Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
1. Policy Statement
Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We recognise our duty of care under the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Education Act 2002, the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance (2018), the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and other relevant UK legislation.
We will provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where children are protected from harm and abuse.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, assistants, volunteers, contractors, children, parents, and visitors in:
• Our home-based childcare setting
• Community settings
• Families’ homes where care is delivered
3. Aims
We aim to:
• Protect children from maltreatment
• Prevent impairment of children’s health or development
• Ensure children grow up in safe and effective care
• Take action to ensure children achieve the best outcomes
• Work in partnership with parents and external agencies to safeguard children
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare Ltd is:
Name: Jodie Jackson
Role: Provider and Designated Safeguarding Lead
The DSL is responsible for:
• Managing safeguarding concerns and making referrals
• Liaising with local authority safeguarding teams (MASH)
• Ensuring safeguarding training is up to date
• Maintaining secure safeguarding records
• Providing support and guidance where concerns arise
5. Recognising Abuse
All staff and volunteers must be aware of the four main categories of abuse:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
Staff should also be alert to signs of:
• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Domestic abuse
• Online abuse
• Bullying
• Radicalisation
6. Child on Child Abuse
Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare Ltd recognises that children can abuse other children. This is referred to as child on child abuse and can include:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual violence or harassment
• Bullying, including online bullying
• Coercion, intimidation or harmful behaviour
All concerns of child-on-child abuse will be taken seriously. We will:
• Respond promptly and appropriately
• Support all children involved
• Record and report concerns in line with safeguarding procedures
• Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children
7. Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare Ltd recognises the importance of addressing violence against women and girls in line with the UK Government’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
We acknowledge that children and young people may be affected by or exposed to:
• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence or harassment
• Exploitation
• Harmful cultural practices such as forced marriage or FGM
We are committed to:
• Recognising signs and indicators of harm
• Responding appropriately to concerns
• Supporting children who may be affected
• Working with relevant agencies to safeguard children
8. Domestic Abuse
Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare Ltd recognises that domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children and young people, both directly and indirectly.
Domestic abuse may include emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological harm between adults in a household. Children may be affected by witnessing abuse, hearing abuse, or experiencing its impact within the home environment.
We recognise that exposure to domestic abuse is a safeguarding concern and may affect a child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and development.
Rainbow Hands is committed to:
• Recognising signs and indicators that a child may be affected by domestic abuse
• Responding to concerns in line with safeguarding procedures
• Recording concerns accurately and factually
• Reporting concerns to the appropriate local authority safeguarding team (MASH) where required
• Supporting children in a safe and sensitive manner
All concerns relating to domestic abuse will be treated seriously and handled in line with this safeguarding policy.
9. Responding to Concerns
• Any concern about a child’s welfare must be reported immediately to the DSL
• If a child is in immediate danger, staff must call 999
• The DSL will contact the relevant Local Authority safeguarding team (MASH) where required
• Where FGM is suspected, professionals have a mandatory duty to report this to the police
• Records of concerns will be kept securely and shared only with those who need to know
10. Safer Recruitment
We follow safer recruitment practices to prevent unsuitable people from working with children, including:
• Enhanced DBS checks for all adults in contact with children
• Verification of identity, references, and employment history
• Induction and ongoing training in safeguarding
• Supervision and monitoring of assistants and volunteers
11. Training
The DSL and all staff and assistants will complete safeguarding training in line with local authority requirements. Training will be updated regularly to reflect changes in legislation and guidance.
12. Whistleblowing
All staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns about the behaviour of colleagues or practices that put children at risk.
Concerns should be reported to the DSL or directly to Ofsted if necessary. Whistleblowers will be protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
13. Allegations Against Adults
• Any allegation made against a member of staff, volunteer, or household member will be taken seriously
• The DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for advice and follow procedures
• Ofsted will be notified as required by law
13. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes. All staff, volunteers, and parents will be made aware of updates.