Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults policy
Noah’s Ark Nursery Group
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Effective from: 1 September 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Leanne Jones Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): Chloe Holmes – Level 3 Safeguarding oversight: Leanne Jones
1. Policy Statement
Noah’s Ark Nursery Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child in our care.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, volunteers, students, committee members and other adults working with children have a duty to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.
We will maintain a strong safeguarding culture in which children are listened to, taken seriously and supported to feel safe.
We will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers, effective from 1 September 2026, together with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and the procedures of the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.
2. Aims
This policy aims to:
● protect children from harm, abuse and neglect;
● identify safeguarding concerns at the earliest opportunity;
● provide clear procedures for responding to concerns;
● ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities;
● ensure allegations against adults working with children are dealt with appropriately;
● promote safer recruitment and ongoing suitability;
● ensure appropriate information is shared with relevant agencies;
● provide a safe physical and emotional environment;
● support children who may be particularly vulnerable;
● work effectively with parents, carers and external agencies;
● ensure safeguarding arrangements are regularly monitored and reviewed.
3. Safeguarding Culture
Safeguarding is embedded throughout the nursery rather than being the responsibility of the DSL alone.
All staff are expected to:
● remain alert to signs that a child may be experiencing harm;
● listen carefully to children;
● take children’s comments and disclosures seriously;
● report concerns promptly;
● maintain professional boundaries;
● follow the nursery’s safeguarding procedures;
● attend required safeguarding training;
● maintain confidentiality appropriately;
● challenge unsafe practice;
● report concerns about colleagues, volunteers or other adults.
Staff must never assume that somebody else will report a concern.
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The nursery has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
DSL: Leanne Jones
The DSL is responsible for:
● acting as the main safeguarding point of contact;
● managing safeguarding concerns;
● making referrals to children’s social care and other agencies;
● liaising with the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership and relevant safeguarding partners;
● liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO);
● ensuring safeguarding records are maintained securely;
● ensuring staff receive appropriate safeguarding training;
● keeping safeguarding knowledge and procedures up to date;
● supporting staff who raise safeguarding concerns;
● ensuring safeguarding information is appropriately shared;
● monitoring safeguarding practice across the nursery.
Deputy DSL
Deputy DSL: Chloe Holmes – Level 3
The Deputy DSL will support the DSL and take responsibility for safeguarding matters when the DSL is unavailable.
Staff must know who the DSL and Deputy DSL are and how to contact them.
5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise from:
● something a child says;
● something a child does;
● an injury or unexplained mark;
● changes in behaviour;
● changes in appearance or presentation;
● a child appearing fearful or withdrawn;
● poor attendance or unexplained/prolonged absence;
● information provided by a parent or carer;
● information from another professional;
● observations of interactions between adults and children;
● information relating to the child’s home circumstances;
● concerns about online activity;
● concerns about another child;
● concerns about an adult working with or around children.
Possible forms of abuse include:
● physical abuse;
● emotional abuse;
● sexual abuse;
● neglect;
● domestic abuse;
● child exploitation;
● criminal exploitation;
● online abuse;
● grooming;
● radicalisation;
● fabricated or induced illness;
● female genital mutilation;
● forced marriage;
● honour-based abuse;
● trafficking and modern slavery.
Staff do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred before reporting a concern.
6. Responding to a Child Who Discloses
If a child makes a disclosure, staff should:
1. remain calm;
2. listen carefully;
3. allow the child to speak;
4. reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling someone;
5. avoid promising confidentiality;
6. avoid leading questions;
7. avoid investigating the allegation themselves;
8. record the child’s words as accurately as possible;
9. report the concern immediately to the DSL.
Staff should not:
● ask unnecessary questions;
● suggest answers;
● express disbelief;
● confront an alleged perpetrator;
● investigate independently;
● promise that information will be kept secret.
7. Recording Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns must be recorded as soon as possible.
Records should include:
● date and time;
● child’s name;
● factual description of the concern;
● exact words used by the child where possible;
● observations;
● action taken;
● who the concern was reported to;
● referrals made;
● advice received;
● outcome or further action.
Records must be factual, objective and free from personal opinions or assumptions.
Safeguarding records will be stored securely and separately from general children’s records where appropriate.
8. Suffolk Safeguarding Referral Procedures
Noah’s Ark Nursery Group operates within the safeguarding arrangements of Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.
Immediate danger
If a child is in immediate danger, staff must call:
999 – Police/Emergency Services
Safeguarding concern
For concerns about a child at risk of harm, abuse or neglect:
Suffolk Customer First: 0808 800 4005
This is Suffolk’s current safeguarding contact route and can be used where there is an urgent safeguarding concern. (Suffolk County Council)
Safeguarding concerns can also be submitted through the secure Suffolk Children and Young People’s Portal.
Professional safeguarding advice
If staff or the DSL need advice about whether a referral is required:
Suffolk MASH Professional Consultation Line: 0345 606 1499
The service provides professional advice about safeguarding concerns and whether a referral is appropriate. (Suffolk County Council)
The nursery will follow the advice of Suffolk Children’s Services and local safeguarding procedures.
9. Allegations or Concerns About Adults Working With Children
Any allegation or concern about a member of staff, volunteer, student, committee member, agency worker or any other adult working with children must be taken seriously.
This includes concerns that an adult:
● has behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child;
● may have committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
● has behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm;
● may no longer be suitable to work with children.
The concern must be reported immediately to the DSL/manager.
The nursery will not conduct its own investigation before seeking appropriate safeguarding advice.
10. Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Where an allegation meets the criteria for LADO involvement, the nursery will contact the Suffolk Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Suffolk LADO
Telephone: 0300 123 2044 Email: LADO@suffolk.gov.uk
The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership confirms that the LADO process applies to staff and volunteers working with children and that allegations should be reported to the LADO where the relevant safeguarding criteria are met. (Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership)
The nursery will cooperate fully with any LADO, police or children’s social care investigation.
The LADO will be contacted without delay and in accordance with local procedures.
11. Ofsted Notifications
The nursery will comply with the EYFS requirement to notify Ofsted/CMA of relevant allegations of harm involving anyone who lives, works or is looking after children on the premises, where notification is required.
The nursery will also comply with all other statutory notification requirements.
The DSL/manager will ensure that required notifications are made within the appropriate timescales.
12. Unexplained or Prolonged Absence
The nursery will maintain accurate attendance records.
If a child is absent unexpectedly or for a prolonged period, staff will follow the nursery’s attendance and safeguarding procedures.
Where appropriate, staff will:
● contact parents/carers;
● establish the reason for absence;
● record attempts to make contact;
● consider whether the absence presents a safeguarding concern;
● contact the DSL;
● seek advice from Suffolk Children’s Services where appropriate.
Repeated or unexplained absence will not automatically be treated as a routine attendance matter where safeguarding concerns may exist.
13. Safer Recruitment
Noah’s Ark Nursery Group operates safer recruitment procedures.
These include, where applicable:
● appropriate application and recruitment processes;
● identity checks;
● employment history;
● references;
● qualification checks;
● suitability checks;
● enhanced DBS checks;
● Children’s Barred List checks where required;
● consideration of safeguarding information;
● appropriate interview and selection procedures.
Required checks must be completed before an individual undertakes work with children where required by law.
From 1 September 2026, the nursery will comply with the updated EYFS requirements concerning criminal records checks for volunteers and new employees.
No new employee or volunteer will be permitted to start where the required statutory checks have not been completed/received.
The nursery will not rely on supervision as a substitute for a check where the law requires the check to be completed.
14. Ongoing Suitability
Suitability is monitored throughout employment.
Staff must immediately inform the manager of any circumstances that could affect their suitability to work with children.
This includes relevant:
● criminal matters;
● safeguarding concerns;
● disciplinary matters;
● changes in circumstances;
● restrictions affecting their ability to work with children.
The nursery will take appropriate action where concerns arise.
15. Safeguarding Training
All staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
Training will cover:
● recognising abuse and neglect;
● responding to disclosures;
● recording concerns;
● local referral procedures;
● allegations against adults;
● safer recruitment;
● online safety;
● Prevent;
● child exploitation;
● domestic abuse;
● FGM and forced marriage;
● whistleblowing;
● safer working practices.
The DSL will receive appropriate additional safeguarding training and keep knowledge up to date.
Safeguarding training will be refreshed in accordance with statutory and local requirements.
16. Mobile Phones, Cameras and Electronic Devices
The nursery has procedures governing the use of:
● mobile phones;
● cameras;
● tablets;
● computers;
● smart watches;
● other devices capable of taking, storing or sharing images.
Personal mobile phones must not be used to photograph or record children.
Images of children may only be taken using nursery-approved devices and in accordance with parental permissions and the nursery’s data protection procedures.
Staff must not share images of children through personal social media or personal messaging services.
17. Online Safety and Screen Use
The nursery recognises the safeguarding risks associated with digital technology.
Children’s use of digital devices will be age appropriate and appropriately supervised.
The nursery will have regard to current government guidance relating to children’s screen use.
Staff will remain alert to:
● inappropriate content;
● online communication;
● grooming;
● exploitation;
● harmful content;
● inappropriate images;
● excessive or unsuitable screen use.
18. Whistleblowing
All staff have a responsibility to report unsafe practice.
Staff should raise concerns where they believe:
● a child is at risk;
● safeguarding procedures are not being followed;
● an adult is behaving inappropriately;
● unsafe practice is being ignored;
● records are being falsified;
● concerns are not being acted upon.
Staff may raise concerns with the manager/DSL or through appropriate external safeguarding channels.
No member of staff will be penalised for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.
19. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Safeguarding information must be treated sensitively.
However, confidentiality must never prevent information being shared where this is necessary to protect a child.
Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Staff must not promise children, parents or colleagues that safeguarding information will remain confidential.
20. Vulnerable Children
The nursery recognises that some children may be particularly vulnerable to harm.
This may include children:
● with SEND;
● with additional health needs;
● experiencing domestic abuse;
● subject to child protection plans;
● receiving social care support;
● experiencing family difficulties;
● experiencing poverty or deprivation;
● experiencing parental separation;
● affected by substance misuse;
● at risk of exploitation;
● at risk of radicalisation;
● experiencing trauma or significant changes in behaviour.
The nursery will work with relevant professionals and agencies where additional support is required.
21. Prevent and Radicalisation
The nursery recognises its responsibility to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and extremism.
Staff will remain alert to changes in behaviour or circumstances that may indicate vulnerability.
Where concerns arise, the DSL will seek appropriate safeguarding advice and make referrals where necessary.
Suffolk’s safeguarding arrangements should be followed for local advice and referrals. Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership identifies Customer First as the route for concerns regarding children at risk. (Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership)
22. Female Genital Mutilation and Forced Marriage
Staff must report safeguarding concerns relating to:
● female genital mutilation;
● forced marriage;
● honour-based abuse.
Such concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL and referred to the appropriate safeguarding agencies.
Staff must never attempt to investigate such concerns themselves.
23. Domestic Abuse
The nursery recognises the impact domestic abuse can have on children.
Children may experience harm from witnessing, hearing or being affected by domestic abuse even where they are not directly assaulted.
Concerns will be recorded and referred in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
24. Behaviour
The nursery promotes positive behaviour through:
● respectful relationships;
● clear boundaries;
● age-appropriate expectations;
● positive reinforcement;
● emotional support;
● co-regulation;
● recognition of individual needs.
Physical punishment is never permitted.
Humiliation, threatening behaviour and inappropriate physical discipline are prohibited.
25. Physical Intervention and Restraint
Physical intervention will only be used where necessary and proportionate to prevent serious injury or significant harm and in accordance with the nursery’s behaviour and physical intervention procedures.
Any physical intervention will be:
● recorded;
● reported to parents/carers where appropriate;
● reviewed by management;
● monitored for patterns or concerns.
26. Physical Environment and Risk Assessment
The nursery will maintain a safe environment through regular risk assessment.
This includes consideration of:
● entrances and exits;
● outdoor areas;
● equipment;
● furniture;
● toys;
● sleeping areas;
● food and mealtimes;
● hygiene;
● visitors;
● collection arrangements;
● fire safety;
● missing children;
● safeguarding risks.
Risk assessments will be reviewed when circumstances change.
27. Missing Child
The nursery has procedures for responding to a child who is missing from the setting.
Staff will:
1. immediately inform the manager/DSL;
2. secure the remaining children;
3. search the premises and immediate area;
4. check collection/visitor information;
5. contact parents/carers where appropriate;
6. contact the police if the child cannot be located immediately or there is a safeguarding risk;
7. record and review the incident.
28. Uncollected Child
If a child is not collected at the expected time, staff will follow the nursery’s uncollected child procedure.
The nursery will attempt to contact:
● parents/carers;
● authorised emergency contacts.
If a child remains uncollected and staff have safeguarding concerns, advice will be sought from the appropriate Suffolk safeguarding service.
29. Safeguarding During Sleep, Mealtimes and Care Routines
Safeguarding applies to all routine care.
The nursery will follow its separate:
● Sleep and Rest Policy;
● Intimate Care Policy;
● Food and Mealtime procedures;
● Medication Policy;
● Health and Safety procedures.
Children will be appropriately supervised and staff will remain alert to safeguarding concerns during personal care, nappy changing, toileting, sleep and mealtimes.
30. Safer Sleep
The nursery will follow the EYFS statutory safer sleep requirements and current DfE safer sleep guidance.
This includes:
● babies being placed on their backs to sleep;
● babies aged 12 months and under sleeping in an appropriate cot;
● use of a clear, flat and firm sleep surface;
● no pillows, cot bumpers, toys or loose items in cots;
● keeping babies’ heads uncovered;
● appropriate bedding;
● appropriate room temperature;
● appropriate supervision;
● an adult being in the same room for every sleep for babies under 6 months.
The nursery’s separate Sleep and Rest Policy provides full details.
31. Intimate Care
Children will receive intimate care respectfully and sensitively.
Staff will:
● preserve the child’s dignity;
● explain what they are doing;
● encourage independence;
● maintain appropriate supervision;
● follow individual care plans where applicable;
● record and report any unusual marks, injuries or concerns.
Any safeguarding concern arising during intimate care must be reported immediately.
32. Visitors, Students and Volunteers
Visitors must follow the nursery’s safeguarding procedures.
Visitors will be appropriately supervised where required.
Students and volunteers will:
● receive appropriate safeguarding information;
● understand professional boundaries;
● never be placed in situations where they are undertaking duties beyond their competence;
● be subject to the required suitability checks.
The nursery will comply with the enhanced criminal record checking requirements that apply to volunteers from 1 September 2026.
33. Children Living or Working on Domestic Premises
Where the nursery operates from domestic premises, the nursery will comply with the EYFS requirements relating to people aged 16 or over who live or work on the premises.
The nursery will notify Ofsted/CMA of changes where required.
34. Dogs and Animals
The nursery will ensure that animals kept or present at the setting do not create an unacceptable safeguarding or welfare risk.
The nursery will comply with the EYFS prohibition concerning banned dog breeds where applicable.
Children will not have unsupervised access to animals.
35. Working With Parents and External Agencies
The nursery recognises parents and carers as partners in safeguarding wherever this is consistent with protecting the child.
The nursery will work with:
● Suffolk County Council Children’s Services;
● Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership;
● Suffolk MASH;
● LADO;
● Police;
● Health professionals;
● Early Help/Family Support services;
● other relevant agencies.
Parents will normally be informed where a safeguarding referral is being made unless doing so could place the child or another person at greater risk or compromise an investigation.
36. Monitoring and Quality Assurance
The DSL and management team will monitor safeguarding practice through:
● safeguarding audits;
● training records;
● supervision;
● recruitment checks;
● incident records;
● safeguarding concern records;
● attendance monitoring;
● risk assessments;
● review of allegations;
● review of safeguarding procedures;
● staff discussions and reflective practice.
Any safeguarding incident will be reviewed to identify learning and improve practice.
37. Linked Policies and Procedures
This policy should be read alongside:
● Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures;
● Safer Recruitment Policy;
● Staff Code of Conduct;
● Whistleblowing Policy;
● Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy;
● Online Safety Policy;
● Behaviour Policy;
● Physical Intervention Policy;
● Sleep and Rest Policy;
● Health and Safety Policy;
● Risk Assessment procedures;
● Missing Child Policy;
● Uncollected Child Policy;
● Intimate Care Policy;
● SEND Policy;
● Prevent procedures;
● Complaints Policy;
● Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy;
● Staff Supervision Policy;
● Medication Policy;
● Emergency Procedures.
38. Key Safeguarding Contacts
Noah’s Ark Nursery Group
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Leanne Jones Deputy DSL: Chloe Holmes
Suffolk Children’s Services
Customer First / safeguarding concerns: 0808 800 4005
Suffolk MASH Professional Consultation Line: 0345 606 1499
Suffolk Children and Young People’s Portal: Used to submit safeguarding referrals securely.
Suffolk LADO
Telephone: 0300 123 2044 Email: LADO@suffolk.gov.uk
Emergency
Police / Emergency Services: 999
The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership confirms the current LADO contact details and safeguarding referral routes above. (Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership)
39. Statutory and Guidance Framework
This policy has regard to:
● Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers – effective 1 September 2026;
● Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026;
● Children Act 1989;
● Children Act 2004;
● Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;
● Childcare Act 2006;
● Equality Act 2010;
● Children and Families Act 2014;
● Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 – Prevent Duty;
● Data Protection Act 2018;
● UK GDPR;
● relevant safeguarding procedures issued by the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership;
● current Department for Education safeguarding and safer sleep guidance;
● relevant Ofsted requirements and statutory notification procedures.
The nursery will ensure that this policy is updated when legislation, statutory guidance or local safeguarding procedures change.
40. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner if:
● legislation changes;
● EYFS requirements change;
● local safeguarding procedures change;
● an Ofsted inspection identifies a need for improvement;
● a safeguarding incident identifies learning;
● nursery procedures change.
Policy effective date: 1 September 2026 Next review date: September 2027
Staff Declaration
I confirm that I have read and understood the Noah’s Ark Nursery Group Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and understand my responsibility to safeguard children.
Name: __________________________________
Signature: _______________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Policy Approval
Approved by: __________________________________
Role: _________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Noah's Ark Nursery Group
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