Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding children and Child protection Policy

Policy status: Statutory safeguarding policy
Applies to: All children attending Rabbit Patch Day Nursery
Policy lead: Chevelle White, Nursery Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Deputy DSL: Lara Fish and Billie Stoodley
Date adopted: September 2026
Next review: September 2027
Reviewed sooner if: Legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding arrangements or nursery procedures change

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Rabbit Patch Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child in our care.

We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Every member of staff, student, apprentice, volunteer, visitor and person working on behalf of Rabbit Patch has a responsibility to contribute to a culture in which children are safe, listened to, respected and protected from harm.

We recognise that safeguarding is not simply responding when something goes wrong. It includes:

preventing harm;
identifying concerns at the earliest opportunity;
supporting children and families when difficulties first emerge;
listening carefully to children;
understanding children’s individual circumstances;
recognising vulnerability;
sharing information appropriately;
challenging poor or unsafe practice;
maintaining professional curiosity;
working with parents and other professionals;
taking immediate action when a child may be at risk.

We will always place the child’s welfare and best interests at the centre of our decision-making.

We recognise that children may experience harm:

at home;
within their family or wider community;
within the nursery;
through relationships with other children;
online;
through exploitation;
through neglect;
through abuse by adults or other children;
or through a combination of different risks.

We will therefore remain alert to both known and emerging safeguarding concerns.

OUR SAFEGUARDING CULTURE

At Rabbit Patch, safeguarding is embedded into our everyday practice.

We expect all staff to:

know the children in their care well;
know what is normal for each individual child;
notice changes in behaviour, presentation or communication;
listen to children;
take children seriously;
recognise that children communicate in many different ways;
understand that behaviour may communicate an unmet need or safeguarding concern;
maintain professional curiosity;
challenge assumptions;
record concerns factually;
report concerns immediately;
never assume someone else has dealt with a concern;
seek advice when unsure;
share information when necessary to protect a child;
maintain professional boundaries;
challenge unsafe or inappropriate practice.

We promote an open culture in which staff feel able to speak up without fear of criticism.

A safeguarding concern does not need to be certain before it is reported.

If you are worried, report it.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS, VOICE AND PARTICIPATION

Rabbit Patch recognises that children have the right to be safe and protected from harm.

We listen to children and consider their views, wishes and feelings in ways appropriate to their age, stage of development and communication needs.

We recognise that young children may communicate concerns through:

words;
sounds;
gestures;
facial expressions;
play;
drawings;
changes in behaviour;
withdrawal;
physical behaviour;
changes in eating or sleeping;
changes in attachment or relationships;
or other forms of communication.

Children with SEND, communication difficulties or developmental differences may communicate safeguarding concerns differently from their peers.

Staff must therefore never assume that a child who is non-verbal, minimally verbal or has limited communication cannot communicate a safeguarding concern.

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

The Designated Safeguarding Lead has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection at Rabbit Patch.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Chevelle White – Nursery Manager

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Lara Fish – Deputy Manager

Billie Stoodley – Third in charge

The DSL is responsible for:

implementing this policy;
ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed;
maintaining appropriate safeguarding records;
responding to safeguarding concerns;
making referrals to children’s social care, police or other agencies where required;
liaising with the West Sussex safeguarding arrangements;
liaising with the LADO regarding allegations against adults;
supporting staff;
ensuring safeguarding training is completed;
keeping knowledge of safeguarding requirements up to date;
monitoring safeguarding patterns and themes;
ensuring appropriate information is shared;
supporting early identification of need;
ensuring staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities;
reviewing safeguarding incidents and concerns;
ensuring learning from incidents informs practice;
ensuring safeguarding policies remain current.

The DSL does not investigate allegations of abuse. Investigations are undertaken by the appropriate statutory agencies.

SAFEGUARDING COVER

There will be a designated safeguarding person available during nursery opening hours.

Where the DSL is unavailable, the Deputy DSL will take responsibility for safeguarding matters.

If neither is available, the person in charge of the nursery will take immediate safeguarding action and contact the appropriate safeguarding agency where necessary.

Staff must not delay reporting a concern because the DSL is unavailable.

If necessary, staff must contact children’s social care or the police directly.

ALL STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE

All practitioners, students, apprentices and volunteers have a responsibility to safeguard children.

Staff must:

Recognise concerns.
Respond appropriately.
Report concerns immediately.
Record concerns accurately.
Escalate if necessary.

Staff are not expected to investigate.

They should not:

conduct their own investigation;
ask leading questions;
confront an alleged perpetrator;
promise secrecy;
attempt to establish whether an allegation is true;
delay reporting while gathering more information.

WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD DISCLOSES SOMETHING

If a child makes a disclosure:

Stay calm.
Listen carefully.
Allow the child to speak at their own pace.
Take them seriously.
Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
Explain that you may need to tell someone who can help keep them safe.
Use the child’s own words when recording.
Report the concern immediately to the DSL.

DO NOT

Promise to keep the information secret.
Ask leading questions.
Interrogate the child.
Suggest answers.
Express shock or disbelief.
Tell the child that everything will be fine.
Confront the person alleged to have caused harm.
Discuss the disclosure with colleagues who do not need to know.

Only ask questions necessary to clarify what the child has said.

RECORDING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Safeguarding records must be:

factual;
objective;
accurate;
dated;
timed;
signed;
securely stored.

Records should include, where relevant:

child’s name;
date of birth;
date and time;
what was observed;
the child’s exact words;
relevant non-verbal communication;
injuries or marks observed;
the names of people present;
information provided by parents or other professionals;
action taken;
who the concern was reported to;
date and time of reporting;
advice received;
referrals made;
decisions and rationale.

Staff must distinguish between what they saw/heard and their interpretation of what it might mean.

The DSL will maintain secure safeguarding records and ensure appropriate chronologies are maintained.

ESCALATION

Rabbit Patch operates on the principle:

Never assume someone else has acted.

If a member of staff believes that a concern has not been taken seriously or appropriate action has not been taken, they must escalate it.

Staff can:

speak again to the DSL;
speak to the Deputy DSL;
contact children’s social care directly;
contact the police;
contact the LADO where appropriate;
use the whistleblowing procedure;
contact Ofsted where appropriate.

Staff will never be criticised for escalating a genuine safeguarding concern.

EARLY HELP

Safeguarding is not only about child protection.

Rabbit Patch will identify children and families who may benefit from support at an early stage.

Concerns may include:

changes in family circumstances;
parental mental health difficulties;
domestic abuse;
financial hardship;
housing difficulties;
parental substance misuse;
attendance concerns;
emotional or behavioural difficulties;
developmental concerns;
SEND;
family breakdown;
social isolation;
parental conflict;
bereavement;
other circumstances affecting a child’s wellbeing.

Where appropriate, we will work with parents and relevant professionals to access early help.

Where concerns escalate or indicate that a child may be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm, children’s social care will be contacted.

INFORMATION SHARING

Rabbit Patch recognises that effective information sharing is essential to safeguarding children.

We will share relevant information where this is necessary to:

identify a safeguarding concern;
assess risk;
protect a child;
provide early help;
support a child and family;
respond to abuse or neglect;
support multi-agency safeguarding work.

Information will be shared proportionately and with the appropriate people.

Confidentiality must never be used as a reason to withhold information necessary to protect a child.

Staff should seek advice from the DSL if unsure whether information should be shared.

Where necessary, information may be shared without parental consent where this is permitted or required to safeguard a child.

Rabbit Patch will follow the current statutory information-sharing arrangements and guidance in force at the time.

WORKING WITH PARENTS

We recognise parents and carers as important partners in safeguarding children.

Where appropriate, parents will be informed of safeguarding concerns and referrals.

However, parents will not be informed where doing so could:

place the child at greater risk;
compromise a police investigation;
compromise a children’s social care investigation;
place another person at risk;
interfere with appropriate safeguarding action.

The nursery will follow the advice of children’s social care, police or other relevant safeguarding professionals.

Our priority will always be the safety and welfare of the child.

ATTENDANCE AS A SAFEGUARDING MATTER

Rabbit Patch recognises that attendance can be an important safeguarding indicator.

We monitor:

unexplained absences;
patterns of absence;
changes in attendance;
repeated lateness;
unexplained changes to usual attendance;
prolonged absence;
absence of children known to children’s social care;
absence of children with identified safeguarding vulnerabilities.

Parents are expected to inform the nursery of absences.

Where a child does not attend as expected and no explanation has been provided, the nursery will follow up the absence as soon as reasonably possible and in accordance with the child’s individual circumstances and known vulnerabilities.

For children subject to a child protection plan, referral or other safeguarding process, absence will be dealt with in accordance with the advice of children’s social care and the child’s individual safeguarding arrangements.

We will not rely solely on a fixed time period where the circumstances indicate that earlier action is necessary.

TYPES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Staff must understand the main categories of abuse:

physical abuse;
emotional abuse;
sexual abuse;
neglect.

Staff must also understand that children may experience multiple forms of harm simultaneously.

Potential indicators include:

unexplained injuries;
repeated injuries;
significant changes in behaviour;
withdrawal;
fearfulness;
changes in eating or sleeping;
developmental regression;
changes in communication;
unexplained gifts or possessions;
inappropriate sexualised behaviour;
poor hygiene or presentation;
persistent hunger;
unmet medical needs;
unexplained absence;
changes in relationships;
unusual fear of particular people;
concerning comments or disclosures.

A single sign does not necessarily mean abuse is occurring.

Staff must consider the whole picture and maintain professional curiosity.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse may include:

hitting;
shaking;
throwing;
kicking;
biting;
burning or scalding;
poisoning;
drowning;
suffocation;
inappropriate physical punishment;
or any other act causing physical harm.

Concerns must be reported immediately.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse may include:

persistent criticism;
humiliation;
rejection;
frightening a child;
making a child feel worthless or unloved;
inappropriate expectations;
preventing normal social interaction;
serious bullying;
controlling behaviour;
exposure to domestic abuse.

Children who witness domestic abuse are recognised as victims of domestic abuse and may suffer significant emotional and psychological harm.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse may involve:

sexual touching;
sexual assault;
exposing children to sexual activity;
sexual images;
grooming;
sexualised communication;
encouraging sexual behaviour;
online sexual abuse;
exploitation;
or other sexual activity involving a child.

Sexual abuse may be perpetrated by adults or other children.

Staff must report any concern immediately.

NEGLECT

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

This may include failure to provide:

adequate food;
clothing;
shelter;
appropriate supervision;
medical care;
emotional care;
protection from danger;
support for identified health or developmental needs.

Rabbit Patch will consider patterns over time rather than dismissing individual concerns.

CHILD-ON-CHILD ABUSE

Children can harm other children.

Child-on-child abuse may include:

bullying;
physical violence;
emotional abuse;
sexual behaviour;
harmful sexual behaviour;
intimidation;
coercion;
online abuse;
discriminatory abuse.

We recognise that children displaying harmful behaviour may themselves be experiencing abuse, neglect or other vulnerabilities.

Concerns must be reported to the DSL.

Rabbit Patch will consider the needs and safety of all children involved.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN WITH SEND

Rabbit Patch recognises that children with SEND can face additional safeguarding vulnerabilities.

Children may:

have difficulty communicating concerns;
communicate differently;
be more dependent on adults;
be less able to recognise unsafe behaviour;
be more isolated;
be more vulnerable to manipulation;
have behaviour misunderstood as a developmental or SEND-related presentation;
struggle to report abuse.

Staff must never assume that a child’s disability, communication style or behaviour explains away a safeguarding concern.

The nursery will make reasonable adjustments to enable children to communicate and participate in safeguarding processes.

This may include:

visual communication;
objects of reference;
communication aids;
familiar adults;
simplified language;
additional time;
alternative methods of communication.

DOMESTIC ABUSE

Domestic abuse can include:

physical abuse;
sexual abuse;
emotional or psychological abuse;
coercive or controlling behaviour;
economic abuse;
threats or intimidation.

Children can be harmed by seeing, hearing or experiencing the effects of domestic abuse.

Where domestic abuse is identified, the DSL will consider the impact on the child and whether safeguarding action is required.

Information will be shared where necessary to safeguard the child, regardless of whether an adult has given consent, where lawful and appropriate.

CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION

Children may be exploited through:

grooming;
manipulation;
coercion;
violence;
threats;
gifts or money;
relationships;
online contact;
criminal activity.

Although Rabbit Patch primarily cares for younger children, staff must remain aware that safeguarding risks can affect children of all ages and may involve family members, older siblings or other adults.

Any concern must be reported.

COUNTY LINES

County lines involves criminal networks exploiting children or vulnerable people to facilitate drug supply and other criminal activity.

Potential indicators include:

unexplained gifts or money;
changes in behaviour;
new or concerning relationships;
unexplained absences;
unexplained injuries;
increased secrecy;
contact with unknown adults;
changes in emotional wellbeing.

Concerns must be reported to the DSL.

CHILD TRAFFICKING AND MODERN SLAVERY

Children may be trafficked for:

sexual exploitation;
forced labour;
domestic servitude;
criminal exploitation;
financial exploitation;
other forms of exploitation.

Any concern must be reported immediately.

FGM

Female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK and is a form of child abuse.

Any concern that a child may be at risk of FGM must be reported immediately.

Where an act of FGM appears to have been carried out on a girl under 18, the relevant mandatory reporting requirements will be followed.

HONOUR-BASED ABUSE AND FORCED MARRIAGE

Honour-based abuse can include:

violence;
threats;
coercion;
forced marriage;
FGM;
breast flattening;
restrictions on movement or relationships.

Staff must not attempt to mediate or investigate these concerns themselves.

Immediate safeguarding advice must be sought.

Where necessary, information will be shared without consent to protect the child.

CHILD ABUSE LINKED TO FAITH OR BELIEF

Rabbit Patch recognises that safeguarding concerns can arise where a child is accused of:

witchcraft;
spirit possession;
being possessed by demons;
bringing bad luck;
causing illness or misfortune;
or other harmful beliefs.

We respect families’ beliefs while recognising that no belief or cultural practice justifies abuse.

Concerns must be reported immediately.

BREAST IRONING / BREAST FLATTENING

Breast ironing or breast flattening is a harmful practice involving pressure, massage, pounding or heat applied to a girl’s breasts.

It can cause physical and psychological harm.

Any concern must be reported.

EXTREMISM AND RADICALISATION – PREVENT

Rabbit Patch recognises its responsibility under the Prevent Duty.

Children may be exposed to extremist or harmful views through:

adults;
family members;
older siblings;
community influences;
online content.

Staff must report concerns about radicalisation or extremist influence to the DSL.

The DSL will seek appropriate advice and make referrals where necessary.

ONLINE SAFETY

Technology is an increasingly important safeguarding issue.

Online risks may include:

inappropriate content;
harmful contact;
grooming;
exploitation;
bullying;
sexual content;
extremist content;
scams;
inappropriate use of images.

Rabbit Patch will maintain appropriate controls around:

nursery devices;
personal devices;
cameras;
photographs;
social media;
internet use;
electronic communication.

The nursery’s Online Safety Policy and Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy must be followed.

PHOTOGRAPHS, CAMERAS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Rabbit Patch recognises the safeguarding risks associated with devices capable of taking, storing or sharing images.

Staff must comply with the nursery’s Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy.

Personal mobile phones must not be used to photograph children.

Nursery photographs must only be taken using authorised nursery equipment and in accordance with parental permissions and nursery procedures.

Images must be stored and shared securely.

SAFER SLEEP

Rabbit Patch follows its separate Safer Sleep Policy.

Staff must follow current EYFS safer sleep requirements and the nursery’s individual procedures.

Staff must be aware of:

appropriate sleep positions;
safe sleep environments;
appropriate bedding;
supervision;
individual medical or developmental needs;
recording and monitoring sleep.

Any deviation from normal sleep arrangements must be considered carefully and documented where appropriate.

SAFER EATING AND WEANING

Rabbit Patch recognises that eating, drinking and weaning arrangements are safeguarding and welfare matters.

Staff must follow the nursery’s procedures for:

choking prevention;
allergies;
dietary requirements;
food preparation;
supervision;
individual feeding plans;
medical needs;
safe eating environments.

Any concern about a child’s ability to eat safely must be reported and managed appropriately.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Staff must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Staff must not:

form inappropriate relationships with children;
communicate privately with children outside authorised channels;
use inappropriate language;
engage in inappropriate physical contact;
share personal information unnecessarily;
use social media to communicate privately with children or families inappropriately;
babysit without following the nursery’s Babysitting Policy and waiver arrangements;
use their position to obtain personal benefit from families.

Staff must follow the Staff Code of Conduct.

LOW-LEVEL CONCERNS

A low-level concern is any concern, however small, that an adult working with children may have behaved in a way that is inconsistent with the Staff Code of Conduct or professional expectations.

A low-level concern may include a “nagging doubt” or sense of unease.

It does not mean that the adult has necessarily caused harm.

All low-level concerns must be reported.

Staff are encouraged to self-report where:

they believe their behaviour may have been inappropriate;
they find themselves in a situation that could be misinterpreted;
they believe they have fallen below expected professional standards.

The DSL will:

record the concern;
consider the circumstances;
consider previous concerns;
decide whether the concern remains low-level;
consider whether the harm threshold may have been met;
consult the LADO where appropriate;
take appropriate management action.

Records of low-level concerns will be stored securely and confidentially.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF, STUDENTS OR VOLUNTEERS

An allegation may concern an adult who has:

behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child;
possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm;
behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.

The LADO must be contacted where an allegation meets the relevant threshold.

Rabbit Patch will follow West Sussex procedures and the advice of the LADO.

The nursery will not conduct its own investigation where doing so could interfere with statutory enquiries.

Ofsted will be informed where required.

The DBS will be informed where the relevant legal conditions are met.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE DSL OR MANAGER

If an allegation concerns the DSL, it must be reported to the appropriate senior person who is not implicated in the allegation.

If an allegation concerns the Nursery Manager, the matter must be referred directly to the LADO.

No individual involved in the allegation will manage the safeguarding response to that allegation.

WHISTLEBLOWING

Rabbit Patch operates an open culture where staff are expected to challenge unsafe practice.

Staff must report concerns about:

unsafe practice;
poor safeguarding;
failure to act;
inappropriate staff behaviour;
unsafe working practices;
failures in leadership;
breaches of safeguarding procedures.

If staff cannot report a concern internally, or believe their concern has not been appropriately addressed, they may report directly to the relevant external authority.

Staff will not be victimised for raising genuine safeguarding concerns.

RECRUITMENT AND SUITABILITY

Rabbit Patch operates safer recruitment procedures to prevent unsuitable people from working with children.

Recruitment procedures include appropriate:

identity checks;
references;
qualification checks;
employment history;
DBS checks;
suitability checks;
right-to-work checks;
other checks required by current legislation and EYFS requirements.

No person will work with children unless the required suitability arrangements have been completed or appropriate safeguards are in place.

INDUCTION AND SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

All new staff receive safeguarding information and training as part of induction.

Staff will be made aware of:

this policy;
reporting procedures;
DSL arrangements;
safeguarding responsibilities;
professional boundaries;
whistleblowing;
low-level concerns;
allegations procedures;
online safety;
Prevent;
signs and indicators of abuse;
SEND safeguarding;
information sharing.

Safeguarding knowledge will be refreshed regularly, including an annual safeguarding update.

Training will reflect the requirements of the EYFS and the individual responsibilities of staff.

DSLs will complete the required safeguarding training and maintain their knowledge through regular updates.

Training records will be maintained.

STUDENTS, APPRENTICES AND VOLUNTEERS

Students, apprentices and volunteers must understand that safeguarding is part of their responsibility.

They will receive safeguarding information appropriate to their role.

Those under 18 will also be safeguarded as children in their own right.

Rabbit Patch will ensure appropriate risk assessments and support are in place for young workers and apprentices.

Students and volunteers must report concerns to the DSL and must not attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves.

CHILDREN WHO MAY BE MORE VULNERABLE

Rabbit Patch recognises that some children may face increased safeguarding vulnerability, including:

children with SEND;
children experiencing domestic abuse;
children known to children’s social care;
children subject to child protection plans;
children experiencing neglect;
looked-after children;
children experiencing family instability;
children affected by parental substance misuse;
children affected by parental mental health difficulties;
children experiencing poverty or housing insecurity;
children who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences;
children with communication difficulties;
children who may be isolated.

Staff must consider the child’s individual circumstances rather than relying solely on generic indicators.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND SAFEGUARDING

Rabbit Patch is committed to an inclusive, anti-discriminatory safeguarding culture.

Safeguarding concerns may be affected by:

racism;
disability discrimination;
sexism;
homophobia;
transphobia;
religious discrimination;
cultural prejudice;
other forms of discrimination.

Staff must challenge discriminatory behaviour appropriately and report safeguarding concerns.

We will not allow assumptions, stereotypes or cultural generalisations to prevent appropriate safeguarding action.

PROFESSIONAL CURIOSITY

Professional curiosity means being willing to ask:

What is happening for this child?
Has this happened before?
Does the explanation make sense?
Is there another explanation?
What has changed?
What does the child’s behaviour tell us?
What does the child communicate?
What do other professionals know?
What happens when we put all the information together?

Staff must not dismiss concerns simply because an explanation has been offered.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Safeguarding information is confidential.

However:

Confidentiality does not override safeguarding.

Information will only be shared with those who need it for the purpose of safeguarding or supporting the child, unless a wider disclosure is legally required.

Staff must not:

discuss safeguarding concerns casually;
share information with other parents;
discuss allegations on social media;
speculate about investigations;
discuss confidential information outside authorised channels.

RECORD RETENTION

Safeguarding records will be retained securely and in accordance with current data protection and safeguarding requirements.

Records relating to allegations against staff, low-level concerns and child protection matters will be managed separately where appropriate.

Records will only be accessible to authorised individuals.

The nursery will comply with applicable data protection legislation while ensuring that data protection does not prevent lawful safeguarding information sharing.

REFERRALS TO WEST SUSSEX CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Rabbit Patch is located in West Sussex and follows the procedures of the West Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership.

West Sussex Integrated Front Door

Telephone: 01403 229900

This is the route for safeguarding concerns and referrals to West Sussex Children’s Services.

Out of hours Emergency Duty Team

Telephone: 0330 222 6664

Immediate danger

Police / Emergency Services: 999

Where a child is in immediate danger, staff must contact the emergency services without delay.

Rabbit Patch will follow the current West Sussex referral procedures and online referral routes.

LOCAL AUTHORITY DESIGNATED OFFICER – LADO

The LADO must be contacted where an allegation concerns an adult working or volunteering with children and meets the relevant criteria.

West Sussex LADO

Telephone: 0330 222 6450
Email: LADO@westsussex.gov.uk

Rabbit Patch will follow the West Sussex LADO referral process.

The LADO provides oversight and advice regarding allegations against adults working with children.

OFSTED

Rabbit Patch will notify Ofsted where required by the EYFS, legislation or regulatory requirements.

Ofsted

Telephone: 0300 123 4666

The nursery will cooperate fully with Ofsted and provide information requested as part of regulatory activity.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

Contact	Details
DSL – Chevelle White	01403 891976
Deputy DSL – Lara Fish and Billie Stoodley	01403 891976
West Sussex Integrated Front Door	01403 229900
West Sussex Emergency Duty Team	0330 222 6664
West Sussex LADO	0330 222 6450
LADO Email	LADO@westsussex.gov.uk
Police – Emergency	999
Police – Non-emergency	101
Ofsted	0300 123 4666
NSPCC Helpline	0808 800 5000

RELATED RABBIT PATCH POLICIES

This policy should be read alongside:

Attendance Policy
Online Safety Policy
Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy
CCTV Policy
Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
Staff Code of Conduct
Low-Level Concerns Policy
Whistleblowing Policy
Safer Recruitment Policy
Staff Recruitment, Selection and Suitability Policy
Inclusion and Equality Policy
SEND Policy
Positive Behaviour Policy
Missing Child from Nursery Policy
Missing Child from Outings Policy
Late Collection and Non-Collection Policy
Safer Sleep Policy
Nappy Changing Policy
Respectful Intimate Care Policy
Supervision of Children Policy
Supervision of Visitors Policy
Lone Working Policy
Emergency Lockdown Policy
Social Networking Policy
Young Workers Policy
Babysitting Policy
Any relevant individual safeguarding or medical plans.

SAFEGUARDING IN PRACTICE – THE RABBIT PATCH RULE

Every member of the Rabbit Patch team should remember:

SEE IT → HEAR IT → REPORT IT → RECORD IT → FOLLOW IT UP

SEE IT

Notice changes, injuries, behaviour, presentation, attendance or relationships.

HEAR IT

Listen to children and take disclosures seriously.

REPORT IT

Tell the DSL immediately.

RECORD IT

Write down the facts, using the child’s own words where appropriate.

FOLLOW IT UP

Never assume someone else has acted.

If the concern is urgent:

ACT IMMEDIATELY.

A child does not have to tell us directly that they are being harmed for us to act.

POLICY REVIEW AND MONITORING

The DSL will review this policy at least annually and sooner where:

legislation changes;
EYFS requirements change;
Working Together guidance changes;
local safeguarding procedures change;
Ofsted requirements change;
an incident identifies a need for improvement;
safeguarding practice identifies a gap;
staff feedback identifies a concern.

Safeguarding practice will be monitored through:

staff supervision;
safeguarding training;
safeguarding audits;
review of concerns;
attendance monitoring;
low-level concern monitoring;
incident reviews;
feedback;
partnership working;
policy review.

Learning from safeguarding incidents will be used to improve practice.

LEGAL AND STATUTORY FRAMEWORK

Rabbit Patch will operate this policy in accordance with the legislation and statutory guidance applicable to early years providers in England, including:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers – applicable from 1 September 2026;
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026;
Children Act 1989;
Children Act 2004;
Childcare Act 2006;
Children and Social Work Act 2017;
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015;
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and subsequent amendments;
Domestic Abuse Act 2021;
Equality Act 2010;
Data Protection Act 2018;
UK GDPR;
Sexual Offences Act 2003;
relevant statutory guidance relating to information sharing;
relevant West Sussex safeguarding procedures;
relevant Ofsted requirements and inspection arrangements.

Where guidance changes, Rabbit Patch will follow the current statutory framework and local safeguarding arrangements.

POLICY STATEMENT

Rabbit Patch Day Nursery recognises that safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities we have.

We will always seek to:

Put children first.
Listen to children.
Act on concerns.
Share information appropriately.
Challenge unsafe practice.
Support families.
Work with professionals.
Learn from safeguarding concerns.
Never assume someone else has acted.

Our aim is to ensure that every child at Rabbit Patch is safe, protected from harm and supported to thrive.

Policy Documents

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Our facilities