My responsibility as a childminder is to ensure the safety and welfare of all the children in my care in line with the procedures laid out by my local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

 

(The Safeguarding Children Board is responsible for producing Safeguarding Children Procedures based on national guidelines set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (Dept of Education & Skills). It monitors the effectiveness of the Procedures systematically and amends them as it becomes necessary.)

 

I have received training on Safeguarding Children (Child Protection) and am aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, physical, emotional and sexual, and those of neglect.

 

If I have reason to believe that any child in my care is being abused in any way I will firstly discuss concerns with parents and if necessary report it to the Somerset Direct Children and Young Peoples Team. Under these circumstances I will not be able to keep information relating to your child confidential, but will need to share it with Ofsted, Social Services and the Police if requested.

 

A copy of “Somerset Local Safeguarding Children Board Child Protection” booklet is available for you to read if required. This sets out the guidelines for how I must record any incidents and disclosures and the procedures I must follow.

 

If you have any concerns regarding this policy please discuss them with me.