believes that the perpetrator was acting on racial grounds and or there is evidence of racism”- (commission of racial equality)

Instances may involve a small or large number of persons, they may vary in their degree of offence and may not even recognise the incident has racial implications; or at the other extreme, their behaviour may be quite deliberate.

Examples of racial harassment

• Physical assault against a person or group of people.

• Derogatory name calling insults or racial jokes.

• Racist graffiti and other written insults.

• Provocative behaviour, such as wearing racist badges.

• Threats against a person or group because of their colour or race.

• Discriminatory comments including ridicule made in the course of discussion in class.

• Patronising words or action. Procedure

• All staff in the nursery should be constantly aware of any racial harassment taking place.

• Staff must intervene firmly and quickly to prevent all forms of racial harassment. Any allegations will be taken seriously and reported to the manager/deputy.

• Each incident should be investigated and recorded. This record will be available for inspection by staff, inspectors and parents/carers where appropriate.

• The manager is responsible for ensuring that incidents are handled appropriately and entered in the record book.

• An allegation is substantiated following an investigation, the parents/carers of children who perpetrates and victims should be informed of incidents.

• Continued racial harassment may lead to exclusion.

• Adults found to be perpetrators must be reported to the manager.

At Total Tots we strive to provide the highest quality of care and education for our children and families and believe that all parents are treated with care, courtesy and respect. We hope that at all times parents are happy and satisfied with the quality and service provided and we encourage parents to voice their appreciation to the staff concerned and/or management. We record all compliments and share these with staff.

We welcome any suggestions from parents on how we can improve our services, and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns that parents may have. Concerns will be dealt with professionally and promptly to ensure that any issues arising from them are handled effectively and to ensure the welfare of all children, enable ongoing cooperative partnership with parents and to continually improve the quality of the nursery.

We have a formal procedure for dealing with complaints where we are not able to resolve a concern. Where any concern or complaint relates to child protection, we follow our Safeguarding children and child protection policy.

Internal complaints procedure Stage 1- If any parent should have cause for concern or any queries regarding the care or early learning provided by the nursery, they should in the first instance take it up with the child's key person or a senior member of staff/room leader.

Stage 2 -If the issue remains unresolved or parents feel they have received an unsatisfactory outcome, then they must present their concerns in writing as a formal complaint to the nursery manager. The manager will then investigate the complaint and report back to the parent within 28 days. The manager will document the complaint fully and the actions taken in relation to it in the complaint’s logbook. Most complaints are usually resolved informally at stage 1 or 2.

Stage 3 - If the matter is still not resolved, the nursery will hold a formal meeting between the manager, parent and a senior staff member to ensure that it is dealt with comprehensively. The nursery will make a record of the meeting and document any actions. All parties present at the meeting will review the accuracy of the record and be asked to sign to agree it and receive a copy, this will signify the conclusion of the procedure.

Stage 4 - If the matter cannot be resolved to their satisfaction, then parents have the right to raise the matter with Ofsted. Parents are made aware that they can contact Ofsted at any time they have a concern, including at all stages of the complaint’s procedure, and are given information on how to contact Ofsted. Ofsted is the registering authority for nurseries in England and investigates all complaints that suggest a provider may not be meeting the requirements of the nursery’s registration. It risks assesses all complaints made and may visit the nursery to carry out a full inspection where it believes requirements are not met.

A record of complaints will be kept in the nursery. The record will include the name of the complainant, the nature of the complaint, date and time complaint received, action(s) taken, result of any investigations and any information given to the complainant including a dated response. Parents will be able to access this record if they wish; however, all personal details relating to any complaint will be stored confidentially and will be only accessible by the parties involved. Ofsted inspectors will have access to this record at any time during visits to ensure actions have been met appropriately.

Contact details for Ofsted: Contact us | Ofsted Telephone: 0300 123 1231 Ofsted Piccadilly Gate, Store Street Manchester M1 2WD

This policy has been created with regard to:

• The SEND Code of Practice 2015

• Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3)

• Equality Act 2010

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Statutory Framework for the EYFS.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) code of practice The nursery has regard to the statutory guidance set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability code of practice to identify, assess and make provision for children’s special educational needs.

At Total Tots we use the SEND Code of Practice definition of Special Educational Needs and Disability:

A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.

A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she:

• Has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or

• Has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age.

Statement of intent We are committed to the inclusion of all children at our nursery, by establishing strategies that consistently enhance the opportunities and experiences of disadvantaged children, those with SEND, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing. We ensure all children are cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside their peers through positive experiences. We enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs and we work hard to ensure no child is discriminated against or put at a disadvantage as a consequence of their needs. Each child’s needs are unique and we do not attempt to categorise children.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents in order to meet each child’s individual needs and develop to their full potential. We are committed to working with any child who has a special educational need and/or disability and making reasonable adjustments to enable every child to make full use of the nursery’s facilities. All children have a right to a broad and well-balanced early learning environment. We undertake a Progress Check of all children at age two in accordance with the Code of Practice and statutory framework for the EYFS to support early identification of needs.

We will work closely with the child’s parents and any relevant professionals if we identify any areas where a child’s progress is less than expected to establish if any additional action is required. This may include:

• Liaising with any professional agencies

• Reading any reports that have been prepared

• Attending any review meetings with the local authority and other professionals

• Observing each child’s development and assessing such observations regularly to monitor progress.

All new children will be given a full settling in period when joining the nursery according to their individual needs.

We will:

• Recognise each child’s individual needs and ensure all staff are aware of, and have regard for, the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice

• Ensure that all children are treated as individuals and are supported to take part in every aspect of the nursery day according to their individual needs and abilities

• Include all children and their families in our provision

• Identify the specific needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and meet those needs through a range of strategies

• Ensure that children who learn at an accelerated pace, e.g. ’more able’ are also supported (see the More able and talented children policy)

• Encourage children to value and respect others

• Provide well informed and suitably trained practitioners to help support parents and children with special educational difficulties and/or disabilities

• Develop and maintain a core team of staff who are experienced in the care of children with additional needs and identify a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCo) who is experienced in the care and assessment of children with additional needs. Staff will be provided with specific training relating to SEND and the SEND Code of Practice

• Monitor and review our practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments, and seek specialist equipment and services where required

• Challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices

• Promote positive images and role models during play experiences of those with additional needs wherever possible

• Celebrate diversity in all aspects of play and learning

• Work in partnership with parents and other agencies in order to meet individual children's needs, including the education, health and care authorities, and seek advice, support and training where required

• Share any statutory and other assessments made by the nursery with parents and support parents in seeking any help they or the child may need.

Our nursery Special Education Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENCo) is

➢ Sam Howse – Lancaster ➢ Sammy Mason– Balmoral ➢ Elena Delaney- Westgate

The role of the SENCo in our setting includes:

• Ensuring all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities to children with SEND and the setting’s approach to identifying and meeting SEND

• Advising and supporting colleagues

• Ensuring parents are closely involved throughout and that their insights inform action taken by the setting

• Liaising with professionals or agencies beyond the setting

• Taking the lead in implementing the graduated response approach and supporting colleagues through each stage of the process. We will:

• Designate a named member of staff to be the SENCo and share their name and role with all staff and parents

• Have high aspirations for all children and support them to achieve their full potential

• Develop respectful partnerships with parents and families

• Ensure parents are involved at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and review of their child's care and education and include the thoughts and feelings voiced by the child, where possible

• Signpost parents and families to our Local Offer in order to access local support and services

https://www.totaltots.co.uk/what-do-we-offer

• Undertake formal Progress Checks and assessments of all children in accordance with the SEND Code of Practice January and statutory framework for the EYFS

• Provide a statement showing how we provide for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and share this with staff, parents and other professionals

• Ensure that the provision for children with SEN and/or disabilities is the responsibility of all members of staff in the nursery through training and professional discussions

• Set out in our inclusive admissions practice on how we meet equality of access and opportunity

• Make reasonable adjustments to our physical environment to ensure it is, as far as possible suitable for children and adults with disabilities using the facilities

• Provide a broad, balanced, aspirational early learning environment for all children with SEN and/or disabilities and differentiated activities to meet all individual needs and abilities

• Liaise with other professionals involved with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families, including transition arrangements to other settings and schools (see our Transitions policy)

• Use the graduated approach response system to assess, plan, do and review to ensure early identification of any SEND

• Ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents are consulted at all stages of the graduated response, taking into account their levels of ability

• Review children’s progress and TLP (targeted learning plans) [every 4/6weeks] and work with parents to agree on further support plans

• Provide privacy of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities when intimate care is being provided

• Raise awareness of any specialism the setting has to offer, e.g. Makaton trained staff

• Ensure the effectiveness of our SEN and disability provision by collecting information from a range of sources, e.g. additional support reviews, Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, staff and management meetings, parental and external agencies’ views, inspections and complaints. This information is collated, evaluated and reviewed annually

• Provide a complaints procedure and make available to all parents in a format that meets their needs, e.g. Braille, audio, large print, additional languages

• Monitor and review our policy and procedures annually.

Effective assessment of the need for early help We are aware of the process for early help and adhere to the following procedure:

Local agencies should work together to put processes in place for the effective assessment of the needs of individual children who may benefit from early help services. Children and families may need support from a wide range of local agencies. Where a child and family would benefit from coordinated support from more than one agency (e.g. education, health, housing, police) there should be an inter-agency assessment. These early help assessments should identify what help the child and family require to prevent needs escalating to a point where intervention would be needed via a statutory assessment under the Children Act 1989.

The early help assessment should be undertaken by a lead professional who should provide support to the child and family, act as an advocate on their behalf and coordinate the delivery of support services. The lead professional role could be undertaken by a General Practitioner (GP), family support worker, teacher, health visitor and/or special educational needs coordinator. Decisions about who should be the lead professional should be taken on a case-by- case basis and should be informed by the child and their family.

For an early help assessment to be effective:

• The assessment should be undertaken with the agreement of the child and their parents. It should involve the child and family as well as all the professionals who are working with them

• A teacher, GP, health visitor, early years worker or other professional should be able to discuss concerns they may have about a child and family with a social worker in the local authority. Local authority children’s social care should set out the process for how this will happen

• If parents and/or the child do not consent to an early help assessment, then the lead professional should make a judgement as to whether, without help, the needs of the child will escalate. If so, a referral into local authority children’s social care may be necessary. If at any time it is considered that the child may be a child in need as defined in the Children Act 1989, or that the child has suffered significant harm, or is likely to do so, a referral should be made immediately to local authority children’s social care. This referral can be made by any professional (Working together to safeguard children).

Graduated response approach We follow the SEND Code of Practice recommendation that, in addition to the formal checks above, we adopt a graduated approach to assessment and planning, led and coordinated by a SENCO. Good practice of working together with parents, and the observation and monitoring of children’s individual progress, will help identify any child with special educational needs or disability. This graduated approach will be led and coordinated by our SENCO and appropriate records will be kept according to the Code of Practice.

Assess In identifying a child as needing SEND support, the key person, working with the SENCO and the child’s parents, will carry out an analysis of the child’s needs. This initial assessment will be reviewed regularly to ensure that support is matched to need. Where there is little or no improvement in the child’s progress, more specialist assessment may be called for from specialist teachers or from health, social services or other agencies beyond the setting. Where professionals are not already working with the setting, the SENCO will contact them, with the parents’ agreement.

Plan Where it is decided to provide SEND support, and having formally notified the parents, the key person and the SENCO, in consultation with the parents, will agree the outcomes they are seeking, the interventions and support to be put in place, the expected impact on progress, development or behaviour, and a clear date for review. Plans will take into account the views of the child.

The support and intervention provided will be selected to meet the outcomes identified for the child, based on reliable evidence of effectiveness, and provided by practitioners with relevant skills and knowledge. Any related staff development needs are identified and addressed. Parents will be involved in planning support and, where appropriate, in reinforcing the provision or contributing to progress at home.

Do The child’s key person will be responsible for working with the child on a daily basis. With support from the SENCO, they will oversee the implementation of the intervention agreed as part of SEN support. The SENCO will support the key person in assessing the child’s response to the action taken, in problem solving and advising on the effective implementation of support.

Review The effectiveness of the support and its impact on the child’s progress will be reviewed in line with the agreed date. The impact and quality of the support will be evaluated by the key person and the SENCO in full consultation with the child’s parents and taking into account the child’s views. Information will be shared with parents about the impact of the support provided.

Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) Some children and young people may require an EHC needs assessment in order to decide whether it is necessary to develop an EHC plan. The purpose of an EHC plan is to make adjustments and offer support to meet the special educational needs of the child, to secure the best possible outcomes for them across education, health and social care.

The local authority will conduct the EHC needs assessment and take into account a wide range of evidence, including:

• Evidence of the child’s developmental milestones and rate of progress

• Information about the nature, extent and context of the child’s SEND

• Evidence of the action already being taken by us as the early years provider to meet the child’s SEND needs

• Evidence that, where progress has been made, it has only been as the result of much additional intervention and support over and above that which is usually provided

• Evidence of the child’s physical, emotional and social development and health needs, drawing on relevant evidence from clinicians and other health professionals and what has been done to meet these by other agencies.

We will then work with the local authority and other agencies to ensure that the child receives the support they need to gain the best outcomes.

We will review this policy annually to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the children, parents and our nursery.

At Total Tots we believe that children flourish best when they feel safe and secure and have their needs met by supportive practitioners who act as good role models, show them respect and value their individual personalities. Children are supported through co-regulation, where adults and children work together towards a common purpose, including finding ways to resolve upsets from stress in any domain and return to balance leading on to a path to self-regulation. The nursery actively promotes British values and encourages and praises positive, caring and polite behaviour at all times and provides an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their surroundings.

We implement the early year’s curriculum supporting children to develop their personal, social and emotional development. This involves helping children to understand their own feelings and others and beginning to regulate their behaviour. We support children to do this through working together with parents, having consistent approaches, structure, routine and age/stage appropriate boundaries. We help build confidence and self-esteem by valuing all children and giving lots of praise and encouragement.

To support positive behaviour in our setting, we aim to:

• Recognise the individuality of all our children.

• Provide a warm, responsive relationship where children feel respected, comforted and supported in times of stress, and confident that they are cared for at all times.

• Understand that behaviours are a normal part of some young children’s development e.g. biting.

• Encourage self-regulation, consideration for each other, our surroundings and property.

• Encourage children to participate in a wide range of group activities to enable them to develop their social skills

• Ensure that all staff act as positive role models for children.

• Encourage parents and other visitors to be positive role models.

• Work in partnership with parents by communicating openly.

• Praise children and acknowledge their positive actions and attitudes, therefore ensuring that children see that we value and respect them.

• Encourage all staff working with children to accept their responsibility for implementing the goals in this policy and to be consistent.

• Promote non-violence and encourage children to deal with conflict peacefully.

• Provide a key person system enabling staff to build a strong and positive relationship with children and their families.

• Provide activities and stories to help children learn about accepted behaviours, including opportunities for children to contribute to decisions about accepted behaviour where age/stage appropriate.

• Supporting and developing children’s understanding of different feelings and emotions, self-regulation and empathy as appropriate to stage of development. This includes using strategies and naming and talking about feelings and ways to manage them.

• Have a named person who has overall responsibility for promoting positive behaviour and behaviour support.

The manager for promoting and supporting behaviour is It is their role to:

• Advise and support other staff on any behaviour concerns.

• Along with each room leader will keep up to date with legislation and research relating to promoting positive behaviour.

• Support changes to policies and procedures in the nursery.

• Access relevant sources of expertise where required and act as a central information source for all involved.

• Attend regular external training events, and ensure all staff attend relevant in-house or external training for behaviour management. Keep a record of staff attendance at this training.

• Our nursery rules are concerned with safety, care and respect for each other. We keep the rules to a minimum and ensure that these are age and stage appropriate. We regularly involve children in the process of setting rules to encourage cooperation and participation and ensure children gain understanding of the expectations of behaviour relevant to them as a unique child.

Children who are displaying distressed/challenging behaviour, for example, by physically abusing another child or adult e.g. biting, or through verbal bullying, are helped to talk through their feelings and actions through co-regulation before thinking about the situation and apologise where appropriate. We make sure that the child who has been upset is comforted. We always acknowledge when a child is feeling angry or upset and that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child or their feelings.

Our promoting positive behaviour procedure is:

• We support all children to develop positive behaviour, and we make every effort to provide for their individual needs.

• We never use or threaten to use physical punishment/corporal punishment such as smacking or shaking or use or threaten any punishment that could adversely affect a child’s wellbeing.

• We only use physical intervention (where practitioners may use reasonable force to prevent children from injuring themselves or others or damaging property) or to manage a child’s behaviour if absolutely necessary. We keep a record of any occasions where physical intervention is used and inform parents on the same day, or as reasonably practicable.

• We recognise that there may be occasions where a child is displaying challenging/ distressed behaviour and may need individual techniques to restrain them to prevent a child from injuring themselves or others. This will only be carried out by staff who have been appropriately trained to do so. Any restraints will only be done following recommended guidance and training and only with a signed agreement from parents on when to use it. We will complete an incident form following any restraints used and notify the parents.

• We do not single out children or humiliate them in any way. Where children are displaying challenging behaviour, they will, wherever possible, be distracted/re-directed to alternative activities. Discussions with children will take place as to why their behaviour was not acceptable, respecting their level of understanding and maturity.

• Staff do not raise their voices (other than to keep children safe)

• In any case of challenging behaviour, we always make it clear to the child or children in question, that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome.

• We decide on particular strategies to support particular types of behaviour depending on the child’s age, level of development and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour. This may involve asking the child to talk and think about what he/she has done. All staff support children in developing empathy and children will only be asked to apologise if they have developed strong empathy skills and have a good understanding of why saying sorry is appropriate.

• We help staff to reflect on their own responses towards behaviours that challenge to ensure that their reactions are appropriate.

• We inform parents if their child’s behaviour is unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all cases we deal with behaviour that challenges in nursery at the time. We may ask parents to meet with staff to discuss their child's behaviour, so that if there are any difficulties, we can work together to ensure consistency between their home and the nursery. In some cases, we may request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as an educational psychologist.

• We support children in developing non-aggressive strategies to enable them to express their feelings and emotions.

• We keep confidential records on any behaviour that challenges that has taken place We inform parents and ask them to read and sign any incidents concerning their child.

• Through partnership with parents and formal observations, we make every effort to identify any behavioural concerns and the causes of that behaviour. From these observations and discussions, we will implement an individual behaviour modification plan where a child’s behaviour involves aggressive actions towards other children and staff, for example hitting, kicking etc. The manager will complete risk assessments identifying any potential triggers or warning signs ensuring other children’s and staff’s safety at all times. In these instances, we may remove a child from an area until they have calmed down.

We recognise that children need their own time and space and that it is not always appropriate to expect a child to share. We believe it is important to acknowledge each child’s feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling.

At our nursery, staff follow the procedure below to enable them to deal with behaviour that challenges:

• Staff are encouraged to ensure that all children feel safe, happy and secure.

• Staff are encouraged to recognise that active physical aggression in the early years is part of the child’s development and that it should be channelled in a positive way.

• Children are helped to understand that using aggression to get things, is inappropriate and they will be encouraged to resolve problems in other ways.

• Staff will initiate games and activities with children when they feel play has become overly boisterous/aggressive, both indoors and out

• We will ensure that this policy is available for staff and parents, and it will be shared at least once a year to parents and staff.

• Staff and parents are also welcomed to review and comment on the policy and procedure.

• If any parent has a concern about their child, a member of staff will be available to discuss those concerns. Working together can ensure our children feel confident and secure in their environment, both at home and in the nursery

• All concerns will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Anti-bullying

We encourage children to recognise that bullying, fighting, hurting and discriminatory comments are not acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise that certain actions are right and that others are wrong.

Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal or emotional, but it is always a repeated behaviour that makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened. We acknowledge that any form of bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately while recognising that physical aggression is part of children’s development in their early years. Staff will intervene when they think a child is being bullied, however mild or harmless it may seem and sensitively discuss any instance of bullying with the parents of all involved to look for a consistent resolution to the behaviour.

By positively promoting positive behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude, we hope to ensure that children will develop a positive sense of self, have confidence in their own abilities, make good friendships, co- operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These will provide them with a secure platform for school and later life.

At Total Tots we have an open access policy in relation to accessing information about the nursery and parents’ own children. This policy is subject to the laws relating to data protection and document retention and should be used in conjunction with the Data protection and confidentiality policy and the GDPR privacy notice.

Parents are welcome to view the policies and procedures of the nursery, which govern the way in which the nursery operates. These may be viewed at any time when the nursery is open, simply by asking the nursery manager or by accessing the file from the office or on the nursery website. The nursery manager or any other relevant staff member will also explain any policies and procedures to parents or use any other methods to make sure that parents understand these.

Parents are also welcome to see and contribute to all the records that are kept on their child. However, we must adhere to data protection laws and, where relevant, any guidance from the relevant agencies for child protection.

As we hold personal information about staff and families, we are registered under data protection law with the Information Commissioner’s Office. A copy of the certificate can be viewed at main reception areas. All parent, child and staff information is stored securely according to the requirements of data protection registration, including details, permissions, certificates and photographic images. We will ensure that staff understand the need to protect the privacy of the children in their care as well as the legal requirements that exist to ensure that information relating to the child is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality.

We will store photographs and videos of children securely, in accordance with our Safeguarding children and child protection policy and data protection law. We will keep hard copies of images in a locked container and electronic images in a protected folder with restricted access. We will never store images of children on unencrypted portable equipment such as laptops, memory sticks or mobile devices.

We are required under legislation to keep certain records about children, parents and also staff members. Due to this legislation, we are required to keep this information for a set amount of time. Below is a brief overview of the information we keep and for how long. This policy should be used in conjunction with the Data protection and confidentiality policy and the GDPR privacy notice.

Children’s records (including photographs and videos): A reasonable period of time after children have left the provision. [post leave date].

Records relating to individual children e.g. care plans, speech and language referral forms: We will pass these on to the child’s next school or setting following our Local Authority’s protocols for transition and sharing of sensitive records. Copies will be kept for a reasonable period. We follow the Local Authority procedure which states they should be kept for [post leave date or transition].

Accidents and pre-existing injuries: If relevant to child protection we will keep these until the child reaches 25 years old.

Safeguarding records and cause for concern forms: We will pass these on to the child’s new educational establishment, e.g. school. In the event that we are not informed of the child’s new placement, we will keep the records until the child has reached 25 years old.

Records of any reportable death, injury, disease or dangerous occurrence (for children): As these incidents could result in potential negligence claims, or evolve into a more serious health condition, we keep records until the child reaches the age of 22 years.

Records of any reportable death, injury, disease or dangerous occurrence (for staff): 3 years.

Type of accidents including fractures, broken limbs, serious head injuries or where the child is hospitalised: Until the child reaches the age of 22 years.

Information and assessments about individual children are either given to parents when the child leaves or to the next setting or school that the child moves to (with parents’ permission).

Personnel files and training records (including disciplinary records and working time records): 7 years.

Visitor signing in book: Up to 24 years as part of the child protection trail.

Complaints record book: 7 years

Nursery records and documentation that are not required to be kept are deleted or destroyed in line with the current data protection laws and our GDPR privacy notice.

If parents have a specific deletion or retention request regarding any data that we hold, please raise a query in writing and we will respond formally to your request.

This policy will be reviewed annually and amended according to any change in law and/or legislation.

At Total Tots we provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees and a safe early learning environment in which children learn and are cared for. To develop and promote a strong health and safety culture within the nursery for the benefit of all staff, children, parents and any visitors, we provide information, training and supervision. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement our health and safety procedures are set out within this policy and we make sufficient resources available to provide a safe environment.

Legal framework We follow all relevant legislation and associated guidance relating to health and safety within the nursery including:

• The requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework

• The regulations of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) and any other relevant legislation such as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH)

• Any guidance provided by UK Health Security Agency, the local health protection unit, the local authority environmental health department, fire authority or the Health and Safety Executive.

Aims and objectives The aim of this policy statement is to ensure that all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the premises.

To achieve this, we will actively work towards the following objectives:

• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the nursery including outdoor spaces

• Establish and maintain safe working practices amongst staff and children

• Make arrangements for ensuring safety and the minimising of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of hazardous articles and substances

• Ensure the provision of sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all people working in or using the nursery to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety and to ensure that staff have access to regular health and safety training

• Maintain a healthy and safe nursery with safe entry and exit routes

• Formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and other emergencies and for evacuating the nursery premises. Practice this procedure on a regular basis to enable the safe and speedy evacuation of the nursery

• Maintain a safe working environment for pregnant workers or for workers who have recently given birth, including undertaking appropriate risk assessments

• Maintain a safe environment for those with special educational needs and disabilities and ensure all areas of the nursery are accessible (wherever practicable)

• Provide a safe environment for students or trainees to learn in

• Encourage all staff, visitors and parents to report any unsafe working practices or areas to ensure immediate response by the management.

We believe the risks in the nursery environment are low. To maintain the maximum protection for children, staff and parents, the nursery:

• Ensures all entrances and exits from the building, including fire exits are clearly identifiable, free from obstruction and easily opened from the inside

• Regularly check the premises room by room for structural defects, worn fixtures and fittings or electrical equipment and take the necessary remedial action

• Ensures that all staff, visitors, parents and children are aware of the fire procedures and regular fire drills are carried out

• Has the appropriate fire detection and control equipment which is checked regularly to make sure it is in working order

• Ensures that all members of staff are aware of the procedure to follow in case of accidents for staff, visitors and children

• Ensures that all members of staff take all reasonable action to control the spread of infectious diseases and wear protective gloves and clothing where appropriate

• Ensures there are suitable hygienic changing facilities (see Infection control policy)

• Prohibits smoking or vaping on the nursery premises

• Prohibits any contractor from working on the premises without prior discussion with the officer in charge

• Encourages children to manage risks safely and prohibits running inside the premises unless in designated areas

• Risk assesses all electrical sockets and take appropriate measures to reduce risks where necessary and ensure no trailing wires are left around the nursery

• Ensures all cleaning materials are placed out of the reach of children and kept in their original containers

• Ensures staff wear protective clothing when cooking or serving food

• Prohibits certain foods that may relate to children’s allergies, e.g. nuts are not allowed in the nursery

• Follows the EU Food Information for Food Consumers Regulations (EU FIC) by identifying the 14 allergens listed by EU Law that we use as ingredients in any of the dishes we provide to children and ensure that all parents are informed

• Follows the Allergies and allergic reactions policy for children who have allergies or have a reaction at the nursery

• Ensures risk assessments are undertaken on the storage and preparation of food produce within the nursery

• Familiarises all staff and visitors with the position of the first aid boxes and ensure all know who the appointed first aiders are

• Provides appropriately stocked first aid boxes and check their contents regularly

• Ensures children are supervised at all times

• Takes all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises and have an agreed procedure for checking the identity of visitors

• Ensures no student or volunteer is left unsupervised at any time

• Ensures staff paediatric first aid (PFA) certificates or a list of staff who hold a current PFA certificate are on display (and/or made available to parents).

Responsibilities The designated Health and Safety Officer in the nursery is [insert name].

The employer has overall and final responsibility for this policy being carried out at: Louise Nolan & Karl Hansson Head Office LANCASTER, Caton Road LA1 3PE

The nursery *manager/*deputy nursery manager will be responsible in his/her absence.

All employees have the responsibility to cooperate with senior staff and the manager to achieve a healthy and safe nursery and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Neglect of health and safety regulations and duties will be regarded as a disciplinary matter (see separate Disciplinary procedure).

Whenever a member of staff notices a health or safety issue or problem which they are not able to rectify, they must immediately report it to the appropriate person named above. Parents and visitors are requested to report any concerns they may have to the *senior member of staff in the area/*deputy manager/*manager.

Daily contact, staff meetings and health and safety meetings provide consultation between management and employees. These include health and safety matters.

Health and safety training – Managers are responsible for monitoring staff training.

Health and safety is covered in all induction training for new staff.

Training table

Area Training required Who

Paediatric First Aid Course All staff Safeguarding children and child protection In house training/course All staff and students At least half of the staff working Care of babies In house training/course with under twos Risk assessments In house training/course All staff Fire safety procedures In house training All staff and students Use of fire extinguisher In house training/course All staff where possible Food hygiene In house training/course All staff Allergy awareness In house training/course All staff and students Manual handling In house training/course All staff and students Stress awareness and management In house training/course All staff Changing of nappies In house training All staff Fire marshal duties External course Fire marshal Medication requiring technical or medical External course As required knowledge, e.g. Epi Pen SENCo External course SENCo Supervision and appraisal training/course Manager, Deputy

At least one member of staff on the premises and available at times when children are present MUST hold a full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate in the nursery and must accompany children on outings. The certificate must be for a full 12 hour course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS. This must be renewed every three years.

In addition to this, all newly qualified entrants to the early years workforce who have completed a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification on or after 30 June 2016, must also have either a full PFA or an emergency PFA certificate within three months of starting work and ongoing in order to be included in the required staff: child ratios at level 2 or level 3. To continue to be included in the ratio requirement the certificate must be renewed every three years.

At nursery, we take in to account the number of children, staff, layout of premises to ensure that a paediatric first aider is able to respond to emergencies quickly.

All trained first aiders are listed in the Accidents and first aid policy.

Health and safety arrangements

• All staff are responsible for general health and safety in the nursery

• Risk assessments will be conducted on all areas of the nursery, including rooms, activities, outdoor areas, resources, cleaning equipment, legionella and lone working

• Risk assessments are reviewed at regular intervals and when arrangements change

• All outings away from the nursery (however short) will include a prior risk assessment – more details are included in our Visits and outings policy

• All equipment, rooms and outdoor areas are checked thoroughly by staff before children access them or the area. These checks are recorded and initialled by the staff responsible. Unsafe areas are made safe where possible or the area is not used to promote the safety of children. In these cases the manager will be notified immediately

• We provide appropriate facilities for all children, staff, parents and visitors to receive a warm welcome and provide for their basic care needs, e.g. easy to access toilet area and fresh drinking water

• We adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (COSHH) to ensure all children, staff, parents and visitors are safe in relation to any chemicals we may use on the premises

• We identify and assess any water sources at risk of legionella1, and manage these risks including avoiding stagnant water

• All staff and students receive appropriate training in all areas of health and safety which includes risk assessments, manual handling, fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. We may also use benefit risk assessments for particular activities and resources for children

• We have a clear Accidents and first aid policy to follow in the case of any person in the nursery suffering injury from an accident or incident

• We have a clear fire safety policy and procedure, which supports the prevention of fire and the safe evacuation of all persons in the nursery. This is shared with all staff, students, parents and visitors to the nursery

• We review accident and incident records to identify any patterns or hazardous areas

• All health and safety matters are reviewed informally on an ongoing basis and formally every six months or when something changes. Staff and parents receive these updates, as with all policy changes, as and when they happen

• We welcome feedback from staff and parents. They are able to contribute to any policy through informal discussions, the suggestion scheme and/or during regular meetings held at nursery.

1 https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/

At Total Tots the safety of all children is paramount, and we have measures in place to help to protect children. However, sometimes accidents do unavoidably happen.

We follow this policy to ensure all parties are supported and cared for when accidents or incidents happen1 and that the circumstances of the accident or incident are reviewed with a view to minimising any future risks.

Accidents or incidents When an accident or incident occurs, we ensure:

• The child is comforted and reassured first

• The extent of the injury is assessed and if necessary, a call is made for medical support or an ambulance

• First aid procedures are carried out where necessary, by a trained paediatric first aider

• The person responsible for reporting accidents, incidents or near misses is the member of staff who saw the incident or was first to find the child where there are no witnesses

• The accident or incident is recorded on an accident/incident form, and it is reported to the nursery manager. Other staff who have witnessed the accident may also countersign the form and, in more serious cases, provide a statement. This should be done as soon as the accident is dealt with, whilst the details are still clearly remembered

• Parents are shown the accident/incident form and informed of any first aid treatment given. They are asked to sign it the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable after (sent via Parent Portal app for your digital acknowledgment)

• The nursery manager reviews the accident/incident forms at least monthly for patterns, e.g. one child having a repeated number of accidents, a particular area in the nursery or a particular time of the day when most accidents happen. Any patterns are investigated by the nursery manager and all necessary steps to reduce risks are put in place

• The nursery manager reports any serious accidents or incidents to the registered person for investigation for further action to be taken (i.e. a full risk assessment or report under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR))

• The accident forms are kept for at least 22 years

• Where medical attention is required, a senior member of staff will notify the parent(s) as soon as possible whilst caring for the child appropriately

• Where medical treatment is required the nursery manager will follow the insurance company procedures, which may involve informing them in writing of the accident

• The nursery manager or registered provider will report any accidents of a serious nature to Ofsted and the local authority children’s social care team (as the local child protection agency), where necessary. Where relevant, such accidents will also be reported to the local authority environmental health department or the Health and Safety Executive and their advice followed

• If the setting is an awarded Millie’s Mark setting, or working towards the award, then the manager or registered provider will also notify Millie’s Mark to meet the requirements under this scheme. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practical, but in any event within 14 days of the incident occurring.

Location of accident files: Parenta Software digitally/chronologically stored on children’s personal files.

1 An accident is an unfortunate event or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in an injury, for example tripping over and hurting your knee. An incident is an event or occurrence that is related to another person, typically resulting in an injury, for example being pushed over and hurting your knee.

Accident and incident records will be regularly reviewed to identify if there are trends or common features that could be addressed to reduce the risks of accidents and incidents in the setting. Appropriate action will be taken to address any identified concerns.

Contact Details:

Organisation Contact

Ofsted 0300 123 4666

Local authority children’s social care team 0300 123 6720

Local authority environmental health department LANCASHIRE

Health and Safety Executive Louise Nolan & Karl Hansson

RIDDOR report form https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reporting/index.htm

Millie’s Mark https://www.milliesmark.com/

Head injuries If a child receives a head injury while in the setting, then we will follow this procedure:

• Comfort, calm and reassure the child

• Assess the child’s condition to ascertain if a hospital or ambulance is required. We will follow our procedures if this is required (see below)

• If the skin is not broken, we will administer a cold compress for short periods of time, repeated until the parent arrives to collect their child

• If the skin is broken, then we will follow our first aid training and stem the bleeding

• Call the parent and make them aware of the injury and if they need to collect their child

• Complete the accident form

• Keep the child in a calm and quiet area whilst awaiting collection, where applicable

• We will continue to monitor the child and follow the advice on the NHS website as per all head injuries https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/minor-head-injury/

• For major head injuries we will follow our paediatric first aid training.

Choking When a child experiences a choking incident that requires intervention, we will:

• Record details of where and how the child choked

• Make parents aware of the incident.

Transporting children to hospital procedure The nursery manager or staff member must:

• Call for an ambulance immediately if the injury is severe. We will not attempt to transport the injured child in our own vehicles.

• Whilst waiting for the ambulance, contact the parents and arrange to meet them at the hospital

• Arrange for the most appropriate member of staff to accompany the child, taking with them any relevant information such as registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s comforter

• Redeploy staff if necessary to ensure there is adequate staff deployment to care for the remaining children. This may mean temporarily grouping the children together

• Inform a member of the management team immediately

• Remain calm at all times. Children who witness an incident may well be affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the accident.

First aid The first aid boxes are located in: All nursery classrooms, These are accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children.

The appointed person responsible for first aid checks the contents of the boxes regularly [Nursery Deputies] and replaces items that have been used or are out of date.

The staff first aid box is kept [Office]. This is kept out of reach of the children.

First aid boxes should only contain items permitted by the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Act 1981, such as sterile dressings, bandages and eye pads. No other medical items, such as paracetamol should be kept in them.

The appointed persons responsible for first aid are all staff members who hold a current Paediatric First Aid qualification. A list of qualified first aiders is displayed at the entrance to the nursery setting and on the designated display boards.

All of the staff are trained in paediatric first aid (current full (12 hour) paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate and this training is updated every three years qualified paediatric person is available on the premises at all times when children are present.

All first aid trained staff are listed in outside every room & main entrance. When children are taken on an outing away from our nursery, we will always ensure they are accompanied by at least one member of staff who holds a current full (12 hour) PFA certificate. A first aid box is taken on all outings, along with any medication that needs to be administered in an emergency, including inhalers etc.

Food safety and play Children are supervised during mealtimes, and food is adequately cut up to reduce the risk of choking. The use of food as a play material is discouraged.

However, as we understand that learning experiences are provided through exploring different malleable materials, the following may be used:

• Playdough

• Cornflour

• Dried pasta, rice and pulses.

These are risk assessed and presented differently to the way it would be presented for eating, e.g. in tuff trays.

Food items may also be incorporated into the role play area to enrich the learning experiences for children, e.g. fruits and vegetables. Children will be fully supervised during these activities.

Food that could cause a choking hazard, including raw jelly, is not used. See the Food play policy for further details.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) The nursery provides staff with PPE according to the need of the task or activity. Staff must wear PPE to protect themselves and the children during tasks that involve contact with bodily fluids. PPE is also provided for domestic tasks. Staff are consulted when procuring PPE to ensure all allergies and individual needs are supported and this is evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Dealing with blood We may not be aware that any child attending the nursery has a condition that may be transmitted via blood. Any staff member dealing with blood must:

• Always take precautions when cleaning wounds as some conditions such as hepatitis or the HIV virus can be transmitted via blood

• Wear disposable gloves and wipe up any blood spillage with disposable cloths, neat sterilising fluid or freshly diluted bleach (one part diluted with 10 parts water). Such solutions must be carefully disposed of immediately after use.

Needle punctures and sharps injury We recognise that injuries from needles, broken glass and so on may result in blood-borne infections and that staff must take great care in the collection and disposal of this type of material. For the safety and well-being of the employees, any staff member dealing with needles, broken glass etc. must treat them as contaminated waste.

Parents of children requiring needles as part of managing a medical condition should supply the nursery with an approved sharps box for safe disposal. Full boxes will be returned to the parents. If a needle is found, e.g. in the nursery grounds, the local authority must be contacted to deal with its disposal.

We treat our responsibilities and obligations in respect of health and safety as a priority and provide ongoing training to all members of staff which reflects best practice and is in line with current health and safety legislation.

This policy is updated at least annually in consultation with staff and parents and/or after a serious accident or incident.

We organise the premises and equipment to meet the needs of all the children. We provide a wide range of high- quality equipment and resources to support the delivery of our early years curriculum. We take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children and ensure they are not exposed to risks.

To ensure this occurs within the nursery, including in our outdoor areas, we provide:

• Play equipment and resources which are safe and, where applicable, conform to the European Standards for Playground Equipment: EN 1176 and EN 1177, BS EN safety standards or Toys (Safety) Regulation (1995)

• A sufficient quantity of equipment and resources for the number of children registered in the nursery

• High-quality resources to meet children’s individual needs and interests and promote all areas of children’s learning and development

• Opportunities to involve the children in decision making about new resources and equipment, where possible

• A wide range of books, equipment and resources which promote positive images of people of all races, cultures, ages, gender and abilities, are non-discriminatory and do not stereotype

• Play equipment and resources which promote continuity and progression and sufficient challenge

• Sufficient storage so resources and equipment can be displayed for children to independently choose and/or stored away safely and then rotated

• Appropriate risk assessments and checks on all resources and equipment before first use to identify any potential risks and again at the beginning and end of every session.

Cleaning and maintaining of all resources and equipment We repair or replace any unsafe, worn out, dirty or damaged equipment whenever required. We maintain an inventory of resources and equipment, recording the date on which each item was purchased and the price paid for it. We carry out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the resources including the children’s opinions and interests. Adults role model and discuss how to use and look after equipment and resources.

We encourage children to put resources back where they belong after use. We will often use silhouettes or pictures to support the children to do this.

At Total Tots we wish to support children to learn about sustainable practices and foster respect and care for living and non-living environments, in line with the DfE Sustainability and climate change strategy1.

We provide opportunities for children to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the importance of nature, sustainability, and the causes and impact of climate change through their learned and lived experiences. Children are able to develop positive attitudes and values about sustainable practices by exploring solutions to environmental issues, learning about the world around them and how to protect it and watching adults role model positive sustainable actions and solutions .

We promote a holistic, open-ended curriculum which explores ideas and practices for environmental sustainability and helps children understand the interdependence between people and the environment by:

• Helping children to spend time in nature, and explore it through art and play

• Supporting children to experience the natural environment through natural materials like wood, stone, sand and recycled materials

• Supporting the environment by learning how to grow and nurture plants in the nursery garden and discovering all about the food cycle by growing, harvesting and cooking food for our nursery menu

• Helping children to learn about water conservation, energy efficiency and waste reduction through play-based activities and adult interactions

• Going on nature walks and learning about plants they see in the local area

• Encouraging parents and children to regularly walk to nursery to raise the awareness of caring for the planet

• Encouraging children to become actively involved in the improvement of their local environment, such as by developing a recycling area and encouraging children to share a recycling ethos in the home environment.

As a nursery we will embed sustainability into all aspects of the operations including:

• Recycling materials for art and creative activities and encouraging parents to bring in their recycling materials for the same use

• Ensuring parents recycle children’s take-home recycled material models, if they do not keep them

• Considering our carbon footprint when purchasing materials

• Shopping local where possible

• Turning off equipment and lights when not in use

• Using energy saving light bulbs

• Not leaving any equipment on standby

• Unplugging all equipment at the end of its use/the day

• Using energy saving wash cycles on the washing machine

• Hanging washing out to dry and/or using clothes horses rather than tumble dryers where possible

• Composting food waste

• Incorporating water-wise strategies such as ensuring taps are turned off and leaks fixed

• Using potable water rainwater butts for outdoor water play

• Recycling water from the water play to water plants outside

• Using food that we have grown in nursery meals.

Working together with all our parents and partners will help our environment to be more sustainable and make it a better place for our future generations to grow up in.

1 https://bit.ly/sustainability-and-climate-change-strategy

We assess our nursery’s impact on the environment on a regular basis and put procedures in place to counteract this impact.

In order to encourage children not to waste food or to play with food at mealtimes, we discourage the use of food as a play material; instead, we encourage activities which involve preparing and tasting different types of food.

This policy is reviewed annually and is carefully considered in the best interests of the children, nursery and the environment.

At Total Tots we take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the nursery premises in the case of a fire or other emergency through our Fire safety policy and emergency evacuation procedures.

The designated fire marshal is

• Amy Begg (Lancaster)

• Nastasha Howson (Westgate)

• Jade North

• Lindsey Middlehurst (Balmoral)

We ensure the nursery premises are compliant with fire safety regulations, including following any major changes or alterations to the premises. The * designated fire marshal ensures all the appropriate fire detection and control equipment (e.g. fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers) is in working order and seeks advice from the local fire safety officer as necessary.

They also have overall responsibility for the fire drill and emergency evacuation procedures. These are carried out and recorded for each group of children every three months or as and when a large change occurs, e.g. a large intake of children or a new member of staff joins the nursery. These drills are planned to occur at different times of the day and on different days of the week to ensure evacuations are possible under different circumstances, and all children and staff participate in the rehearsals.

All staff receive fire safety and evacuation training (including as part of induction) to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. This includes the steps they must take to ensure the safety of children, for example keeping fire doors free from obstruction, how to safely evacuate the children and where the evacuation meeting point is situated. Each room has a specific evacuation plan, which includes information such as evacuating non-mobile babies and using alternative exits depending on where the fire may be situated.

The designated fire marshal checks fire detection and control equipment and fire exits in line with the timescales within the checklist below.

Fire checklist (displayed in each nursery settings parent notice boards) Who checks How often Location Escape route/fire exits (all fire (displayed in each nursery settings on notice boards/fire exits) exits must be clearly identifiable) Emergency lighting Fire extinguishers and blankets Evacuation pack Smoke and/or heat alarms Fire alarms Fire doors closed, in good repair, doors free of obstruction and easily opened from the inside

The manager is the deputy fire marshal is appointed to oversee this role when the designated fire marshal is absent.

Registration An accurate record of all staff and children present in the building must be kept at all times with children and staff marked in and out on arrival and departure. An accurate record of visitors is kept in the visitor’s book. These records are taken out along with the register and emergency contacts list in the event of a fire.

No smoking/vaping policy The nursery operates a strict no smoking/vaping policy – please see this separate policy for details.

Fire drill procedure (**Each setting has their own fire drill procedure located at each fire door/notice boards) On discovering a fire:

• Calmly raise the alarm by breaking the alarm glass

• Immediately evacuate the building under guidance from the manager on duty/fire marshal (collecting children’s room registers, where applicable)

• Using the nearest accessible exit lead the children out, assemble at [fire assembly point location]

• Close all doors and windows behind you wherever possible

• **Follow fire evacuation procedure of setting

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings on evacuating the building

• Do not attempt to go back in and fight the fire

• Do not attempt to go back in if any children or adults are not accounted for

• Wait for emergency services and report any unaccounted persons to the fire service and/or police.

If you are unable to evacuate safely:

• Stay where you are safe

• Keep the children calm and together

• Wherever possible alert the manager of your location and the identity of the children and other adults with you. The *manager/*designated fire marshal is to:

• Collect the central children’s register, where applicable, staff register, nursery mobile/phone, keys, visitor book and fire bag and/or evacuation pack (containing emergency contacts list, nappies, wipes and blankets, etc.)

• Telephone emergency services: Dial 999 and ask for the fire service

• In the fire assembly point area – Fire Safety Point for Total Lancaster 3-1-5 Car Park nearest point to your exit, furthest away from the building. Fire Safety Point for Total Tots Morecambe is on the field by the garage. Fire Safety Point for Total Tots Westgate is Westgate Children’s Playground

• account for all children against the register

• Account for all adults - staff and visitors

• Advise the fire service of anyone missing and possible locations and respond to any other questions they may have.

Remember

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings on evacuating the building

• Do not attempt to go back in and fight the fire

• Do not attempt to go back in if any children or adults are not accounted for.

This policy is updated at least annually in consultation with staff and/or after a fire evacuation practice and/or fire.

The children’s centre has an annual fire risk assessment carried out by Lancashire County Council; the written document is provided to nursery which the highlights any actions.

The fire procedure will be displayed in every room and all staff, students and volunteers will be trained in how to follow the procedure to ensure everybody is escorted to the collection point, which is on the field by the allotment, once everybody is evacuated registers will be taken.

Practice fire drills will be held on a regular basis by the control of the children’s centre this is documented in the office and in the children’s centre.

We will teach children to be aware of the importance of fire evacuations and build on their knowledge of fire safety.

At Total Tots we have an extreme weather policy in place to ensure our nursery is prepared for all weather conditions that might affect the running of the nursery such as floods, snow and heat waves.

If any of these impact on the ability of the nursery to open or operate, we will contact parents via phone and messaging services.

We will not take children outdoors where we judge that weather conditions make it unsafe to do so.

Flood In the case of a flood, we will follow our Critical incident policy to enable all children and staff to be safe and plan for continuity of care.

Snow or other severe weather If high snowfall, or another severe weather condition such as dense fog, is threatened during a nursery day then the manager will decide whether to close the nursery. This decision will take into account the safety of the children, their parents and the staff team. In the event of a planned closure during the nursery day, we will contact all parents to arrange for collection of their child.

In the event of staff shortages due to snow or other severe weather, we will contact all available off duty staff and/or agency staff and group the children differently until they are able to arrive. If we are unable to maintain statutory ratio requirements after all options have been explored, we will contact Ofsted to inform them of this issue, recording all details in our incident file. If we feel the safety, health or welfare of the children is compromised then we will take the decision to close the nursery.

Sun and high temperature safety We are committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the risks associated with hot weather and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. We recognise that high temperatures and sun exposure can cause sun burn, dehydration or heat exhaustion. Severe sunburn during childhood can also increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) in later life.

Fresh, cool drinking water is freely available both indoors and outdoors throughout the day. All children are encouraged to drink water more frequently during warm weather to stay well hydrated and staff regularly remind and support children to take drinks, particularly during and after outdoor play.

Outdoor environment We promote a balanced approach by enabling children to enjoy outdoor learning safely while following UK Health Security Agency guidance1.

Staff complete ongoing risk assessments throughout the day, considering the temperature, UV index, humidity, availability of shade and the individual needs of children. We follow clear procedures to keep children safe and healthy in the sun:

• We ensure all children wear sun hat while outdoors. Legionnaires style hats are recommended as they provide additional protection, i.e. with an extended back and side to shield children’s neck and ears

• Nursery will provide high factor sunscreen. If you wish for your child to have their own high factor sun cream suitable for their own individual needs please label and provide. Staff must be aware of the expiry date and

1 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/looking-after-children-and-those-in-early-years-settings-before-and-during-hot-weather- teachers-and-other-educational-professionals

discard sunscreen after this date. *Sun cream containing nut-based ingredients will not be allowed in the setting

• Parents are requested to supply lightweight, loose fitting cotton clothing for their children suitable for the sun, with long sleeves and long legs

• Children’s safety and welfare in hot weather is the nursery’s prime objective so staff will work closely with parents to ensure all appropriate cream and clothing is provided

• Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside depending on the strength of the sun (UV levels); children will not be allowed in direct sunlight between 11.00am – 3.00pm on hot days from March to October, following NHS sun safety advice

• Shaded areas are provided to ensure children are able to go out in hot weather, cool down or avoid the sun should they wish to or need to

• Children will always have sun cream applied before going outside in the hot weather and at frequent intervals during the day

• Children are made aware of the need for sun hats, sun cream and the need to drink more fluids during their time in the sun

• Key persons also work with the parents of their key children to decide and agree on suitable precautions to protect children from sunburn, taking into account individual skin types and tolerance to sun exposure. This includes children with sensitive skin and those with darker skin tones, who may still be at risk of sun damage.

Vitamin D - Sunlight is important for the body to receive vitamin D. We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. We also promote the NHS recommendation to parents that all young children should still have vitamin D drops, even if they get out in the sun.

Indoor environment The nursery managers out a daily risk assessment of the internal premises to determine if additional actions are required to achieve suitable conditions for children and staff. For example, if a room is naturally shaded throughout the day, no additional action may need to be taken. If there are children or staff with complex health conditions or clinical vulnerability, appropriate medical advice may need to be sought to reduce health risks from heat.

Our setting has fitted/stand-alone air-conditioning units in the children's rooms, which are used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

In our setting we will:

• Open windows early in the morning to allow stored heat to escape from the building

• Close windows during the day when it is hotter outside than inside whilst considering the need to maintain adequate ventilation and air quality

• Shade sun-facing windows and close indoor blinds/curtains to keep the heat out

• Switch off all electrical equipment, including computers, monitors and printers when not in use rather than leaving equipment in ‘standby mode’

• Rearrange/adjust our indoor spaces to maximise the use of spaces which are less likely to overheat, or to avoid direct sunlight into the room

• Use oscillating mechanical fans to increase air movement if temperatures are below 35°C. Separate risk assessments for safe use of electrical equipment will be carried out to ensure that there are no hazards such as tripping over or pulling wires, proximity to water, etc. Fans will be pointed away from children/staff, so that they reduce the risk of dehydration and maximise the amount of air circulated.

Risk Assessments are carried out:

• Where the risks directly affect the employees, volunteers, children and visitors to the nursery.

• Yearly for more general risk assessments.

• Following an accident or incident.

• If circumstances change that warrant a new risk assessment, whichever comes first.

• When new toys, equipment or resources are introduced.

• Before visits, outings or other activities away from the nursery.

• Where a new hazard is identified or an existing risk has changed.

We are required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for activities and situations that may present a risk to health and safety. Risk assessments are also required by other legislation, such as COSHH and Manual Handling requirements.

Risk assessments will identify potential hazards, assess the level of risk and put appropriate control measures in place to reduce or remove the risk wherever reasonably possible. All staff members and volunteers must be aware of relevant risk assessments and follow the guidance and control measures provided. Any concerns or changes to risks must be reported to the nursery manager.

Aim To ensure that we protect the health and safety of all our employees, volunteers, children and visitors to the nursery by identifying hazards and taking appropriate steps to reduce risks.

Duties The Management of Health and Safety Regulations state that every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of: (a) The risks to the health and safety of their employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and (b) The risks to the health and safety of persons not in their employment arising out of or in connection with the organisation's work activities. The nursery will ensure that risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change, accident, incident or new activity.

Definitions Hazard: Something with the potential to cause harm. Risk: The likelihood of the harm being realised and the severity of the possible outcome. Risk Assessment: The process of identifying hazards, assessing the risks and deciding what action is needed to keep people safe.

At Total Tots we recognise the value animals and pets can bring to the emotional needs of children and adults. Caring for animals and pets also gives children the opportunity to learn how to be gentle and responsible for others and supports their learning and development.

We do not permit dogs on the premises, unless they are assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) or those attending to support educational purposes such as therapy or working dogs, which attend with prior notice and with suitable risk assessments in place.

Under no circumstances are banned dog breeds (as described in section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 19911) permitted on the premises.

Nursery pets - none at present

Our safety procedures are:

• Permission slips are obtained from parents to seek written permission for their child to be involved in caring for the animal at nursery

• A full documented risk assessment is completed, including considerations for children with any allergies

• All pets are homed in an appropriate and secure area of the setting, with areas that are quiet and space away from the children, when needed

• Only staff have responsibility for cleaning out the animals (where applicable). Protective equipment is used, such as gloves and aprons

• We ensure all pets have had all of their relevant vaccinations, are registered with the vet and are child-friendly

• Pets are not allowed near food, dishes, worktops or food preparation areas. Children will wash their hands with soap and water after handling animals and will be encouraged not to place their hands in their mouths while pets are being handled. Staff explain the importance of this to the children

• Children are encouraged to leave their comforters and dummies away from the animals to limit cross- contamination.

Pets from home

• If a child brings a pet from home to visit the nursery as a planned activity, parents of all children who will be in contact or in the same area as the pet are informed. We obtain written permission from parents to ensure no child has an allergy or phobia. We complete a full, documented risk assessment prior to the pet visiting and analyse any risks before this type of activity is authorised

• Pets are not allowed near food, dishes, worktops or food preparation areas. Children will wash their hands with soap and water after handling animals and will be encouraged not to place their hands in their mouths during the activity. The staff will explain the importance of this to the children

• Children will be encouraged to leave their comforters and dummies away from the animals to limit cross- contamination.

Visits to farms

• A site visit is made by a senior member of staff before an outing to a farm can be arranged. We check that the farm is well-managed, that the grounds and public areas are as clean as possible and that suitable first aid arrangements are in place. Animals should be prohibited from any outdoor picnic areas

1 https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs

• We check that the farm has suitable hand-washing facilities, appropriately signposted, with running water, soap and disposable towels or hot air hand dryers. Any portable water taps should be appropriately designed in a suitable area

• We ensure that there is an adequate number of adults to supervise the children, taking into account the needs of the children

• We explain to the children that they will not be allowed to eat or drink anything, including crisps and sweets, or place their hands in their mouths, while touring the farm because of the risk of infection and explain why

• We ensure suitable precautions are in place where appropriate, e.g. in restricted areas such as near slurry pits or where animals are isolated.

During the visit

• If children are in contact with or feeding animals, we will warn them not to place their faces against the animals or put their hands in their own mouths afterwards, and explain why

• We will encourage children to leave comforters (e.g. soft toys and blankets) and dummies either at nursery, in the transport used or in a bag carried by a member of staff to limit cross-contamination

• After contact with animals and particularly before eating and drinking, we will ensure all children, staff and volunteers wash and dry their hands thoroughly. If young children are in the group, hand washing will be supervised. We will always explain why the children need to do this

• Meals, breaks or snacks will be taken well away from the areas where animals are kept, and children will be warned not to eat anything which has fallen on the ground. Any crops produced on the farm will be thoroughly washed in potable water before consumption

• We will ensure children do not consume unpasteurised produce, e.g. milk or cheese

• Manure or slurry presents a particular risk of infection and children will be warned against touching it. If they do touch it, we will ensure that they thoroughly wash and dry their hands immediately

• We will ensure all children, staff and volunteers wash their hands thoroughly before departure

• We will ensure footwear and clothing are as free as possible from faecal materials. •

At Total Tots we are committed to promoting children’s health and well-being. This is of the upmost importance for the nursery.

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes has proved to be a health risk and therefore in accordance with legislation, the nursery operates a strict no smoking/vaping policy within its buildings and grounds. It is illegal to smoke/vape in enclosed places.

All persons must abstain from smoking/vaping while on the premises. This applies to staff, students, parents, carers, contractors and any other visitors to the premises.

Staff accompanying children outside the nursery, are not permitted to smoke/vape. We also request that any parents accompanying nursery children on outings refrain from smoking/vaping while caring for the children. Smoking/vaping is prohibited while in a vehicle with children under the age of 18.

Staff must not smoke/vape while wearing nursery uniform as it is essential that staff are positive role models to children and promote a healthy lifestyle. Where staff choose to smoke/vape during breaks, they are asked to smoke/vape away from the main entrance and nursery premises. They should have a change of clothes and wash their hands before going back to the children. Staff should wait for 30 minutes after smoking before holding babies or children, even with a change of clothes.

We respect that smoking/vaping is a personal choice, although as an organisation we support healthy lifestyles. We follow UK Health Security Agency advice and aim to help staff and parents to stop smoking/vaping by:

• Providing factsheets and leaflets

• Providing information of local help groups

• Providing details of the NHS quit smoking helpline https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

• Offering information regarding products that are available to help stop smoking.

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy At Total Tots we are committed to taking all necessary steps to keep children safe and well. This includes making sure that children are not exposed to adults who may be under the influence of alcohol or other substances that may affect their ability to care for them.

This policy is in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This should be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding children and child protection policy, Disciplinary procedure and Suitability of staff policy.

Alcohol Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, companies have a legal requirement to provide a safe working environment for all of their employees.

Anyone who arrives at the nursery clearly under the influence of alcohol will be asked to leave. If they are a member of staff, the nursery will investigate the matter and will initiate the Disciplinary procedure, as a result of which action may be taken, including dismissal. Staff can still be under the influence of alcohol the following day and staff should be aware of this, ensuring this is not the case when starting work.

If they are a parent, the nursery manager and/or designated safeguarding lead will judge if the parent is suitable to care for the child. This may involve calling the second contact on the child’s registration form to collect them. If a child is thought to be at risk the nursery will follow the Safeguarding children and child protection procedures. If anyone arrives at the nursery in control of a car under the influence of alcohol the police will be contacted.

Staff, students, parents, carers, visitors, contractors etc. must not bring alcohol onto the nursery premises.

Substance misuse Anyone who arrives at the nursery under the influence of illegal drugs, or any other substance including medication, that affects their ability to care for children, will be asked to leave the premises immediately.

If they are a member of staff, an investigation will follow which may lead to consideration of disciplinary action, as a result of which dismissal could follow.

If they are a parent, the nursery manager and/or designated safeguarding lead will judge if the parent is suitable to care for the child. This may involve calling the second contact on the child’s registration form to collect them. If a child is thought to be at risk the nursery will follow the Safeguarding children and child protection procedures.

The nursery manager will contact the police if anyone (including staff, students, volunteers, contractors and visitors) is suspected of being in possession of illegal drugs or if they are driving or may drive when under the influence of illegal drugs. If they are a member of staff, Disciplinary procedures will be followed.

If a member of staff is taking medication that may affect their ability to care for children, they must seek medical advice and inform the nursery manager as soon as possible to arrange for a risk assessment to take place. This will ensure that staff members only work directly with children if medical advice confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair that staff member’s ability to look after the children properly.

Any medication on the premises is stored securely, and out of reach of children, at all times.

If the nursery suspects a member of staff may have a drug or alcohol problem, but there is no evidence If the nursery suspects there may be an issue with drugs or alcohol (such as from observations, poor performance, changes in behaviour, sickness and/or staff feedback) but there is no evidence that it is happening during working hours or that they are arriving at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol a meeting will be held with the member of staff and manager to investigate the health concerns.

Support and referral to appropriate services may be offered to the staff member, if this is considered appropriate.

Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

The staff member will be reminded that Disciplinary procedures will apply if they attend work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Safeguarding and child protection If a parent is clearly over the alcohol limit or under the influence of illegal drugs, and it is believed the child is at risk, we will follow our Safeguarding children and child protection procedures, contacting the local authority children’s social care team and the police.

Staff will do their utmost to prevent a child from travelling in a vehicle driven by a parent suspected of being over the alcohol limit or under the influence of illegal drugs. If necessary, the police will be called.

Where an illegal act is suspected to have taken place, the police will be called.

At Total Tots we promote the good health of all children attending through maintaining high hygiene standards and reducing the chances of infection being spread. We follow the Infection Control in Schools and other Childcare Settings guidance which sets out when and how long children need to be excluded from settings, when treatment/medication is required and where to get further advice from.

Viruses and infections can be easily passed from person to person by breathing in air containing the virus, which is produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with viruses.

We follow the guidance below to prevent a virus or infection from moving around the nursery. Our staff:

• Encourage all children to use tissues when coughing and sneezing to catch germs.

• Ensure all tissues are disposed of in a hygienic way and all children and staff wash their hands once the tissue is disposed of

• Develop children’s understanding of the above and the need for good hygiene procedures in helping them to stay healthy.

• Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when changing nappies, toileting children and dealing with any other bodily fluids. Staff are requested to dispose of these in the appropriate manner and wash hands immediately.

• Clean and sterilise changing mats before and after each use.

• Clean toilets at least daily and check them throughout the day.

• Remind children to wash their hands before eating, after visiting the toilet, playing outside or being in contact with any animal and explain the reasons for this.

• Clean all toys, equipment and resources on a regular basis by following a comprehensive cleaning rota and using antibacterial cleanser or through washing in the washing machine.

• Wash or clean all equipment used by babies and toddlers as and when needed including when the children have placed it in their mouth.

• Store dummies in individual hygienic dummy boxes labelled with the child’s name to prevent cross contamination with other children.

• Immediately clean and sterilise (where necessary) any dummy or bottle that falls on the floor or is picked up by another child.

• Provide labelled individual bedding for children that is not used by any other child and wash this at least once a week.

• Parents and visitors may be asked to remove outdoor footwear or use shoe covers when entering rooms where children may be crawling or sitting on the floor.

• Where applicable wear specific indoor shoes or slippers whilst inside the rooms and make sure that children wear them as well

• Follow the sickness and illness policy when children are ill to prevent the spread of any infection in the nursery.

• Staff are also requested to stay at home if they are contagious.

In addition:

• The nursery manager retains the right of refusal of all children, parents, staff and visitors who are deemed contagious and may impact on the welfare of the rest of the nursery.

• Parents will be made aware of the need for these procedures in order for them to follow these guidelines whilst in the nursery.

• Periodically each room in the nursery will be deep cleaned including carpets and soft furnishings to ensure the spread of infection is limited. This will be implemented earlier if the need arises.

• The nursery will ensure stocks of tissues, hand washing equipment, cleaning materials and sterilising fluid are maintained at all times and increased during the winter months or when flu and cold germs are circulating.

The nursery uses digital devices to take pictures. These are used to support and show the development and progress of the children within the setting.

These images will be printed and displayed in the nursery classroom. The images will then be deleted from the hard drive and will not be stored or shared.

Laptops, iPads & Tablets - Nursery iPads, laptops and tablets are used throughout the settings for recording children’s learning via a software application called 2simple and for the use of logging and recording daily routines, accidents & incident through the nursery software app DayShare (Parent Portal Newsfeed).

The evidence me App - Occasionally, you will see nursery practitioners using iPads in the setting. These devices are nursery-owned and are used to record and track children throughout the EYFS using an application called evidence me. The application includes security, and encryption features to ensure that all data stored is safe.

The Benefits of evidence me:

• Save time on record keeping.

• Ensure consistent record keeping throughout the nursery.

• Capture planned and spontaneous important moments.

• Quickly and easily take photos of pupil’s work; tag them with learner details and Foundation Stage targets.

• Provide individual learners and whole class reports.

Our nursery is aware of the growth of the internet and technology and the advantages this can bring to everyday life. However, it is also aware of the dangers it can pose and we strive to support children, staff and families to use the internet safely.

We refer to 'Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations’ to support this policy.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is ultimately responsible for online safety concerns. All concerns need to be raised as soon as possible to the nursery Designated Safeguarding Lead

LANCASTER TOTAL TOTS Kara Sharpe/Sam Howse Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Amy Begg BALMORAL TOTAL TOTS Kirsty Liver Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Lindsey Middlehurst/Sammy Mason/Jade North WESTGATE TOTAL TOTS Megan Knowles Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Natasha Howson/Eleana Delaney

The use of technology has become a significant component of many safeguarding issues such as child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and sexual predation with technology often providing the platform that facilitates harm.

The breadth of issues included within online safety is considerable, but can be categorised into three areas of risk:

1. Content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful material; for example, pornography, fake news, racist or radical and extremist views

2. Contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users; for example commercial advertising as well as adults posing as children or young adults, and

3. Conduct: personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm; for example making, sending and receiving explicit images, or online bullying.

Within the nursery we aim to keep children, staff and parents safe online. Our safety measures include:

• Ensuring we have appropriate antivirus and anti-spyware software on all devices and update them regularly

• Ensuring content blockers and filters are on all our devices, e.g. computers, laptops, tablets and any mobile devices

• Ensuring all devices are password protected and have screen locks. Practitioners are reminded to use complex strong passwords, keep them safe and secure, change them regularly and not to write them down

• Monitoring all internet usage across the setting

• Providing secure storage of all nursery devices at the end of each day

• Ensuring no social media or messaging apps are installed on nursery devices

• Reviewing all apps or games downloaded onto devices ensuring they are age and content appropriate

• Using only nursery devices to record and/or photograph children in the setting

• Ensuring that staff do not to use personal electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities, including mobile phones, smart watches and cameras

• Never emailing personal or financial information

• Reporting emails with inappropriate content to the internet watch foundation (IWF www.iwf.org.uk)

• Teaching children how to stay safe online and report any concerns they have

• Ensuring children are supervised when using internet connected devices

• Using tracking software to monitor suitability of internet usage (for older children)

• Not permitting staff or visitors private access to the nursery Wi-Fi

• Talking to children about ‘stranger danger’ and deciding who is a stranger and who is not; comparing people in real life situations to online ‘friends’

• When using online video chat, such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime etc. (where applicable) discussing with the children what they would do if someone they did not know tried to contact them

• Providing training for staff, at least annually, in online safety and understanding how to keep children safe online. We encourage staff and families to complete a free online safety briefing, which can be found at https://moodle.ndna.org.uk/ (enrolment keys code required please see your DSL for further information and a link for will be shared)

• Staff modelling safe practice when using technology with children and ensuring all staff abide by an acceptable use policy such as instructing staff to use the nursery IT equipment for matters relating to the children and their education and care only. No personal use will be tolerated (see Acceptable internet use policy)

• Monitoring children’s screen time to ensure they remain safe online and have access to material that promotes their development. We ensure that their screen time is within an acceptable level and is integrated within their programme of learning

• Making sure the physical safety of users is considered, including the posture of staff and children when using devices

• Being aware of the need to manage our digital reputation, including the appropriateness of information and content that is posted online, both professionally and personally. This is continually monitored by the setting’s management

• Staff must not friend or communicate with parents on personal devices or social media accounts

• Ensuring all electronic communications between staff and parents is professional and takes place via the official nursery communication channels, e.g. the setting’s email addresses and telephone numbers. This is to protect staff, children and parents

• Signposting parents to appropriate sources of support regarding online safety at home.

If any concerns arise relating to online safety, then we will follow our Safeguarding children and child protection policy and report all online safety concerns to the DSL.

The DSL will make sure that:

• All staff know how to report a problem and when to escalate a concern, including the process for external referral

• All concerns are logged, assessed and actioned in accordance with the nursery’s safeguarding procedures

• Parents are supported to develop their knowledge of online safety issues concerning their children via https://www.internetmatters.org/

• Parents are offered support to help them talk about online safety with their children using appropriate resources

• Parents are signposted to appropriate sources of support regarding online safety at home and are fully supported to understand how to report an online safety concern

• Staff have access to information and guidance for supporting online safety, both personally and professionally

• Under no circumstances should any member of staff, either at work or in any other place, make, deliberately download, possess, or distribute material they know to be illegal, for example child sexual abuse material.

Cyber security Good cyber security means protecting the personal or sensitive information we hold on children and their families in line with the Data Protection Act. We are aware that cyber criminals will target any type of business including childcare and ensure all staff are aware of the value of the information we hold in terms of criminal activity, e.g. scam emails. All

staff are reminded to follow all the procedures above including backing up sensitive data, using strong passwords and protecting devices to ensure we are cyber secure.

To prevent any attempts of a data breach (which is when information held by a business is stolen or accessed without authorisation) that could cause temporary shutdown of our setting and reputational damage with the families we engage with, we inform staff not to open any suspicious messages such as official-sounding messages about 'resetting passwords', 'receiving compensation', 'scanning devices' or 'missed deliveries'.

Staff are asked to report these to the manager as soon as possible and these will be reported through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Suspicious email reporting service at report@phishing.gov.uk

Online Safety Guidance & Support

It is crucial to have regular discussions about online safety and to encourage children to communicate any concerns they encounter while online.

Educate your child on the significance of maintaining a secure online environment.

Many parents & caregivers worry about their children's online activities and content. This guidance and links provide resources to keep children safe from online risks and offers support and advice.

Keeping children safe online - GOV.UK

Keeping children safe online | NSPCC

Parents & carers | Childnet

Smartie the Penguin | Childnet

Pre-school (0-5) online safety tips and advice | Internet Matters

The nursery CCTV surveillance is intended for the purposes of:

• Promoting the health and safety of children, staff and visitors

• Protecting the nursery building and resources

• Developing best practice.

The system comprises of [16] fixed cameras at Lancaster & Westgate Total Tots and [12] at Balmoral.

These are placed around the nursery, inside and outside, but not in the toilets or changing areas. This is to maintain children’s dignity.

The use of CCTV to control the perimeter of the nursery for security purposes has been deemed to be justified by the nursery management. The system is intended to capture images of intruders or of individuals damaging property or removing goods without authorisation or of antisocial behaviour.

Monitoring The CCTV is monitored centrally from the nursery office and is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under the terms of the Data Protection Act. This policy outlines the nursery’s use of CCTV and how it complies with the Act. The nursery complies with ICO CCTV Code of Practice to ensure it is used responsibly. [ICO] certificate can be found on our nursery information board

All authorised operators and employees with access to images are aware of the procedures to be followed when accessing the recorded images. All operators are trained to understand their responsibilities under the CCTV Code of Practice. All employees are aware of the restrictions in relation to access to, and disclosure of, recorded images. A copy of this CCTV policy will be provided on request to staff, parents and visitors to the nursery and will be made available on the website and in the policy file.

Location of cameras The location of CCTV cameras will be indicated, and adequate signage will be placed at each location in which a CCTV camera(s) is sited to indicate that CCTV is in operation. Adequate signage will also be prominently displayed at the entrance to the nursery’s property. Signage shall include the name and contact details of the data controller as well as the specific purpose(s) of the CCTV camera.

Storage and retention The images captured by the CCTV system will be retained for a maximum of 30 days, except where the image identifies an issue and is retained specifically in the context of an investigation or prosecution of that issue. The images and recordings will be stored in a secure environment with a log of access kept. Access will be restricted to authorised personnel.

Supervising the access and maintenance of the CCTV system is the responsibility of the registered person/manager. In certain circumstances, the recordings may also be viewed by other individuals. When CCTV recordings are being viewed, access will be limited to authorised individuals on a need-to-know basis. Files will be stored in a secure environment with a log of access to recordings kept.

Recorded footage and the monitoring equipment will be securely stored in a restricted area. Unauthorised access to that area will not be permitted at any time. The area will be locked when not occupied by authorised personnel. A log of access to footage will be maintained.

When accessing images two authorised members of staff must be present. A written record of access will be made (CCTV Monitoring Log). A record of the date of any disclosure request along with details of who the information has been provided to (the name of the person and the organisation they represent), why they required it and how the request was dealt with will be made and kept, in case of challenge.

Subject Access Requests (SAR) Individuals have the right to request access to CCTV footage relating to themselves under the Data Protection Act and GDPR. Individuals submitting requests for access will be asked to provide sufficient information to enable the footage relating to them to be identified, for example, date, time and location.

The nursery will respond to requests within 14 calendar days of receiving the request. The nursery reserves the right to refuse access to CCTV footage where this would prejudice the legal rights of other individuals or jeopardise an on- going investigation.

A record will be made of the date of the disclosure, along with details of to whom the information has been provided (the name of the person and the organisation they represent) and the reason it was required.

Where footage contains images relating to third parties, the nursery will take appropriate steps to mask and protect the identities of those individuals.

Complaints Complaints and enquiries about the operation of CCTV within the nursery should be directed to the manager of the nursery in the first instance.

Responsibilities The manager (or deputy) will ensure:

• That the use of CCTV systems is implemented in accordance with this policy

• They oversee and co-ordinate the use of CCTV monitoring for safety and security purposes

• That all CCTV monitoring systems will be evaluated for compliance with this policy

• That the CCTV monitoring is consistent with the highest standards and protections

• That if safeguarding concerns arise from monitoring the footage, appropriate safeguarding actions are taken, e.g. contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). See the Safeguarding children and child protection policy for procedures in the event of a staff allegation

• They review camera locations and be responsible for the release of any information or recorded CCTV materials stored in compliance with this policy

• They maintain a record of access (e.g. an access log) to or the release of files or any material recorded or stored in the system

• That the perimeter of view from fixed location cameras conforms to this policy both internally and externally

• That all areas being monitored are not in breach of an enhanced expectation of the privacy of individuals

• That external cameras are non-intrusive in terms of their positions and views of neighbouring residential housing and comply with the principle of ‘Reasonable Expectation of Privacy’

• That monitoring footage is stored in a secure place with access by authorised personnel only

• That images recorded are stored for a period not longer than 30 days and are then erased unless required as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings (criminal or civil)

• That camera control is solely to monitor suspicious behaviour, criminal damage etc. and not to monitor individual characteristics

• That under certain circumstances, the CCTV footage may be used for training purposes (including staff supervision, staff training etc.) or for parents to view child transitions.

At Total Tots we take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children on the premises. We only release children into the care of individuals who have been notified to us by the parent and have safety systems in place to ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised specific safety measure are in place high handles, double doors, intercom systems and locks.

In the unlikely event of a child going missing within or from the nursery, we have the following procedure which will be implemented immediately:

• All staff will be aware of the procedure when a child goes missing and supply information to support the search, e.g. a recent photograph and a detailed description of clothing

• The nursery manager will be informed immediately, and all staff present will be informed. Some staff will be deployed to start an immediate thorough search of the nursery, followed by a search of the surrounding area, whilst ensuring that some staff remain with the other children, so they remain supervised, calm and supported throughout

• The manager will call the police as soon as they believe the child is missing and follow police guidance. The parents of the missing child will also be contacted

• A second search of the area will be carried out

• During this period, available staff will be continually searching for the missing child, whilst other staff maintain as near to normal routine as possible for the rest of the children in the nursery

• The manager will meet the police and parents

• The manager will then await instructions from the police

• In the unlikely event that the child is not found, the nursery will follow the local authority and police procedure

• Any incidents must be recorded in writing as soon as practicably possible including the outcome, who was lost, time identified, notification to police and findings

• Ofsted will be contacted and informed of the incident

• With incidents of this nature parents, children and staff may require support and reassurance following the traumatic experience. Management will provide this or seek further support where necessary

• In any cases with media attention staff will not speak to any media representatives

• Post-incident risk assessments will be conducted following any incident of this nature to enable the chance of this reoccurring being reduced.

At Total Tots we take all reasonable steps to ensure children are kept safe while on outings. We assess the risks or hazards that may arise for children and identify steps to remove, minimise and manage those risks and hazards. This includes the consideration of adult to child ratios and carrying out regular head counts of children throughout any outing or visit.

In the unlikely event of a child going missing whilst on an outing we have the following procedure which we implement immediately:

• All staff are aware of the procedure when a child goes missing and supply information to support the search, e.g. a recent photograph and a detailed description of clothing

• The designated person in charge or most senior member of staff is informed immediately, and all staff present will be informed. Some staff will be deployed to start an immediate thorough search of the area, ensuring that all other children remain supervised, calm and supported throughout

• If appropriate, on-site security will also be informed and a description given

• The designated person in charge or most senior member of staff will immediately inform the police

• The designated person in charge or most senior member of staff will then inform the nursery who will contact the child’s parents giving details of what has happened. If the whole nursery is on an outing, all contact details will be taken on the trip by the person in charge

• During this period, some staff will be continually searching for the missing child, whilst other staff maintain the safety and welfare of the remaining children

• It will be the designated person in charge or most senior member of staff responsibility to ensure that there are adequate staff to care for the children and get them back safely, a member of staff to meet the police and someone to continue the search (this may mean contacting relief staff)

• Any incidents must be recorded in writing as soon as practicably possible including the outcome, who was lost, time identified, notification to police and findings

• In the unlikely event that the child is not found, the nursery will follow the local authority and police procedure

• Ofsted will be contacted and informed of any incidents

• With incidents of this nature parents, children and staff may require support and reassurance following the traumatic experience. Management will provide this or seek further support where necessary

• In any cases with media attention, staff will not speak to any media representatives

• Post-incident risk assessments will be conducted following any incident of this nature to enable the chance of this reoccurring being reduced.

At [Insert nursery name] we understand we need to plan for all eventualities to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the children we care for. With this in mind, we have a critical incident policy in place to ensure our nursery is able to operate effectively in the case of a critical incident. These include:

• Flood

• Fire

• Burglary

• Drone use over property

• Abduction or threatened abduction of a child

• Bomb threat or terrorism attack

• National outbreaks of infection or health pandemic

• Any other incident that may affect the care of the children in the nursery.

If any of these incidents impact on the ability of the nursery to operate, we will contact parents via phone/email/text message at the earliest opportunity, e.g. before the start of the nursery day.

Flood There is always a danger of flooding from adverse weather conditions or through the water and central heating systems. We cannot anticipate adverse weather; however, we can ensure that we take care of all our water and heating systems through regular maintenance and checks to reduce the occurrence of flooding in this way. Our central heating systems are checked and serviced annually by a registered gas engineer and they conform to all appropriate guidelines and legislation.

If flooding occurs during the nursery day, the nursery manager will make a decision based on the severity and location of this flooding. It may be deemed necessary to follow the same procedure as the fire evacuation procedure. In this instance children will be kept safe and parents will be notified in the same way as the fire procedure (see Fire safety policy).

Should the nursery be assessed as unsafe through flooding, fire or any other incident we will follow our Nursery operational plan and provide *care in another location/*parents with alternative arrangements in sister nurseries/*options for childcare facilities in the local area.

Fire Please refer to the Fire safety policy.

Burglary The management of the nursery follow a lock up procedure which ensures all doors and windows are closed and locked before vacating the premises. Alarm systems are used and in operation during all hours the nursery is closed. The manager or most senior member of staff on site will always check the premises as they arrive in the morning.

Should they discover that the nursery has been broken into they will follow the procedure below:

• In an emergency dial 999, or non-emergency dial 101, with as many details as possible, i.e. name and location, details of what has been found and emphasise this is a nursery and children will be arriving soon

• Contain the area to ensure no-one enters until the police arrive

• Where it is safe to do so, the staff will direct parents and children to a separate area as they arrive. If all areas have been disturbed staff will follow police advice. This may include temporary short-term closure and/or

following the relocation procedure under the flood section wherever necessary to ensure the safety of the children

• The manager on duty will help the police with enquiries, e.g. by identifying items missing, areas of entry etc.

• A manager will be available at all times during this time to speak to parents, reassure children and direct enquires

• Management will assess the situation following a theft and ensure parents are kept up to date with developments relating to the operation of the nursery

• Arrangements will be made to ensure the nursery is made safe and secure again.

Drone use over property Should a drone be deployed over the nursery premises without the prior agreement of the owner/manager, action will be taken to safeguard the children:

• If the children are inside the building, they will remain inside until the drone is no longer in use

• If the children are outside the building, in the nursery grounds, the children will be brought inside the building and remain inside until the drone is no longer in use.

If there is the possibility that children have been filmed while outside the building, this will be reported to the Police (on 101) due to a potential privacy breach. Ofsted must also be notified of this as a significant event.

Abduction or threatened abduction of a child We have secure safety procedures in place to ensure children are safe while in our care, including taking reasonable steps to ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised and to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises and at risk of abduction.

Staff are vigilant at all times and report any persons lingering on nursery property immediately. All doors and gates to the nursery are locked and cannot be accessed unless staff members allow individuals in. Parents are reminded on a regular basis not to allow anyone into the building whether they are known to them or not. We also have visual reminders about closing the door behind them to prevent tailgating (another person accessing entry behind them). Visitors and general security are covered in more detail in the Supervision of visitors policy. Children will only be released into the care of a designated adult; see the Arrivals and departures policy for more details. Parents are requested to inform the nursery of any potential custody proceedings or family concerns as soon as they arise, so the nursery is able to support the child. The nursery will not take sides in relation to any custody arrangements and will remain neutral for the child. If an absent parent arrives to collect their child, the nursery will not restrict access unless a court order is in place. Parents are requested to issue the nursery with a copy of these documents should they be in place. We will consult our solicitors with regards to any concerns over custody and relay any information back to the parties involved.

If a member of staff witnesses an actual or potential abduction from nursery, we have the following procedures which are followed immediately:

• The staff member will notify management immediately and the manager will take control, dialling 999 and requesting the police, instructions from the emergency response team will be followed

• The parent(s) will be contacted

• All other children will be kept safe and secure, reassured and calmed where necessary

• The police will be given as many details as possible including details of the child, description of the abductor, car registration number if used, time and direction of travel if seen and any family situations that may have impacted on this abduction

• Any incidents must be recorded in writing as soon as practicably possible including the outcome, who was abducted, time identified, notification to police and findings

• In the unlikely event that the child is not found, the nursery will follow the local authority and police procedures

• Ofsted will be contacted and informed of the incident

• With incidents of this nature parents, carers, children and staff may require support and reassurance following the traumatic experience. Management will provide this or seek further support where necessary

• In any cases with media attention staff will not speak to any media representatives

• Post-incident risk assessments will be conducted following any incident of this nature to enable the chance of this reoccurring being reduced.

Bomb threat/terrorism attack If a bomb or terrorist attack threat is received at the nursery, the person taking the call will record all details given over the phone as soon as possible, raising the alarm and contacting emergency services as soon as the phone call has ended. The management will follow the fire evacuation procedure and guidance from the emergency services to ensure the safety of all on the premises. The person who took the call will provide as much detail to the emergency services as possible. Ofsted will be notified. With incidents of this nature parents, carers, children and staff may require support and reassurance following the traumatic experience. Management will provide this or seek further support where necessary.

Any other significant incidents All incidents will be managed by the manager on duty and all staff will co-operate with any emergency services on the scene, where applicable. The fire evacuation procedure will be followed for any other incident that requires an emergency evacuation. Other incidents, e.g. no water supply, will be dealt with on an individual basis taking into account the effect on the safety, health and welfare of the children and staff in the nursery.

If there is an incident outside of the nursery building and it is safer to stay inside the building, we will follow the Lockdown policy. Emergency services advice will be taken.

National outbreaks of infection and/or health pandemics In the event of a national outbreak of a health pandemic, we will follow Government health advice and guidance, legal advice and advice from our insurance provider. The setting will remain open as long as we have sufficient staff to care for the children. Depending on the nature of the pandemic we will follow all advice and implement measures to ensure that risks to vulnerable children and staff are minimised. This may include excluding infected children, staff, parents or family members from the setting for a set period of time, to prevent the spread of infection. This decision will be made in consultation with parents, staff, legal advice and our insurance provider. Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.

The nursery manager will notify Ofsted in the event of a critical incident.

At Total Tots LTD we are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare at all times.

This policy applies to all concerns (including allegations) about members of staff, including students, volunteers and agency staff. We ensure that all those working with children behave appropriately and the early identification and prompt and appropriate management of concerns about adults is critical to effective safeguarding. This section is based on concerns that do not meet the harm threshold, as defined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We recognise the importance of responding to and dealing with any concerns in a timely manner to safeguard the welfare of children.

Concerns may arise through, for example:

• Suspicion

• Complaint

• Disclosure made by a child, parent or other adult within or outside the nursery

• Pre-employment vetting checks. This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies: Safeguarding children and child protection policy, Staff code of conduct, Online safety policy, Whistleblowing policy, Attendance policy.

Definition of ‘low-level’ concerns The term ‘low-level’ concern is any concern – no matter how small – that an adult working in, or on behalf of, the nursery may have acted in a way that:

• Is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of nursery

• Does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not considered serious enough to consider a referral to the local authority designated officer (LADO).

The behaviour of the staff, student or volunteer may not relate directly to a particular child or children but may raise an issue or issues of concern with respect to safeguarding a child/children. This may potentially call into question the adult’s suitability to work with children.

Examples of such behaviour could include, but are not limited to:

• Being overly friendly with children

• Having favourites

• Taking photographs of children on their mobile phone

• Engaging with a child on a one-to-one basis in a secluded area or behind a closed door

• Using inappropriate sexualised, intimidating or offensive language

• Inadvertent or thoughtless behaviour

• Behaviour that might be considered inappropriate depending on the circumstances

• Behaviour which is intended to enable abuse.

Reasons to identify and respond to low-level concerns We respond to all potential concerns about an adult’s behaviour, including those which are considered low-level, in order to help create a culture where the safety of children is always prioritised. We believe that responding to low-level concerns gives a clear message that any form of inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Staff are made aware that a concern can still be significant even if it does not meet the threshold of harm, recognising that, if left unaddressed, low-level concerns can escalate into more significant rule-breaking or even abuse.

In addition, through monitoring low-level concerns raised, we may identify training needs or improved staff induction.

Sharing low-level concerns We recognise the importance of creating a culture of openness, trust and transparency to encourage all staff to share low-level concerns so that they can be addressed appropriately. This ensures that adults consistently model our values and helps keep children safer.

We create this culture by:

• Ensuring all staff are clear about what appropriate behaviour is, and are confident in differentiating expected and appropriate behaviour from concerning, challenging or inappropriate behaviour, in themselves and other adults

• Ensuring adults understand what a low-level concern is and the importance of sharing low-level concerns

• Having clear policies and procedures so staff are confident to report any concerns

• Empowering staff to share any low-level concerns

• Empowering staff to self-refer

• Addressing unprofessional behaviour and supporting the individual to correct it at an early stage

• Providing a responsive, sensitive and proportionate handling of such concerns when they are raised

• Helping to reflect on and identify any weakness in the nursery safeguarding procedure

• Having clear procedures for recording, reviewing and responding to concerns.

A low-level concern about a member of staff should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and the manager following the nursery Safeguarding children and child protection procedures. Staff should use the nursery Low-Level Concerns Reporting Form (below).

Responding to low-level concerns Responding appropriately, following clear and consistent procedures, will help to protect our staff from potential false allegations or misunderstandings.

• If the concern is raised via a third party, the DSL/manager will collect evidence where necessary by speaking directly to the staff who raised the concern, unless it has been raised anonymously, regardless of whether a written summary or low-level concerns form has been provided

• If the staff member who raises the concern does not wish to be named, then the nursery should respect that person’s wishes as far as possible. However, there may be circumstances where the staff member who raises the concern will need to be named (for example, where it is necessary in order to carry out a fair disciplinary process) and, for this reason, anonymity should never be promised to members of staff who share low-level concerns. Where possible, we will encourage staff to consent to be named, as this will help to create a culture of openness and transparency

• The DSL/manager will speak to any potential witnesses, unless advised not to do so by the LADO/other relevant external agencies, where they have been contacted

• The DSL/manager will speak to the staff member about whom the low-level concern has been raised, unless advised not to do so by the LADO/other relevant external agencies, where they have been contacted

• The DSL/manager will use the information collected to categorise the type of behaviour and determine any further action, in line with our staff Code of conduct

• Allegations that meet the harm threshold will be referred to the LADO for advice

• Low-level concerns that the nursery feel may need further guidance on will be referred to the LADO for advice

• Low-level concerns that the nursery feel we can deal with internally will be dealt with via the nursery Safeguarding children and child protection procedures and/or Disciplinary procedures

• Where a low-level concern relates to agency staff, we will notify the agency, so any potential patterns of inappropriate behaviour can be identified.

Record keeping All low-level concerns will be recorded in writing. In addition to details of the concern raised, records will include the context in which the concern was raised, any action taken and the reasons for decisions and action taken.

Records will be:

• Reviewed so that potential patterns of concerning, difficult or inappropriate behaviour can be identified

• Retained at least until the volunteer, student or staff leaves employment at the nursery

• Kept confidentially, held securely and comply with Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) and UK GDPR procedure.

Reviewing low-level concerns When reviewing records of low-level concerns, patterns of concerning, challenging or inappropriate behaviour may be identified. When this occurs, the DSL/manager will decide on a course of action, which may include:

• Disciplinary investigation and/or proceedings

• Management advice, including recommendations for training

• Referral to the LADO (where a pattern of behaviour moves from a concern to meeting the harm threshold).

Pre-employment references We will not include low-level concerns in references unless:

• The concern (or group of concerns) has met the threshold for referral to the designated officer at the local authority (LADO) and is found to be substantiated

and/or

• The concern (or group of concerns) relates to issues which would be included in a reference, such as misconduct or poor performance.

PART 1: Safeguarding children and child protection procedures

Introduction Total Tots is dedicated to the support, development and promotion of high-quality care and education for the benefit of our children, families and community. We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare through building a safe organisational culture.

All staff, students and volunteers have a responsibility for safeguarding children, being vigilant and identifying and reporting any safeguarding concerns, in line with this and supporting policies, including:

Acceptable internet use policy Online safety policy Attendance policy Photography and filming children policy CCTV policy Promoting positive behaviour policy Data protection and confidentiality policy Recruitment, selection and suitability of staff policy Emergency lockdown policy Respectful intimate care policy Inclusion and equality policy Social networking policy Late collection and non-collection of children Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) policy policy Lone working policy Staff code of conduct Looked after children policy Supervision of children policy Low-level concern policy Supervision of visitors policy Missing child from nursery policy Supervision policy Missing child from outings policy Volunteers policy Mobile phone and electronic device use policy Whistleblowing policy Nappy changing policy Young workers policy

We ensure all staff, students and volunteers have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their duties and are confident to implement these policy and procedures on an ongoing basis to support them in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. This is achieved through recruitment and induction processes and by offering ongoing training and support to all staff, appropriate to their specific role, in line with the criteria set out in Annex C of the EYFS.

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains in line with statutory guidance. Its effectiveness is monitored through staff and stakeholder reviews, appraisals and feedback to ensure appropriate knowledge and awareness is in place.

It is the responsibility of every staff member, student and volunteer to report any breaches of this policy to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Policy intention

The policy makes it clear that all staff, students and volunteers have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people and to protect them from harm1. It aims to raise awareness of how to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and provides procedures should a child protection issue arise.

This policy applies to all children up to the age of 18 years whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently (Working together to safeguard children).

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, in relation to this policy, is defined as:

• Providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge

• Protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online

• Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development

• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

• Promoting the upbringing of children with their birth parents, or otherwise family network through a kinship care arrangement, wherever possible and where this is in the best interests of the children

• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes in line with the outcomes set out in the Children’s Social Care National Framework.

Child protection is an integral part of safeguarding children and promoting their overall welfare. In this policy, child protection shall mean:

• The activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suspected to be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. This includes harm that occurs inside or outside the home, including in foster care and residential care, as well as online.

(Working together to safeguard children) To safeguard children and promote their welfare we will:

• Develop a safe organisational culture where staff are confident to raise concerns about professional conduct

• Ensure all staff are able to identify the signs and indicators of abuse, including the softer signs of abuse, and know what action to take

• Know that young children may not be able to understand when something happening to them is abuse

• Ensure a shared understanding of all children’s individual needs, particularly children with SEND

• Understand and be sensitive to factors, including economic and social circumstances and ethnicity, which can impact children and families’ lives, including being aware of the range of support available for families

• Share information with other agencies as appropriate.

We promote:

• Always listening to children

• Positive images of children

• Children developing independence and autonomy as appropriate for their age and stage of development

• Safe and secure environments for children

• Tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs, cultures and communities

• British values

• Providing intervention and help for children and families in need.

1 Harm is as defined by section 31(9) of the Children Act 1989 and means ill-treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill- treatment which are not physical), or impairment of physical or mental health, or impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development. It also includes, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another.

We have a duty to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. If in any doubt about what constitutes a safeguarding concern, refer to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). If there is a concern, never do nothing (Laming, 2009), always do something, including sharing information with any relevant agencies. Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. Every person looking after children must be alert to any issues of concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere.

The nursery aims to:

• Keep the child at the centre of all we do, providing sensitive interactions that develop and build children’s well- being, confidence and resilience

• We will support children to develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe, healthy and develop positive relationships

• Be aware of the increased vulnerability of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), isolated families and vulnerabilities in families, including the additional potential impact of the trio of vulnerabilities on children and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Ensure that all staff feel confident and supported to act in the best interest of the child, maintaining professional curiosity around welfare of children, sharing information, and seeking help that a child may need at the earliest opportunity

• Ensure that all staff are trained at least every two years and updated regularly with child protection training and procedures and kept informed of changes to local and/or national procedures, including thorough annual safeguarding updates

• Make any child protection referrals in a timely way, sharing relevant information as necessary in line with procedures set out by the Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership https://lancashiresafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/

• Ensure that information is shared only with those people who need to know in order to protect the child and act in their best interest

• Ensure that staff identify, minimise and manage risks while caring for children

• Follow clear whistleblowing procedures by taking any appropriate action relating to poor or unsafe practices and allegations of serious harm or abuse against any person working with children including reporting such allegations to Ofsted and other relevant authorities

• Ensure parents are fully aware of our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures when they register with the nursery and are kept informed of all updates when they occur

• Regularly review and update this policy with staff and parents where appropriate and make sure it complies with any legal requirements and any guidance or procedures issued by Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) The DSL has overall responsibility for the Safeguarding children and child protection policy and procedures. It is their role to ensure that the policy and procedures are implemented to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. They are responsible for coordinating safeguarding and child protection training for staff across the organisation.

There is always at least one designated person on duty during the opening hours of the setting. The designated persons receive comprehensive training, consistent with the training criteria provided in Annex C of the EYFS, at least every two years and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis, but at least once a year. They in turn support the ongoing development and knowledge of the staff team with regular safeguarding updates.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Louise Nolan Kara Sharpe Kirsty Liver Megan Knowles

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Amy Begg

Sam Howse Lindsey Middlehurst Sammy Mason Jade North Natasha Howson Elena Delaney

In the unlikely event that both the DSL and Deputy DSL are absent, and to ensure immediate action can be taken, contact the Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP).

The role of the DSL The role of the DSL is to:

• Update the Safeguarding children and child protection policy and procedures in line with new legislation and in response to any incidents

• Carry out ongoing monitoring of the setting’s policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective

• Ensure policies and procedures are in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP)

• Ensure updates and new legislation are reflected in our services as soon as they are known

• Act as a source of support, advice and expertise for all staff, students, volunteers, children and parents who have child protection concerns

• Ensure detailed, accurate, secure written records of concerns and referrals

• Review all written safeguarding reports

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

• Provide signposting to other organisations

• 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, the DSL is required to:

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

• Provide information on safeguarding and child protection for the setting, including the DfE safeguarding help for early years providers1

• Have an ongoing responsibility to ensure all staff understand the correct procedures and are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities

• Raise awareness of any safeguarding and child protection training needs and implement where necessary

• Retain up-to-date knowledge of local child protection procedures, including how to liaise with local statutory children’s services agencies and with the local safeguarding partners to safeguard children.

The DSL does not investigate whether or not a child has been abused or investigate an allegation or disclosure. Investigations are for the appropriate authorities, usually the police and social services.

Sharing low-level concerns

On occasion, inappropriate, problematic or concerning behaviour by staff or other adults is observed but does not meet the threshold for significant harm. This may be classed as a ‘low-level’ concern, although this does not mean that it is insignificant.

See Low-level concerns policy for full details.

1 https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safeguarding

We define a low-level concern as:

• Any concern, no matter how small, that an adult working with children may have acted in a way that is inconsistent with our Staff code of conduct policy, including inappropriate behaviour outside of work

• A concern that may be a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ and does not meet the harm threshold or is serious enough to refer to the LADO.

We encourage a culture of openness, trust and transparency, with clear values and expected behaviour, monitored and reinforced by all staff. All concerns or allegations, however small, will be shared and responded to. All concerns will be shared with the DSL, or other nominated person, as in our reporting procedures. We encourage concerns to be shared as soon as reasonably practicable and preferably within 24 hours of becoming aware of it. However, it is never too late to share a low-level concern.

It is not expected that staff will be able to determine whether the behaviour in question is a concern, complaint or allegation before sharing the information. If the DSL is in any doubt as to whether the information meets the harm threshold, they will consult the LADO.

Occasionally a member of staff may find themselves in a situation which could be misinterpreted or appear compromising to others. If this occurs, staff are encouraged to self-report to the DSL. Equally, a member of staff may have behaved in a manner which, on reflection, falls below the standards set in our Staff behaviour policy. If this occurs, staff are encouraged to self-report to the DSL. We encourage staff to be confident to self-refer and believe it reflects awareness of our standards of conduct and behaviour.

When the DSL receives the information, they will need to determine whether the behaviour:

• Meets, or may meet, the harm threshold (and so contact the LADO)

• Meets the harm threshold when combined with previous low-level concerns (and so contact the LADO)

• Constitutes a ‘low-level’ concern

• Is appropriate and consistent with the law and our Staff behaviour policy.

The DSL will make appropriate records of all information shared, including:

• With the reporting person

• The subject matter of the concern

• Any relevant witnesses (where possible)

• Any external discussions such as with the LSP or LADO

• Their decision about the nature of the concern

• Their rationale for that decision

• Any action taken.

This constitutes a record of low-level concern. We retain all records of low-level concerns in a separate low-level concerns file, with separate concerns regarding a single individual kept as a chronology. These records are kept confidential and held securely, accessed only by those who have appropriate authority. Records will be retained at least until the individual leaves their employment.

If the low-level concern raises issues of misconduct, then appropriate actions following our Disciplinary procedures will be taken. Records will be kept in personnel files as well as in the low-level concerns file.

Monitoring children’s attendance

As part of our requirements under the statutory framework, we must follow up on absences in a timely manner. See our Attendance policy for further details about the processes we will take to implement this requirement.

We are required to monitor children’s attendance patterns and trends to ensure they are consistent and no cause for concern. We ask parents to inform the nursery prior to their children taking holidays or days off, and all incidents of sickness absence should be reported to the nursery the same day so the nursery management are able to account for a child’s absence.

If a child has not arrived at nursery within one hour of their normal start time, the parents will be contacted to ensure the child is safe and healthy. If the parents are not contactable then the emergency contacts numbers listed will be used to ensure all parties are safe. Staff will work their way down the emergency contact list until contact is established and we are made aware that all is well with the child and family.

If contact cannot be established then we would assess if a home visit were required to establish all parties are safe. If contact is still not established, we would assess if it would be appropriate to contact relevant authorities, including the police, in order for them to investigate further.

Where a child is part of a child protection plan, or during a referral process, any absences will immediately be reported to the Local Authority children’s social care team to ensure the child remains safe and well.

Informing parents Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the Local Authority children’s social care team, police or LADO does not allow this to happen. This will usually be the case where the parent or family member is the likely abuser or where a child may be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases, the investigating officers will inform parents.

Support to families

The nursery takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relationships among families, staff, students and volunteers within the nursery.The nursery will continue to welcome a child and their family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with respect in a non-judgmental manner whilst any external investigations are carried out in the best interest of the child.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality must not override the right of children to be protected from harm. However, every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality is maintained for all concerned if an allegation has been made and is being investigated. If uncertain about whether sensitive information can be disclosed to a third party, contact the DSL or call the Information Commissioner’s Office helpline on 0303 123 1113. They will provide advice about the particulars relating to each individual case, including information which can and cannot be shared. Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about the supposed or actual behaviour of a parent, child or member of staff.

Record keeping and data protection

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate and in line with guidance of the Local Authority with the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child's family.

The nursery keeps appropriate records to support the early identification of children and families which would benefit from early help. Factual records are maintained in a chronological order with parental discussions. Records are reviewed regularly by the DSL to look holistically at identifying children’s needs.

Our Data protection and confidentiality policy will be applied with regards to any information received from an individual. Only persons involved in the investigation should handle this information although any investigating body will have access to all information stored in order to support an investigation. PART 2: Definitions of abuse

Definition of significant harm The Children Act 1989 introduced the concept of significant harm as ‘the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of children’. It gives LAs a duty to make enquires to decide whether they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

Whilst there are no absolute criteria to rely on when judging what constitutes significant harm, consideration should be given to:

• The severity of the ill-treatment, including the degree of harm

• The extent and frequency of abuse and/or neglect

• The impact this is likely to have, or is having, on the child involved.

This may be a single traumatic event, such as a violent assault, suffocation or poisoning, or it can be a combination of events (both acute and long-standing) that impairs the physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development of the child.

Definitions of abuse and neglect Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused within a family, institution or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, a stranger.

Perpetrators of abuse can be an adult, or adults, another child or children. (What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: Advice for practitioners and Working together to safeguard children)

The signs and indicators listed below may not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, but can help to indicate that something may be wrong, especially if a child shows a number of these symptoms, or any of them to a marked degree.

Indicators of child abuse

• Failure to thrive and meet developmental milestones

• Fearful or withdrawn tendencies

• Unexplained injuries to a child or conflicting reports from parents or staff

• Repeated injuries

• Unaddressed illnesses or injuries

• Significant changes to behaviour patterns.

Softer signs of abuse as defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include:

Emotional states: Fearful, withdrawn, low self-esteem.

Behaviour: Aggressive, habitual body rocking.

Interpersonal behaviours:

• Indiscriminate contact or affection seeking

• Over-friendliness to strangers including healthcare professionals

• Excessive clinginess, persistently resorting to gaining attention

• Demonstrating excessively 'good' behaviour to prevent parent disapproval

• Failing to seek or accept appropriate comfort or affection from an appropriate person when significantly distressed

• Coercive controlling behaviour towards parents

• Lack of ability to understand and recognise emotions

• Very young children showing excessive comforting behaviours when witnessing parental or carer distress.

Child-on-child abuse Child-on-child abuse is also known as peer-on-peer abuse; children are included as potential abusers in our policies. Child-on-child abuse may take the form of bullying, physically hurting another child, emotional abuse or sexual abuse. Reporting procedures in these instances remain the same although additional support from relevant agencies may be required to support both the victim and the perpetrator. Children who develop harmful behaviours are also likely to be victims of abuse or neglect.

If child-on-child abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Physical abuse A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

If physical abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Fabricated or induced illness (FII) This abuse is when a parent fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. The parent may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation. They may exaggerate a real illness and symptoms, or deliberately induce an illness through poisoning with medication or other substances, or they may interfere with medical treatments. This may also be presented through false allegations of abuse or encouraging the child to appear disabled or ill to obtain unnecessary treatment or specialist support.

FII is a form of physical abuse, and any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) FGM is a procedure where the female genital organs are injured or changed with no medical reason. The procedure may be carried out shortly after birth, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage or during a woman’s first pregnancy, according to the community.

It is frequently a very traumatic and violent act for the victim and can cause harm in many ways. The practice can cause severe pain and there may be immediate and/or long-term health consequences, including mental health problems, difficulties in childbirth, causing danger to the child and mother, and/or death (definition taken from the Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation). Other consequences include shock, bleeding, infections (tetanus, HIV and hepatitis B and C) and organ damage.

FGM is a form of physical abuse, and any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures. In addition, there is a mandatory duty to report to police any case where an act of FGM appears to have been carried out on a girl under the age of 18.

Breast ironing or breast flattening Breast ironing, also known as breast flattening, is a process where young girls' breasts are ironed, massaged and/or pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or to delay the development of the breasts entirely. It is believed that by carrying out this act, young girls will be protected from harassment, rape, abduction and early forced marriage. These actions can cause serious health issues such as abscesses, cysts, itching, tissue damage, infection, discharge of milk, dissymmetry of the breasts, severe fever.

Breast ironing/flattening is a form of physical abuse, and any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Emotional abuse Working together to safeguard children defines emotional abuse as ‘the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.’ Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur separately.

Examples of emotional abuse include:

• Conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person

• Not giving a child opportunity to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate

• Age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed, such as interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction

• Serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children

• A child seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another.

A child may also experience emotional abuse through witnessing domestic abuse or alcohol and drug misuse by adults caring for them. In England, The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) recognises in law that children are victims of emotional abuse if they see, hear or otherwise experience the effects of domestic abuse.

Signs and indicators may include delay in physical, mental and/or emotional development, sudden speech disorders, overreaction to mistakes, extreme fear of any new situation, neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation), extremes of passivity or aggression, appearing to lack confidence or self-assurance.

If emotional abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Sexual abuse Sexual abuse involves forcing, or enticing, a child to take part in sexual activities. Sexual abuse does not necessarily involve a high level of violence and includes whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse.

Sexual abuse can take place online and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Adult males are not the sole perpetrators of sexual abuse; women also commit acts of sexual abuse, as do other children. This policy applies to all children up to the age of 18 years.

Action must be taken if staff witness symptoms of sexual abuse including a child indicating sexual activity through words, play or drawing, having an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters or having an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour, or language, for their developmental age. This may include acting out sexual activity on dolls or toys or in the role-play area with their peers, drawing pictures that are inappropriate for a child, talking about sexual activities or using sexual language or words.

Additional signs of emotional and physical symptoms are shown below.

Emotional signs Physical signs

• Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual • Bruises way inappropriate to the child's age or stage of • Bleeding, discharge, pains or soreness in their development genital or anal area

• Personality changes, such as becoming insecure or • Sexually transmitted infections clingy • Pregnancy.

• Regressing to younger behaviour patterns, such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys

• Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating

• Being isolated or withdrawn

• Inability to concentrate

• Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a carer

• Becoming worried about clothing being removed.

If sexual abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Neglect Working together to safeguard children defines neglect as ‘the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.’

Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve adults involved in the care of the child failing to:

• Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)

• Protect them from physical harm or danger

• Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)

• Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

• Respond to their basic emotional needs. The NSPCC statistics briefing for 2024 has found neglect continues to be the most common form of abuse, with one in ten children in the UK having been neglected. Concerns around neglect have been identified for half of children who are the subject of a child protection plan or on a child protection register in the UK. Younger children are more likely than older children to be the subject of a child protection plan in England because of neglect, although research suggests that the neglect of older children is more likely to go overlooked.

Signs of neglect include a child persistently arriving at nursery unwashed or unkempt, wearing clothes that are too small (especially shoes that may restrict the child’s growth or hurt them), arriving at nursery in the same nappy they went home in, or a child having an illness or identified special educational need or disability that is not being addressed.

A child may be persistently hungry if a caregiver is withholding, or not providing enough, food. A child who is not receiving the attention they need at home may crave it from other adults, such as at nursery or school.

If neglect is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Domestic abuse The definition of domestic abuse from the Domestic Abuse Act, 2021 is:

Behaviour of a person (A) towards another person (B) is ‘domestic abuse’ if:

• A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other

• The behaviour is abusive.

Behaviour is ‘abusive’ if it consists of any of the following:

• Physical or sexual abuse

• Violent or threatening behaviour

• Controlling or coercive behaviour

• Economic abuse (any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property and/or obtain goods or services)

• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, social background, religion, sexuality or ethnicity and domestic abuse can happen at any stage in a relationship.

Signs and symptoms of domestic abuse include:

• Changes in behaviour (for example, becoming very quiet, anxious, frightened, tearful, aggressive, distracted, depressed etc.)

• Visible bruising or single, or repeated, injury with unlikely explanations

• Change in the manner of dress (for example, clothes to hide injuries that do not suit the weather)

• Stalking, including excessive phone calls or messages

• Partner or ex-partner exerting an unusual amount of control or demands over work schedule

• Frequent lateness or absence from work.

All children can witness and be adversely affected by domestic abuse in the context of their home life. Exposure to domestic abuse and/or violence can have a serious, long lasting emotional and psychological impact on children. Where incidents of domestic abuse are shared by our own staff, students or volunteers we will respect confidentiality at all times and not share information without their permission. However, we will share this information, without permission, in cases of child protection or where we believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the person involved.

If domestic abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Contextual safeguarding As young people grow and develop, they may be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation from outside their family. These extra-familial threats might arise at school and other educational establishments, from within peer groups, or more widely from within the wider community and/or online.

As part of our safeguarding procedures, we will work in partnership with parents and other agencies to work together to safeguard children and provide the support around contextual safeguarding concerns.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) and Child criminal exploitation (CCE) Both CSE and CCE are forms of abuse that occur where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into taking part in sexual or criminal activity, in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator and/or through violence or the threat of violence. CSE and CCE can affect children, both male and female and can include children who have been moved (commonly referred to as trafficking) for the purpose of exploitation (Keeping children safe in education).

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) CSE is where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. CSE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology and may be without the child’s immediate knowledge such as through others copying videos or images they have created and posted on social media.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Physical injuries such as bruising or bleeding

• Having money or gifts they are unable to explain

• Sudden changes in their appearance

• Becoming involved in drugs or alcohol, particularly if it is suspected they are being supplied by older men or women

• Becoming emotionally volatile (mood swings are common in all young people, but more severe changes could indicate that something is wrong)

• Using sexual language beyond that expected for their age or stage of development

• Engaging less with their usual friends

• Appearing controlled by their phone

• Switching to a new screen when you come near the computer

• Nightmares or sleeping problems

• Running away, staying out overnight, missing school

• Changes in eating habits

• Talk of a new, older friend, boyfriend or girlfriend

• Losing contact with family and friends or becoming secretive

• Contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) CCE is where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into any criminal activity. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. CCE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Other examples include children being forced to work in cannabis factories, being coerced into moving drugs or money across the country forced to shoplift or pickpocket, or to threaten other young people. Signs and symptoms of CCE are similar to those for CSE.

If CSE or CCE is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

County Lines The National Crime Agency (NCA) defines county lines as gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs from big cities into smaller towns, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line.’ Customers live in a different area to the dealers, so drug runners are needed to transport the drugs and collect payment.

Perpetrators often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons to ensure compliance of victims. A child is targeted and recruited into county lines through schools, further and higher educational institutions, pupil referral units, special educational needs schools, children’s homes and care homes.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Changes in dress style

• Unexplained, unaffordable new things (for example, clothes, jewellery, cars etc.)

• Missing from home or school and/or significant decline in performance

• New friends with those who don't share any mutual friendships with the victim, gang association or isolation from peers or social networks

• Increase in anti-social behaviour in the community including weapons

• Receiving more texts or calls than usual If involvement in county lines is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

• Unexplained injuries

• Significant changes in emotional well-being

• Being seen in different cars or taxis driven by unknown adults

• A child being unfamiliar with where they are.

Cuckooing Cuckooing is a form of county lines crime. In this instance, the drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to criminally exploit them by using their home as a base for drug dealing, often in multi-occupancy or social housing properties.

Signs and symptoms include:

• An increase in people, particularly unknown people, entering or leaving a home or taking up residence

• An increase in cars or bikes outside a home

• A neighbour who hasn't been seen for an extended period

• Windows covered or curtains closed for a long period

• Change in resident's mood and/or demeanour (for example, secretive, withdrawn, aggressive or emotional)

• Substance misuse and/or drug paraphernalia

• Increased anti-social behaviour.

If cuckooing is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Child trafficking and modern slavery Child trafficking and modern slavery is when children are recruited, moved, transported and then exploited, forced to work or are sold.

For a child to have been a victim of trafficking there must have been:

• Action: recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation

• Purpose: sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude, slavery, financial exploitation, illegal adoption, removal of organs.

Modern slavery includes slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and child trafficking. Victims of modern slavery are also likely to be subjected to other types of abuse such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Signs and symptoms for children include:

• Being under control and reluctant to interact with others

• Having few personal belongings, wearing the same clothes every day or wearing unsuitable clothes

• Being unable to move around freely

• Appearing frightened, withdrawn, or showing signs of physical or emotional abuse.

If child trafficking or modern slavery are suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Forced marriage A forced marriage is defined as ‘a marriage in which one, or both spouses, do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.’

Where incidents of forced marriage are shared by our own staff, students or volunteers, we will respect confidentiality at all times and not share information without their permission. However, we will share this information without permission in cases of child protection, or where we believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the person involved.

If it is suspected that a forced marriage is being planned, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

‘Honour’ based abuse (HBA) HBA is described as ‘incidents or crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and practices such as breast ironing.’ (Keeping children safe in education). Such abuse can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their ‘honour’ code. It is a violation of human rights and may be domestic, emotional and/or sexual abuse such as being held against their will, threats of violence or actual assault. It often involves wider family networks or community pressure and so can include multiple perpetrators.

Signs and symptoms of HBA include:

• Changes in how the child dresses or acts, such as not ‘western’ clothing or make-up

• Visible injuries, or repeated injury, with unlikely explanations

• Signs of depression, anxiety or self-harm

• Frequent absences

• Restrictions on friends or attending events.

Where incidents of HBA are shared by our own staff, students or volunteers, we will respect confidentiality at all times and not share information without their permission. However, we will share this information without permission in cases of child protection, or where we believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the person involved.

If honour-based abuse is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) can happen in families when there is a concept of belief in:

• Witchcraft and spirit possession, demons or the devil acting through children or leading them astray (traditionally seen in some Christian beliefs)

• The evil eye or djinns (traditionally known in some Islamic faith contexts) and dakini (in the Hindu context)

• Ritual or multi-murders where the killing of children is believed to bring supernatural benefits, or the use of their body parts is believed to produce potent magical remedies

• Use of belief in magic or witchcraft to create fear in children to make them more compliant when they are being trafficked for domestic slavery or sexual exploitation

• Children’s actions are believed to have brought bad fortune to the family or community.

If CALFB is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Extremism and radicalisation The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on early years providers “to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”, including safeguarding learners from extremist ideologies and radicalisation to prevent them from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent Duty.

Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources and some of these views may be considered radical or extreme. Radicalisation is the way a person comes to support or be involved in extremism and terrorism; usually it’s a gradual process so those who are affected may not realise what’s happening. Radicalisation is a form of harm.

The process may involve:

• Being groomed online or in person

• Exploitation, including sexual exploitation

• Psychological manipulation

• Exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information

• The risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.

For further information visit The Prevent Duty website.

If radicalisation or extremism is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures. This includes reporting concerns to the police.

Online safety While the growth of internet and mobile device use brings many advantages, the use of technology has become a significant component of many safeguarding issues such as child sexual exploitation and radicalisation.

There are four main areas of risk associated with online safety:

• Content - being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful material such as pornography, fake news, racist or radical and extremist views

• Contact - being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users such as commercial advertising or adults posing as children or young adults

• Conduct - personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm, such as making, sending and receiving explicit images and online bullying

• Commerce - risks such as online gambling, inappropriate advertising, phishing and or financial scams.

Report online safety concerns to the DSL and to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP): https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ Inappropriate content received via email must be reported to the DSL and to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): https://www.iwf.org.uk/en/uk-report/

Up skirting/down blousing Up skirting and down blousing are criminal offences. They involve taking pictures of someone’s genitals, buttocks or other intimate images under their clothing without them knowing, either for sexual gratification or in order to humiliate, or distress, the individual.

If up skirting or down blousing is suspected, then any concerns must be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures.

PART 3: Reporting procedures

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is the term used when a worker (staff member, student or volunteer) passes on information concerning wrongdoing. All safeguarding allegations, internal or external, current or historical, must be passed on the DSL. We will cooperate fully with the authorities involved and follow any guidance given. See the Whistleblowing policy which outlines our procedures, including where staff, students or volunteers may wish to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice regarding our safeguarding provision. All concerns will be taken seriously by the senior leadership team.

We believe keeping children safe is the highest priority and if, for whatever reason, concerns cannot be reported to the DSL or deputy DSL, or where a person feels that their genuine concerns are not being addressed, concerns can be reported anonymously to the LA social services safeguarding children team, the NSPCC, the police, or Ofsted.

Allegation against staff, students or volunteers An allegation against our staff, students or volunteers may relate to a person who has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child

• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to children, or

• Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

We will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of all parties while an allegation or concern is being investigated. Dealing with an allegation can be a stressful experience and, to support the staff member, a named person (usually the DSL or Deputy DSL) to liaise with will be offered. The timeframes for an investigation will follow the guidelines of other involved authorities.

We reserve the right to suspend a staff member until the investigation is concluded. Further action will be determined by the outcome of the investigation.

Founded allegations are considered gross misconduct, in accordance with our disciplinary procedures, and may result in the termination of employment. DBS will be informed to ensure their records are updated and Ofsted will be

informed. We retain the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry.

All safeguarding records are kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 22 years, if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references and future DBS checks and avoids unnecessary reinvestigation.

Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated. A return to work plan will be put in place for any member of staff returning to work after an allegation has been deemed unfounded. Individual support will be offered to meet the needs of the staff member and the nature of the incident such as more frequent supervisions, coaching and mentoring or external support services.

If the member of staff resigns during the investigation, we will inform DBS, Ofsted and the police, where appropriate.

Reporting the abuse or misuse of images of children If a member of staff, student or volunteer becomes aware of the abuse or misuse of images of children from the nursery, they must immediately notify the DSL who would need to review the information provided to decide on the next steps:

• If the image(s) involve suspected child abuse or illegal imagery, DSL to report to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)

• If there are concerns regarding online abuse, extortion, or the ways individuals are communicating with children or staff online, DSL to report to the National Crime Agency CEOP Command

• If a child under 18 has had an explicit image shared online, DSL to support the child and/or their parents to use the Childline Report Remove Tool for IWF review and removal

• Escalate safeguarding concerns to the LADO/MASH as required.

Support for staff during safeguarding incidents The DSL will support staff throughout any of the processes listed above and will organise appropriate counselling should this be required.

Any member of staff who has concerns about the content of this policy and its procedures, should speak to the DSL as soon as possible. If any member of staff wishes to talk confidentially about any safeguarding concern or any other issue relating to child protection or personal circumstance, it is important to do this as soon as possible.

Reporting procedure We will always act on behalf of the child and will do everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of any child and so will take all allegations of potential abuse seriously. All concerns reported to staff will be pursued, regardless of the nature of the concern and to whom the allegation relates.

All staff have a responsibility to report safeguarding and child protection concerns and suspicions of abuse. These concerns will be discussed with the DSL as soon as possible, as follows:

Staff member role DSL role on receiving information that causes a on receiving information that causes a safeguarding safeguarding concern concern

• Contact the DSL immediately. This • If it is believed a child is in immediate danger, contact must be a verbal conversation to the police Step 1 ensure the concern is clearly understood and action is taken

• If the DSL is unavailable, contact the Deputy DSL, LSP, NSPCC, social services or police until you are able to have a verbal conversation

• For children who arrive at nursery with an existing injury, an ‘incident outside nursery’ form will be completed. If there are queries or concerns regarding the injury or information given, follow these procedures

• Write an objective report including: − Child's name and address − Age and date of birth • Sign and date report received from staff member − Date, time and location of the • Securely store the information according to the observation or disclosure nursery procedures − Exact words spoken by the child • If the safeguarding concern relates to a child, contact (as close to word-for-word as the Local Authority children’s social care team, report possible) and non-verbal concerns and seek advice immediately, or as soon as it communication is practical to do so − Outline of the concern • If the safeguarding concern relates to an allegation Step 2 − Exact position and type of any against an adult working or volunteering with children, injuries or marks seen contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) − Exact observation of any incident and request a confirmation email of the report, then or concern reported and the report the concern to Ofsted names of any other person • A full investigation into any allegation will be carried present at the time out by the appropriate professionals to determine how − Any known confidentiality issues this will be handled − Signature and date of person • Note any actions requested by LADO / Ofsted and making the report and the DSL or follow any instructions received other nominated individual receiving the report

• If you feel the report is not being

• If appropriate, discuss the concerns or incidents with taken seriously or are worried about parent(s), unless it is believed that this would place the an allegation getting back to the child at greater risk of harm person in question, then it is your

• Record all discussions (remember parents will have duty to inform the Local Authority access to these records on request in line with GDPR Step 3 children’s social care team yourself and data protection guidelines) directly

• Follow all instructions from the Local Authority

• Follow all instructions from the Local children’s social care team and/or Ofsted, co-operating Authority children’s social care team where required and/or Ofsted, co-operating where

• Record information and actions taken required

• If the DSL is not the owner/manager and there is an allegation against a member of staff, then the Step 4 owner/manager must be informed as they have a duty of care for their employees

• If the Local Authority children’s social care team have not been in contact within the timeframe set out in Step 5 Working Together to Safeguard Children, it must be followed up

• Never assume that action has been taken

• Safeguarding procedures will be reviewed to ensure the process has been applied in line with the Step 6 policy

If a concern is raised anonymously and we have no contact details, we will treat the concern as valid and follow the procedures as above. If a malicious call is suspected, the procedures will still be followed: a child may be in danger. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) will be contacted to ensure permitted data sharing.

PART 4: Recruitment, selection, induction and training

Recruitment and selection Through the implementation of our Safer recruitment of staff policy, we endeavour to prevent unsuitable people from becoming members of staff. We check the suitability of new recruits following the procedures outlined in the Recruitment, selection and suitability of staff policy.

Procedures include relevant checks, such as obtaining references, establishing the identity of applicant and conducting criminal records disclosures prior to employment. Where required, staff and stakeholders have enhanced DBS checks. Clear person specification criteria and processes during the recruitment and selection process enable us to determine a candidate’s suitability for the role.

We have specific responsibilities, as outlined in this policy, for any staff, apprentices, students and learners under the age of 18 whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently.

Induction and probation for staff As part of our induction process, all new workers will receive basic training on this Safeguarding children and child protection policy so they have the necessary knowledge and skills to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Within the first week of induction, all staff will receive a copy of this policy. It is the line manager’s responsibility to ensure that the new staff member understands it and is able to follow it. All safeguarding training must be completed by the end of the probationary period.

All staff are expected to keep their safeguarding knowledge and skills up-to-date and report any concerns they may have. We maintain records to ensure all staff have received the training they need.

Learners on placements or in employment We hold responsibility for ensuring that learners on placement or in employment are familiar with and sign up to this policy and agree to work within this framework. Learners will receive basic child protection training prior to starting their placement.

Learners and students under the age of 18 will be protected as children. Risk assessments will be completed to ensure their safety and well-being are protected and supported during their employment or training period. If situations arise during employment or placement which identifies those aged 18 or under are at risk from abuse or neglect, we will contact the appropriate bodies to ensure the individual is safeguarded.

Responding to and recording disclosures Staff, volunteers or students may receive a safeguarding disclosure. See the guidance below for responding to and reporting disclosures of abuse.

Responding to a child’s disclosure of abuse - what to do and say

• Stay calm and listen carefully

• Try not to look shocked and reassure them that this is not their fault

• Find an appropriate opportunity to say that the information will need to be shared and do not promise to keep the information shared a secret

• Allow the child to continue at their own pace

• Only ask questions for clarification and avoid asking any questions that may suggest a particular answer

• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing, let them know what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared

• Record the disclosure in writing using the child’s own words as soon as possible, but not while the child is talking

• Includes the date and time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given

• Sign and date the record, store it securely and refer the disclosure to the setting DSL and/or manager.

Recording a case of disclosure or suspicions of abuse in the community If you observe a concern or receive a disclosure, make an objective record. Where possible include:

• Child's name and address

• Age of the child and date of birth

• Setting name and address

• Date and time of the observation or disclosure

• Details of the concern using factual information, including the exact words, if relevant

• Accurate details of the observation, including actions of the child or adult involved

• Accurate details of an injury or wound seen, including position and size

• The names of any other person present at the time

• Name of the person completing the report

• Name of the person to whom the concern was shared, with date and time.

Discuss the record with the setting DSL or manager and follow the procedures. We expect all members of staff and stakeholders to co-operate with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of children.

Legal framework We adhere to all current legislation, as below: Children and Social Work Act 2017 Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (as amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015) Freedom of Information Act 2012 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 The Childcare Act 2006 The Children Act 2004 The Children Act (England and Wales) 1989 The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 The Data Protection Acts 1984, 1998 and 2018 The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 The Equality Act 2010 The Human Rights Act 1998 The Police Act 1997 The Sexual Offences Act 2003 Keeping Children Safe in Education

Working together to safeguard children

Relevant non-statutory guidance: Child sexual exploitation, DfE 2017 Information sharing, DfE 2024 What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused, DfE 2015

Useful contacts

Setting (01524) 963736 Option 1 (Lancaster) Main office Option 2 (Westgate) Option 3 (Balmoral) Louise Nolan Kara Sharpe DSL Kirsty Liver Megan Knowles Amy Begg Sam Howse Lindsey Middlehurst Deputy DSL Sammy Mason Jade North Natasha Howson Elena Delaney Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) (01772) 536694 Local Authority Safeguarding Children Partnership 0300 123 6720 Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Police and related contacts Emergency police 999 Non-emergency police 101 Child exploitation and online protection (CEOP) Online contact only DfE counter-extremism helpline 020 7340 7264

Other useful contacts Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 Childline 0800 1111 Kidscape 020 7823 5430

National Domestic Abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 Modern slavery helpline 08000 121 700 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) 01223 20 30 30 Information Commissioners Office (ICO) 0303 123 1113

Extremism – The Prevent Duty

The Prevent Duty - This policy is prepared using the following publications.

• DFE “The Prevent duty. Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers. June 2015”

• HM Gov. channel Guidance- Preventing vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism. 2015

From 1 July 2015 all schools, registered early years childcare providers and registered later years childcare providers (referred to in this advice as ‘childcare providers’) are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent duty. It applies to a wide range of public-facing bodies.

In order for our nursery to fulfil the Prevent duty, it is essential that our staff are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they are identified. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation is seen as part of our wider safeguarding duties and is similar in nature to protecting children from other harms (e.g. drugs, gangs, neglect, sexual exploitation), whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences.

We aim to also build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views. It is important that we emphasise that the Prevent duty is not intended to stop pupils debating controversial issues. On the contrary, we provide a safe space in which children, young people and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism and develop the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge extremist arguments.

At Total Tots we can emphasise this in daily work such as assisting the children’s personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world. If a member of staff has a concern about a particular child they should follow our normal safeguarding procedures, including discussing with our designated safeguarding officer, who will, where deemed necessary, with children’s social care.

If we have any concerns that a family are holding extreme views, or something just doesn’t sit right, and we wish to seek advice we can contact 01772 412914 "Channel Officer" you may also contact Sgt Maxine Monks on this number, she is the Channel Co-ordinator. They are also contactable via e-mail on Channelreferals@lancashire.pnn.police.uk This number and e-mail is manned from 7am -5pm.

The Department for Education has also dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk.

Under the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 we have a duty to refer any concerns of extremism to the police (In Prevent priority areas the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support).

This may be a cause for concern relating to a change in behaviour of a child, family member or adult working with the children in the setting, comments causing concern or actions that lead staff to be worried about the safety of a child in their care.

Alongside this we will be alert to any early signs in children and families who may be at risk of radicalisation, on which we will act, and document all concerns when reporting further. The NSPCC states that signs of radicalisation may be:

• isolating themselves from family and friends

• talking as if from a scripted speech

• unwillingness or inability to discuss their views.

• a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others

• increased levels of anger

• increased secretiveness, especially around internet use.

We will tackle radicalisation by:

• Training all staff to understand what is meant by the Prevent Duty and radicalisation.

• Ensuring staff understand how to recognize early indicators of potential radicalisation and terrorism threats and act on them appropriately in line with national and local procedures.

• Make any referrals relating to extremism to the police (or the Government helpline) in a timely way, sharing relevant information as appropriate.

• Ensure our nursery is an inclusive environment, tackle inequalities and negative points of view and teach children about tolerance through British Values

• Using the Government document Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales

We expect all our colleagues, both internal and external, to be professional at all times and hold the welfare and safety of every child as their paramount objective. We recognise that there may be occasions where this may not happen and we have in place a procedure for staff (including students and volunteers) to disclose any information that suggests children’s welfare and safety may be at risk.

We expect all team members to talk through any concerns they may have with their line manager at the earliest opportunity to enable any problems to be resolved as soon as they arise.

Whistleblowing definition Whistleblowing is the term used when a worker passes on information concerning wrongdoing.

Legal framework The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, commonly referred to as the ‘Whistleblowing Act’, amended the Employment Rights Act 1996 to provide protection for employees, students and volunteers who raise legitimate concerns about specified matters. These are called ‘qualifying disclosures.’

A qualifying disclosure is one made in the public interest by an employee, student or volunteer who has a reasonable belief that any of the following is being, has been, or is likely to be, committed:

• A criminal offence

• A miscarriage of justice

• An act creating risk to health and safety

• An act causing damage to the environment

• A breach of any other legal obligation or concealment of any of the above

• Any other unethical conduct

• An act that may be deemed as radicalised or a threat to national security

• Sexual harassment.

Disclosures do not have to be made ‘in good faith’ but they must be made in the public interest. This is essential when assessing a disclosure made by an individual.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act has the following rules for making a protected disclosure:

• You must believe it to be substantially true

• You must not make false allegations.

It is not necessary for the person to have proof that such an act is being, has been, or is likely to be, committed; a reasonable belief is sufficient.

Disclosure of information If, while working in the setting, you become aware of information which you reasonably believe indicates that a child is, or may be, or is likely to be, in risk of danger and/or one or more of the following may be happening, you MUST use the nursery’s disclosure procedure set out below:

• That a criminal offence has been committed or is being committed or is likely to be committed

• That a person has failed, is failing or is likely to fail to comply with any legal obligation to which they are subject (e.g. EYFS, Equalities Act 2010)

• That a miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur

• That the health or safety of any individual has been, is being, or is likely to be endangered

• That the environment, has been, is being, or is likely to be damaged

• That sexual harassment has been committed

• That information tending to show any of the above, has been, is being, or is likely to be deliberately concealed.

Disclosure procedure

• If this information relates to child protection and safeguarding then the nursery’s Safeguarding children and child protection policy should be followed, with particular reference to the staff and volunteering section. See below for the Whistleblowing safeguarding concerns flowchart

• Where you reasonably believe one or more of the above circumstances listed above has occurred, you should promptly disclose this to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL), or deputy DSL, so that any appropriate action can be taken. If it is inappropriate to make such a disclosure to the DSL/deputy DSL (i.e. because it relates directly to them) you should speak to [insert name and contact details]

• Staff, students and volunteers will suffer no detriment of any sort for making such a disclosure in accordance with this procedure. For further guidance in the use of the disclosure procedure, speak in confidence to the *DSL/*nursery manager/*owner

• Any disclosure or concerns raised will be treated seriously and will be dealt with in a consistent and confidential manner and will be followed through in a detailed and thorough manner

• Any employee, student or volunteer who is involved in victimising other colleagues who make a disclosure, takes any action to deter colleagues from disclosing information or makes malicious allegations in bad faith will be subject to potential disciplinary action which may result in dismissal

• Failure to report serious matters can also be investigated and potentially lead to disciplinary action which may result in dismissal

• Any employee, student or volunteer who inappropriately deals with a whistleblowing issue (e.g. failing to react appropriately by not taking action in a timely manner or disclosing confidential information) may be deemed to have engaged in gross misconduct which could lead to dismissal

We give all of our staff the telephone numbers of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the local authority children’s social care team and Ofsted so all staff may contact them if they cannot talk to anyone internally about the issues or concerns observed.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) (01772) 536 694 Local children’s safeguarding partnership 0300 123 6720 Ofsted 0300 123 1231 NSPCC 0800 0280285 Police Emergency 999 Police Non-Emergency 101

We take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises, communicating policies clearly to staff on induction and through training. Parents are informed about the procedures through the prospectus, website and reminders through newsletters.

In the event of an emergency requiring a full lock down, the following procedure will be implemented.

Emergency lock down procedure We will use the lock down procedure when the safety of the children, staff and others on the premises are at risk and we are better placed inside the current building, with doors and windows locked and blinds and/or curtains closed. We will activate this emergency procedure in response to a number of situations, but some of the more typical might be:

• A report incident or disturbance in the local community (with potential to pose a risk to staff and children in the nursery)

• An intruder on the nursery site (with potential to pose a risk to staff and children in nursery)

• A warning being received regarding a local risk of air pollution (smoke plumes, gas cloud etc.)

• A major fire or explosion in the vicinity of the nursery – as long as it is safer staying in the premises than leaving. In this case the staff will be notified by the following action: Insert action here: Signal for lock down a whistle blown (long blow). Signal for all-clear a 3 clear sharp whistle blows)

All individuals (including children) will remain in the area they are in, if safe to do so. If the children are outside, staff are to promptly and calmly direct children into the building, if this will not endanger them. Staff will make efforts to close and lock doors wherever safe to do so.

All individuals will keep away from the windows and doors and children will be occupied in the centre of the room so they are not placed at risk or are able to see any situation developing outside.

Internal communications will be kept to a minimum. Communication between rooms will be through internal telephones, intercom systems, two-way radios or mobile phones.

The manager will ensure all children, staff and visitors are accounted for and safe before returning to the office area to keep up-to-date with the current situation. The manager or acting manager will manage the situation dependent upon the information available. If the nursery is in immediate danger of an intruder, the police will be called as a matter of urgency. In other cases where the situation has been alerted by the police or local area authority then the nursery will await further instructions. Once the all-clear has been given externally, the manager will issue the all-clear internally. After this time the staff will try to return to normal practice to enable the children not to be disrupted or upset by the events.

Any children showing worries or concerns will have one-to-one time with their key person to talk about these.

Parents will be informed about the situation at the earliest safest opportunity and will be kept updated when the information changes.

After the event a post-incident evaluation will be conducted to ensure that each child and staff member was supported fully and the procedure went as planned. Ofsted will be informed.

Regular drills will be held to practice exercising the lock down procedures, using non-alarming scenarios.