Safeguarding

Safeguarding
Safeguarding policies are in place to protect children from all types of harm. There are four main types of abuse; physical, emotional, sexual and neglect, which are the most important to be aware of. However, safeguarding is not limited to protecting children from these types of abuse, safeguarding is to protect children from anything that will or has the potential to cause harm to them. In England, law states that anyone working with children must keep them safe. Everybody has the responsibility of safeguarding children and every child can be hurt or mistreated.
If a child is repeatedly put into danger or abusive situations it can seriously impair their health or development. It's important during their first years especially that they're kept away from harm with a consistency of safe and effective care. This will help to ensure that each child grows up with the best possible outcomes.
A nursery working with young children should take extra precautions to protect children. Anyone who works with children is required to have an up to date clear DBS check, which proves that the person has no criminal convictions. This prevents anyone who is more likely to be a risk to children from working with them. Each member of staff should be trained on how to spot signs of abuse and neglect. It should also be ensured that all medications and harmful substances are locked away and out of reach. There should always be the correct staff to child ratio according to the EYFS and parents should meet with their child's key person to discuss the child's wellbeing often. It is important that children have the correct nutrients to grow and develop properly so children should have access to healthy meals and fresh water in the nursery and the nursery should promote high standards of hygiene and cleanliness to discourage infection and illnesses from spreading.
It is important to remember that all children have the right to be cared for, safe, protected and listened to.