Safeguarding

Safeguarding 

Our Pre‑school follows the procedures laid out in the Government publication ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ and ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, alongside the Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) procedures. These are all available online and regularly updated.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

All Pre‑school staff are committed to protecting and safeguarding children. They receive appropriate training every 2 years and mentoring to support their understanding of abuse, physical, emotional, neglect or sexual and the signs to look out for. Any concerns about a child are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or the Pre‑school Manager. These concerns are documented on a safeguarding concern form and a DSL decides on appropriate action. This may involve discussions with parents, further observations or a referral to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The decisions and reasoning are recorded.

At the home visit stage, parents confirm who has parental responsibility. This ensures clarity on who is authorised to collect the child if parents are separated.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

We have three DSLs at the Pre‑school, who receive enhanced training for their role, including content on safe recruitment, managing allegations, online safety and liaising with external agencies. They update their training every 2 years. The DSL builds supportive, trusting relationships with staff and volunteers. If concerns arise, the DSL will work with the child’s family where possible. The DSL is also the point of contact for any Looked After Children (LAC).

Teaching Children About Safety

Children are taught how to stay safe through role modelling, books, resources and visits from our Community Police Support Officer. Safety is discussed daily, including feelings and appropriate behaviours. Staff use their training to make children aware of risks such as getting lost, traffic, stranger danger and online risks, bullying, grooming, exploitation - done in an age appropriate way. 

Prevent Duty and British Values

We follow guidance from the Department for Education and Bracknell Forest Council’s Prevent Cue Card to fulfil the Prevent Duty. By promoting fundamental British values - democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance we aim to build children’s resilience to radicalisation. Staff remain alert to changes in behaviour and use professional judgement to act when concerns arise.

Awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Our practitioners are trained to recognise signs of Female Genital Mutilation. We understand that nursery age children may now be at risk in some communities. Any signs or suspicions of FGM will be referred through standard safeguarding procedures.

Online Safety and Use of Technology

Children are taught about online safety using age appropriate language, books and resources. At Pre‑school, children use tablets for stories, music and research only when accompanied by staff. They are never left alone with tablets. Managers monitor tablet use, and information on online safety is shared with parents to encourage safe use at home.

Staff and volunteers do not use personal mobile phones, cameras or smart devices during the Pre‑school day. These are stored in the office and may only be accessed during breaks, away from children. Pre‑school owned devices are used, monitored by Managers and are not taken into toilets. Photos are downloaded weekly and deleted from cameras, with printed versions used in learning journeys.

Supervision

Where possible, two staff members work together. If only one staff member is present with a small group, the open plan layout and visibility of the Pre‑school allow for adequate supervision. Staff inform others if they need to be alone with children briefly and are vigilant about knowing the location of all children and staff.

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against a staff member or volunteer, senior staff and/or the committee follow BFSB procedures. A written record is made immediately and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) has been contacted. The LADO will be informed within one working day and will advise on next steps. This will usually lead to an investigation taking place. Ofsted and if appropriate, the police will also be notified. Staff may be suspended on full pay during the investigation for the protection of everyone involved. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Professional Conduct and whistleblowing

Staff are made aware of appropriate professional conduct. They are expected to raise concerns with the Manager or DSL about any inappropriate behaviour from colleagues, including other adults in the setting. Staff are made aware, during induction, of their whistle blowing responsibilities and the procedures they should take should the need arise. They are provided with reminders of these responsibilities and procedures during training, staff meetings and 1:1s.   

Existing Injuries and Injury Monitoring

Parents must inform staff of any injuries sustained outside Pre‑school. These are recorded and signed in the accident book or online. If an injury is noticed without prior notification, staff will call parents for clarification and document the injury.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, please be aware that there are certain types of injuries or circumstances that we are required to refer to the appropriate safeguarding agencies, in line with local authority guidance and statutory duties. This includes situations where an injury is unexplained, not consistent with the explanation given or where we have a concern about a child's welfare. In some cases, this may include injuries observed on younger siblings or children not attending the setting. These decisions are not made lightly and are part of our legal and professional responsibility to ensure every child’s safety and wellbeing. 

Absence Monitoring and Emergency Contacts

Unexplained absences are followed up promptly. In the event that a child is absent without notification or for a prolonged period, the Pre‑school contacts the parent or emergency contacts and may consider a welfare check. We aim to hold at least three emergency contact details for each child. 

Information Sharing and Training

The Pre‑school understands the duty to share information in order to safeguard children. All safeguarding records must be factual, timely and securely stored. When a child leaves the setting, these records are transferred securely to their next provider.

All staff, volunteers and committee members complete safeguarding training. New staff, volunteers and students receive safeguarding cue cards and clear instructions during induction. Additional in-house safeguarding training and discussions happen at staff meetings, during staff 1:1 supervision and committee meetings. 

Safer Recruitment and Suitability Checks

All staff undergo an Enhanced DBS check, renewed every three years or added to the update service. They also complete regular declarations confirming their suitability and that no disqualified persons live in their household.

Pre-school Managers and the Chairperson are responsible for safer recruitment and receive training for their roles. Staff, apprentices and volunteers suitability is determined based on DBS checks, at least 2 references including last employer, employment history, qualifications, identity verification, interviews and observations. All convictions, cautions or warnings must be disclosed by staff.  References we do not accept references addressed ‘to whom it may concern” or family member references. 

All new staff, students, apprentices and volunteers must provide at least two references, one of which must relate to working with children. These references must be verified and securely stored alongside documentation of identity, qualifications, and DBS checks.

Committee Member Responsibilities

Management Committee members are also required to complete Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training. As trustees of the Pre‑school, they have safeguarding responsibilities.

Toileting, Nappy Changing and Privacy

We ensure children’s privacy during toileting and nappy changing while maintaining appropriate supervision. Practitioners may supervise from outside the cubicle or use their body to shield the child from view while changing their nappy. Students and volunteers are only allowed to change nappies under the supervision of Pre-school permanent staff.  

Last review August 2025