Alongside associated procedures in Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, this policy was adopted by Peter Pan Nursery on 17th April 2026.

Designated safeguarding lead is: Kim Livingstone

Aim

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and will do this by putting young people and vulnerable adult’s right to be ‘strong, resilient and listened to ‘at the heart of all our activities.

Peter Pan Nursery ‘four commitments’ are broad statements against which policies and procedures across the organisation are drawn to provide a consistent and coherent strategy for safeguarding children young people and vulnerable adults. The four key commitments are:

1. Peter Pan Nursery is committed to empowering children, young people, and vulnerable adults, promoting their right to be ‘strong, resilient, actively listened to, and heard’.

2. Peter Pan Nursery upholds a culture of safety in which children, young people and vulnerable adults are protected from abuse and harm in all areas of its curriculum and service delivery.

3. Peter Pan Nursery is committed to preventing harm and responding promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns of abuse that may occur. Working with statutory agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child.

4. Peter Pan Nursery is dedicated to increasing safeguarding confidence, knowledge and good practice throughout its training and learning programmes for adults, advocating support and representation for those in greatest need.

NB: A ‘young person’ is defined as 16–19-year-old. In an early years setting, they may be a student, apprentice educator, or parent/carer.

A ‘vulnerable adult’ (see guidance to the Care Act 2014) as: 'a person aged 18 years or over, who is in receipt of or may need community care services by reason of 'mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation'. In early years, this person may be a service user, parent/carer of a service user, or a volunteer.

Key Commitment 1

• All staff receive adequate training in child protection matters and have access to the setting’s policy and procedures for reporting concerns of possible abuse and the safeguarding procedures of the Local Safeguarding Partners.

• All staff have adequate information on issues affecting vulnerability in families such as social exclusion, domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse and parental learning disability, together with training that takes account of factors that affect children that arise from inequalities of race, gender, disability, language, religion, sexual orientation, or culture.

• We use available curriculum materials for young children, taking account of information in the Early Years Foundation Stage, that enable children to be strong, resilient, and listened to and heard.

• All services seek to build the emotional and social skills of children and young people who are service users in an age-appropriate way, including increasing their understanding of how to stay safe.

• We adhere to the EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare requirements.

Key Commitment 2

• All staff are trained in line with the Criteria set out in Annex C of the EYFS (November 2025). Our training provider is NoodleNow and North Yorkshire Council.  Safeguarding training is renewed every two years. The designated safeguarding lead ensures support, advice and guidance for all staff to meet their safeguarding responsibilities by:

- Regular supervision and 1:1 Team briefings, group supervision, reviewing safeguarding procedures together

• There are procedures in place to prevent known abusers from coming into the organisation as employees or volunteers at any level.

• Safeguarding is the responsibility of every person undertaking the work of the organisation in any capacity.

• There are procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against a member of staff, or any other person undertaking work whether paid or unpaid for the organisation, where there is an allegation of abuse or harm of a child. Procedures differentiate clearly between an allegation, a concern about quality of care or practice and complaints.

• There are procedures in place for reporting abuse of children or a young person in the setting.

• There are procedures in place for reporting safeguarding concerns where a child may meet the s17 definition of a child in need (Children Act 1989) and/or where a child may be at risk of significant harm, and to enable staff to make decisions about appropriate referrals using local published threshold documents.

• There are procedures in place for reporting abuse of a vulnerable adult in the setting.

• There are procedures in place in relation to escalating concerns and professional challenge.

• There are procedures in place for working in partnership with agencies involving a child, or young person or vulnerable adult, for whom there is a protection plan in place. These procedures also take account of working with families with a ‘child in need’ and with families in need of early help, who are affected by issues of vulnerability such as social exclusion, radicalisation, domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse and parental learning disability.

• These procedures take account of diversity and inclusion issues to promote equal treatment of children and their families and that take account of factors that affect children that arise from inequalities of race, gender, disability, language, religion, sexual orientation, or culture.

• There are procedures in place for record keeping, confidentiality and information sharing, which are in line with data protection requirements.

• We follow government and Local Safeguarding Partners guidance in relation to extremism.

• The procedures of the Local Safeguarding Partners must be followed.

Key Commitment 3

• We have a ‘designated safeguarding lead person’, who is responsible for carrying out child, young person, or adult protection procedures.

• The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for overseeing all child, young person or adult protection matters.

• The ‘designated safeguarding lead’ ensures they have links with statutory and voluntary organisations regarding safeguarding children.

• The ‘designated safeguarding lead’ ensures they have received appropriate training on child protection matters and that all staff are adequately informed and/or trained to recognise child abuse in the categories of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect.

• The ‘designated safeguarding lead’ ensures all staff are aware of the additional vulnerabilities that affect children that arise from inequalities of race, gender, disability, language, religion, sexual orientation, or culture and that these receive full consideration in child, young person, or adult protection related matters.

• The ‘designated safeguarding lead ensures that staff are aware and receive training in social factors affecting children’s vulnerability including, but not limited to:
• social exclusion
• domestic violence and controlling or coercive behaviour
• mental Illness
• drug and alcohol abuse (substance misuse)
• parental/carer learning disability
• radicalisation

• The ‘designated safeguarding lead’ ensures that staff are aware and receive training in other ways that children may suffer significant harm and stay up to date with relevant contextual safeguarding matters:
• abuse of disabled children
• fabricated or induced illness
• child abuse linked to spirit possession
• sexually exploited children
• children who are trafficked and/or exploited
• female genital mutilation
• extra-familial abuse and threats
• children involved in violent offending, with gangs and county lines.

The ‘designated safeguarding lead’ ensures they are adequately informed in vulnerable adult protection matters.

Key commitment 4

• There are procedures in place to ensure staff recognise children and families who may benefit from early help and can respond using local early help processes. Designated safeguarding leads should ensure all staff understand how to identify and respond to families who may need early help.

• Staff are supported to make the right decisions that enable timely and appropriate action to be taken.

• Designated safeguarding leads contribute towards local safeguarding arrangements to ensure that the views of the sector are heard at the highest level by:
- Finding out how education and childcare are represented at a strategic level within their Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP) structures.
- Sharing their knowledge of the experiences of children in their cohort with LSP local leaders

Legal references

Primary legislation
Children Act 1989 – s 47
Protection of Children Act 1999
Care Act 2014
Children Act 2004 s11
Children and Social Work Act 2017
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
General Data Protection Regulation 2018
Data Protection Act 2018
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Serious Crime Act 2015
Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000)
Human Rights Act (1998)
Equalities Act (2006)
Equalities Act (2010)
Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
Data Protection Act (2018)
Freedom of Information Act (2000)

Legal references

Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG 2023)
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2024
What to Do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG 2015)
Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales: guidance for specified authorities in England and Wales on the duty of schools and other providers in the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ (HMG 2015)
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
Education Inspection Framework (Ofsted 2024)
The framework for the assessment of children in need and their families (DoH 2000)
The Common Assessment Framework (2006)
Statutory guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (DfE 2015)

Further guidance

Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners (DfE 2024)
The Team Around the Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional (CWDC 2009)
The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) – guide for practitioners (CWDC 2010)
Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance on Female Genital Mutilation (HMG. 2016)
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) (Ministry of Justice, National Offender Management Service and HM Prison Service 2014)
Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession (HMG 2010)
Safeguarding Children in whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced (HMG 2007)
Safeguarding Disabled Children: Practice Guidance (DfE 2009)
Safeguarding Children who may have been Trafficked (DfE and Home Office 2011)
Child sexual exploitation: definition and guide for practitioners (DfE 2017)
Handling Cases of Forced Marriage: Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines (HMG 2014)
Spotlight: Creating a culture of safeguarding (Early Years Alliance)
Developing an effective safeguarding culture in early years education (Early Years Alliance publication)

• If a child appears unwell during the day at Peter Pan Nursery, for example has a raised temperature, sickness, diarrhoea and/or pains then a member of staff calls the parents/carers and asks them to collect the child or send a known carer to collect on their behalf.

• If a child has a raised temperature, top clothing may be removed to make them more comfortable, but children are not undressed or sponged down to cool their temperature. A high temperature should never be ignored, but it is a natural response to infection.

• If a temperature is suspected, the child’s temperature is taken and checked regularly, using a forehead digital thermometer or digital ear thermometer.

• In an emergency an ambulance is called, and the parents/carers are informed.

• Parents/carers are advised to seek medical advice before returning them to the setting; the setting can refuse admittance to children who have a raised temperature, sickness and *diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.

• Where children have been prescribed antibiotics for an infectious illness or complaint, parents/carers are asked to keep them at home for 48 hours.

• After diarrhoea or vomiting, parents/carers are asked to keep children home for 48 hours following the last episode.

• Some activities such as sand and water play will be suspended for the duration of any outbreak.

• See the table below for information about excludable diseases and exclusion times.

• The Nursery Manager notifies the Trustees if there is an outbreak of an infection (affects more than 3-4 children) and keeps a record of the numbers and duration of each event.

Notifiable diseases and infection control

If staff suspect a child who falls ill whilst in their care is suffering from a serious disease that may have been contracted in the United Kingdom or abroad, immediate medical assessment is required. A member of staff will call 111 and inform parents/carers.

Preventative measures are taken to reduce the risk of an outbreak returning. When an individual shows signs of an infectious illness, they are advised not to attend the setting. If a child is already at the setting, they will be made comfortable in a space away from the other children to rest until they are able to be collected. The importance of thorough handwashing will be reiterated, and the staff will promote the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach with the children.

In the case of an outbreak of a notifiable disease which has been confirmed by a medical professional, the Nursery Manager will seek further advice from the UKHSA, if not already contacted by them.

The Nursery Manager has a list of notifiable diseases and contacts the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Ofsted in the event of an outbreak.

Unwell children upon arrival

• On arrival, it is vital that parents/carers inform a member of staff if they notice their child may be showing signs of being unwell. It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to ensure their child does not attend the setting if they are not fit to; this is a precautionary measure to prevent other children or staff from becoming ill.

Infection control for bodily fluids – transmissible viruses

• Viruses such as Hepatitis, (A, B and C), are spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for dealing with body fluids are the same for all children and adults. Transmittable viruses are spread through bodily fluids. Hygiene measures are put in place to protect all staff and children. These include single use vinyl gloves and aprons are worn when changing children’s nappies, pants and clothing that are soiled with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.

• Protective rubber gloves are used for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing.

• Soiled clothing is rinsed and bagged for parents/carers to collect.

• Spills of blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleared using mild disinfectant solution and designated area mops; cloths used are disposed of.

• Tables, other furniture or toys/resources affected by blood, urine, faeces or vomit are removed where possible and cleaned using disinfectant. For larger items such as furniture, these must be cleaned immediately with disinfectant.

• Baby mouthing toys must be cleaned prior to another baby using them. All toys/resources are cleaned regularly. As a minimum, this should be carried out weekly, using sterilising solution for plastic toys/resources.

Handwashing

Handwashing is a crucial infection control measure which reduces the spread of illness. Adults, children and young people should regularly wash their hands, and increase this where there is an infection outbreak.
This should be carried out by all:

• After outside breaks
• Before meals and snack times
• Before preparation of snack and meals
• After using the toilet
• After nappy or clothing changes
• After the removal of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves.
• After blowing noses
• Before and after administering medication

Public Health England advises that children and staff should be encouraged to catch sneezes with a tissue, bin the tissue and wash their hands.

Nits and head lice

• Parents are asked to keep their child away from the setting until they have given their child their first treatment.

• On identifying cases of head lice, all parents are informed and asked to treat their child and all the family, using current recommended treatments methods if they are found.

*Diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools in a 24-hour period. (www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/chapter-9-managing-specific-infectious-diseases#diarrhoea-and-vomiting-gastroenteritis)

**Paracetamol and Ibuprofen based medicines (e.g. Calpol, Nurofen)
The nursery will not administer any medication that has not been prescribed by their doctor, pharmacist or dentist e.g. Calpol, Nurofen etc.

Calpol, Nurofen (or similar medicines) must NOT be given to your child when they are attending nursery, as these can mask the signs of a temperature. If Calpol or similar medicine is given, your child should not attend nursery for a 12 hour period.

Further guidance

Medication Administration Record (Alliance Publication)

Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings (Public Health Agency) https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_infection_control_in%20schools_poster.pdf
High temperature (fever) in children - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Infection Exclusion

Chickenpox - At least 5 days from the onset of the rash and until all blisters have crusted over.
Cold Sores - None
Conjunctivitis - 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops or until symptoms are no longer present.
COVID & Respiratory Infections - Minimum of 5 days and no return until symptoms are no longer present or a negative COVID test.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting - 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
Diptheria - Full exclusion until cleared to return by a healthcare professional and the local UKHSA health protection team.
Fever (37.8 degrees Celsius) - 48 hours after the temperature has returned to normal.
Flu - Until fully recovered and symptom free.
Glandular Fever - Until free of all symptoms.
Hand Food and Mouth - 1 Week
Head Lice - Until first treatment has been administered.
Hepititis A - 7 days
Hepititis B, C and HIV - None
Impetigo - 48 hours after the start of antibiotics and all sores have crusted and healed.
Measles - 4 days after the rash first appears.
Meniningitis - Until fully recovered and symptom free.
Mpox - Until confrmed safe to return by healthcare professional.
MRSA - None
Mumps - 5 days after the swelling has started.
Ringworm - 48 hours after treatment has been started.
Rubella/German Measles - 2 weeks after the rash has gone.
Scabies - Until first treatment has been administered.
Scarlet Fever - 48 hours after starting antibiotics
Slapped Cheek - None
Threadworms - Until first treatment has been administered.
Tonsilitis - 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
TB - 2 weeks after the start of antibiotics.
Whooping Cough - 3 weeks from the start of the cough.

Principles

This policy is for protection of children who have been left at the nursery over the agreed collection time or once the nursery is closed.

The nursery has a duty of care to the children and parents to ensure that collection of very young children is made at the agreed time or within normal nursery opening hours. Late collection causes additional overheads and costs for the nursery and potentially unnecessary distress to a child.

Children remaining in our care after the agreed collection time or after normal opening hours must be supervised by a minimum of two members of staff, one of whom must be qualified.

We appreciate that sometimes there may be circumstances beyond parent/carer control affecting the prompt collection of your child. If you know you are going to be late collecting the child in your care please call at the earliest opportunity and discuss with the Nursery Manager or Senior Nursery Practitioner the arrangements for the collection. Please note that a late stay fee will still be chargeable, unless agreed otherwise, for example in exceptional circumstances.

Procedure – see ‘Uncollected Child Procedure’

All parents/carers will be given a five minute grace period on late collection of their child. If your child has still not been collected 5 minutes after the session has ended (1.05pm) then a £10 charge will be levied and for every ten minutes thereafter.

If you are late collecting your child, they will be cared for where possible, by their key worker and another member of staff. Yours child will be inside the nursery and reassured by the staff members. Any specific needs will be addressed.

If your child(ren) remains uncollected 5 minutes after the closing time:

No late fee will be charged unless this becomes a regular occurance. After 5 occasions, you will be charged £10.

If your child(ren) remains uncollected 5-10 minutes after the closing time:

A late stay fee will be collected of £10 for each child.

If your child(ren) remains uncollected 10-20 minutes after the closing time:

A late stay fees will be collected of £20 for each child.

If your child(ren) remains uncollected 20-30 minutes after the closing time:

A late stay fee will be collected of £30 for each child.

If your child(ren) remains uncollected 30 minutes after the closing time:

The Designated Safeguarding Lead contacts the local social care out-of-hours duty officer if the parents/carers or other known carer cannot be contacted and there are concerns about the child’s welfare or the welfare of the parents/carers.
Please note that the late stay fee will be collected and charged at an additional £10 for every subsequent 5 minutes thereafter for each child.

Please inform the nursery of any changes in your contact details. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to ensure their contact details are updated with the nursery.

Unreasonable and/or persistent lateness will be reviewed and may result in the termination of your child/children’s place.

Please note that a full written report of the incident will be recorded and kept in the child’s file.

Alongside associated procedures in – ‘Food safety and nutrition’, this policy was adopted by Peter Pan Nursery on 26th March 2026.

Aim

Peter Pan Nursery is a suitable, clean, and safe place for children to be cared for, where they can grow and learn. We meet all statutory requirements for food safety and fulfil the criteria for meeting the relevant Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and Welfare requirements.
Objectives

• We recognise that we have a corporate responsibility and duty of care for those who work in and receive a service from Peter Pan Nursery, but individual employees and service users also have responsibility for ensuring their own safety as well as that of others. Risk assessment is the key means through which this is achieved.

• Procedure – ‘Kitchen is followed for general hygiene and safety in food preparation areas’.

• We provide nutritionally sound snacks which promote health and reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease that may begin in childhood.

• We ensure that children are supervised at mealtimes and that children are within sight and hearing of a member of staff at all times and where possible staff are sat facing children when eating to ensure they are eating in a way that prevents choking and so they can prevent food sharing and be aware of any unexpected allergic reactions.

• We ensure that there is a qualified Paediatric First Aider present when children are eating.

• Following dietary guidelines to promote health also means taking account of guidelines to reduce risk of disease caused by unhealthy eating.

• Parents/carers share information about their children’s particular dietary needs and allergies with staff when they enrol their children and on an on-going basis with their key person. This information is shared with all staff who are involved in the care of the child.

• We take into account every child’s individual development needs and work in partnership with parents/carers to help children to move on to the next stage with regard to weaning as per the guidance listed below.

• Peter Pan Nursery ensures that all staff are aware of the symptoms and treatments for allergies and anaphylaxis and the differences between allergies and intolerances which may develop at any time.

• Foods provided by the setting for children have any allergenic ingredients identified on the menus.

• Care is taken to ensure that children with food allergies and intolerances do not have contact with food products that they are allergic to.

• We notify Ofsted of any food poisoning affecting two or more children in our care as soon as possible and at least within 14 days.

• Risk assessments are conducted for each individual child who has a food allergy or specific dietary requirement.

• If a child chokes at mealtime and intervention is given. We record details of the incident and ensure that parents/carers are informed.

Legal references

Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs.
Food Information Regulations 2014
The Childcare Act 2006

Further guidance

Safer Food Better Business for Caterers (Food Standards Agency)
Paediatric Allergy Action Plans - BSACI
Food allergy - NHS
Anaphylaxis - NHS
Weaning - Start for Life - NHS
Help for early years providers : Food safety
Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance (2025)
Allergy action plan 

The setting is responsible for protecting the health and safety of all staff and volunteers in its services and has a duty of care in relation to their physical and emotional well-being. We believe that violence, threatening behaviour and abuse against staff are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Where such behaviour occurs, we will take all reasonable and appropriate action in support of our staff and volunteers.

• Staff and volunteers have a right to expect that their workplace is a safe environment, and that prompt and appropriate action will be taken on their behalf if they are subjected to abuse, threats, violence or harassment by parents, service users and other adults as they carry out their duties.

• The most common example of unreasonable behaviour is abusive or intimidating and aggressive language. If this occurs, the ultimate sanction, where informal action is not considered to be appropriate or has proved to be ineffective, is the withdrawal of permission to be on the premises.

• Where a person recklessly or intentionally applies unlawful force on another or puts another in fear of an immediate attack, it is an offence in law which constitutes an assault. We would normally expect the police to be contacted immediately.

There are three categories of assault, based on the severity of the injury to the victim.

1. Common Assault - involving the threat of immediate violence or causing minor injury (such as a graze, reddening of the skin or minor bruise).

2. Actual Bodily Harm - causing an injury which interferes with the health or comfort of the victim (such as multiple bruising, broken tooth or temporary sensory loss).

3. Grievous Bodily Harm - causing serious injury (such as a broken bone or an injury requiring lengthy treatment).

There is also an aggravated form of assault based upon the victim’s race, religion, disability or sexual orientation and other protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010 which carries higher maximum penalties.

It is important to note that no physical attack or injury needs to have occurred for a common assault to have taken place. It is sufficient for a person to have been threatened with immediate violence and put in fear of a physical attack for an offence to have been committed.

Any staff member or volunteer who feels under threat or has been threatened, assaulted, or intimidated in the course of their work must report this immediately to their line manager who will follow the Nursery Manager’s procedures and guidance for responding.

999 should always be used when the immediate attendance of a police officer is required. The police support the use of 999 in all cases where:

- there is danger to life
- there is a likelihood of violence
- an assault is, or is believed to be, in progress
- the offender is on the premises
- the offence has just occurred, and an early arrest is likely

If it is not possible to speak when making a 999 call because it alerts an offender, cough quietly or make a noise on the line, then follow the prompts to dial 55 (mobiles only) for a silent call. Police may be able to trace the call and attend the premises.

Harassment and intimidation

Staff may find themselves subject to a pattern of persistent unreasonable behaviour from individual parents or service users. This behaviour may not be abusive or overtly aggressive but could be perceived as intimidating and oppressive. In these circumstances staff may face a barrage of constant demands or criticisms on an almost daily basis, in a variety of formats for instance, email or telephone. They may not be particularly taxing or serious when viewed in isolation but can have a cumulative effect over a period of undermining their confidence, well-being, and health. In extreme cases, the behaviour of the parent or other service user may constitute an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, whereby:

A person must not pursue a course of conduct:

(a) which amounts to harassment of another, and
(b) which he knows or ought to know amounts to harassment of the other.

If so, the police have powers to act against the offender. Such situations are rare but, when they do arise, they can have a damaging effect on staff and be very difficult to resolve. If the actions of a parent appear to be heading in this direction, staff should speak to their manager who will take appropriate action to support. This may include the manager sending a letter to the aggressor, warning them that their behaviour is unacceptable and may result in further action being taken against them. All incidents must be recorded and reported to the setting’s line manager.

Banning parents and other visitors from the premises

• Parents and some other visitors normally have implied permission to be on the premises at certain times and for certain purposes, and they will not therefore be trespassers unless the implied permission is withdrawn.

• If a parent or other person continues to behave unreasonably on the premises a letter will be sent to them from the trustees, withdrawing the implied permission for them to be there.

• Further breaches may lead to prosecution of the person concerned by the police and they are treated as a trespasser.

• Full records are kept of each incident, including details of any person(s) who witnessed the behaviour of the trespasser(s), since evidence will need to be provided to the Court.

Dealing with an incident

• We would normally expect all cases of assault, and all but the most minor of other incidents, to be regarded as serious matters which should be reported to the setting manager and/or the police and followed up with due care and attention.

• A record of the incident must be made whether the police are involved or not.

• Whilst acknowledging that service users i.e. parents and families, may themselves be under severe stress, it is never acceptable for them to behave aggressively towards staff and volunteers. Individual circumstances along with the nature of the threat are considered before further action is taken.

• All parties involved should consider the needs, views, feelings and wishes of the victim at every stage. We will ensure sympathetic and practical help, support and counselling is available to the victim both at the time of the incident and subsequently.

• A range of support can be obtained:

- from the setting manager, owners/directors/trustees and/or a staff colleague
- from Victim Support on giving evidence in court

• In non-urgent cases, where the incident is not thought to be an emergency, but police involvement is required, all staff and volunteers are aware of the non-emergency police contact number for the area.

• 999 calls receive an immediate response. Unless agreed at the time, non-emergency calls are normally attended within 8 hours (24 hours at the latest).

• When they attend the setting or service, the police will take written statements from the victim (including a ‘Victim Personal Statement’) and obtain evidence to investigate the offence in the most appropriate and effective manner.

• The police will also consider any views expressed by the setting manager and owner/directors/trustees as to the action they would like to see taken. The manager should speak to the victim and be aware of his or her views before confirming with the police how they wish them to proceed.

• In some cases the victim may be asked by the police if he/she wishes to make a complaint or allegation against the alleged offender. It is important to ensure that the victim can discuss the matter with their line manager, a colleague or friend before deciding on their response. It is helpful for the victim to be assured that, if there is a need subsequently to give evidence in court, support can be provided if it is not already available from Victim Support.

• The decision regarding whether an individual is prosecuted is made by the police or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) based on the evidence and with due regard to other factors.

• After the incident has been dealt with, a risk assessment is done to identify preventative measures that can be put in place to minimise or prevent the incident occurring again.

Harassment or intimidation of staff by parents/carers/visitors

• Through open communication between staff and parents/carers a culture of respect and tolerance should always be promoted. Should this communication and relationship break down due to a parent or parents/carers behaviour towards the staff member the setting manager should contact their line manager for advice and support. Where the staff member feels threatened or intimidated the aggressive and unacceptable behaviour should be addressed.

• Where the parent/carers behaviour merits it, the setting manager, with another member of staff present, should inform the parent/carer clearly but sensitively that staff feel unduly harassed or intimidated and are considering escalating the issue and making a complaint to the police if the behaviour does not desist or improve. The parent/carer should be left in no doubt about the gravity of the situation and that this will be followed up with a letter drafted by the setting manager but sent to their line manager for approval before being issued.

• The letter to the parent/carers should outline the zero-policy approach for any form of harassment, intimidation or abuse directed at staff.

• Staff must keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses, to support future action and meet reporting procedures as outlined in policy 7 – record keeping

• If the investigation concludes that the parents/carers expectations and demands are unreasonable, and that they are having a detrimental effect on staff, the findings can strengthen the setting manager’s position in further discussions with the parent/carer and subsequently, if necessary, with the police. See procedures above relating to banning parents/carers from the premises.

• If the investigation concludes that the parents/carers expectations and demands are reasonable and if the parent/carer feels unhappy with the staff member or the setting itself the setting manager and/or owners/directors/trustees might wish to consider advising the parent/carer to make a formal complaint. Information about how to complain is clearly displayed for parents/carers and service users.
Complaints relating to potential breaches of the EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare requirements will be managed according to the 10.2 Complaints procedure for parents/carers and service users.

Further guidance

Complaint Investigation Record (Alliance 2021)
Reportable Incident Record (Alliance 2015) 

At Peter Pan Nursery it is our policy to have clear guidelines on arriving with your child and departure. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of each child as they arrive in nursery and to ensure all children depart safely at the end of their session.

In order to do this, please follow the procedure below:

• Parents /carers will not be permitted to enter the main room of the nursery. Your children must be dropped off at the side gate or main entrance door to the Nursery.

• Only two parents/carers to drop off and collect their child/children.

• When parents/carers are arriving to drop their child off at Nursery they are responsible for the care and wellbeing of their children, until that child enters the Nursery Provision.


Arrival of Children

It is our policy to give a warm welcome to each child/family upon arrival at the nursery. As children arrive in nursery staff will:

• Immediately record a child’s arrival time in the daily attendance register.

• Greet parents/carers and request any information from parents/carers regarding a child’s wellbeing which parents/carers feel needs to be shared with nursery staff.

• Record any specific information provided by the parent/carer which will support the child’s wellbeing whilst they are in the nursery.

• Ensure that where a child requires medication during the day the parent/carer has completed a medication consent form in line with the Accident Illness and Medication Policy.

• Parents/carers will be asked to complete a pre-existing injury form for any child arriving with an injury.

Departure of Children

• On no account will staff hand over a child to anyone other than the known parent/carer unless an agreement has been made at the time of arrival of the child that an alternative adult will be collecting the child. Or if contact is made by the parent/carer before pickup and a password should be given.

• On departure, each child will immediately be signed out by a member of nursery staff on the daily attendance record to show that the child has left the premises.

Where a parent/carer has informed and agreed with nursery staff that an alternative named adult will be collecting the child, nursery staff will ask parents/carers to ensure that the following is in place:

• Parents/carers have informed staff working within their child’s room that they will not be collecting their child at the end of the session and have clearly informed staff about the adult who will be collecting the child. Only persons age over 16 years will be allowed to collect a child unless that person is the child’s parent.

• Parents/carers have provided staff with a description of the person who will be collecting the child, their name and relationship to the child, staff will record this information.

• Parents/carers will agree a password, which staff will use to identify that the person collecting the child is the right person.

• Where possible parents/carers will bring the alternative person into the nursery prior to them collecting a child to introduce them to staff; this will help with identification at a later date when required.

The nursery’s prime focus is the care and safety of the children it cares for. All procedures are written with this is mind.

Adults arriving under the influence of alcohol

• If an adult arrives to collect a child, whether this is the parent/carer or another designated adult (see above procedure), and they are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the senior member of management on duty will assess whether the child’s safety and welfare may be impacted if released into this persons care.

• The decision will be discussed with the adult and where required an additional named adult will be contacted to collect the child or this will be referred to the duty social care worker if this is not possible. During this time another member of staff will care for the child so they are able to remain calm and engaged in play.

• Where an adult is deemed unsuitable to drive due to suspected alcohol or drugs consumption, and may endanger them and others if they do, the nursery will intervene and endeavour to prevent this individual from getting back into the vehicle.

• Nursery reserves the right to also report such matters to the police and/or social care, in the case of any employees, reserves the right to take disciplinary action as may be appropriate.

Arrivals and departures of visitors

• For arrivals and departures of visitors the appropriate records must be completed on entry and exit e.g. in the visitors book. All visitors must be supervised.