Our priority
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and the safety of children in our care is our nursery number one priority. We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that children thrive and achieve their very best potential. This can only be achieved when a child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being is prioritised.
Children are a vulnerable group in society, with limited ability to communicate sometimes. At Hippitots we implement a robust set of nursery policies and procedures to ensure that children in our care are kept safe from harm, not only while attending the nursery but also where we suspect they may be coming to harm outside the nursery.
We work with various local safeguarding partners to achieve our aims for protecting children. This includes First Contact, Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership, LADO and Durham Constabulary.
Safeguarding responsibility
We identify a Designated Safeguarding Lead with the nursery.
The person/s responsible for safeguarding are:-
Kay Durnall
General Manager
Jan Smith
Deputy Manager
We ensure ALL staff receive appropriate and regular training and updates around safeguarding.
This includes ensuring that staff can identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity. Safeguarding is EVERYONE’S responsibility.
Mobile phones and electronic devices
Strict policies are in place regarding use of electronic devices on site. Staff do not have access to their personal mobile phones other than during breaks. Photography of children using any personal device is strictly forbidden.
Whistle blowing
At Hippitots there is a culture of shared responsibility for ensuring our children's safety. Our team are trained and fully aware of their responsibility to flag any worries or concerns about colleagues to the designated safeguarding lead on site.
Recruitment
Robust checks take place during the recruitment of staff at the nursery. This includes carrying out DBS criminal record checks: insisting on 2 references from previous employers; online searches and ongoing suitability checks throughout employment.
On-going staff suitability
Once staff have been recruited to the nursery, and passed our recruitment vetting, it would be wrong to assume that they remain suitable throughout their employment with us. Staff attend regular supervision meetings with the manager or deputy manager, during which discussion take place regarding suitability. Staff are also aware of their responsibilities for whistle-blowing and flagging concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.
Important contact numbers
When you suspect a child is at risk of harm…
First Contact:
Call 03000 267 979 or email firstcontact@durham.gov.uk if you’re concerned about a child or young person’s welfare in County Durham.
First Contact is open from 8:30am until 5:30pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8:30am until 4:30pm on a Friday.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency, call the number above – there is a duty officer working outside of the opening hours who will take your call.
If you fax or email outside of opening hours, please be aware that these enquiries will be dealt with on the next working day.
A written referral using the universal referral form must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of your telephone call.
Local Authority Designated Officer
Call 03000 268 835 to report allegations against staff or volunteers.
Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership
Call 03000 265 770
Email: dscpsecure@durham.gov.uk
Prevent DCC
When? If we suspect that a family is displaying extremist behaviour; if we think a family are being drawn into committing acts of terrorism.
Safe Durham Partnership: 03000 263 593
National Police Prevent Line: 0800 0113764
More than just a joyful place
Laying the foundations for life-long learning, whilst embracing opportunities to ensure every child reaches their potential.