At Dream Childcare, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our statutory duty and highest priority. We operate a robust safeguarding culture where child protection is proactive, embedded and rigorously monitored.

We fully comply with the requirements of:

• EYFS Statutory Framework

• Keeping Children Safe in Education

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Children Act and Children Act

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (Prevent Duty)

Our safeguarding practice is inspected and regulated by Ofsted and underpins our leadership, curriculum and daily practice.

Safeguarding Leadership and Accountability

We have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL who:

• Hold advanced safeguarding training, updated every two years

• Provide Monthly updates to all staff

• Oversee safeguarding records and referrals

• Liaise with children’s social care and external agencies

• Ensure statutory reporting requirements are met

Safeguarding is a standing agenda item in leadership meetings and is subject to regular monitoring, audit and review.

Safer Recruitment and Staff Suitability

We follow strict safer recruitment procedures in line with statutory guidance:

• Enhanced DBS checks for all staff

• Barred list checks where applicable

• Identity, qualification and reference verification

• Ongoing suitability monitoring

• Disqualification by association checks

No adult works unsupervised with children unless all statutory checks are complete.

Staff Training and Vigilance

All staff:

• Receive safeguarding induction before working with children

• Complete annual safeguarding training

• Are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, radicalisation and contextual safeguarding risks

• Understand whistleblowing procedures

We operate a culture of professional curiosity and immediate reporting of concerns. Concerns are recorded promptly and escalated without delay in line with local safeguarding partnership procedures.

Child Protection Procedures

Where concerns arise, we:

• Follow the graduated safeguarding response

• Make timely referrals to children’s social care

• Maintain secure and confidential records

• Work in partnership with multi-agency professionals

• Prioritise the child’s voice and lived experience

The welfare of the child is always paramount.

Prevent Duty

In accordance with the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, we actively promote British Values and protect children from the risk of radicalisation. Staff are trained to recognise and respond to indicators of extremism and understand referral pathways where necessary.

Online Safety

We ensure:

• Secure filtering and monitoring systems

• Supervised use of digital devices

• Clear acceptable use policies

• Education for children about safe technology use (age appropriate)

Whistleblowing

We maintain a transparent culture where staff are confident to report concerns about colleagues or practice. Concerns are addressed in line with our whistleblowing policy and statutory guidance.

Operation Encompass

We are proud to be part of Operation Encompass.

Operation Encompass is a national safeguarding initiative that ensures early years settings are notified, prior to the start of the next working day, when a child has been exposed to a domestic abuse incident.

This information is shared confidentially with our Designated Safeguarding Lead to enable us to:

• Provide immediate emotional support

• Monitor wellbeing

• Offer additional nurture and understanding

• Work sensitively with families

Participation in Operation Encompass strengthens our commitment to early intervention and ensures children receive the right support at the right time.

Dream Childcare's Key Adult is: Hanna Whitfield.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the nursery and ask to speak directly to our Designated Safeguarding Lead.