My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it following the All Wales Child Protection Procedures. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect pr a mixture of these. I must notify the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care.
Anyone who comes into contact with children has a moral and legal responsibility and the protection of that child is the first priority.
Procedure
I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training and reading relevant publications such as “Who Minds?” This helps me to be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and whet to do if I have concerns.
I have copies of, and am familiar with, the All Wales Child Protection Procedures. Every 6 months I check that I have the latest version of the relevant procedures, or any documents that may replace them in the future.
If I am concerned for a child’s welfare I may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, NCMA or other relevant support services for advice.
Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.
Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child including details of any accidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded. These records will be signed by myself and the parent(s).
I work with parents to make sure that the care for their child is consistent. Please refer to my Working with Parents Policy (Standard 5)
If I notice:
Significant changes in behaviour
Unexpected bruising or marks
Any comments made which raise a cause for concern
Deterioration in general wellbeing which raises cause for concern
I will implement the All Wales Child Protection Procedures without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep factual records of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk.
The national minimum standards for registered childminders requires me to let the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales know of any concerns that I have reported without delay.
If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:
Let them know that I have heard what they are saying and that I take their allegations seriously.
Encourage the child to talk without prompting them or by asking leading questions. I will not interrupt when the child is recalling significant events and I will not make a child repeat their account.
Explain to the child what actions I must take, taking into account the child’s age and understanding.
Write down a factual record of what the chid has said using exact words where possible.
Make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion.
Then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation.
If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales following the All Wales Child Protection Procedures. I will also contact the NCMA’s safeguarding children service for advice and support.
In all instances I will record the following:
The child’s full name and address
The date and time of the record
Factual details of the concern, for example, bruising, what the child has said, who was present
Details of any previous concerns
Details of any explanations from the parents
Any action taken such as speaking to the parents
It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself
Useful telephone numbers:
Local all Social Services referrals
01685 724 506
Emergency out of hours Social Services
01443 849 944
Local Police Station
01685 722 541
CSSIW
01443 848 528
NCMA safeguarding children service
0845 880 0044 (ask to speak to a “designated officer”)
Merthyr Safeguarding Children Board Coordinator
01685 725 034
NCMA regional office
0845 880 1299 (Cardiff)
NSPCC child protection helpline (24 hr helpline for people worried about a child
0808 800 5000
The National Minimum Standards for Childminders state that:
“parents have the confidence that the childminder takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm.”
The standards also state that:
“the childminder draws up and implements a child protection policy which links into the arrangements of the local Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that any adults working and looking after children are able to put the policy into practice.”