Safeguarding Children
It is everyone's responsibility to report concerns of child abuse. If you have concerns or suspect a child is being abused contact one of the numbers below.
I comply with the Children’s Act 1989 and 2004. If I suspect any child in my care is a victim of abuse, I will follow the guidelines in reporting this to the authorities.
I give regard to the Governments Statutory Guidance - Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. The Governments Statutory Guidance can be found here - www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk
I am familiar with and I have downloaded Right Services Right Time Meeting Children's Needs, a copy can be found at - http://www.lscbbirmingham.org.uk/index.php/birmingham-multi-agency-safeguarding-hub-mash
Every six months I will check that I have the latest version of the relevant Safeguarding Procedures. I will also ensure I have updated contact telephone numbers, (Listed below), should it become necessary for me to make a report.
If a child is at risk of physical, emotional or sexual abuse: for advice, support or referral to Children’s Social Care I will contact the Birmingham MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.
Tel: 0121 303 1888.
Out of hours number - 0121 675 4806.
Email: [email protected]
Dudley Children's Services 01384813200. Out of hours 03005558574.
Sandwell 08453510131. Out of hours 0121 561 3704.
Alternatively for advice and support I will contact NSPCC on
Tel - 0808 800 5000.
Text 88858.
Email - [email protected]
I will keep up to date with Safeguarding / child protection issues and relevant procedures by attending regular training courses. I will also view websites such as www.ofsted.gov.uk and www.birmingham.gov.uk/childrenservices
If I was suspected of abusing a child - this is what would happen:
- I would notify OFSTED and I would immediately be suspended without prejudice.
- During the suspension period, children would not be allowed to attend my setting.
- I would notify parents of the suspension.
- I would notify my insurance company.
- I would notify the The Early Years and Childcare Team.
- During the suspension period, I would not be able to receive any support or guidance from The Early Years and Childcare Teams or attend any network meetings, Development Worker surgeries or training.
Whistle-blowing Policy
For those in the home-based childcare workforce, ‘whistle-blowing’ means raising or reporting concerns relating to the welfare or safety of children and young people. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families in their everyday work has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
All childminders, their assistants, students on placement or volunteers have a responsibility to report abuse and malpractice to the relevant authorities when it is suspected or if they have concerns regarding the way in which children are being cared for, no matter whom they will be reporting. I will be watchful for any illegal, inappropriate or unethical conduct and I will report anything of that nature that I become aware of if there is a failure to meet Ofsted standards of registration or welfare requirements of the EYFS.
If the concern is relating to a safeguarding issue then the normal child protection flowchart procedures will be followed.
Potential Indicators of Abuse
A wide range of professionals come into contact with children and as a matter of course will come across children who may be at risk or who have actually been abused. Each agency needs to know their relevant policies and procedures but but child abuse is an emotive subject giving rise to both personal and emotional obstacles which may prevent an effective response.
None of us are free from the impact of stereotyping and labelling. Being aware of these feelings whilst not allowing them to impose on our decision making is a difficult task.
Sources of concern
Staff may become aware of a child at risk from their own observation, through statements made by the child, a family member, friends, relatives or colleagues. Regardless of the source of information..... All allegations must be treated seriously and dealt with promptly.
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
None of us are free from the impact of stereotyping and labelling. Being aware of these feelings whilst not allowing them to impose on our decision making is a difficult task.
Sources of concern
Staff may become aware of a child at risk from their own observation, through statements made by the child, a family member, friends, relatives or colleagues. Regardless of the source of information..... All allegations must be treated seriously and dealt with promptly.
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
Signs can do no more than to give rise to suspicion - they are not in themselves proof that abuse has occurred. Context and your knowledge of the child will always need to be taken into account.
Possible behavioural signs of physical abuse:
Physical Signs:
Possible behavioural signs of physical abuse:
- Fear of adult/carer, including fear of returning home.
- Refusal to change for PE - keeping limbs covered.
- Fear of medical help.
- Self destructive tendencies.
- Aggression towards others.
- Sudden unexplained change in behaviour.
- Sudden onset of learning difficulty or ability to concentrate.
- Very low self-esteem, not responding to praise.
- Inhibited, cowers, withdraws.
Physical Signs:
- Hand/slap marks / Marks in the shape of a particular object.
- Pinch marks/Grip marks on arms, chest or other parts - in a young baby this could indicate shaking, risking injury to the brain.
- Bruising around the eye. Symmetrical bruised eyes are rarely accidental, although they may occur from skull or nose fractures.
- Linear bruises, especially back of legs or buttocks.
- Bruising in or around the mouth especially in young babies/Bruising to cheeks e.g. finger marks/Symmetrical bruising, especially on or behind the ears.
- Bruising on the stomach, chest, or on the neck/Bruising to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, thighs or genital area.
- Different age bruising on a child at any one time other than on the common sites for accidental injury.
- Burns or scalds with clear outlines/Burns of uniform depth over a large area.
- Burns inside the mouth, inside arms or genitals/Cigarette burns.
- Bite marks/Fractures in children under one year/Evidence of old or repeated fractures.
- Torn skin inside the lip of a baby (the fraenulum).
- Any injuries bleeding or soreness in the genital or rectal area.
- Persistent vulvae reddening or vaginal discharge.
- Unexplained injuries, untreated injuries, recurrent injuries.
- Symptoms of unexplained concussion/Admitted injuries caused by excessive punishment.
Possible Signs of Neglect
- Constant hunger/Poor personal hygiene/Constant tiredness.
- Poor clothing/Emaciated.
- Frequent lateness, earliness or non-attendance at school.
- Destructive tendencies/No social relationships.
- Compulsive stealing.
- Scavenging for food and clothes.
- No carer at home/Very low self-esteem.
Possible Signs of Emotional Abuse
- Developmental delay (physical, mental, emotional).
- Admission of punishment which seems excessive.
- Over reaction to mistakes.
- Sudden speech disorders/Rocking, hair twisting/pulling etc.
- Self mutilation/Extremes of passivity or aggression.
- Drugs/Solvent abuse/Repeated running away.
- Scavenging for food and clothes.
- Extreme attention seeking.
- Bedwetting or soiling.
Sexual Abuse - under 5's
- Extreme fear of particular person/Become distressed when clothing removed.
- Regress to younger behavioural pattern.
- Stare blankly, seem unhappy, confused, sad.
- Play out sexual acts in knowledgeable way - age inappropriate.
- Act sexually towards others, play, language.
- Have soreness in throat, genital or anal area.
- Chronic nightmares, onset of bedwetting.
Sexual Abuse - under 12's
- Sudden changes in behaviour, aggressive, withdrawn.
- Reluctance to undress for gym/Falling asleep at school.
- Repeat ailments, headaches, stomach aches.
- Wary, watchful/Running away.
- Talk or write about sexual matters.
- Act sexually inappropriately.
- Eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia.
Sexual Abuse - over 12's
- Distressed, suicidal/Self hatred, self harming.
- Lack of concentration, world of own/Outbursts of anger, aggression.
- Inappropriately seductive.
- Talks about a 'friend with a problem'.
- Loss of memory/Use drink or drugs to excess
- Sexually abuse a child.