Child Protection
As a child care professional my first priority is to protect and safeguard your child from all kinds of abuse and neglect.
Your child will be encouraged to develop a sense of independence through making their own choices and in finding names for their own feelings and acceptable ways to express themselves.
Any observations I have of your child behaviour, physical condition, appearance or inappropriate use of language, a specific and confidential record will be set up, quite separate from the usual on-going records of your child progress and development. The record will include, in addition to the name, address and age of your child timed and dated observations, describing objectively your child's behaviour/appearance, without comment or interpretation; where possible, the exact words spoken by the child. I will seek advice from the Duty Social Worker at the local Social Services Office in accordance with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures prior to speaking with you. At this stage your family’s identity will not be divulged. If it is then agreed that the matter should be referred to the Social Services Department, you will then be informed, unless I believe your child may be at further risk.
To avoid unnecessary concern, it is important that you inform me of any injury that is visible on your child (accidental or non-accidental) that happened when they were not in my care. This will be recorded in the Accident, Incident and Medication Book. This is to safeguard you, your child, myself, and my family
All such concerns and investigations will be kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. I will continue to welcome your child and family while investigations proceed.
