We aim to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which concerns and suspicions are dealt with promptly and appropriately. The welfare and safety of the child is always paramount. Any actions taken are in the best interest of the child and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
In order to achieve this we:

• Create an environment in which children develop a sense of self worth and independence through adult support.
• Create an environment in which children feel they can talk, are listened to and believed.
• Encourage and enable children to develop the self-confidence and vocabulary to articulate their feelings.
• Build trusting and supportive relationships between staff and families.
• Ensure that all staff, students and volunteers complete satisfactory employment checks before being left unsupervised with children.
• Provide clear induction and on-going training opportunities to raise staff awareness to signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures to be followed.
• Create clear and safe working practices for all adults coming into contact with the children.
• Ensure that adults do not put themselves in a position whereby their behaviour could be seen to be inappropriate.
• Develop good working relationships with other professionals involved with children and their families.
• Appoint a designated Safeguarding Children Co-ordinator who is appropriately trained.
• Students coordinator

The Safeguarding Co-ordinators are Miss Veena Mehan and Lilia Ravilova and Doris Agyapong
The role of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator is to:

• Advise staff members on all matters relating to safeguarding.
• Keep up-to-date with Local Area Safeguarding Children Board Procedures.
• Ensure that there is no delay in the passing on of information.
• Co-ordinate the management of any suspected cases of abuse.
• Monitor the progress of any child about whom concerns have been expressed.
• Ensure that all staff members are aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse.
• Ensure that staff members are aware of the correct procedures to follow in suspected cases of abuse.
• Support staff members throughout any suspected cases of abuse.
• Liaise with the Social Services department, the Police and OFSTED as appropriate.

Procedures for dealing with suspected abuse:

• All concerns, issues and suspicions relating to safeguarding will be kept confidential and shared only with appropriate people on a need to know basis.
• Clear documentation will be kept about all concerns raised. This will be stored in a safe and confidential place.
• Any concerns about a child will in the first instance be discussed with the child’s parents or the young person concerned depending on their age, (in some cases staff members may wish to seek advice from their manager before they speak to parents or the young person).
• If a staff member suspects a child is being abused or is at risk of being abused they will discuss their concerns immediately with their manager.
• Concerns will be recorded on an incident form. This will be factual information, not opinion. Parents will normally be asked to sign this form.
• The manager and member of staff concerned will seek advice from the Safeguarding Co-ordinator.
• If, following these discussions, there are still concerns that the child is being abused or at risk of being abused the Safeguarding Coordinator will, in consultation with the staff members concerned, contact Social Services, outline the concerns and ask for advice.
• If it becomes necessary to refer these concerns to Social Services, parents will be informed, unless in the opinion of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, it would put the child at further risk.
• Once a referral has been made The Safeguarding Co-ordinator will complete a referral form in consultation with the staff members concerned, (within two working days of the referral).
• The Safeguarding Co-ordinator and staff concerned will fully support and cooperate with any investigations undertaken by Social Services, OFSTED or the Police.
• In all suspected cases of abuse the Safeguarding Co-ordinator will keep in close contact with Social Services, the Police and OFSTED.
• Staff members dealing with cases of abuse or suspected abuse will be supported throughout by the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and appropriate help sought for them, if necessary.
• If necessary a Common Assessment Framework (CAF) will be implemented in response to the child’s/young person’s individual needs.

Procedure for dealing with suspected abuse by a staff member:

• If a member of staff is suspected of abuse, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator will inform Social Services and OFSTED immediately and ask for advice.
• The Safeguarding Co-ordinator must also inform the Local Authority Designated Officer immediately (LADO). (Please see 'Allegation Against a Member of Staff Policy and Procedure).
• The staff disciplinary procedure will be implemented.
• The Safeguarding Co-ordinator or a senior member staff will conduct a full investigation following any guidance given by the Social Services Department and OFSTED.
• Depending on the circumstances the staff member concerned may be suspended while the investigation takes place.
• Clear written records will be kept of any allegations of abuse and the outcome of any investigations and a complaints log will be completed.
• Staff members dealing with cases and/or being accused of abuse or suspected abuse will be supported throughout and appropriate help sought for them.
• Any false allegation from a member of staff against another person will result in disciplinary action.

This policy and procedure is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, the OFSTED “What to do if you suspect a child is being abused” guidance, the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Social Services Access and Assessment Team (Redbridge): 0208 708 3885 (9am - 5pm)
Social Services Emergency Duty Team: 0208 553 5825 (After 5pm)
Ilford Police Station: 0208 345 2790
This policy is subject to annual review.