Statement of Intent

We believe that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognise our responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people. Our statutory duties and supporting guidance are set out in The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS:2024), Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).  We follow Shropshire’s Safeguarding Community Partnership (SSCP) guidance including the Neglect Strategy and body maps, and recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount. Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential to safeguard children and promote their welfare: any suspicions of abuse will be dealt with following SSCP procedures.

All staff are aware of their individual roles in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children including their responsibility to be alert to any issues for concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere.

We ensure that all members of staff undergo an induction process, are given copies of the procedures they must follow if they suspect abuse or neglect and are able to put these procedures into place. On-going support is provided through regular supervision and training. We have a duty to respond promptly and appropriately to all concerns, incidents or allegations of abuse or neglect regardless of whether or not the child concerned attends our setting and make a referral without delay if necessary.

Aim

All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnic background, cultural heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or any other human diversity have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.  It is the responsibility of our staff to be alert to any issues for concern in a child’s life, to help protect them from maltreatment, prevent impairment of the child’s health or development, ensure that all children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care so as to enable children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.

To create an environment which gives children the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. The child’s needs must come first (Every Child Matters, 2004)

Staff promote British values as set out in The Prevent Strategy (2011) and The Prevent Duty (2015) these include:

Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Early Intervention

Sometimes we may come across situations which are not necessarily a child protection concern but where we think a child could benefit from additional support from outside agencies to ensure they reach their full potential. In this process known as Early Help we would consult fully with parents.

All staff are required to read and confirm their understanding of our Safeguarding of Children Policy: the signs of abuse, how to make a referral and the procedures to follow; within the first week of their employment.  All Staff are required to be fully versed in the Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) 

Training

We ensure that staff know the procedures for reporting and recording their concerns in the Preschool.
We seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in BURFORD PRESCHOOL C.I.C. to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect and so that they are aware of the SSCP guidelines for making referrals.
All staff are required to attend basic awareness training in safeguarding of children level 1 parts one and two every three years.
The two named person for Safeguarding of Children, (Jean Peters and Selina Baker), are required have completed the Level 3 Advanced Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Lead course and will attend updated training either via face to face to virtual sessions regularly.  

The first named person at BURFORD PRESCHOOL C.I.C. for safeguarding of children matters is the Preschool Manager; Jean Peters.  Selina Baker has responsibility in the absence of the Preschool Manager.

The named people are guided by two principles: in accordance with the Children Act:

1.The welfare of the child is always paramount, and;

2.Confidentiality should be respected as far as possible.

Parents are also able to report concerns about any safeguarding concerns they have about child directly to Shropshire's First Point of Contact (FPOC) on 03456789021

Our full Safeguarding policy can be viewed here:  

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