Policies

1. Introduction
At Little Wonders, the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a nurturing and secure environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. Our child protection and safeguarding policy outlines our dedication to protection children from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The policy set for our statement of commitment, purposed, principles, guidelines, and procedures that govern our approach to safeguarding. It ensures all staff, volunteers and stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment. We believe that safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and we work in partnership with parents, caregivers, and relevant agencies to uphold the highest standards of child protection.

We aim to foster a culture of vigilance, transparency and accountability. We are committed to continuous improvement and regular review of our practices to ensure that we provide the safest possible environment for every child at Little Wonders Preschool.

2. Statement of Commitment
Little Wonders Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our care. We believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive and develop their full potential.

We recognize our responsibility to protect children from harm and to always ensure their safety and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to creating a secure and inclusive environment, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
We adhere to strict child protection and safeguard policies and procedures, and we ensure all staff and volunteers are thoroughly vetted and trained in safeguarding practices. We are committed to working in partnership with parents, caregivers and relevant agencies to uphold the highest standards of children protection.

At Little Wonders, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we strive to create a culture of vigilance and care. We are dedicated to continuously reviewing and improving our practices to ensure the safety and happiness of every child in our preschool.

3. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children attending Little Wonders Preschool from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Provide staff and volunteers, clear guidelines and procedures on how to identify, report and respond to concerns about a child’s safety.
• Creates a secure and supportive environment where children can thrive, feel valued and develop to their full potential.
• Defines roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in Little Wonders, ensuring that all staff and volunteers understand their duties in safeguarding children. By providing training and resources, the policy supports staff and volunteers in recognizing and responding to signs of abuse or neglect effectively.
• Reassures parents and caregivers that Little Wonders is committed to their children’s safety, fostering trust and confidence.
• Ensures that Little Wonders adheres to all applicable laws and regulations related to child protection and safeguarding.
• Encourages a culture of vigilance where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and any concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

4. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, parents, and anyone working on behalf of Little Wonders Preschool.

5. Principles
• Best Interests of the Child: The welfare and safety of the child is paramount and should always be the primary consideration in all actions and decisions.
• Recognizing the rights of the child to participate, in age-appropriate ways, in decision-making about themselves.
• Zero Tolerance: We adopt a zero tolerance for any form of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children. Any behaviour or action that compromises the safety and wellbeing of a child will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
• Prevention: We thrive to create a safe environment for all from abuse, neglect and exploitation and are committed to educating staff, volunteers, and children about safeguarding.
• Accountability: Clear roles and responsibilities are established to ensure that everyone understands their duty to protect children. Regular monitoring and review of safeguarding practices are essential.
• Transparency: Policies and procedures are clear and assessable to all stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, parents and children. Open communication is encouraged to foster trust and confidence.
• Empowerment: Children are encouraged to understand their rights, express their views and know how to seek help if they feel unsafe. This includes teaching them about personal safety, encouraging them to speak up and are provided with opportunities to participate in decisions affecting them.
• Partnership: working closely with parents, caregivers and relevant agencies is essential for a holistic approach to child protection. By collaborating we can significantly improve the effectiveness of our safeguarding measures.
• Confidentiality: All concerns and records are handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know to protect the child/ren.
• Proportionality: Responses to child protection concerns will be proportionate to the level of risk and harm. Actions taken will be appropriate and necessary to safeguard the child. This will be in consultation with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Protection: Immediate and appropriate action will be taken to protect children who are at risk of harm. This includes reporting concerns to the relevant authorities and agencies and providing support to the child/ren. This will be in consultation with the DSL.

Roles and Responsibilities
• Responsible for overseeing child protection issues, ensuring policies are implemented, and acting as the main point of contact for child protection concerns.
• (The driver of early intervention and child protection and child safeguarding within Little Wonders.
• DSL is the ‘go to’ person.
• Key role in the development and implementation of the child protection and safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Confident and skilled in sharing advice, information and making reports of concern.
• Record keeping and reviewing cases.
• Monitoring of consistent application of Child Protection and Child safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Identify and implement training needs for staff.)

• Staff and Volunteers: Must follow this policy, participate in training, and report any concerns to the DSL.
Responsibilities:
1. Creating a safe and supportive environment for children.
2. Role Modelling appropriate behaviors and interaction with children.
3. Confidentiality - is crucial - information about child protection concerns should only be shared with DSL.
4. Compliance with Policies - must adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
5. Supporting children - who disclose abuse, ensuring they feel heard and safe, and referring them to the DSL for further help.
6. Documentation - of any concerns, incidents or actions taken is essential for effective safeguarding.

• Parents and Carers: Encouraged to understand our child protection and safeguarding policy and report any concerns or observations regarding their child's safety and wellbeing. Maintain open and honest communication with preschool staff about any concerns or observations related to their child’s wellbeing and safety.

6. Safe Recruitment
• All staff and volunteers will undergo background checks, including:
o Verification of identity and qualifications. Including criminal record checks.
o Interviews: Conduct comprehensive interviews using structured questions to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for working with children. Interview questions include specific questions related to safeguarding and child protection.
o Obtaining professional and character references. (Obtain at least 2 references, including one from the candidates most recent employer. Follow up on references with a phone call to verify the information provided.
o Safeguarding Training: Ensure that all new staff and volunteers receive comprehensive training (as part of their induction process).
o Probationary Period – do you want to include this? I think the standard probationary period is 3-months. (implement a probationary period during which the new staff member’s performance and suitability for the role are closely monitored).

7. Training and Awareness
• Initial Training: All staff and volunteers will receive training in child protection and safeguarding upon induction and regularly thereafter.
• Ongoing Training: Regular updates and refresher training will be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
        • Specialised Training:
        • Workshops and Seminars
        • Parental Involvement
        • Evaluation and Feedback.

8. Code of Conduct
• Staff and volunteers must adhere to a strict code of conduct which includes:
         o Respecting the rights and dignity of all children. We listen to and value children’s opinions and concerns.
         o Maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries and avoiding any behavior that could be   

            misinterpreted.
         o Reporting any concerns or suspicions of abuse, neglect or exploitation to the DSL.
         o Encourage positive behaviour and use positive reinforcement. We do not use corporal punishment or any form of

           degrading treatment.
         o Respecting the confidentiality of children and their families.
         o Respect and consider the diverse backgrounds and needs of children. We promote an inclusive environment that

           respect cultural differences.
         o Engage with families in a respectful and supportive manner. We encourage open and honest communication 

           between the Little Wonders and families.
         o Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and Little Wonders policies related to child protection and safeguarding.

9. Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Recognising abuse, neglect and exploitation requires being aware of signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours. For example:
• Signs: Something you see and observe such as an injury, smell or decayed teeth
• Symptoms: Experiences reported by a child, like pain or hunger
• Behaviours: Actions or reactions of a child or adult
• Indicators: Red flags, such as incidents that raise concerns about the safety and well-being of children.

Staff and volunteers should be aware of the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including:

• Physical Abuse: involves situations where a child has an injury or was at serious risk of injury (accidental, deliberate). It can be a single injury or action. Physical abuse can be, but is not limited to bruising, hitting, beating, burning, kicking, shaking, biting, strangling, suffocation, drowning, poisoning, and fabricated or induced illness, shaking (of an infant) and use of an object (such as broom, belt or bat). Signs of possible physical abuse are: Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns on any part of the body; multiple bruises and injuries, human bite marks, cigarette burns or multiple burns.

• Emotional Abuse: is when the mental health and social and/or emotional functioning and development of a child has been damaged by their treatment by their parents, caregivers or extended family including friends. These signs are clues that alert us that abuse may have happened and that a child may need help or protection. For example, behavioural signs are excessive withdrawal or aggressive, fearfulness, or has depression or anxiety and exposure to family violence or intimate partner violence. Physical signs are soils or wets the bed with no medical cause, is pale and emaciated, has malnutrition, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Sexual Abuse: is any action where a child is used for an inappropriate sexual purpose. It is any act that involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not a child is aware of what’s happening. Sexual abuse can be but is not limited to contact abuse - touching breasts, genital/anal fondling, masturbation, oral sex, encouraging a child to perform such acts on the perpetrator or another, and involvement of a child in activities for the purposes of pornography or prostitution. Non-contact abuse - exhibitionism, voyeurism, exposure to pornographic or sexual imagery, inappropriate photography or depictions of sexual or suggestive behaviours or comments, sexting, cyber grooming or grooming behaviours. Signs of possible sexual abuse - acting out in an inappropriate sexual way with toys or objects, knowledge of sex beyond their developmental age, secrets, nightmares or sleeping problems, becoming withdrawn, clingy or secretive, sudden unexplained personality changes, mood swings and seeming insecure, regressing to younger behaviours such as bed wetting, new adult words for body parts and no obvious source, unexplained soreness, bleeding or bruising around genitals or mouth and not wanting to be along with a person.

• Neglect: is the most common form of abuse, and although the effects may not be as obvious as physical abuse, it is just as serious. Neglect can be:
         o Physical neglect - not providing the necessities of life such as adequate shelter, food and clothing
         o Emotional neglect - not providing comfort, attention and love
         o Neglectful supervision - leaving child/ren without someone safe looking after them
         o Supervisory neglect - repeated accidents or injuries.
         o Medical neglect - not taking care of health needs
         o Educational neglect - developmental delay e.g. language development, fine and gross motor skills.

• Possible physical signs are a child dresses inappropriately for the season or weather, is often dirty and unwashed, severe nappy rash or persistent skin disorders that are untreated, is malnourished (this can be underweight or overweight). Behavioural signs can be - displays a lack of attachment to parents or caregivers, has severe developmental lags, displays indiscriminate attachment to other adults, is demanding of affection and attention.

• Exposure to family violence - the emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of child can be affected when they are exposed (includes seeing, hearing, getting caught up in or experiencing the results of physical or sexual assaults between their caregivers) to family violence. When family violence occurs, a child/ren are victims irrespective of their parent or caregiver being a victim. It is important to note that children do not need to see the violence occurring to be harmed by it.

• Common forms of family violence include:
         o Spouse/partner abuse (violence among adult partners)
         o Child abuse/neglect (abuse/neglect of children by an adult)
         o Parental abuse (violence perpetrated by a child against their parent); sibling abuse (violence among siblings).

• Children aged 5 and under who are exposed to family violence may exhibit a range of signs, symptoms, behaviours, and indicators. Infants (0-1 year) might show irritability, frequent crying, poor muscle tone, difficult sleeping and frequent illness. Toddlers (1-3 years) could display aggression, withdrawal delayed development, nightmares and fearfulness. Pre-schoolers (3-5 years) may exhibit regressive behaviours, tantrums, clinginess, changes in activity level, and physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches. These signs can vary widely among children and may not always indicate exposure to family violence.

10. Reporting Procedures
 Training and Awareness
• Initial Training: All staff and volunteers will receive training in child protection and safeguarding upon induction and regularly thereafter.
• Ongoing Training: Regular updates and refresher training will be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
• Specialised Training:
• Workshops and Seminars
• Parental Involvement
• Evaluation and Feedback
8. Code of Conduct
• Staff and volunteers must adhere to a strict code of conduct which includes:
o Respecting the rights and dignity of all children. We listen to and value children’s opinions and concerns.
o Maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries and avoiding any behavior that could be misinterpreted.
o Reporting any concerns or suspicions of abuse, neglect or exploitation to the DSL.
o Encourage positive behaviour and use positive reinforcement. We do not use corporal punishment or any form of degrading treatment.
o Respecting the confidentiality of children and their families.
o Respect and consider the diverse backgrounds and needs of children. We promote an inclusive environment that respect cultural differences.
o Engage with families in a respectful and supportive manner. We encourage open and honest communication between the Little Wonders and families.
o Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and Little Wonders policies related to child protection and safeguarding.
9. Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Recognising abuse, neglect and exploitation requires being aware of signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours. For example:
• Signs: Something you see and observe such as an injury, smell or decayed teeth
• Symptoms: Experiences reported by a child, like pain or hunger
• Behaviours: Actions or reactions of a child or adult
• Indicators: Red flags, such as incidents that raise concerns about the safety and well-being of children.
Staff and volunteers should be aware of the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including:
• Physical Abuse: involves situations where a child has an injury or was at serious risk of injury (accidental, deliberate). It can be a single injury or action. Physical abuse can be, but is not limited to bruising, hitting, beating, burning, kicking, shaking, biting, strangling, suffocation, drowning, poisoning, and fabricated or induced illness, shaking (of an infant) and use of an object (such as broom, belt or bat). Signs of possible physical abuse are: Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns on any part of the body; multiple bruises and injuries, human bite marks, cigarette burns or multiple burns.
• Emotional Abuse: is when the mental health and social and/or emotional functioning and development of a child has been damaged by their treatment by their parents, caregivers or extended family including friends. These signs are clues that alert us that abuse may have happened and that a child may need help or protection. For example, behavioural signs are excessive withdrawal or aggressive, fearfulness, or has depression or anxiety and exposure to family violence or intimate partner violence. Physical signs are soils or wets the bed with no medical cause, is pale and emaciated, has malnutrition, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Sexual Abuse: is any action where a child is used for an inappropriate sexual purpose. It is any act that involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not a child is aware of what’s happening. Sexual abuse can be but is not limited to contact abuse - touching breasts, genital/anal fondling, masturbation, oral sex, encouraging a child to perform such acts on the perpetrator or another, and involvement of a child in activities for the purposes of pornography or prostitution. Non-contact abuse - exhibitionism, voyeurism, exposure to pornographic or sexual imagery, inappropriate photography or depictions of sexual or suggestive behaviours or comments, sexting, cyber grooming or grooming behaviours. Signs of possible sexual abuse - acting out in an inappropriate sexual way with toys or objects, knowledge of sex beyond their developmental age, secrets, nightmares or sleeping problems, becoming withdrawn, clingy or secretive, sudden unexplained personality changes, mood swings and seeming insecure, regressing to younger behaviours such as bed wetting, new adult words for body parts and no obvious source, unexplained soreness, bleeding or bruising around genitals or mouth and not wanting to be along with a person.
• Neglect: is the most common form of abuse, and although the effects may not be as obvious as physical abuse, it is just as serious. Neglect can be:
o Physical neglect - not providing the necessities of life such as adequate shelter, food and clothing
o Emotional neglect - not providing comfort, attention and love
o Neglectful supervision - leaving child/ren without someone safe looking after them
o Supervisory neglect - repeated accidents or injuries.
o Medical neglect - not taking care of health needs
o Educational neglect - developmental delay e.g. language development, fine and gross motor skills.
• Possible physical signs are a child dresses inappropriately for the season or weather, is often dirty and unwashed, severe nappy rash or persistent skin disorders that are untreated, is malnourished (this can be underweight or overweight). Behavioural signs can be - displays a lack of attachment to parents or caregivers, has severe developmental lags, displays indiscriminate attachment to other adults, is demanding of affection and attention.
• Exposure to family violence - the emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of child can be affected when they are exposed (includes seeing, hearing, getting caught up in or experiencing the results of physical or sexual assaults between their caregivers) to family violence. When family violence occurs, a child/ren are victims irrespective of their parent or caregiver being a victim. It is important to note that children do not need to see the violence occurring to be harmed by it.
• Common forms of family violence include:
o Spouse/partner abuse (violence among adult partners)
o Child abuse/neglect (abuse/neglect of children by an adult)
o Parental abuse (violence perpetrated by a child against their parent); sibling abuse (violence among siblings).
• Children aged 5 and under who are exposed to family violence may exhibit a range of signs, symptoms, behaviours, and indicators. Infants (0-1 year) might show irritability, frequent crying, poor muscle tone, difficult sleeping and frequent illness. Toddlers (1-3 years) could display aggression, withdrawal delayed development, nightmares and fearfulness. Pre-schoolers (3-5 years) may exhibit regressive behaviours, tantrums, clinginess, changes in activity level, and physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches. These signs can vary widely among children and may not always indicate exposure to family violence.
10. Reporting Procedures
• Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger of being abused, contact Police immediately on 111 and Child Protection Officer within the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) (Further guidance will be obtained by the Samoa Inter - Agency Essential Services for Responding to Gender-Based Violence and Children Protection - response procedures).
• Reporting Concerns: Concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. The DSL will then take appropriate action, which may include contacting the police, child protection officer (MWCSD) and social services.
• Record Keeping: Detailed records of concerns (including dates, times and descriptions of incidents), disclosures, and actions taken, this documentation should be kept confidential and secure.
• Parental Involvement: inform parents or caregivers about the concerns, unless doing so would compromise the safety and put the child at further risk.
• Follow-Up: Ensure that appropriate actions are taken following a report. This may include further monitoring of the children, providing support services, or involving other agencies.
11. Responding to Disclosures
• Listen calmly and reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up and that they are not to blame and that you will help them.
• Believe the child and show them that they did the right thing by telling you.
• Avoid interrogating and asking leading questions. Use open ended questions. Allow the child to speak freely. Do not press for details or investigate.
• Ensure the child is safe and away from the alleged abuser.
• Do not promise confidentiality but explain that you will need to share the information with someone who can help keep them safe.
• Record the disclosure accurately - write down what the child has said as soon as possible, using their exact words. Note the date, time, and any other relevant information.
• Report the disclosure - informing the DSL immediately.
• Follow-Up - ensure that the appropriate actions are taken following the report. This may involve further monitoring or involving other agencies.
12. Supporting Children and Families
• We will provide support to children and families affected by abuse or neglect, including referrals, providing information on available resources and appropriate services.
• We adopt a child centred approach that prioritises the safety and well-being of children in all actions and decisions, while actively involving parents and caregivers in the process to ensure a collaborative and supportive environment. We will work collaboratively with local child protection agencies, law enforcement and other external agencies to ensure a coordinated response to child protection issues to ensure best outcomes for children.
• Where appropriate, we will share information with authorities while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.

13. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or guidance and best practices. All staff and volunteers will be informed of any updates.
Establish effective channels for gathering feedback from children, families and staff to continuously enhance the policy and its implementation.

Date: 09/08/2024

By implementing this policy, Little Wonders Preschool demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the children in our care and ensuring their well-being is our highest priority.


If a child is in immediate danger of being abused, contact Police immediately on 111 and Child Protection Officer within the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) (Further guidance will be obtained by the Samoa Inter - Agency Essential Services for Responding to Gender-Based Violence and Children Protection - response procedures).
• Reporting Concerns: Concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. The DSL will then take appropriate action, which may include contacting the police, child protection officer (MWCSD) and social services.
• Record Keeping: Detailed records of concerns (including dates, times and descriptions of incidents), disclosures, and actions taken, this documentation should be kept confidential and secure.
• Parental Involvement: inform parents or caregivers about the concerns, unless doing so would compromise the safety and put the child at further risk.
• Follow-Up: Ensure that appropriate actions are taken following a report. This may include further monitoring of the children, providing support services, or involving other agencies.
11. Responding to Disclosures
• Listen calmly and reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up and that they are not to blame and that you will help them.
• Believe the child and show them that they did the right thing by telling you.
• Avoid interrogating and asking leading questions. Use open ended questions. Allow the child to speak freely. Do not press for details or investigate.
• Ensure the child is safe and away from the alleged abuser.
• Do not promise confidentiality but explain that you will need to share the information with someone who can help keep them safe.
• Record the disclosure accurately - write down what the child has said as soon as possible, using their exact words. Note the date, time, and any other relevant information.
• Report the disclosure - informing the DSL immediately.
• Follow-Up - ensure that the appropriate actions are taken following the report. This may involve further monitoring or involving other agencies.
12. Supporting Children and Families
• We will provide support to children and families affected by abuse or neglect, including referrals, providing information on available resources and appropriate services.
• We adopt a child centred approach that prioritises the safety and well-being of children in all actions and decisions, while actively involving parents and caregivers in the process to ensure a collaborative and supportive environment. We will work collaboratively with local child protection agencies, law enforcement and other external agencies to ensure a coordinated response to child protection issues to ensure best outcomes for children.
• Where appropriate, we will share information with authorities while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.

13. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or guidance and best practices. All staff and volunteers will be informed of any updates.
Establish effective channels for gathering feedback from children, families and staff to continuously enhance the policy and its implementation.

Date: 09/08/2024

By implementing this policy, Little Wonders Preschool demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the children in our care and ensuring their well-being is our highest priority.