SAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLE BROOK PRE SCHOOL
At Bramble Brook Pre School, safeguarding is our number one priority – and everyone’s responsibility. The information below summarises our systems and practice. It does not replace our full Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which families may access on this website.
Safeguarding goes beyond statutory duties for us. It sits at the centre of our pre school culture, and we reflect on and refine our approach continually.
WHO LEADS SAFEGUARDING?
We have a clear safeguarding structure:
Clare Penter – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Megan Smith – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
If both the DSL and DDSL are unavailable, a further senior member of staff is fully trained to act. They have access to safeguarding records so concerns can always be addressed promptly.
STAFF TRAINING
All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training on induction, with updates at least annually and throughout the year.
The DSL and Deputy DSL undertake specialist multi-agency training appropriate to their roles.
Safer recruitment training is undertaken by at least one member of every interview panel.
Training covers a wide range of areas including online safety, Prevent, child-on-child abuse, low-level concerns, whistleblowing and rigorous record-keeping. We also use briefings, quizzes and audits to ensure knowledge remains current and embedded.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Any safeguarding concern, however small, is recorded and passed to the DSL/DDSL.
Concerns can also be raised by children, parents or visitors.
Our safeguarding policies are shared with parents on our Tapestry account so they understand expectations and procedures.
Referrals may be made to Children’s Services, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the police, depending on the nature of the concern.
CONTACT WITH PARENTS
Where it is safe to do so, parents and carers will be informed when a concern is raised.
If informing a parent may place a child at risk, or children’s services advise otherwise, we will not make contact.
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and always in line with safeguarding legislation. Data protection will never prevent necessary safeguarding action.
ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING STAFF
All allegations or concerns about staff, supply staff, volunteers or visitors are reported to the DSL, who consults with the LADO.
We operate a low-level concerns approach to encourage early reporting of any conduct that may require reflection or review. Criminal matters are referred to the police.
Staff may use our Whistleblowing Policy if they feel unable to raise a concern in the usual way.
Staff receive regular supervisions to check their safeguarding knowledge and to check in for any concerns they may have.
SAFER RECRUITMENT AND CONDUCT
All staff and volunteers undergo the required pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Visitors without full checks are supervised.
Staff follow our Code of Conduct Policy and avoid being alone with children wherever possible.
Personal mobile phones must not be used to record images of children.
ONLINE SAFETY
Online safety forms part of our curriculum across the year.
We recognise emerging risks such as grooming, online bullying, sexualised behaviour, radicalisation, misinformation and AI-generated content.
POLICIES
Safeguarding culture is supported by a suite of policies, available on our website, including:
Child Protection and Safeguarding, Behaviour, Whistleblowing, Safer Recruitment, Online Safety, Intimate Care and Attendance.
SAFEGUARDING EDUCATION
Safeguarding is taught in small, clear, age-appropriate messages throughout children’s time at pre school. We focus on helping children feel safe, confident to speak, and able to recognise when something does not feel right.
We also make regular use of the Pantosaurus resources on the NSPCC website which teaches body autonomy, personal privacy and boundaries in a simple and reassuring way..
At Bramble Brook Pre School, safeguarding is our number one priority – and everyone’s responsibility. The information below summarises our systems and practice. It does not replace our full Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which families may access on this website.
Safeguarding goes beyond statutory duties for us. It sits at the centre of our pre school culture, and we reflect on and refine our approach continually.
WHO LEADS SAFEGUARDING?
We have a clear safeguarding structure:
Clare Penter – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Megan Smith – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
If both the DSL and DDSL are unavailable, a further senior member of staff is fully trained to act. They have access to safeguarding records so concerns can always be addressed promptly.
STAFF TRAINING
All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training on induction, with updates at least annually and throughout the year.
The DSL and Deputy DSL undertake specialist multi-agency training appropriate to their roles.
Safer recruitment training is undertaken by at least one member of every interview panel.
Training covers a wide range of areas including online safety, Prevent, child-on-child abuse, low-level concerns, whistleblowing and rigorous record-keeping. We also use briefings, quizzes and audits to ensure knowledge remains current and embedded.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Any safeguarding concern, however small, is recorded and passed to the DSL/DDSL.
Concerns can also be raised by children, parents or visitors.
Our safeguarding policies are shared with parents on our Tapestry account so they understand expectations and procedures.
Referrals may be made to Children’s Services, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the police, depending on the nature of the concern.
CONTACT WITH PARENTS
Where it is safe to do so, parents and carers will be informed when a concern is raised.
If informing a parent may place a child at risk, or children’s services advise otherwise, we will not make contact.
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and always in line with safeguarding legislation. Data protection will never prevent necessary safeguarding action.
ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING STAFF
All allegations or concerns about staff, supply staff, volunteers or visitors are reported to the DSL, who consults with the LADO.
We operate a low-level concerns approach to encourage early reporting of any conduct that may require reflection or review. Criminal matters are referred to the police.
Staff may use our Whistleblowing Policy if they feel unable to raise a concern in the usual way.
Staff receive regular supervisions to check their safeguarding knowledge and to check in for any concerns they may have.
SAFER RECRUITMENT AND CONDUCT
All staff and volunteers undergo the required pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Visitors without full checks are supervised.
Staff follow our Code of Conduct Policy and avoid being alone with children wherever possible.
Personal mobile phones must not be used to record images of children.
ONLINE SAFETY
Online safety forms part of our curriculum across the year.
We recognise emerging risks such as grooming, online bullying, sexualised behaviour, radicalisation, misinformation and AI-generated content.
POLICIES
Safeguarding culture is supported by a suite of policies, available on our website, including:
Child Protection and Safeguarding, Behaviour, Whistleblowing, Safer Recruitment, Online Safety, Intimate Care and Attendance.
SAFEGUARDING EDUCATION
Safeguarding is taught in small, clear, age-appropriate messages throughout children’s time at pre school. We focus on helping children feel safe, confident to speak, and able to recognise when something does not feel right.
We also make regular use of the Pantosaurus resources on the NSPCC website which teaches body autonomy, personal privacy and boundaries in a simple and reassuring way..