Safeguarding

At Meldreth Preschool, we are fully committed to the welfare and protection of all children in our care.

We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and strive to create a safe, secure, and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

We safeguard children by:

• Identifying emerging concerns early
• Intervening promptly when needed
• Working in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies
• Following local safeguarding procedures in every area in which we operate

It is our duty as a childcare provider to ensure that any concerns regarding a child's safety or well-being are taken seriously and appropriately investigated.

Working with Parents

We believe that safeguarding is most effective when we work together with families. Parents and carers are encouraged to communicate openly with staff about any concerns or changes that may affect their child’s well-being.

Staff Vetting and Training

All staff employed at Meldreth Preschoolare:

• Fully vetted and interviewed
• Hold a current enhanced DBS check
• Trained in safeguarding procedures and understand how to respond appropriately to concerns

Security

We have taken a number of steps to ensure your child’s safety whilst at Preschool.

We have a locked door entry system at the main door.

All outdoor areas are securely fenced and gateways fitted with secure locks.

Prior to your child joining Preschool you will be requested to complete a ‘Collection of Child Authorisation Form’. This records details of persons other than parents/guardians whom you have authorised to collect your child from Preschool.

We also ask that as a parent you do not let any other person into the Preschool that you are not familiar with, even if you believe it to be another parent. This may appear rude but we feel that it is a necessary step to protect your child.

Inclusion

We aim to provide equal opportunities in a positive manner to ensure that all staff value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages of the children in their care and their families/guardians.

Each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping and is encouraged to develop positive attitudes to differences of race, culture, language and gender. The same applies to children with Early Support needs.

The equipment, activities and day to day management of the preschool are organised in such a way to reflect this policy.

We will seek to employ the most suitable candidate for any post.

Our commitment to inclusive practice forms part of the job description for all workers.

Any discriminatory remarks or behaviour within the preschool is unacceptable and will be challenged.

Behaviour

We set high expectations through encouraging and praising appropriate behaviour. We believe children benefit most where adults adopt a consistent and positive approach to the management of their behaviour.

We ensure that all staff within a setting are clear of what is expected of each individual child in their care to ensure a consistency of approach. They are trained to set up positive environments, to be aware of causes of unwanted behaviour and to manage such situations when they occur.

We aim to establish clear boundaries according to the child’s level of understanding, encourage children to be aware of them of the settings, routines and procedures and ensure they know what is expected of them.

We aim to provide all children a secure, consistent and calm environment.

We share our behaviour policy with staff, parents and with the children in our care to ensure that all are aware what is expected from them.

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