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Child Protection Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children under our care. Our organisation is committed to creating a safe environment where children are protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This policy outlines our responsibilities and procedures to safeguard children and respond to any concerns about their welfare.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners working with our organisation. It covers any interactions with children during the course of our work, both on-site and off-site.

3. Definitions

  • Child: Any individual under the age of 16.

  • Child Abuse: Includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Abuse may be a single act or repeated actions and can occur in various environments.

  • Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, which may result in serious impairment of their health or development.

4. Principles

  1. Best Interests of the Child: All actions and decisions will be made with the best interests of the child as the primary consideration.

  2. Non-Discrimination: All children, regardless of gender, race, religion, or background, have the right to protection and support.

  3. Participation: Children have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives, and their views should be respected and taken into account.

  4. Confidentiality: Information about a child’s welfare will be treated with confidentiality, only shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Management: Ensure the implementation of the Child Protection Policy, provide necessary training, and respond to child protection concerns.

  • Staff and Volunteers: Must follow the procedures outlined in this policy, report any child protection concerns, and maintain appropriate behaviour in all interactions with children.

  • Child Protection Officer (CPO): A designated individual responsible for handling child protection concerns, coordinating with relevant authorities, and ensuring that policies are followed.

Who is the CPO?

Emma Dodds, Nursery Manager 

In Emma’s absence, the next person who any reports should be made to is the business owner – Megan Rankin 

6. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

  1. Always act in the best interests of the child and respect their rights and dignity.

  2. Avoid any inappropriate physical contact or behaviour that could be misunderstood.

  3. Never engage in sexual activity or relationships with children.

  4. Do not use language or make suggestions that could be offensive or harmful.

  5. Always obtain consent from a parent or guardian before photographing or filming children.

  6. Maintain professional boundaries and avoid situations where you are alone with a child unnecessarily.

  7. Report any concerns or suspicions about child abuse immediately to the CPO.

7. Child Protection Procedures

  1. Recruitment and Screening:

    • All staff and volunteers must undergo background checks via the Safer Through Better Recruitmentstandards set out by the Scottish Social Services Council 

    • Interviews should include questions about candidates’ understanding of child protection and safeguarding.

  2. Training:

    • All staff and volunteers must receive regular training on child protection and safeguarding practices.

    • Child Protection training can be given to any stakeholder in the business (a person with an interest in the business, such as a parent or guardian etc)

  3. Reporting Concerns:

    • Any suspicion or allegation of child abuse must be reported immediately to the CPO.

    • The CPO will assess the situation and decide whether further action is necessary, including contacting child protective services (social work, police Scotland) 

    • The number for the North Ayrshire Child Protection Team is 01294 310300 

    • The number for non-emergencies with police Scotland to report a concern for abuse is 101 

    • If the allegations are against the establishment or our employees, anyone is welcome to contact The Care Inspectorate who regulate our establishment – their number is 0345 600 9527

    • Staff and volunteers must not attempt to investigate the concern themselves.

  4. Response to Allegations:

    • All allegations of child abuse will be taken seriously and handled promptly.

    • In cases where staff or volunteers are involved, they will be suspended from duties pending an investigation.

    • The organisation will cooperate fully with any external investigations.

 

The Procedure: 

  1. Raise your concerns immediately with the CPO, Emma Dodds, or Megan Rankin in her absence, this can be done in which ever way is most accessible to you – in person, writing, telephone or email 

  2. CPO will take a record of the concern and action appropriately 

  3. CPO will respond to concerns 

  4. Keep staff regularly trained on Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding measures 

  5. Always implement policies & procedures 

 

What is the Procedure for Early Years Practitioners/Modern Apprentices/Staff:

If a child discloses information to you that raises a safeguarding or child protection concern, as an early years practitioner, you have a legal and professional responsibility to act appropriately and promptly. Here's what you should do:

1. Listen Carefully and Stay Calm

  • Give the child your full attention.

  • Stay calm, open, and non-judgmental.

  • Refrain from showing reactive emotions such as shock, anger, tears etc

2. Reassure the Child

  • Let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you.

  • Don’t promise confidentiality — explain that you may need to share what they’ve told you to keep them safe 

3. Do Not Investigate

  • Don’t ask leading questions or probe for more information.

  • Use open-ended prompts like “Can you tell me more?” if clarification is necessary.

  • Your role is to listen and report, not to investigate.

4. Record What Was Said

  • As soon as possible, write down exactly what the child said in their own words.

  • Include the date, time, and any observations (e.g., behaviour, appearance).

  • Keep your notes factual and objective — avoid interpretation or opinion.

5. Report the Concern Immediately

  • Follow our Child Protection Policy.

  • Report the disclosure to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) Emma Dodds right away. If Emma is absent, contact the Nursery Owner in her place – Megan Rankin. You will already have our contact information from your induction – one of us will always be on site 

  • If the child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999) or North Ayrshire Child Protection Team - 01294 310300

6. Maintain Confidentiality

  • Share the information only with those who need to know in order to protect the child.

  • Do not discuss the situation with colleagues, other parents, or anyone else outside the safeguarding process. This may also result in disciplinary proceedings.

8. Safe Environments

  • Ensure that all spaces where children are present are safe and child-friendly.

  • Implement safety measures, including supervision ratios and restricted access to sensitive areas.

9. Partnerships

  • All external partners, contractors, and collaborators must adhere to this Child Protection Policy.

  • Written agreements will outline child protection expectations for any joint activities involving children.

10. Monitoring and Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

  • Regular audits will be conducted to assess the implementation of child protection measures and identify areas for improvement.

11. Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this Child Protection Policy may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of employment or volunteer services. Legal action may also be pursued in cases of misconduct.

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