Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our priority is to ensure that every child in our care is safe, protected, and able to thrive in a secure and nurturing environment. Below is the essential safeguarding information that families should know about our nursery.

We are fully committed to:

• Providing a safe, welcoming environment where children’s wellbeing is always the top priority.
• Following statutory safeguarding guidance, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and local safeguarding partnership procedures.
• Ensuring all staff act promptly and responsibly if they have concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

The nursery has trained safeguarding leads responsible for overseeing all aspects of child protection.

Our DSL team is responsible for:

• Responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Liaising with Hackney’s safeguarding partners and external agencies.
• Supporting staff and coordinating training.
• Ensuring robust safeguarding practice across the setting.

Majlinda Duraku– Day Care Designated Safeguarding Lead

Pete Brodie-Harrington Hill Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead

Safer Recruitment

We follow safer recruitment processes to ensure all adults working with children are suitable, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks.
• Verification of identity, references, and work history.
• Ongoing supervision and regular suitability checks.
• Mandatory safeguarding and child protection training for all staff.

We have clear safeguarding policies that guide our daily practice, including:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Safer Recruitment Policy
• Positive Behaviour Policy
• Mobile Phone and Electronic Devices Policy
• Whistleblowing and Allegations Procedures
• Health & Safety and Risk Assessment procedures

These policies are reviewed regularly and are available for parents and carers on request or via our website.

Creating a Safe Environment

To keep children safe, we ensure:

• Secure indoor and outdoor areas with controlled access.
• Regular safety checks and risk assessments.
• Safe ratios of staff to children.
• Close supervision at all times.
• Clear procedures for collection, attendance, and visitors.

Online Safety

Although we use limited technology with children, we promote safe digital practices for:

• Staff conduct (including device use, photos, and online communication).
• Parent communication and data protection.
• Role‑modelling healthy, safe technology use.

If You Have a Concern

Parents and carers are encouraged to speak to a member of staff or the DSL if they have any worries about a child’s safety or wellbeing.
We will always listen, act promptly, and follow the appropriate procedures.

Inclusion

At our day care nursery, we are committed to providing an environment where every child and family feels welcomed, valued, and included. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and believe that an inclusive early years setting enriches the experiences, learning, and wellbeing of everyone in our community.

We recognise that every child is unique. We celebrate individual strengths, support different needs, and ensure that every child has access to high‑quality early education, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. Our staff work closely with families and external professionals to ensure that all children can fully participate in nursery life and make progress at their own pace.

We actively promote a culture of respect, kindness, and equality. Through our curriculum, environment, resources, and everyday interactions, we encourage children to appreciate differences, build positive relationships, and develop a strong sense of belonging.

We are committed to:

• Providing equal access to learning opportunities for all children.
• Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities through personalised strategies and close partnership with families.
• Removing barriers to participation and adapting our environment to meet individual needs.
• Representing diversity in our curriculum; in our books, resources, displays, and experiences.
• Working in partnership with families to understand and respect cultural, linguistic, and individual backgrounds.
• Challenging discrimination and bias, ensuring our nursery remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Our aim is to create an inclusive, nurturing community where every child can thrive, feel confident, and develop a positive sense of themselves and others.