Safeguarding policy
Policy Statement
At Muddy Wellies Boutique childminding, the safety and well being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and protecting them from harm, abuse and neglect.
As a registered childminder, i understand my duty of care and legal responsibilities under the Children's Act 1989 and 2004, The Social Services and Well-being Act 2014, the All Wales child protection Procedures, and the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare in Wales.
I aim to create an environment where children feel safe,valued,and confident to speak up if something is wrong. I promote open communication with children and families, and respond swiftly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or allegations.
I work closely with parents/carers, children's services,CIW,and other professionals to ensure that children's needs are met and their rights upheld.
All concerns or incidents will be treated seriously and in line with our safeguarding procedures , which are reviewed regularly and reflect current legislation and best practice.
Reporting allegations of abuse
If a child tells me that they are being abused I will :
⦁ Listen to what the child has to say without interrupting
⦁ Reassure the child that they are doing the right thing by talking to me
⦁ Encourage the child without asking lead questions
⦁ Show that I understand what they have told me
⦁ Explain that I am going to take action in a way a child can understand.
⦁ Make a log of what the child has told me , including the date and time , and add it into the child's personal file
⦁ Keep everything I have heard confidential and only report to the Torfaen authority or relevant professionals .
If a child tells me that another child is being abused i will :
⦁ Listen to what the child has to say without interrupting
⦁ Reassure the child that they are doing the right thing by talking to me
⦁ Encourage the child without asking lead questions
⦁ Show that I understand what they have told me
⦁ Explain that I am going to take action in a way a child can understand.
⦁ Make a log of what the child has told me , including the date and time , and add it into the child's personal file
⦁ Keep everything I have heard confidential and only report to the Torfaen authority or relevant professionals.
I will seek information from relevant service providers such as the NSPCC .
If an allegation of abuse is made against myself or any other adult in the home i will :
⦁ Report it to CIW and to social services
⦁ Not speak to the family about the allegation until it has been investigated by the correct authorities
⦁ Cooperate with any questions the authorities may ask
⦁ I will contact the NSPCC for advice
⦁ Make a record of the allegation
I work closely with parents and ask that they notify me of any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child .
I I feel it is safe to do so , I will discuss with parents if I notice
⦁ Signs of neglect
⦁ Bruises or marks that have not been reported as an accident or incident
⦁ Any information from a child that causes concern
If a parent informs me that a child will be picked up by someone different , a password will be provided .
Please note , I will only allow a child to leave my home if I am assured it is safe to do so.
Training
I will attend regular safeguarding training as required . This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when needed .
Providing a safe environment in my home
⦁ Risk assessments will be carried out daily for inside and outside of the home
⦁ All authorised adults working with children will be DBS checked along with family members or anyone living in the home over 16 years of age.
⦁ All safety and play equipment will be regularly checked .
⦁ Children will be supervised taking a balanced approach
Confidentiality
At Muddy wellies we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all children and families in our care. We follow these principles:
⦁ Need to know basis - All personal information along with observations and safeguarding concerns is only shared with relevant professionals , and never with others who do not have a legitimate reason to know .
⦁ Records kept securely-All personal information along with observations and safeguarding records are stored securely and only accessible to the childminder or authorised safeguarding professionals.
⦁ Child's best interests come first- While we aim to maintain confidentiality when there is a safeguarding concern , however, if we feel the child is at risk of harm or abuse , we will not seek parental consent to share information with the local safeguarding agency.
⦁ Parental communication- Parents/carers will be informed with any concerns unless doing so would put the child at risk, in which case we would follow advice from the local children's services.
⦁ No promises or secrecy-In our setting children will be supported to speak openly, but will never be promised to keep something secret if it involves their safety. We will explain that we may need to talk to other adults who can help keep them safe.
⦁ Confidential discussions-All discussions about the welfare of the children in our setting will be held privately and respectfully. We will never discuss individual children with anyone outside the setting, which includes other parents.
⦁ Data protection compliance- We will follow the requirements of the UK GDPR and data protection act 2018, ensuring that any personal information is handled lawfully, fairly and transparently.
Whistle blowing
Here at Muddy wellies , we are committed to ensuring the safety of both children and adults. This whistleblowing policy is designed to encourage staff and parents, to raise concerns about any situation that may compromise the welfare or the safety and integrity of the setting.
Whistle blowing refers to the act of reporting any concerns or suspicions of wrong doing or unsafe practices within the setting including any concerns about child abuse , neglect ,or the behaviour of any person within the setting.
All staff have a duty to report any concerns. Concerns can be reported directly to the DSL or the childminder. It should be reported to Ofsted ,children's services or the LADO.
If any inappropriate behaviour is observed by visitors or parents , they should report to the childminder.
The person who reports the concern in good faith will not face any retaliation or detriment as a result. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process and the individual who reported the concern will be kept informed of any progress.
Information will only be shared on a need to know basis ie the relevant professionals .
If concerns are found to be false they may result in disciplinary action.
If anyone feels their concerns have not been adequately dealt with, they can contact LADO, children's services directly.
Useful contact numbers
Torfaen childrens services:(01495) 762200
Out Of Hours Emergency Duty Team : 0300 328 4432
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000
CIW:0300 7900 126
Police Emergency: 999
Police Non Emergency: 101
Signed L Robinson
(founder of Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service)
Collection and Pick-Up Policy
Safe Collection Procedures
To ensure every child's safety and security, children will only be released to adults who are explicitly authorised by their parents or guardians. Parents must provide a list of individuals permitted to collect their child, including any identifying details or photos to assist with recognition. In emergency situations, a password system may be used to allow collection by an unauthorised adult, provided the password has been agreed upon in advance and parents have given written consent. Upon collection, the adult collecting must show identification and sign an emergency collection form.
Timeliness and Communication
It is important that children are collected promptly at the agreed times to maintain their routine and avoid unnecessary distress. We understand that occasional delays happen; however, parents are asked to inform us as soon as possible if they expect to be late. In the event of an unexpected delay, please contact us immediately with your estimated arrival time. If late collection occurs, we will do our best to accommodate the child’s needs, reassure them, and contact authorised individuals if necessary.
Policy on Repeated Late Collections
Consistent lateness at drop-off or pick-up can disrupt the childcare environment and affect all children’s wellbeing. If lateness becomes frequent despite reminders and discussions, we reserve the right to review and, if necessary, terminate the childcare agreement to maintain a reliable and stable environment for everyone.
Late Collection Charges
If a child is not collected by the agreed time and no prior notice has been given, a late fee of £1 per minute will be charged. If attempts to reach parents or authorised contacts fail, we will follow safeguarding procedures which may include contacting emergency services or Social Services, in line with legal and regulatory guidance.
Signed L Robinson
(founder of Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service)
Health and Safety Policy
At Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service, safeguarding the health and safety of all children and individuals under our care is our highest priority. To ensure a safe and hazard-free environment, we have put the following measures in place:
Regular Toy Inspection: We carry out frequent inspections and cleaning of toys to guarantee their safety. Any damaged or unsafe toys are immediately removed, and age-appropriate toys are provided to children according to their developmental needs.
Daily Safety Checks: Before children arrive each day, a thorough risk assessment and health and safety inspection of the premises is conducted, covering the safety of children, parents, visitors, and family members.
Socket Covers: All unused plug sockets are fitted with safety covers to prevent accidents.
Equipment Safety: All equipment is regularly checked and cleaned. Safety measures such as harnesses on highchairs and pushchairs are always used where appropriate.
Car Safety: Car seats are inspected regularly for correct fitting. We do not use second-hand car seats to avoid unknown safety risks. Our vehicles are maintained with regular servicing, MOT checks, proper insurance, and safety locks on rear doors.
Safety Gates and Locks: Safety gates are installed and routinely checked to limit access to hazardous areas. Front door keys are kept out of children’s reach to prevent access by strangers.
Fire Safety Measures: Fire procedures are in place and detailed in a separate policy.
Hygiene Standards: We follow strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage and fridge temperature monitoring. Waste is disposed of promptly, and used nappies are double-wrapped and placed in designated bins.
No Smoking Policy: We enforce a no smoking policy (detailed in a separate policy).
Child Protection Guidelines: Robust child protection procedures are followed (see separate policy).
Supervision and Monitoring: Children, including those sleeping, are continuously supervised. A baby monitor is used as an additional safety precaution.
Encouraging Safety Education: We work with parents to teach children about safety topics such as road safety and stranger awareness, while promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
Communication and Contact: Emergency contact details are always accessible, and we maintain open communication with parents.
Discouraging Secrets: Children are encouraged to avoid keeping secrets, fostering openness and trust.
By following these procedures, Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service strives to create a nurturing and secure environment where children can thrive safely and happily.
Signed L Robinson
(founder of Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service)
No Smoking and Vaping Policy
At Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service, I am fully committed to maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free environment to protect the health and wellbeing of all children in my care.
Policy:
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within all areas of the setting, including both indoors and outdoors. This ensures a clean, safe, and healthy environment for children to learn and play.
During Outings:
When on outings, children are carefully supervised to avoid places where smoking or vaping may occur. Every effort is made to minimise their exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour.
Raising Awareness:
Age-appropriate conversations and activities are used to help children understand the dangers of smoking and passive smoke, fostering awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.
For Parents and Visitors:
To support this policy, parents and visitors are kindly requested not to smoke or vape while entering or leaving the premises or within close proximity to the setting. This helps maintain a fresh and safe environment for all children.
By enforcing this policy, Muddy Wellies Boutique Childminding Service strives to create a nurturing space where children can grow and develop free from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and vapour.
Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedure
Purpose
This procedure outlines the steps to be taken to safely evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency, which may include fire, gas leaks, flooding, earthquakes, or any other immediate threat to the safety of children, staff, or visitors.
Regular Evacuation Drills
To ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation process, we conduct monthly fire drills. These take place on different days and at varying times to give all children the opportunity to practice evacuation. A detailed record of each drill is kept in the fire safety logbook.
Evacuation Procedure
Raising the Alarm
Clearly shout “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE” three times to alert everyone.
Use the whistle to signal the start of evacuation.
Safe Evacuation
Calmly escort all children out of the building using the closest and safest fire exits, of which two have been designated.
Take essential items including:
Emergency contact list (displayed near exits)
Attendance register for the day
Mobile phone for communication
Assembly Point
Gather at the prearranged meeting spot, usually the driveway where a headcount will be carried out.
Contacting Emergency Services
Immediately call emergency services 999 to report the situation.
Reassurance and Comfort
Keep children calm and reassured throughout the process, maintaining a supportive environment.
Temporary Care Arrangements
Organise a safe location for children to stay until parents or guardians can collect them, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Cooperation with Emergency Personnel
Follow all instructions given by emergency responders on site.
Re-entry
Do not return to the building until emergency services confirm it is safe.
By adhering to these procedures and conducting regular practice drills, we aim to protect everyone’s safety and respond efficiently during an emergency.