Protecting the welfare of children in our care

Safeguarding

Snapdragons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, staff and families who spend time with us.

At Snapdragons, we endeavour to:

  • Establish a safe environment for children to flourish

  • Practice safe recruitment for all persons employed to work at the nurseries

  • Raise awareness of safeguarding and child protection issues

  • Support vulnerable children, staff and families in accordance with Child Protection procedures

  • Educate and inform our teams to ensure robust practice and procedures in Safeguarding

As a Child at Snapdragons
At nursery you will always be the priority. We endeavour to ensure your time at nursery is safe and secure and gives you every opportunity to thrive.

Children will be reassured that:

  • All grown ups that work at nursery have paediatric first aid. If you are hurt there will always be someone who can help. There are lots of green First Aid boxes on site.

  • All grown ups at nursery have an enhanced DBS certificate and are registered to the update service. This includes the chefs, the maintenance workers and the gardeners.

  • Risk assessments are completed for all areas and activities but you are encouraged to assess your own risk in an age appropriate way - can I do this or do I need to ask for help?

  • Children are encouraged to be confident learners and grown ups will provide support to foster independance - do you need help in the toilets or can you manage?

  • There are lots of times for you to speak to a grown up. Sessions like sunshine circles and small group times give you the opportunity to share your feelings, celebrations and worries.

  • Grown ups will always respect your wishes. They will ask if you need help or a hug and they will offer alternatives if you decline. A grown up will ask if they can change your nappy or help you in the toilets. Sometimes a grown up will have to do these things but they will find someone you are most happy with and do all they can to help you be comfy.

  • There is always someone ready to listen and if you ever feel sad or worried there will be a grown up ready to help.

As a Parent at Snapdragons
It is a huge step to entrust the care of your child onto anyone else. At Snapdragons we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our families and look forward to working with you to give the best to your little one in these first years.

We need you to know that:

  • We will always treat you and all areas of your life with respect and privacy. There are spaces available in all settings where conversations can be had away from small ears.

  • Sometimes children say things that, as professionals, Snapdragons have to follow up. This happens more often than you would think. If a child makes a comment that someone has hurt them outside of the Snapdragons setting then the nursery safeguarding lead will contact the local authority. Most of the time advice will be no further action and to continue monitoring. Sometimes someone from the social care team will give you a call to confirm that there are no worries. We will keep you fully informed any time we have to speak to an external professional unless we have been directed otherwise (i.e. by police) but this is extremely rare.

  • Social Care teams are supportive and offer advise and guidance to parents and nursery staff alike. They are not scary people who will take a child away from parents without very good reason. Parenting is hard. Social Care have a network of Early Help available. If you ever need some support we are happy to refer and signpost. Just ask.

  • Snapdragons will not keep any notes on you or your child that you are not aware of. You can ask for copies of any forms for your own keeping.

Signs around the nursery and visitor lanyards detail the Designated Safeguarding Leads for each nursery setting. Please ensure you are familiar with this information.

If there are any concerns following your visit or during your time at the nursery please speak to the on site Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If you wish to speak to a different professional the Company Safeguarding Lead can be contacted:

Hayley Fitton-Cook - hayley@snapdragonsnursery.com - 01225 375017

Thank you in advance and we look forward to welcoming you to Snapdragons Nursery.

As a Visitor to Snapdragons
Please read the following information to understand the responsibilities you, as a visitor, have when onsite at a Snapdragons setting.

All visitors are expected to:

  • Provide up to date DBS certification (where possible)

  • Stay within expected areas and to be accompanied by a staff member at all times (unless otherwise verified)

  • Raise any concerns with the nursery Safeguarding lead as detailed on visitor lanyards

  • Behave in a respectful manner

  • Never to be alone with a child

  • Do not make remarks or ‘jokes’ to any children or staff members in a personal, discriminatory or offensive manner

  • To make no reference to a person’s sexuality, physicality, ethnicity or to make any comment that may embarrass or humiliate

  • Not initiate any physical contact with a child or staff member

  • Maintain confidentiality with regards to names, photographs or anything else that would identify the child, staffing team or the nursery

  • Not use any photography or recording devices unless approved and witnessed by the nursery Safeguarding lead (i.e. maintenance needs), photos of staff members must not be taken without permission, photos of children are not permitted.

  • If a child discloses sensitive information or makes any comment that raises concern please speak immediately to the nursery Safeguarding Lead.