As a childminder I intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse, and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.  The welfare of the child is paramount.
 

   Safeguarding Children

    All those who come into contact with children and families in their everyday work, including people
    who do not have a specific role in relation to child protection, have a duty to safeguard and promote
    the welfare of children.

    During my Registration to become a childminder I had to have certain checks carried out, this is to
    check my suitability as a childcare provider.  I have had a CRB check (criminal records bureau) and
    also a medical report from my GP.  I have also undergone training in Child Protection and First Aid.

   Responding to concern about children and allegations of Abuse

If I feel that I have any concerns about the welfare of a child I could seek support from agencies such as OFSTED and social services without necessarily identifying the child in question. 

If after seeking support I still have concerns about the child I will have to contact Social Services and OFSTED.  This may be because I think the child is at risk of suffering significant harm.  When referring a child to Social Services, I must consider and include any information I have on the child’s developmental needs and their parents/carers ability to respond to those needs.

Once any concerns of a child are reported to OFSTED and Social Services the decision whether, when and how to inform parents/carers that an allegation has been made or concerns raised rests solely with Social Services/Police. 

It is good practice to inform parents that I am making a referral about the concerns I have.  However, if my concerns relate to the nature of child protection then I SHOULD NOT inform parents of my intention until the following consultation is referred to.

Consultation and inter-agency working is the key to effective child protection and it may be that, following my discussions with Social Services, it is agreed that I will inform the parents or that Social Services will do so or that doing so will be delayed.

   Preventing Abuse by means of Good Practice 

    As a childcare provider I have undergone training on Child Protection issues and in the future plan to
    look at areas such as Behaviour Management to ensure that I relate to children in an appropriate
    way.

Visitors

From time to time potential parents of new children may come into my home.  At no point will any existing children be left alone with these visitors, this is for the safety and protection of your children.  New parents will have already made an appointment prior to their visit.

Contact Details  

Area Child Protection Committee Procedures

As a Registered Childcare Provider I have a DUTY to report any concerns if I suspect that a child is being abused. 

     Record Keeping and Confidentiality

A written record will be kept confidentially and securely with the individuals records and should include:

     Records of all concerns

Discussions about the child

Decisions made and the reasons for those decisions

     Confidentiality

The decision whether to disclose information may arise in various contexts.  It may be that I have a niggling concern about a child,  that may be confirmed or reassured  if shared with another agency.  I may have been asked for information in connection with assessment of a child’s needs under S47 of that act. Or in connection with court proceedings. 

In all cases the main restrictions on disclosure of information are:

   Common law duty confidence

Human rights act 1998

Data protection act 1998

Disclosure in absence of consent:

The law recognizes that disclosure of confidential information without consent or a court order may be justified in the public interest to prevent harm to others.