All Rainbow's Policies and procedures are available to look at on the parent/carer notice board.

Attendance Policy

At Rainbow, we aim to assist every child to build their confidence, develop self-reliance, learn to make decisions and develop the ability to articulate their feelings and ideas. We believe therefore that it is important for each child in our care to attend regularly and punctually. Good attendance sets good boundaries for the future.

A register is taken each day recording who is present and absent. At the end of each term, the total number of sessions attended by the child for that term will be recorded on the attendance sheet in the front of their Learning Journey book.

Rainbow understands that sometimes children may be unable to attend due to illness, appointments, family events or holidays. All we ask is that parents contact us before the start of the session so the absence can be recorded as authorised. Absences can be notified by telephone, text, email or by personal visit.

In the case of illness please notify us on the first day of absence and then please update us regularly throughout the period of absence.

Please note that if a child has not arrived by 10.00am in the morning or 1.30pm in the afternoon and we have not had prior notice of their absence then we will telephone to find out why they are not attending their session.

We wish to advise you that if Essex County Council funds your child’s place they have the right to audit attendance.

Safe Guarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them.’

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (Department for Education, 2017)

2. Purpose

This policy is for all Rainbow Pre-school leaders / Management Committees, staff, parents / carers, volunteers and the wider setting community. It provides a framework for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children who attend our setting.

3. Ethos

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and provide a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment, where all children can enjoy learning and grow in confidence. There are various ways in which we fulfil our safeguarding responsibility, for example through our environment, curriculum, and clear policies and procedures.

We will take all necessary steps to keep our children safe and well, and ensure they are protected from harm. If we have concerns about children's safety or welfare, we will notify agencies with statutory responsibilities without delay. This means Essex Social Care and, in emergencies, the police.

4. Statutory framework

There is government guidance set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG, 2018) on how agencies must work in partnership to keep children safe. This guidance places a shared and equal duty on three Safeguarding Partners (the Local Authority, Police and Health) to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in their area under multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. The statutory partners in Essex are Essex County Council, Essex Police and five of the seven Clinical Commissioning Groups covering the county and the partnership arrangements sit under the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB).

Early years providers have a duty under section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 to comply with the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, under which providers are required to take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of young children.

Everyone working in early years services should know how to recognise and respond to signs of possible abuse or harm (see Appendix C).

This policy should be read in conjunction with other statutory and local guidance:

· Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (DfE, 2017)

· Working together to safeguard children (DfE, 2018)

· SET Procedures (ESCB, 2019)

· What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused (HMG, 2015)

· The Prevent Duty guidance (Home Office, 2015)

· Effective Support for Children and Families in Essex (ESCB, 2017)

· Understanding and Supporting Behaviour - safe practice for schools and educational settings (ESCB, 2020)

· Children Act (HMG, 1989)

· Children Act (HMG, 2004)

The policy also complements our Behaviour Policy, which includes information on positive handling, and our Staff Code of Conduct.

Our setting works to the requirements of the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. As suggested within the Statutory framework, we follow the principles in Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2020), the statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges.

Our setting also works in accordance with statutory and local guidance where there are concerns about radicalisation and extremism and child protection procedures will be followed.

5. Roles and responsibilities

The Management Committee has oversight of our safeguarding arrangements and ensures that they operate effectively, that there are appropriate policies in place, and that staff receive the right training to keep children safe.

Our setting is required to have a designated practitioner to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children. To ensure there is cover when the Lead Practitioner is absent, we also have a Deputy Lead Practitioner. Their names are on the front page of this policy.

Our Lead Practitioner is responsible for liaison with local statutory children's services agencies, including Essex Social Care and other agencies as required. The Lead Practitioner provides support, advice and guidance to staff on an ongoing basis, and on any specific safeguarding issues as required. Our Lead Practitioner and Deputy Lead Practitioner attend a child protection training course to enable them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect.

They also ensure that everyone in our setting (including temporary staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors) is aware of our child protection procedures and that they are followed at all times.

Everyone in our setting has a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which our children can learn. Any child may benefit from early help and all staff members are aware of the Essex Early Help procedures and our role in it. They are aware of signs of abuse and neglect so they are able to identify children who may be in need of help or protection.

All staff members are aware of and follow our procedures (as set out in this policy) and are aware of how to make a request for support to Essex Social Care if there is a need to do so. If staff have any concerns about a child’s welfare, they must act on them immediately and speak with the Lead Practitioner or Deputy Lead Practitioner – they do not assume that others have taken action.

6. Child Protection Procedures

Our setting works with local statutory services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. This includes providing a co-ordinated offer of Early Help when additional needs of children are identified and contributing to inter-agency plans which provide additional support, for example Child In Need or Child Protection plans.

All staff members have a duty to identify and respond to suspected / actual abuse or disclosures of abuse. Any member of staff, volunteer or visitor to the setting who receives a disclosure or allegation of abuse, or suspects that abuse may have occurred, must report it immediately to the Lead Practitioner (or, in their absence, the Deputy Lead Practitioner).

Where there is risk of immediate harm, the setting will telephone the Essex Social Care Children & Families Hub and / or the police. Less urgent concerns or requests for support will be sent to the Children and Families Hub via the Essex Effective Support portal. We may also seek advice from Essex Social Care or another appropriate agency about a child protection concern, if we are unsure how to respond to it.

Wherever possible, we will share any safeguarding concerns, or an intention to make a request for support to Essex Social Care, with parents / carers. However, we will not do so where it is felt that it could place the child at greater risk of harm or impede a criminal investigation. On occasions, it may be necessary to consult with the Children and Families Hub and / or Essex Police for advice on when to share information with parents / carers.

If a member of staff continues to have concerns about a child and feels the situation is not being

addressed or does not appear to be improving, the staff member concerned should press for re-consideration of the case with the Lead Practitioner. The Deputy Lead Practitioner should be consulted if the Lead Practitioner is not available.

If, for any reason, the Lead Practitioner or Deputy Lead Practitioner is not available, this will not delay appropriate action being taken. Safeguarding contact details are displayed in the setting to ensure that all staff members have unfettered access to safeguarding support, should it be required. Any individual may request support from Essex Social Care where it is suspected that a child has been harmed, or where there is a risk of harm to a child.

When new staff, volunteers or visitors join our setting they are informed of the safeguarding arrangements in place, the name of the Lead Practitioner and Deputy Lead Practitioner, and how to share concerns with them.

7. Training

The Lead Practitioner and Deputy Lead Practitioner undertake Level 3 Child Protection training at least every two years. The Manager and all staff members receive appropriate child protection training which is updated regularly and in line with advice from the ESCB. In addition, all staff members receive safeguarding and child protection updates as required, and at least annually, to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively. Records of all child protection training undertaken are kept for all staff.

8. Professional confidentiality

Confidentiality is an issue which needs to be discussed and fully understood by all those working with children, particularly in the context of child protection. A member of staff must never guarantee confidentiality to anyone about a safeguarding concern (including children and parents / carers) or promise to keep a secret. In accordance with statutory requirements, where there is a child protection concern, this must be reported to the Lead Practitioner or Deputy Lead Practitioner and may require further referral to and subsequent investigation by appropriate authorities.

Information on individual child protection cases may be shared by the Lead Practitioner or Deputy Lead Practitioner with other relevant staff members. This will be on a ‘need to know’ basis only and where it is in the child’s best interests to do so.

9. Records and information sharing

Well-kept records are essential to good child protection practice. Our setting is clear about the need to record any concern held about a child or children within our setting and when these records should be shared with other agencies.

Where there are concerns about the safety of a child, the sharing of information in a timely and effective manner between organisations can reduce the risk of harm. Whilst the Data Protection Act 2018 places duties on organisations and individuals to process personal information fairly and lawfully, it is not a barrier to sharing information where the failure to do so would result in a child or vulnerable adult being placed at risk of harm.

Any member of staff receiving a disclosure of abuse or noticing signs or indicators of abuse, will record it as soon as possible, noting what was said or seen (if appropriate, using a body map to record), giving the date, time and location. All records will be dated and signed and will include the action taken. This is presented to the Lead Practitioner or Deputy Lead Practitioner who will decide on appropriate action and record this accordingly.

Any records relating to child protection are kept on an individual child protection file for that child (which is separate to any other child file). All child protection records are stored securely and confidentially until the child transfers to another educational setting.

Where a child transfers from our setting to another educational setting, their child protection records will be forwarded to the new educational setting. These will be marked ‘Confidential’ and for the attention of the Lead Practitioner (or in the case of a school, the Designated Safeguarding Lead) at the new educational setting, with a return address on the envelope so it can be returned to us if it goes astray. We will obtain evidence that the paperwork has been received by the new setting, and then destroy any copies held in our setting. Where appropriate, the Lead Practitioner may also contact the new educational setting in advance of the child’s move there, to enable planning so appropriate support is in place when the child arrives.

Where a child joins our setting, we will request child protection records from the previous educational setting (if applicable, and if none are received).

10. Interagency working

It is the responsibility of the Lead Practitioner to ensure that the setting is represented at, and that a report is submitted to, any Child Protection Conference called for children registered with us, or previously known to us. Where possible and appropriate, any report will be shared in advance with parents / carers. The member of staff attending the meeting will be fully briefed on any issues or concerns the setting has and be prepared to contribute to the discussions at the conference.

If a child is subject to a Child Protection or a Child in Need plan, the Lead Practitioner will ensure the child is monitored regarding their attendance, emotional wellbeing, developmental progress, welfare and presentation. If the setting is part of the Core Group (interagency forum for achieving the outcomes of a Child Protection plan), the Lead Practitioner will ensure the setting is represented, provides appropriate information and contributes to the plan at these meetings. Any concerns about the Child Protection plan and / or the child’s welfare will be discussed and recorded at the Core Group meeting, unless to do so would place the child at further risk of significant harm. In this case the Lead Practitioner will inform the child’s key worker immediately and then record that they have done so, and the actions agreed.

11.​ Allegations about members of the workforce

All staff members are made aware of the boundaries of appropriate behaviour and conduct. These matters form part of staff induction and are outlined in our Staff Code of Conduct. The setting works in accordance with statutory guidance and the SET Procedures (ESCB, 2019) in relation to allegations against an adult working with children (in a paid or voluntary capacity). Section 7 of the current SET Procedures (ESCB, 2019) provides detailed information on this.

We have processes in place for reporting any concerns about a member of staff (or any adult working with children). Any concerns about the conduct of a member of staff will be referred to the Manager (or the Deputy in their absence). This role is distinct from the Lead Practitioner as the named person should have sufficient status and authority in the setting to manage employment procedures. Staffing matters are confidential, and the setting operates within statutory guidance around Data Protection.

Where the concern involves the Manager, it will be reported direct to the Proprietor.

The SET Procedures (ESCB, 2019) require that, where an allegation against a member of staff is received, the Manager (or Proprietor) will inform the duty Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in the Children’s Workforce Allegations Management Team on 03330 139 797 or lado@essex.gov.uk within one working day. However, wherever possible, contact with the LADO will be made immediately, as they will then advise on how to proceed, whether the matter requires police involvement and the referral process – referral forms can be accessed via the Essex Safeguarding Children Board website (see Managing Allegations in the Workforce).

This will include advice on speaking to children and parents / carers and Human Resources. The setting does not carry out any investigation before speaking to the LADO.

In accordance with the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (DfE, 2017), we will also inform Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises (whether the allegations relate to harm or abuse committed on the premises or elsewhere). We will also notify Ofsted of the action taken in respect of the allegations. We will make these notifications as soon as reasonably practicable, but within 14 days of the allegations being made. We are aware that not complying with these requirements without reasonable excuse is committing an offence.

*Ofsted telephone number 0300 123 4666, email CIE@ofsted.gov.uk, or see their website.

12.​ Use of reasonable force

The term ‘reasonable force’ covers a broad range of actions used by staff that involve a degree of physical contact to control or restrain children. There may be circumstances when it is appropriate for staff to use reasonable force to safeguard children, but these are exceptional circumstances and do not form part of our routine approach to managing behaviour. ‘Reasonable’ means using no more force than is needed. Our setting works in accordance with statutory and local guidance on the use of reasonable force and recognises that where intervention is required, it should always be considered in a safeguarding context.

13. Whistleblowing

All members of staff and the wider setting community should be able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and feel confident any concern will be taken seriously by the leadership team. We have ‘whistleblowing’ procedures in place, and these are available in our Whistleblowing Policy. However, for any member of staff who feels unable to raise concerns internally, or where they feel their concerns have not been addressed, they may contact the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline on: 0800 028 0285 (line is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday) or by email at: help@nspcc.org.uk.

Parents / carers or others in the wider setting community with concerns can contact the NSPCC general helpline on: 0808 800 5000 (24-hour helpline) or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.

14. Online Safety

Technology forms part of the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. We help our children to begin to learn how to use technology safely, and to be safe online as we recognise computer skills are key to accessing learning.

We will engage with our parents / carers about online safety to support them in keeping their children safe at home when using technology.

15. Use of mobile phones

We acknowledge that mobile phones are often the only means of contact available and can be helpful in supporting safeguarding arrangements in settings, including when on outings. In our setting, when mobile phones are used, this is underpinned by a risk assessment and within a clear framework, so everyone understands their responsibilities in ensuring phones are used safely.

We will ensure that staff personal mobiles:

• are stored securely in a locked cupboard in the staff room and will be switched off or on silent whilst staff are on duty;

• are not used to take pictures of the children attending the setting;

• will not be used to take photographs, video or audio recordings in our setting;

• are not used to contact parents / carers or children except in the event of an emergency; and

• are not used by visitors.

16. Cameras, photography and images

Most people who take or view photographs or videos of children do so for acceptable reasons. However, due to cases of abuse to children through taking or using images, we must ensure that we have safeguards in place.

To keep our children safe, we will:

• obtain parents’ / carers’ consent for photographs to be taken, used, or published (for example, on our website or displays);

• ensure only the setting’s designated cameras are used when photographing our children;

• ensure that children are appropriately dressed;

• ensure that children’s names are not used;

· ensure that personal devices including cameras, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches or other such technology are not used to take photographs, video or audio recordings in our setting without prior explicit written consent from the setting;

• ensure that all images are stored securely and in accordance with statutory guidance; and

• ensure where professional photographers are used that the appropriate checks such as those with the Disclosure and Barring Service, references and parental consent are obtained prior to photographs being taken.

Special Educational Needs & Disability

The Children and Families Act 2014 requires local authorities to publish, in a single place, information on services and provision across education, transport, health and social care for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The purpose of this ‘Local Offer’ is to enable parents, carers and young people to see more clearly what services are available for children with SEND in their area and how to access them.

The attached document outlines Rainbow's offer and shows how we have, for many years, provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities:

This is the link to the Essex County Council's SEN offer:

www.essexlocaloffer.org.uk

This is the link to the update in respect of Essex County Council's revised SEND reforms to take effect in January 2020

www.essexlocaloffer.org.uk/new-send-teams-2020

E-Safety Policy

An Ofcom report published in January 2016 revealed the following statistics for children between the ages of 3 and 4 :

• 23% use tablets

• 12% use tablets to go online

• 37% reported using games consoles in 2014

• 32% have access to the internet via a PC/Laptop or notebook at home

• 39% have access to a tablet

Here at Rainbow we adhere to the E-Safety policy when using any technology with the children. Whilst at home you may not always be aware of what the children could be viewing via their devices. The following Websites are useful and can provide top tips around managing e-safety at home:

Think U Know: www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Childnet: www.childnet.co.uk

Kidsmart: www.kidsmart.org.uk

British Values Policy

At Rainbow Pre-school, we provide a curriculum which actively promotes the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy

• Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual respect and tolerance

Promoting British Values as defined by the Department for Education, is already embedded in our day to day work with the children. We also teach the children about the world in which they live and develop their understanding of life in modern Britain.

Democracy: Making decisions together

We actively encourage children to know their views count, listen to each other’s views and talk about their feelings, e.g. when they do or do not need help.

Staff provide activities that involve turn taking, sharing and working together and children are given opportunities to develop enquiring minds and know that questions are valued. This helps to develop their confidence and self-awareness (Personal, Social and Emotional Development)

Rule of Law: Understanding rules matter

Staff help children to understand their own and others behaviour, its consequences and learn the difference between right and wrong. Staff help children to follow rules for behaviour in our setting e.g. kind hands and feet, kind words, walking indoors, indoor voices, we all tidy up together, we are all friends at Rainbow. (Personal, Social and Emotional Development)

Individual Liberty: Freedom for all

We help the children to develop a positive sense of themselves through providing opportunities which develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence e.g. encouraging them to put on their own coats, shoes etc., talk about their experiences at circle time, show and tell.

(Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Understanding the World)

Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Treat others as you want to be treated.

We encourage the children to be part of the local community: visits to the library, primary schools, local churches, visit homes for the elderly to deliver harvest gifts and to sing at Christmas time.

We plan to celebrate festivals and mark special days from the world around us e.g. Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid.

We teach children about the world around them and use the seasons, weather, and special days to plan meaningful learning experiences.

Staff actively encourage and explain the importance of sharing and respecting each other’s opinions.

(Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Understanding the World)

Privacy Notice

Rainbow Pre-school (Stansted)
The Peter Kirk Centre
St Johns Road
Stansted
Essex
CM24 8JP

Introduction

We are committed to ensuring that any personal data we hold about you and your child is protected in accordance with data protection laws and is used in line with your expectations.

This privacy notice explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use it and how we protect it.

What personal data do we collect?

We collect personal data about you and your child to provide care and learning that is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs. We also collect information in order to verify your eligibility for free childcare as applicable.

Personal details that we collect about your child include:

• Your child’s name, date of birth, address, health and medical needs, development needs, and any special educational needs

Where applicable we will obtain child protection plans from social care and health care plans from health professionals. We will also ask for information about who has parental responsibility for your child and any court orders pertaining to your child.

Personal details that we collect about you include:

• Your name, home and work address, phone numbers, emergency contact details, and family details

This information will be collected from you directly in the registration form.

If you apply for up to 30 hours free childcare, we will also collect:

• Your national insurance number or unique taxpayer reference (UTR), if you’re self-employed. We may also collect information regarding benefits and family credits that you are in receipt of.

Why we collect this information and the legal basis for handling your data

We use personal data about you and your child in order to provide childcare services and fulfil the contractual arrangement you have entered into. This includes using your data to:

• Contact you in case of an emergency

• To support your child’s wellbeing and development

• To manage any special educational, health or medical needs of your child whilst at our setting

• To carry out regular assessment of your child’s progress and to identify any areas of concern

• To maintain contact with you about your child’s progress and respond to any questions you may have

• To process your claim for up to 30 hours free childcare (only where applicable)

• To keep you updated with information about our service

With your consent, we will also record your child’s activities for their individual learning record. This may include photographs and videos. You will have the opportunity to withdraw your consent at any time, for images taken by confirming so in writing.

We have a legal obligation to process safeguarding related data about your child should we have concerns about their welfare. We also have a legal obligation to transfer records and certain information about your child to the school that your child will be attending.

Who we share your data with

In order for us to deliver childcare services we will also share your data as required with the following categories of recipients:

• Ofsted – during an inspection or following a complaint about our service

• The Local Authority (where you claim up to 30 hours free childcare as applicable)

• The government’s eligibility checker (as above)

• The school that your child will be attending

We will also share your data if:

• We are legally required to do so, for example, by law, by a court or the Charity Commission;

• To enforce or apply the terms and conditions of your contract with us;

• To protect your child and other children; for example by sharing information with social care or the police;

• It is necessary to protect our/or others rights, property or safety

• We transfer the management of the setting, in which case we may disclose your personal data to the prospective buyer so they may continue the service in the same way.

We will never share your data with any other organisation to use for their own purposes

How do we protect your data?

We protect unauthorised access to your personal data and prevent it from being lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed by:

• Keeping all the children’s personal files in a fireproof locked cabinet.

• Learning Journeys are kept in the office when your child is not attending the setting – the office is locked when there is no-one in attendance.

• All safeguarding files are kept in a fireproof locked cabinet.

• All medication and accident records are kept in locked cabinets.

How long do we retain your data?

We retain your child’s personal data for up to 3 years after your child no longer uses our setting, or until our next Ofsted inspection after your child leaves our setting. Medication records and accident records are kept for longer according to legal requirements. Your child’s learning and development records are maintained by us and handed to you when your child leaves.

In some instances (child protection, or other support service referrals) we are obliged to keep your data for longer if it is necessary to comply with legal requirements.

Your rights with respect to your data

You have the right to:

• Request access, amend or correct your/your child’s personal data

• Request that we delete or stop processing your/your child’s personal data, for example where the data is no longer necessary for the purposes of processing; and

• Request that we transfer your, and your child’s personal data to another person

If you wish to exercise any of these rights at any time or if you have any questions, comments or concerns about this privacy notice, or how we handle your data please contact us. If you have or continue to have concerns about the way your data is handled and remain dissatisfied after raising your concern with us, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner Office (ICO). The ICO can be contacted at Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or ico.org.uk/

Changes to this notice

We keep this notice under regular review. You will be notified of any changes where appropriate.