Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

Centrepoint aims to adopt the highest possible standards of safeguarding and take all reasonable steps to protect and keep children safe in our care.

Centrepoint is committed to keeping children in our care safe. Centrepoint aims to adopt the highest possible standards of safeguarding and take all reasonable steps to protect and keep children safe who are in our care. At Centrepoint we put the children at the heart of everything we do, we want all children in our care to feel safe, secure and have someone they can speak to. We are passionate about giving the children our time and understanding. We want the children to feel comfortable around our employees. We have a passionate team who are constantly reflecting our practice so we can always improve. We listen actively to the voice of the child, building good relationships with children and their families. All employees need to share our values and in doing this, we can provide children with a safe space where they can always talk to us.

Centrepoint regularly review all our Safeguarding and child protection policies and processes to ensure best practice and that we comply with all relevant legislation, guidance and advice from Child Protection Agencies.

Forms of abuse to look out for are: physical, emotional, neglect, domestic abuse, bullying and cyber bullying, child sexual exploitation and trafficking, criminal exploitation and gangs, female genital mutilation, grooming, non-recent abuse, on line abuse (please see Appendix 1 – Types of Abuse)

We have a duty to act in accordance with the Children’s (Jersey) Law 2002 (in particular Part 5: Protection of children).

Centrepoint are advocates of children’s rights and prioritise the rights of children in all our policies and actions. We have considered the UNCRC while writing this policy in particular incorporated Articles, 2, 3, 12, 19, 23, 31, 34, 39 (please see Appendix 2 – Rights of the Child for further details)

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Responsibility

At Centrepoint everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe and to foster a culture where safeguarding is a priority:

• The CEO, DSL and Management Team have accountability and responsibility for the adoption and implementation of the safeguarding policy, processes and procedures, ensuring the whole team have the opportunity to review and understand the policy.
• Every Employee (regardless of their role or position) is responsible for reading, understanding and following the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Practice (Appendix 3), raising awareness of any concerns they have following the process and procedures laid out in this policy and maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Parents and Families are responsible for keeping the Centrepoint team informed of any information they need to ensure the care of your child or children. This includes any changes in any circumstance, routines, medication, dietary requirements, beliefs and anything else they might feel is important.
• Visitors – please highlight to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or other team member any concerns you have whilst you are at our setting.
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Centrepoint Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP):

La Pouquelaye Nursery: Tania Moniz, Michelle James, Tyler Gosselin
Green Street Nursery: Steph Turner, Gabby Ferreira, Corrine Feger
Playcare: Paul Witt, Melody Cornick
The Space: Roxanne Pryor

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Centrepoint Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

La Pouquelaye Nursery: Mell Le Cornu
Green Street Nursery: Hannah Gamble
Playcare: Zelia De Abreu
The Space: Roxanne Pryor

Centrepoint Designated Safeguarding Lead Officers (DSLO):
Tanja Haynes, Graeme Fitchett
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Centrepoint CEO:
Jane Moy, Telephone 735151 (ext 5) or email: jane.moy@centrepoint.je

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In the absence of Designated Persons and/or in extreme emergency situations:

Children and Families Hub:
‍Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Call: 01534 519000
Email: childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je

States of Jersey Police: Call 01534 612612

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Other important contacts:

Independent Safeguarding Standards (adult/staff concerns)
01534 443536 – In relation to a concern around institutional practice or allegation against a member of staff

Safeguarding Partnership Board
01534 442752 – for local advice and training and below for other useful advice
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Other useful information:

NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/safeguarding

Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/

FGM Concerns – 0800 028 3550

Implementation

What we do

• Centrepoint operate a safer recruitment system and only employ people who meet our strict criteria
• All members of the team paid or volunteers will have an enhanced and barred DBS and be on the updates scheme. Anyone without the DBS and or visitors to our setting will never be left alone with children.
• As part of our registration requirements, staff need to be signed up to the DBS update system, so regular checks can be performed. Details will be entered into the central log for this purpose
• All staff will have a thorough induction which includes training on all policies including the safeguarding Policy, Centrepoint code of conduct, Child Protection, Whistle Blowing Policies. Agreement and adherence will be given by signing the Policy checklist on induction.
• The team at Centrepoint will act upon any concerns and/or information received in respect of a child in our care and will work with all relevant agencies as appropriate.
• Staffs understanding of their responsibilities will be regularly confirmed during their probation periods and following this our appraisal system.
• All staff must attend the Child Protection Foundation 6 hour training and provide the certificate so details can be recorded (central log). Following this, annual update training is required.
• Considering the needs of children all staff have access to training to support children’s needs while maintaining dignity and best safeguarding practice (could give examples such as MAYBO)
• Policies and procedures will be review annually by the team and following and concerns or incidents by management. Relevant adaptations will be made and shared with the staff team
• The team build positive relationships with the children and families and encourage them to come forward to discuss any areas they are concerned about or need support so that our team can be proactive in supporting families and avoiding the escalations of situations or concerns.
• Our practitioners have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the additional barriers to identifying these in some of our children.
• Through training and clear guidance we empower our team and the children to act on any concerns they might have. We provide our team with clear instructions on how to deal with each plausible scenario (see below dealing with concerns).
• Where a member of staff is dismissed (or would have been, had the person not left the setting first) because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm we always ensure that a referral is made to both the Disclosure and Barring Service and the Independent Safeguarding Standards.

Dealing with Concerns/Incidents

If a child makes a disclosure:

• You must listen carefully, and give assurances to the child, do not judge the situation and do not promise to keep the disclosure a secret. Confidentiality must be maintained, you must only discuss this situation with the DSL in the first instance and never outside the workplace.
• Any disclosure must be recorded as soon as possible after the disclosure/incident in a detailed dated account, stating the facts using the Safeguarding Concerns report form (Please see Appendix 4 – Record of Concern). The report can include professional opinion or judgements.
• Report the disclosure immediately to the DSL and pass on the report. A decision will be made to record on ‘record of concern’ (shared-Safeguarding & SEN for Nurseries from Sep 2018-safeguarding record) or to contact The Children and Families Hub, a single point of referral for additional support and safeguarding and protection concerns.
• DSL must consider whether consent from the child’s is needed prior to contacting any other agency to discuss the disclosure

Children and Families Hub:

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Call-: 01534 519000
Email- childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je

https://www.gov.je/Caring/HelpSupportChildrenFamilies/Pages/ChildrenAndFamiliesHub.aspx

If you have concerns about a child's physical or emotional wellbeing:

Report any concerns to the DSL and your line manager. All concerns must be recorded as soon as possible after the disclosure/incident in a detailed, dated account, stating the facts using the Safeguarding Concerns report form (Please see Appendix 4 – Record of Concern). The report can include professional opinion or judgements. Actions following this also need to be recorded on the form. A decision will be made if the Children and Families Hub is contacted.

If a child makes an accusation against a member of staff:

Record the facts ensuring that all witnesses sign and date the entry using the Safeguarding Concerns report form (Please see Appendix 4– Record of Concern). Contact the DSL immediately, who will report this to Jersey Designated Officer (all allegations must go through the JDO who will support next steps) an appropriate investigation will take place with advice from the JDO. If the allegation is against the DSL or you have concerns that the allegation has not been take seriously you then you must contact the JDO yourself.

For all allegations against adults contact the Independent Safeguarding Standards (ISS) JDO on 01534 443566

If a staff member or parent highlight a safeguarding issue:

Report any concerns immediately to the DSL who will discuss this with the CEO (see also Centrepoint's Child Protection Whistle Blowing Policy), who will report this to Jersey Designated Officer for their support and advice, all allegations must go through the JDO. An appropriate investigation will take place with advice from the JDO

For all allegations against adults contact the Independent Safeguarding Standards (ISS) – JDO on 01534 443566

The registering and regulating body CEYS can also be contacted to aid decision making. CEYS: 01534 449387 or email ceys@gov.je

Any person raising a concern will be asked to complete a written account of factual information relating to the concern including dates and times using the Safeguarding Concerns report form. The Safeguarding Partnership Board will be contacted by the CEO.

If you feel that the Manager has not responded appropriately to the concern/incident raised, the responsibility is on you to refer to the CEO for advice, you can make an official complaint by emailing jane.mouy@cpt.je. If you are still not satisfied with how the situation has been dealt with, you can contact the Safeguarding Partnership board. CEYS: 01534 449387 or email ceys@gov.je

• Information from a third party, i.e. someone who is not a Centrepoint employee or management, regarding suspicions of child abuse cannot be ignored. If the person imparting the information has concerns, they should be encouraged to contact The Children and Families Hub, it should be explained to them that Centrepoint has an obligation to contact them. The concerns should be recorded. If in doubt about a concern or an incident, always seek advice.
• Confidentiality is of the utmost importance and any incidents/concerns must only be discussed with relevant persons e.g. Manager or the Safeguarding board. All referrals are taken seriously and considered with an open mind. Employees are reminded of the Declaration of Secrecy that they sign on starting employment.
• Centrepoint will routinely discuss all concerns/incidents with parents prior to involvement of another agency unless the circumstances don’t allow this. All conversations with parents must be recorded. (Record of Concern Form).
• Safeguarding Partnership Board

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Type of Abuse

• Physical Abuse – An adult deliberately hurting a child, and causing injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts. It is not accidental and may include being hit, shaken, thrown, poisoned, drowned or suffocated.

• Emotional Abuse – The ongoing maltreatment of a child, sometimes called psychological abuse, which can seriously damage a child’s emotional health and development. This may include frightening, intimidating, humiliating or ignoring a child.

• Sexual Abuse – Where a child is forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activity; this does not have to be physical contact, it may be online.

• Neglect – Failing to meet a child’s basic needs; children left hungry or dirty, inadequately dressed or sheltered, without supervision, proper health care or the love, care and attention they need from their parents.

Appendix 2 – Children’s Rights

Article 2 – The Convention applies to everyone, whatever their race, religion, abilities; whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from.

Article 3 – All organisations concerned with children should work towards what is best for each child.

Article 12 – Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.

Article 19 – Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else looking after them.

Article 23 –Children who have any kind of disability should have special care and support, so that they can lead full and independent lives.

Article 31 – All children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities.

Article 34 – The government should protect children from sexual abuse.

Article 39 – Children who have been neglected should receive special help to restore their self-respect.

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Appendix 3 – Code of Practice

The following code of practice applies to all Centrepoint employees, whether acting in a paid or unpaid capacity:

• Physical contact should not be encouraged by an adult unless it is child initiated. Although some physical contact is necessary, especially if a child is upset and needs comforting or reassuring, employees need to be aware of when it is inappropriate.
• Taking children on car journeys is not permitted.
• Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about a child even in fun, as this could be misinterpreted.
• Be aware that those who abuse children can be of any gender, ethnic background, class or age (even other children), and it is important not to allow personal preconceptions about people to prevent appropriate actions taking place.
• Good practice includes valuing and respecting children as individuals, and adult role modelling of appropriate conduct - Bullying, aggressive behaviour, racism, sectarianism, discrimination of any kind or sexism is not acceptable. Inappropriate practice needs to be addressed and challenged to create a safeguarding conscious culture.
• Know the children in our care and be aware of signs that may be out of character for that child.
• The statutory requirements will need to be adhered to by all staff at all times. These are emailed to all new staff and volunteers. They can also be found on the Government of Jersey website.

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Appendix 4 – Record of Concern