Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
- Policy statement
At Noah’s Ark, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff, students, and volunteers must protect children from harm and act promptly if they have concerns.
We follow the statutory requirements of:
- The early years foundation state (EYFS 2024)
- Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE 2025)
- Local safeguarding children partnership (LSCP) procedures
- Working together to safeguard children (2023)
The welfare of children is paramount.
2. Designated safeguarding lead (DSL)
- DSL: Sabah Ali
- Deputy DSL(s): M.Yaqub
The DSL will:
- Undertake regular training) every 2 years, refresh annually)
- Be the first point of contact for staff, parents and agencies
- Keep secure, accurate safeguarding records.
- Refer concerns to children’s social care and contact LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) where appropriate
3. Roles & responsibilities
- All staff: Must be alert to signs of abuse, record concerns, and report to the DSLimmediately.
- Managers/Owners: Ensure policies, safe recruitment, training, and monitoring are in place.
- DSL: Coordinate safeguarding, referrals, record-keeping, and staff support.
- Recognising Abuse
Staff are trained to recognise the four categories of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse
Also covered: FGM, Prevent duty (radicalisation), county lines, online safety.
5. Procedures for Reporting Concerns
Staff record concerns factually (date, time, what was seen/heard, who was present).
Report to DSL immediately.
DSL decides action:
- Monitorin setting
- Refer to early help
- Make a referral to children’s social care (MASH)
If allegation is against a staff member → DSL contacts the LADO the same day.
If allegation is against the DSL → report to owner/responsible person.
Staff may contact social care directly if they believe a child is at immediate risk.
6. Allegations Against Staff
- Any concern must be reported to the DSL/Owner.
- DSL must contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- Staff may be suspended or moved away from children while investigations are ongoing.
- Whistleblowing procedures allow staff to escalate concerns if needed.
7. Safer Recruitment
- All staff must have an enhanced DBS check and barred list check.
- References, ID, right-to-work, and employment history checks completed before starting.
- A Single Central Record (SCR)is maintained.
- No staff member works unsupervised until checks are complete.
8. Training
- All staff receive safeguarding induction before starting.
- Ongoing safeguarding training at least annually.
- DSL/Deputy DSL receive updated training every 2 years.
- Staff trained in Prevent Duty, FGM awareness, safer working practice, and online safety.
9. Safe Working Practices
- Mobile phones and personal cameras are not permitted in childcare areas.
- Children are never left unsupervised.
- Ratios are maintained at all times.
- Risk assessments carried out for indoors, outdoors, and outings.
- Visitors are signed in, identity checked, and supervised if not DBS-checked.
10. Information Sharing & Confidentiality
- Concerns are recorded and stored securely.
- Records are factual, dated, and signed.
- Information is shared only with relevant professionals in line with GDPR and safeguarding law.
11. Partnership with Parents
- Parents are given access to this safeguarding policy.
- We work openly with parents unless it would place the child at further risk.
- We communicate with parents through our nursery communication app.
12. Monitoring & Review
- Policy reviewed annually or sooner if guidance changes.
- Safeguarding practice monitored through staff supervisions, audits, and training refreshers.
- Ofsted is notified of serious incidents and allegations of harm.
Manager/DSL – Sabah Ali
Date: 25/01/2026