Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

At Raising Explorers Nursery, the safety, welfare, and well-being of every child is our top priority. We work closely with children, families, staff, and the wider community to ensure each child has the best possible start in life.

We believe every child has the right to:

  • Be treated with respect
  • Thrive and reach their full potential
  • Be safe from harm or abuse in any form

Our Commitment

We are committed to protecting all children and vulnerable adults in our care, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or ability. All staff receive regular child protection training, and each setting has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with advanced child protection training.

If the DSL is unavailable, a designated deputy will take responsibility to ensure safeguarding remains the top priority. Staff training is continually reviewed and updated, and safeguarding is regularly discussed in team meetings.

How We Safeguard Children

We have strong procedures in place to:

  • Protect children from harm and neglect
  • Prevent impairment of children’s health or development
  • Promote acceptance and understanding of different beliefs and cultures
  • Protect children from the risk of radicalisation

Safeguarding is a broad responsibility that extends across our policies. This policy works alongside our other procedures to ensure comprehensive child protection, including:

  • Online Safety
  • Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
  • Prevent Duty and Radicalisation
  • Domestic Violence, Honour-Based Violence (HBV), and Forced Marriages
  • Looked After Children

Legal Framework

Our practices are guided by key legislation and guidance, including:
  • Children Acts 1989 & 2004
  • Childcare Act 2006
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019
  • Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • “What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused” 2015

What Safeguarding Means at Raising Explorers Nursery

Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare means:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment
  • Preventing the impairment of health or development
  • Ensuring children grow up in safe and supportive environments
  • Taking action to help children achieve the best outcomes

(Definition adapted from HM Government, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018)