Safeguarding Policy

Little Blossom Tree Nursery & Pre-School

Our commitment

The safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child is central to life at Little Blossom Tree Nursery. We aim to create a caring environment where children feel secure, valued and listened to, and where families can be confident that concerns will be taken seriously. Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working in the nursery.

Our safeguarding arrangements follow the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and relevant child protection guidance. We maintain a detailed Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy for staff, setting out the procedures to follow when a child may be at risk of harm.

Preventing harm

We take practical steps to reduce risks and promote children’s welfare throughout the nursery day. These include:

• Appropriate recruitment, suitability checks and supervision of staff.
• Safeguarding training and clear reporting responsibilities.
• Safe arrangements for visitors, collection and access to nursery premises.
• Respectful, age-appropriate care that encourages children to communicate and seek help.
• Secure and confidential recording of welfare concerns.

Recognising and responding to concerns

Staff are expected to recognise possible signs of abuse, neglect or other harm and to report concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). Concerns may arise from an observation, a change in a child’s behaviour, information shared by a family or something a child tells us.

We listen calmly to children and take disclosures seriously. Staff do not conduct their own investigations or promise secrecy. Instead, they record relevant facts and follow the nursery’s reporting procedures. Where necessary, we seek advice or make referrals to the appropriate safeguarding agencies.

Working with families and professionals

We aim to work openly and constructively with parents and carers. However, safeguarding duties sometimes require information to be shared with children’s services or other professionals without seeking permission first, particularly where doing so could place a child at further risk.

We also recognise that some children may need additional help because of their circumstances or vulnerabilities. Our approach is to identify concerns early, work with families where appropriate and cooperate with relevant agencies.

Raising a safeguarding concern

If you are concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing, please speak to the nursery manager or designated safeguarding lead without delay. You can also contact the nursery at info@littleblossomtree.co.uk or 020 3576 7221.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. The full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, including reporting procedures, is available from the nursery on request.