Everyone has a responsibility to adhere to all aspects of our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to foster an open culture in which ongoing vigilance is paramount. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, children and staff at the setting.

A safe and secure environment gives a child the best chance to develop and maximise their chances of having a happy, healthy and successful life. At Huggie Bears Family Childcare, we strongly support policy and procedures that protect the health and happiness of children and invest in their futures to ensure their wellbeing. To promote a safe environment for children, all adults are vetted, including criminal record checks, in accordance with current legislation.

In accordance with our responsibilities under the Early Years Foundation Stage, we have a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for safeguarding and child protection at Huggie Bears Family Childcare and has received appropriate training for this role which is up-dated regularly.

There may be occasions that our concern about a child may indicate that we must consult other agencies. If we are worried about the safety or welfare of a child in attendance, we have a legal duty and responsibility to act on our concerns. We will, if necessary, discuss our concerns with parents and carers in the first instance. Understandably there may be exceptions to this when concerns are raised for the protection of a child. Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children will always take priority.