Child Protection · Effective April 2026
Safeguarding Policy
At Living Heritage Nursery, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. We are fully committed to ensuring all children are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Our Commitment
We adhere to the requirements of the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the EYFS framework, and the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023).
Objectives
- To provide a safe, secure environment where children feel respected and valued.
- To ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
- To respond swiftly and appropriately to concerns or allegations.
- To build a culture of vigilance and transparency.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Leading safeguarding practice in the nursery.
- Liaising with local safeguarding partners (e.g. Local Authority Designated Officer — LADO).
- Ensuring all staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.
- Keeping detailed, secure records of all safeguarding concerns and referrals.
Safer Recruitment
- All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- References are rigorously checked.
- Gaps in employment history are scrutinised and explained.
- All new staff complete safeguarding induction training before working with children.
Staff Training
- All staff complete safeguarding and child protection training annually.
- Training includes signs of abuse, neglect, radicalisation (Prevent Duty), FGM awareness, and online safety.
- Regular updates are provided during team meetings.
Forms of Abuse
- Physical abuse — e.g., unexplained injuries, fear of going home
- Emotional abuse — e.g., withdrawn behavior, low self-esteem
- Sexual abuse — e.g., inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
- Neglect — e.g., poor hygiene, lack of supervision
- Peer abuse, bullying, or inappropriate sexualised play
- Radicalisation or extremist views (Prevent Duty)
Responding to Concerns
We respond to children's concerns by:
- Listen and reassure without leading or questioning.
- Record the facts accurately using the child's own words.
- Report immediately to the DSL.
Allegations Against Staff
- The DSL (or nursery manager if the DSL is implicated) will inform the LADO within one working day.
- The staff member will be suspended pending investigation.
- Parents will be informed unless doing so puts the child at further risk.
Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
- All safeguarding records are stored securely and accessed only by designated personnel.
- Information is shared with appropriate agencies in the child's best interest and in compliance with data protection laws.
Use of CCTV in Safeguarding
- CCTV is used within the premises to help maintain a safe and secure environment, support the prevention and detection of crime, and assist with effective management.
- CCTV is not used in areas where there is an expectation of privacy (such as toilets or changing areas).
- All CCTV recording and storage is carried out in line with data protection legislation (UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018). Access to footage is strictly controlled and only available to authorised personnel.
Partnership with Parents
- We work openly and respectfully with families.
- Parents are informed of our safeguarding duties and procedures.
- We may need to act without parental consent if a child is at risk of significant harm.
The Prevent Duty
- Living Heritage Nursery's Prevent Duty is part of our safeguarding responsibility under the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015. It helps us protect children from the risk of being drawn into extremist ideas or terrorism.
- We create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children.
- We teach and model British Values: respect and tolerance, democracy, rule of law, and individual liberty.
- Staff stay alert to any changes in behaviour or language that may cause concern and report any concerns immediately to the DSL.
Mobile Phone Usage Policy
Staff Mobile Phones:
- Personal mobile phones must be switched off or on silent during working hours.
- Staff may not use personal phones in rooms where children are present.
- Mobile phones must be stored securely in staff lockers/bags, not carried on the person.
- Staff may only check or use phones during break times, in staff-only areas.
- The use of mobile phones for photography, video, or social media within the setting is strictly prohibited.
Whistleblowing
- Staff are encouraged to report any concerns about unsafe practices or the conduct of colleagues.
- Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
- Concerns can also be reported directly to Ofsted.
- NSPCC whistleblowing advice line: 0800 0280285 (Mon–Fri 8:00–20:00, weekends 9:00–18:00). Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Monitoring & Review
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes. All staff are expected to read and understand this policy as part of their induction and annual training.
This policy was effective April 2026 and is due for review by April 2027. All policies are reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes.