Keeping every child safe

The welfare and protection of every child is our highest priority. KIDS is committed to safeguarding children from harm and to creating a culture where every child feels safe, valued and listened to. This is a summary of our full Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, available in full on request.

1. Our commitment

All children have an absolute right to be protected from abuse, neglect and harm. Every member of the KIDS team shares responsibility for safeguarding and acts in the best interests of the child at all times.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

We have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputy) responsible for managing concerns, liaising with authorities, and ensuring staff are trained and supported. Any concern is reported to the DSL the same day.

3. Safer recruitment & vetting

• Every appointment is subject to identity checks, reference checks and criminal-background / police-clearance vetting.
• Qualifications are verified and probationary periods observed.
• No adult is left unsupervised with children until all checks are complete.

4. Trained & supervised staff

All staff complete safeguarding and child-protection training on induction and refresh it regularly. We maintain high adult-to-child ratios and robust supervision so no child is ever left unaccounted for.

5. Arrival, collection & visitors

• Children are only released to parents or pre-authorised guardians, verified against our records; a password system applies for exceptions.
• All visitors sign in, show ID, are badged and are never left alone with children.
• Secure, CCTV-monitored entry controls access to the building at all times.

6. Recognising & reporting concerns

Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse or neglect and to record and report any concern to the DSL immediately. Where a child may be at risk, we follow local child-protection procedures and refer to the relevant authorities without delay.

7. Allegations against staff

Any allegation against a member of staff or volunteer is taken seriously and handled promptly, confidentially and in line with our procedures, involving the appropriate authorities where required.

8. E-safety, photography & intimate care

• Personal mobile phones and cameras are not permitted in child areas; only nursery devices are used, with images stored securely.
• Photography for learning journals or marketing happens only with written parental consent.
• Nappy-changing and toileting follow a dignified, documented intimate-care procedure.

9. Whistleblowing & review

Staff are encouraged and protected to raise any concern about a colleague's conduct. This policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident or change in guidance.