safeguarding children Policy
The policy is informed by the following legislation:
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 3.3 states: Providers must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well.
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 3.4 states: Childminders working alone or with assistants must take lead responsibility for safeguarding children in their setting. Childminders must know how to contact the local statutory children’s services and the Local Safeguarding Partners (LSPs). All practitioners must be alert to any issues of concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere.
I am committed to fostering a safeguarding culture – one where children’s well-being is central, concerns are acted on promptly, and everyone connected to my childcare setting understands that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Purpose and Aims
This policy sets out how I will achieve this safeguarding culture and promote the welfare of children in my care, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for Childminders (EYFS) and local safeguarding procedures:
My aims are to:
- Ensure all children are safe, protected from harm and feel secure.
- Promote a culture of safeguarding where children, families and visitors understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Embed safe practice across all aspects of my childminding provision, including the behaviour of assistants and visitors.
As a registered childminder and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), I work with other agencies to identify, assess, and support children at risk of harm. I will follow the principles of Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance, Keeping children safe in education 2025, and Devon Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (DSCP) procedures.
Safeguarding Training and Responsibilities
I have completed Safeguarding Training (25/08/2025), consistent with the EYFS for childminders 2025 and Annex C Requirements. I stay up to date with safeguarding developments through the Early Years and Childcare Service Digest and DSCP.
As the DSL, I have secure understanding of safeguarding and how to implement it in my setting. I can identify and respond to signs of abuse or neglect, including:
- Changes in behaviour or wellbeing
- Unexplained injuries or concerning comments, including bruising in non-mobile babies
- Inappropriate behaviour from adults and assistants
- Risk outside the home, including female genital mutilation (FGM) or exploitation.
I will also ensure that any assistants receive safeguarding training in line with Annexe C and understand our policies and procedures. Training is renewed every 2 years, with annual refresher as needed.
Recognising concerns, signs and indicators of abuse
Under the EYFS, I maintain a vigilant approach to safeguarding, recognising that any child
can be at risk of abuse, regardless of background or setting. I adopt the mindset of ‘It could
happen here.’ And act promptly on any concerns.
Abuse and neglect may occur:
- Within families (familial abuse)
- In the community, or online
- Through child-on–child interactions
Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, and also occur in contextual settings,
such as online environment or peer groups.
I am alert to:
- Physical abuse: unexplained injuries or fear of adults
- Emotional abuse: persistent criticism, rejection or exposure to domestic abuse.
- Sexual abuse: inappropriate behaviour, knowledge, or disclosures
- Neglect: unmet basic needs like food, hygiene, supervision or medical care
I also recognise contextual safeguarding risks, including:
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- Child Sexual or Criminal Exploitation (CSE/CCE)
- Radicalisation and extremism
- Online abuse and grooming
Child-on-child abuse may include bullying, sexual harassment or violence. I understand that
parental issues such as substance misuse, mental ill health or domestic abuse can increase
a child’s vulnerability.
I remain sensitive to non-verbal cues, changes in behaviour and emotional distress –
especially in children who may struggle to communicate.
Online Safety and Safeguarding
Technology itself is not the greatest risk to children – it’s the behaviour of individuals using it that poses the most harm. Witnessing abuse online can be as damaging as experiencing it directly, significantly affecting a child’s emotional well-being and development. As outlined in Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations - GOV.UK I have clear responsibility to promote online safety.
Even if children do not access technology in our setting, they do so elsewhere. It is vital that we help them understand the value of technology and how to use it safely. Role-modelling responsible online behaviour must be embedded in our daily practice.
While poor behaviour may sometimes indicate abuse or trauma, it is not always the case. These signs should be considered carefully and in context, recognising that abuse descriptors are not exhaustive.
Safeguarding Children with SEND
All children have the right to be safe, yet, disabled children are three times more likely to be
abused. As a childminder, I recognise the increased risk and take proactive steps to protect
every child.
Key risk factors include:
- Reluctance to believe the child.
- Believe that a disabled child can be abused.
- Limited options for children to seek help.
- Gaps in knowledge between disability and child protection professionals. Inadequate teaching on personal safety skills. (e.g. the NSPCC pants campaign).
- Challenges linked to disabilities, such as communication difficulties or limited understanding.
I remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding all children, including those with SEND
Safeguarding Children in My Care
As a childminder, I am committed to creating safe, nurturing and inclusive environments
where all children feel safe, secure, respected and supported. The EYFS statutory framework and relevant local and national guidance guide my safeguarding approach.
- I provide a caring, positive and stimulating setting that promotes children’s social, emotional, physical and moral development.
- I foster attachment, especially for babies and non-verbal children, recognising their increased vulnerability.
- Children are always within sight and hearing during meals and personal care routines, with privacy balanced against safeguarding needs.
- I take responsibility for the safe use and storage of all devices, including cameras, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles and mobile phones.
- I ensure children feel valued and confident to approach me with concerns, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously.
- Children’s privacy is respected and balanced with safeguarding needs during nappy changing and toileting.
- I remain alert to situations where children and families may benefit from Early Help.
- A copy of ‘What to Do If You’re Worried a Child Is Being Abused’ Statutory Guidance. Template is kept with the policy, which outlines procedures for recording incidents and disclosures.
- Information about Devon Children’s Front Door and how it works – Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership, including Multiagency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), is available for parents and carers.
- If a parent discloses domestic abuse, I will provide information and contact details for support services, Domestic and sexual violence and abuse - Devon County Council Assistants will receive ongoing support, training and guidance on safeguarding policies and procedures, including induction.
- I uphold the Fundamental British Values of democracy, rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs as outlined in the EYFS.
- I follow the Prevent Duty to help protect children from radicalisation. The Prevent Duty: an introduction for those with safeguarding responsibilities - GOV.UK
- I will follow up promptly on any unexplained or prolonged child absences and contact parents/carers and emergency contacts if a child.
- I will maintain and share an attendance policy with parents/carers, outlining expectations for reporting absences and the actions I will take when a child is absent.
Responding to Concerns
- I will refer concerns about possible abuse and neglect to the Front Door via the Request for Support form.
- I will keep confidential written records of concerns, stored securely and retained until the child is 21.
- I will liaise with other agencies and attend multi-agency as needed.
- I will report unexplained absences of children with child protection plans to their Social Worker or Social Care team.
- I will notify the Front Door, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and OFSTED of any serious incident or significant events to a child in my care within 14 days.
If a child confides in me
- I will listen carefully, take their concerns seriously and avoid leading questions.
- I will record their words accurately, including relevant details and observations.
- I will explain that I cannot keep the information confidential and act in their best interests
- I will seek advice for the MASH consultation line and make a Front Door request for support if needed.
Confidentiality
- I will treat all safeguarding matters as confidential and share information only on a ‘need to know’ basis following Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners - GOV.UK
- I will share relevant information with other agencies to protect children and will not promise to keep secrets that may compromise a child’s safety.
- I will seek parental consent to share concerns unless doing so may increase risk to the child. If unsure, I will consult with MASH or the Early Years and Childcare Service Team.
Allegations of Abuse – Safeguarding Comments
- I will take steps to protect myself, household members, and staff from allegations by ensuring DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures (including references) are in place and visitors are supervised at all times.
- I will avoid having maintenance workers in the Childminding area during minded hours unless essential for safety.
- I will record all accidents, incidents, and pre-existing injuries and inform parents with signed documentation.
- I will ensure children are always within sight or hearing, appropriate to their age and needs.
- I will document any physical intervention used and inform parents the same day.
- I will monitor adult behaviour for safeguarding concerns and act on anything appropriate.
If an Allegation Is Made against me as a childminder or anyone living or working on the premises. I will follow the procedures below in order to gain support and professional advice:
- I will immediately inform the LADO and OFSTED (within 14 days).
- I will contact my insurance provider and seek legal advice.
- I will keep detailed written records of all related incidents, including witness statements if applicable and LADO approved.
Whistleblowing
- I will have clear procedures for raising concerns about poor or unsafe safeguarding practice.
- I will ensure staff know when and how to report concerns and understand the process that follows.
- I will make sure staff/assistants feel confident that concerns will be taken seriously.
- If staff/assistants feel unable to raise concerns internally, they can contact:
o NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285 or help@nspcc.org.uk
o Ofsted: Guidance available via gov.uk
o Whistleblowing for employees: What is a whistleblower - GOV.UK
Visitors to my home
- I will ensure children are never left unsupervised with visitors.
- I will record all visitors during childminding hours, including time, purpose and visitor signature.
- I will check ID for unknown visitors and verify their organisation if needed.
- I will only allow known visitors with a valid reason during childminding hours.
Use of Electronic Devices with imaging sharing capacities.
I understand that if I am processing personal information electronically for the provision of childcare – including taking photos of children in my care using a digital device I must register with Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
Mobile devices with imaging sharing capabilities
I use a combination of my landline and a designated business mobile phone at home (as the mobile signal is very poor indoors), and the designated business mobile phone when we are out.
- I use a landline at home and a designated mobile when out.
- I will keep my mobile phone with me for emergencies and parent communication.
- I will seek parental consent before taking photos for observations of sharing activities.
- Photos will be deleted after use.
- I will not share images on social media or with others without permission.
- Face blur software is used to protect and safeguard the identity of the children.
- Visitors and assistants must store or switch off devices during childminding hours.
- Devices are kept out of children’s reach.
- I will permit children from the age of 11 years (agreed with parents) to have their electronic devices with them. However, it must not be used to take photos or access the internet.
- I follow government online safety guidance for early years settings.
- I have registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller in line with the GDPR
If you have any concerns regarding this policy, I will be happy to meet and discuss them with you.
Childminder's signature: ________________________ Date: __________
Phone Numbers
For Immediate Referrals: DCC - Request for support (outsystemsenterprise.com)
MASH: 0345 155 1071
e-mail: mashsecure@devon.gov.uk
Early Help Co-ordination Centre (ask for Early Help) 0345 155 1071
Out of hours for CYPS (Social Care): (5pm-9am; weekends; public holidays)
CYPS Emergency Duty Service 0845 6000 388
Police Central Referral Unit 0845 605 116
In the case of an Allegation against myself or Ken:
LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) 01392 384964
For Advice & Guidance:
MASH Consultation line for professionals: 01392 388 428
EYCS Early Years Childcare Adviser , Lorna Pitts 01392 381 994
Devon Early Years Locality Manager:
Exeter East & Mid Devon and Northern Devon Nikki Phillips 01392 385394
South, West & Teignbridge Sue Bolt 01392 384046
Holiday Activities and Food Programme Co-ordinator Melissa Filby 01392 388461
Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP) 01392 386067
Devon Domestic Abuse Support Services 0345 155 1074
(Ask for Domestic Abuse Helpline)
Website Devon Domestic Abuse Helpline
External Support Whistleblowing:
- NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: (Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00) 0800 028 0285
Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3NH
- Ofsted Complaints: complaints procedure – GOV.UK
- General Guidance: Whistleblowing for employees – GOV.UK
Early Help Hub In each of the four localities – Northern, Exeter, East and Mid, and Southern – there are Early Help Hubs, where the Early Help Locality Officers and Family Intervention Teams information on these hubs is available from – Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership, or Devon SCP for short.
Useful Contacts:
Devon Children and Families Partnerships
South West Child Protection Procedures
Devon Early Years and Childcare Service
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency
CHILDWISE - a leading specialist in research with children and young people - ABOUT
Annexe 1 Categories of Abuse
Categories of Abuse:
• Physical Abuse: Causing physical harm (e.g., hitting, shaking, poisoning)
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional harm, including domestic abuse.
• Sexual Abuse: Involving children in sexual activities or exploitation.
• Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs.
Signs of Abuse in Children:
The following non-specific signs may indicate something is wrong:
• Significant change in behaviour or mood
• Extreme anger or sadness
• Aggressive and attention-needing behaviour
• Withdrawl
• Unexplained bruises or injuries with unsatisfactory explanations
• Lack of self-esteem
• Self-injury
• Depression and/or anxiousness
• Age-inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Child Sexual Exploitation
• Criminality
• Substance abuse
• Mental health problems
• Poor attendance
• Poor hyginene
Neglect - The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairments 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 a parent or carer failing to:
• provide food, clothing and shelter;
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
• ensure adequate supervision;
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
• explained absence from education or childcare
Possible indicators of Neglect Obvious signs of lack of care including:
Problems with personal hygiene, constant hunger, inadequate clothing, emaciation, lateness or non-attendance at the setting, poor relationship with peers, untreated medical problems, compulsive stealing and scavenging, rocking, hair twisting, thumb sucking, running away, low self-esteem, etc.
Physical Abuse - May involve hitting, shaking, slapping, punching, throwing, dragging, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in, a child.
Possible Indicators: Physical signs that do not tally with the given account of occurrence, conflicting or unrealistic explanations of cause, frequent or repeated injuries, delay in reporting or seeking medical advice, fear of adults or flinching when approached, wearing long sleeves in warm weather to cover marks.
Bruising in Pre-mobile Babies Bruising is the most common presenting feature of physical abuse in children. The younger the child, the higher the risk that the bruising is non-accidental, especially when the child is under the age of six months. Bruising in any child 'not independently mobile' will prompt suspicion of maltreatment and an enquiry to MASH.
Sexual abuse and exploitation
Sexual abuse - involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to participate in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This may include physical contact, penetrative and non-penetrative acts and also includes involving children in watching pornographic material or watching sexual acts.
Possible indicators of Sexual Abuse Sudden changes in behaviour, displays of affection which are sexual and age inappropriate, tendency to cling or need constant reassurance, allegations or disclosures, genital/anal soreness, sexually transmitted diseases, and inappropriate sexualised behaviour, including words, play or drawing. Tendency to cry easily, regression to younger behaviour – e.g. thumb sucking, acting like a baby, unexplained gifts or money, depression and withdrawal, wetting/soiling day or night, fear of undressing for PE etc.
Emotional Abuse - The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.
Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse Rejection, isolation, child being blamed for actions of adults, child being used as carer for younger siblings, affection and basic emotional care giving/warmth, persistently absent or withheld.
Annexe 2 Current Safeguarding Issues
(This section highlights optional extras that Settings may consider adopting to accompany their Safeguarding policy)
The following Safeguarding issues are all considered to be child Protection issues and should be referred immediately to the most relevant agency. The issues featured below are linked to guidance and local procedures which can be found on the South West Child Protection Procedures
E-Safety Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites. In order to minimize the risks to our children and young people Oak Trees and Acorns Childcare will ensure that we have in place appropriate measures such as security filtering, and an acceptable use policy linked to our E-Safety policy. We will ensure that staff are aware of how not to compromise their position of trust in or outside of the setting and are aware of the dangers associated with social networking sites.
Our E-safety policy will clearly state that mobile phone, camera or electronic communications with a child or family at our setting is not acceptable other than for approved setting business. Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse or cyber bullying, we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) The sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people, (or a third person or persons) receive something, (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affections, gifts, money) as a result of them performing and/or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child's immediate recognition; for example, being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. In all cases those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion, and intimidations are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child's or young person's limited availability of choice, resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability.
Good practice – Individuals Recognise the symptoms and distinguish them from other forms of abuse
• Treat the child/young person as a victim of abuse
• Understand the perspective / behaviour of the child/young person and be patient with them
• Help the child/young person to recognise that they are being exploited
• Collate as much information as possible
• Share information with other agencies and seek advice / refer to Social Care
Good practice – Organisations
• Ensure robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place which cover CSE
• Promote and engage in effective multi-agency working to prevent abuse
• Work to help victims move out of exploitation
• Cooperate to enable successful investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators
Peer on Peer Abuse Children can abuse other children, and this is referred to as 'peer on peer abuse' this can take many forms including those listed in the table above as well as bullying, sexual violence, and harassment etc. Staff will raise concerns when there are issues of peer-on-peer abuse and DSL's (Designated Safeguarding Leads) will consider what support might be needed for both the victim and perpetrators.
Forced marriages (FM) FM is now a specific offence under s121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that came into force on 16 June 2014.
A FM is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, and where duress is a factor Forced Marriage is when someone faces physical pressure to marry (e.g. threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (e.g. if someone is made to feel like they're bringing shame on their family). This is very different to an arranged marriage where both parties give consent.
FM is illegal in England and Wales. This includes:
• taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)
• marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they're pressured to or not)
Under-age Marriage In England and Wales, a young person cannot legally marry until they are 18 years old or enter a civil partnership. Any marriage involving someone under 18 is unlawful and may require safeguarding intervention.
Sexually Active under Eighteen years old It is acknowledged by those working with young people that most young people under the age of 18 will have an interest in sex and sexual relationships. The Protocol for Sexually Active Young People under 18 years old has been designed to assist those working with children and young people to identify where these relationships may be abusive, and the children and young people may need the provision of protection or additional services.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore should be dealt with as part of existing child safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures.
FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.
Other than in the excepted circumstances, it is an offence for any person (regardless of their nationality or residence status) to:
• perform FGM in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 1 of the Act);
• assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 2 of the Act); and
• Assist (from England, Wales or Northern Ireland) a non-UK person to carry out FGM outside the UK on a UK national or permanent UK resident (section 3 of the Act).
All suspected cases must be reported immediately.
Breast Flattening A harmful practice involving pressing or massaging a girl’s chest to delay breast development. It is a form of physical abuse and must be reported.
Ritualistic Abuse Some faiths believe that spirits and demons can possess people (including children). What should never be considered is the use of any physical or psychological violence to get rid of the possessing spirit. This is abusive and will result in the criminal conviction of those using this form of abuse, even if the intention is to help the child. Such practices must be reported and treated as safeguardin concerns.
Spiritual Abuse A Coercive or controlling behaviour in a religious context, including shaming, fear, or manipulation. It can cause emotional harm and must be addressed as a safeguarding concern.
Honour-Based Violence is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community. It is important to be alert to signs of distress and indications such as self-harm, absence from the setting, infections resulting from female genital mutilation, isolation from peers, being monitored by family, not participating in setting activities, and unreasonable restrictions at home. Where it is suspected that a child/young person is at risk from honour-based violence, we will report those concerns to the appropriate agency to prevent this form of abuse taking place.
Trafficked Children Child trafficking involves moving children across or within national or international borders for the purposes of exploitation. Exploitation includes children being used for sex work, domestic work, restaurant/ sweatshop, drug dealing, shoplifting and benefit fraud. Where we are made aware of a child is suspected of or actually being trafficked/exploited we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.
Safer Recruitment and Selection It is a requirement for all agencies to ensure that all staff recruited to work with children and young people are properly selected and checked. We will ensure that we have a member on every recruitment panel who has received the appropriate recruitment and selection training. That all of our staff are appropriately qualified and have the relevant employment history and checks to ensure they are safe to work with children in compliance with the Key Safeguarding Employment Standards.
Domestic Abuse The Government defines domestic abuse as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality".
Staff need to understand what is required of them if children are members of the household where domestic abuse is known or suspected to be taking place. Our policy includes action to be taken regarding referrals to the Police and Children and Young People's Services and any action to be taken where a member of staff is the alleged perpetrator or victim of domestic abuse. At Oak Trees and Acorns, we will follow our safeguarding policy and report any suspected concerns regarding Domestic Abuse to the relevant agency.
Private Fostering Private fostering is an arrangement made between the parent and the private foster carer, who then becomes responsible for caring for the child in such a way as to safeguard and promote his/her welfare.
A privately fostered child means a child under the age of 16 (18 if a disabled child) who is cared for and provided with accommodation by someone other than:
• A parent.
• A person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility.
• A close relative.
• A Local Authority.
for more than 28 days and where the care is intended to continue. It is a statutory duty for us to inform the Local Authority via MASH where we are made aware of a child or young person who may be subject to private fostering arrangements.
