At Acorn we work with children, parents and external agencies, as well as our local communities, to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life, ensuring children have the best possible outcomes. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and to be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

 

We have a duty and responsibility to care and protect children from maltreatment and have robust procedures in place to prevent the impairment of children’s health and development. Our role within Safeguarding and Child Protection is to record and share any concerns in which we may have with the Local Authority Safeguarding Board (known mostly as the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, MASH, this may differ dependent on the Local Authority). It is not our role to make an enquiry or investigate any concerns which may be identified, as this falls under the remit of the Local Authority Safeguarding Board, however, dependent on the concerns raised, these will be discussed with parents initially to discuss any concerns. If the concern gives us reason to believe the child may be at risk of abuse or harm or feel we need further advice, the concern will be discussed with the Local Authority Safeguarding Board for advice and guidance who will provide guidance on what action should be taken. It is important to note that this does not mean a referral has been made to social care, as the information is often used for professional discussion to determine a decision on what outcome is needed.

 

Any concerns that are raised, either through disclosure or concerns raised by professionals, family members or members of the public will be assessed on the factual elements and a decision is then made as to what action is taken. These may include:

• No action at all
• A discussion with the nursery Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• A letter from social care
• Depending on the level of risk, an enquiry may be made into the concern.

 

Our policies, processes and procedures are based on the legislation provided to us by HM Government, which are listed below:

 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Information Sharing 2018 Information sharing: advice for practitioners (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 Keeping children safe in education 2022 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

 

Safeguarding Responsibilities – Organisational Chart

If you have already spoken to your setting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and require further information or clarification, then please contact the Central Safeguarding Team, using the below details.

 

Central Safeguarding Contact Details are:

 

Head of Early Years and Compliance Laura Andrews Contact number: 07889540737 Email address: [email protected]	Early Years Manager – 2nd in charge of Compliance Kim Langstaff Contact Number: 07485338267 Email address: [email protected]
Central Safeguarding Team Email: [email protected]