Safeguarding

Procedure for concerns about a child’s welfare (I-ART)

  • The nursery manager (or Deputy Manager in their absence) must be informed immediately of any concerns regarding the welfare of a child.
  • After consideration and observation, the Nursery Manager must report these concerns to the Integrated Access and Referral Team (i-ART). Advice and guidance offered by I-ART will always be followed.

Integrated Access and Referral Team (I-ART)

  • 0300 123 7047 

 

Emergency Duty Team (EDT)

  • 01244 977277 (out of hours for Cheshire west and Chester)

 

Cheshire Police

  • 0845 4580000

 

  • The nursery manager must put a referral in within 48hours
  • A social worker and the nursery manager will acknowledge receipt of the referral and a decision on the next course of action will be made within one working day.
  • An initial assessment will be made
  • If concerns are of a sexual nature, or the child is at risk, the parents/carers will not be approached prior to contacting i-ART
  • Other concerns will be discussed with the parent/carer, an agreement will be sought and the reason for making the referral explained. If the parents/carers do not agree that the safety of the child is paramount, their wishes may be discounted.
  • Confidentiality is crucial in all matters and written records will be locked away.

 

Procedure for allegations against a member of staff (LADO)

  • The nursery manager (or Deputy Manager in their absence) must be informed immediately of any concerns or allegations against a member of staff.
  • The member of staff who is subject to the allegation will be suspended with immediate effect
  • The nursery manager (or Deputy in their absence) must report the incident to the Local Authority Designated officer (LADO) within one working day
  • The LADO will then advise on the best way to proceed with the referral
  • OFSTED must then be informed as soon as possible, within 14 days of the incident occurring
  • Confidentially is crucial in all matters and written records will be locked away

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is based at:

The Children’s Safeguarding Unit

4, Civic Way [Floor 4]

Ellesmere Port

Cheshire

Tel: 0151 337 4570

 

Vicky Hollins (Owner) and Sarah Wright (Nursery Manager) are also the safeguarding officers