safeguarding children

        Staff in the setting have to take children to the toilet and often change nappies. We encourage children to remove clothing, wipe their bottoms and close toilet doors if they need privacy. We must be aware of a problem if a practitioner is always volunteering for toilet duty. Staff have the opportunities to abuse children in one to one situations. Doors to rooms must not be closed and cuddles only given at the child’s request. We should be aware of a child’s reaction to a practitioner and investigate if it’s causing concerns. The setting must be aware of national standard 13 (Child protection) and follow the guidance it lays down. We have an appointed children protection officer and practitioners can discuss any concerns about a child with her. Practitioners attend child protection training to enable them to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures in dealing with them. We aim to empower children to become independent and take control, which gives children confidence to avoid abuse. The child must feel reassured. We believe what they tell us and we do all we can to protect them. They may have been sworn to secrecy by the abuser but we cannot keep it a secret and the child must be told this.

        If the child protection officer agrees with the practitioners concerns the child must be observed, any information recorded and dated. Parents/ Carers should be informed of your findings and intentions, unless the setting feels this may endanger the child. The findings should be reported to the L.S.C.B by using the local first call telephone number in our contact file. They will pass on advice on what to do next and ask for information gathered, concerning the abuse, to be passed on within 24 hours. Information is confidential and must not be discussed outside of the setting. Article 19 of the UN convention on the rights of the child states “ Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them”.

It is also important for practioners to help children to understand how to protect themselves.  Beaver et al (2004 p 243) suggest that if this happens well the outcome,’ will promote children’s confidence, assertiveness and communication skills, as well as contributing to their protection.’