Sussex Kids Hub is committed to building a culture of safety in which the children in our care are protected from abuse, harm and radicalisation.

The Club will respond promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns regarding the safety of a child that may occur. The Club’s child protection procedures comply with all relevant legislation and with guidance issued by Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership (BHSCP).

There will be a Child Protection Officer (DSL) available at all times while the Club is in session. The DSL coordinates child protection issues and liaises with external agencies (eg Social Care, BHSCP, LADO, National Prevent referral and Ofsted).

The Club’s designated DSL is: Rebecca Rose
Tel: 07789227646
Deputy DSL: Daniel Garnham
Tel: 07745545626

Signs and symptoms of abuse

Child abuse and neglect

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly, or by failing to protect them from harm. Some forms of child abuse and neglect are listed below.

Staff are trained to recognise possible indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and safeguarding concerns. Indicators may include one sign or a combination of signs.

Emotional abuse

Possible signs may include:

• Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
• Excessive withdrawal, anxiety, or clinginess
• Sudden speech disorders
• Fear of making mistakes
• Self-harm or destructive behaviour
• Delayed emotional development

This may portray ongoing emotional harm, rejection, intimidation, humiliation, or exposure to domestic abuse.

Physical abuse

Possible signs may include:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, bites, fractures, or injuries
• Injuries inconsistent with explanations provided
• Fear of physical contact
• Wearing inappropriate clothing to cover injuries
• Flinching or aggressive behaviour

This may portray deliberate physical harm or injury caused to a child.

Sexual abuse

Possible signs may include:

• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Fear of certain individuals
• Pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in intimate areas
• Sexualised language or drawings
• Withdrawal or depression

This may portray direct sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, or exposure to inappropriate sexual material.

Neglect

Possible signs may include:

• Persistent poor hygiene
• Inadequate clothing or nutrition
• Frequent tiredness
• Unmet medical needs
• Poor attendance
• Lack of supervision

This may portray a failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Indicators may include:

• Going missing
• Receiving gifts or money unexpectedly
• Relationships with older individuals
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Changes in appearance or behaviour

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Indicators may include:

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Frequent absences after travel abroad
• Reluctance to participate in physical activity
• Talking about a “special procedure”

Radicalisation

Indicators may include:

• Isolation from peers
• Intolerance of others
• Viewing extremist material online
• Expressing extremist views

All concerns, regardless of how minor they may appear, must be reported to the DSL immediately and recorded appropriately.

Signs of child abuse and neglect

Signs of possible abuse and neglect may include:

• Significant changes in a child’s behaviour
• Deterioration in a child’s general well-being
• Unexplained bruising or marks
• FGM
• Comments made by a child which give cause for concern
• Inappropriate behaviour displayed by a member of staff, or any other person. For example, inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their role, or inappropriate sharing of images.

If abuse is suspected or disclosed

When a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff will:

• Reassure the child that they were not to blame and were right to speak out
• Listen to the child but not question them
• Give reassurance that the staff member will take action
• Record the incident as soon as possible

If a member of staff witnesses or suspects abuse, they will record the matter straightaway using the Logging a Concern form. If a third party expresses concern that a child is being abused, we will encourage them to contact Front Door for Families (formerly MASH) directly. If they do not do so, we will explain that the Club is obliged to and the incident will be logged accordingly.

Front Door for Families (FDfF):
T. 01273 290400 (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm Friday)
Emergency out of hours: 01273 335905 or 01273 335906

Peer-on-peer abuse

Children are vulnerable to abuse by their peers. Peer-on-peer abuse is taken seriously by staff and will be subject to the same child protection procedures as other forms of abuse. Staff are aware of the potential uses of information technology for bullying and abusive behaviour between young people.

Staff will not dismiss abusive behaviour as normal between young people. The presence of one or more of the following in relationships between children should always trigger concern about the possibility of peer-on-peer abuse:

• Sexual activity (in primary school-aged children) of any kind, including sexting
• One of the children is significantly more dominant than the other (eg much older)
• One of the children is significantly more vulnerable than the other (eg in terms of disability, confidence, physical strength)
• There has been some use of threats, bribes or coercion to ensure compliance or secrecy

If peer-on-peer abuse is suspected or disclosed, we will follow the same procedures as set out above for responding to child abuse.

Extremism and radicalisation

All childcare settings have a legal duty to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and being drawn into extremism as outlined in The Prevent Duty Act 2015. There are many reasons why a child might be vulnerable to radicalisation, eg:

• Feeling alienated or alone
• Seeking a sense of identity or individuality
• Suffering from mental health issues such as depression
• Desire for adventure or wanting to be part of a larger cause
• Associating with others who hold extremist beliefs

Signs of radicalisation

Signs that a child might be at risk of radicalisation include:

• Changes in behaviour, for example becoming withdrawn or aggressive
• Claiming that terrorist attacks and violence are justified
• Viewing violent extremist material online
• Possessing or sharing violent extremist material

If a member of staff suspects that a child is at risk of becoming radicalised, they will record any relevant information or observations on a Logging a Concern form, and refer the matter to the DSL.

Logging a concern

All information about the suspected abuse or disclosure, or concern about radicalisation, will be recorded on the Logging a Concern form as soon as possible after the event. The record should include:

• Date of the disclosure, or the incident, or the observation causing concern
• Date and time at which the record was made
• Name and date of birth of the child involved
• A factual report of what happened. If recording a disclosure, you must use the child’s own words
• Name, signature and job title of the person making the record

The record will be given to the Club’s DSL who will decide on the appropriate course of action.

Making a referral

When making a referral, the DSL will refer to the Brighton & Hove Threshold Document.

For concerns about child abuse, the DSL will contact Front Door for Families via the Front Door for Families Portal or on 01273 290400 (Mon-Fri 9-5) / 01273 335905 (After hours).

The DSL will follow up all referrals to FDfF in writing within 48 hours. If a member of staff thinks that the incident has not been dealt with properly, they may contact FDfF directly via the above methods.

For concerns regarding radicalisation, the DSL will make a referral via the National Prevent Referral Form. For more serious concerns the DSL will contact the Police on the non-emergency number (101), or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. For urgent concerns the DSL will contact the Police using 999.

BHCC contacts for advice

Prevent Lead
T. 01273 291115
E. Channel.Prevent@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Prevent team at the CTPSE (Police)
E. SussexPrevent@thamesvalley.police.uk

Prevent Duty

The setting complies with the requirements of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the Prevent Duty guidance. All staff receive Prevent Duty training and are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation or exposure to extremist views. Any concerns will be reported in line with safeguarding procedures and, where appropriate, referrals will be made to relevant agencies.

Allegations against staff

If anyone makes an allegation of child abuse against a member of staff:

• The allegation will be recorded on an Incident record form. Any witnesses to the incident should sign and date the entry to confirm it.
• The allegation must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and to Ofsted. The LADO will advise if other agencies (eg police) should be informed, and the Club will act upon their advice. Any telephone reports to the LADO will be followed up in writing within 48 hours.
• Following advice from the LADO, it may be necessary to suspend the member of staff pending full investigation of the allegation.
• If appropriate the Club will make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• Any allegations will be reported to Ofsted within 14 days.

LADO contact details

The role of the LADO is to manage and oversee individual cases, capture concerns, allegations or offences and involvement from the initial phase of the allegation through to the conclusion of the case. The LADO can be contacted for advice and guidance to first establish whether any concern or allegation is within the scope of safeguarding procedures and may have some foundation.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):
LADOenquiries@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Whistleblowing

Sussex Kids Hub encourages a culture of openness and accountability where staff feel safe to raise concerns regarding poor practice, unsafe behaviour, safeguarding failures, or conduct that may place children at risk.

Any staff member who has concerns about the behaviour or actions of another member of staff, volunteer, student, or manager must report this immediately to the DSL or appropriate external agency where necessary. Concerns raised through whistleblowing will be treated seriously, sensitively, and without fear of retaliation.

Promoting awareness among staff

The Club promotes awareness of child abuse and the risk of radicalisation through its staff training. The Club ensures that:

• The designated DSL has relevant experience and receives appropriate training in safeguarding and the Prevent Duty, and is aware of the Channel Programme and how to access it
• Designated person training is refreshed every two years
• Safe recruitment practices are followed for all new staff
• All staff have a copy of this Safeguarding policy, understand its contents and are vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect or radicalisation
• All staff are aware of their statutory duties with regard to the disclosure or discovery of child abuse, and concerns about radicalisation
• All staff receive basic safeguarding training, and safeguarding is a permanent agenda item at all staff meetings
• All staff receive basic training in the Prevent Duty
• The Club’s procedures are in line with the guidance in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

Staff training

• All new staff receive training in Safeguarding when they join the company. Regardless of when this is, all staff will have the safeguarding training renewed by 5th September annually. Next staff training check due by 5th September 2026.
• DSL training completed for Izzy Malinsky on 03/06/24 and to be renewed by 3/6/26.

Information sharing

Sharing information is an intrinsic part of any frontline practitioner’s job when working with children and young people. The decisions about how much information to share, with whom and when, can have a profound impact on individuals’ lives. Information sharing helps to ensure that an individual receives the right services at the right time and prevents a need from becoming more acute and difficult to meet.

We follow the 7 Golden Rules as outlined in the Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing Safeguarding Services DfE 2018.

Recording attendance

Attendance is recorded on a daily basis and followed up in a timely manner. The parents/carers of any expected children are called to make sure it is known where they are. Absences are recorded on the attendance document.

Attendance documents are kept locked on site. Once a term has finished, these paper copies are scanned into a secure server for retention, and the paper copies are securely destroyed.

Data protection

Sussex Kids Hub stores data for each child in their care which includes: emergency contact details, medical conditions, dietary requirements, allergies, Special Educational Needs, medication consent and dates of birth. This information is stored on a password encrypted electronic drive which is only accessible by members of Sussex Kids Hub staff working at that particular site. All staff understand their responsibilities regarding confidentiality, information sharing, and secure handling of personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Children’s records and safeguarding information are only accessible to authorised staff on a need-to-know basis. Sensitive information is securely stored using password-protected systems and locked storage facilities.

Further guidance can be found in the Club’s:

• GDPR & Privacy Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Information Sharing Policy

An emergency document highlighting all children’s emergency contact number and medical conditions are stored alongside the registers and locked securely on site for quick reference.

Parents contact details are also stored online and parents are given the option to opt out of receiving further information from Sussex Kids Hub should they wish.

The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children and young people safe. A record of decisions to share information, with or without consent, and reasons for it is included in the action section of each log form.

Record keeping

All records kept are dated, factual, signed and shared with parents. These include existing injuries. All paper records are kept locked on site. Once a term has finished, these paper copies are scanned into a secure server for retention and the paper copies are securely destroyed.

Complaints

Sussex Kids Hub takes all complaints seriously and aims to resolve concerns promptly, fairly, and transparently.

Parents, carers, staff, or visitors who have concerns regarding safeguarding practice, staff conduct, or the welfare of a child should report these concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.

All complaints are recorded, reviewed, and responded to in accordance with the Club’s Complaints Policy.

Further information can be found in the separate Complaints Policy.

Collection of children

Sussex Kids Hub has procedures in place to ensure children are collected safely.

• Children will only be released to authorised adults named on the child’s registration form unless prior permission has been provided by the parent/carer.
• Parents/carers may be required to provide a password for collection. Staff will request this password if the collecting adult is unfamiliar to staff.
• All children will be registered upon arrival and collection.
• Staff will record the name of the collecting adult and the collection time.

If a child has not been collected:

1. Staff will attempt to contact parents/carers and emergency contacts.
2. Two members of staff will remain with the child at all times.
3. If the child remains uncollected and no contact can be made, Sussex Kids Hub may contact Children’s Services or the Police for advice.

Use of mobile phones

This part of the policy is part of Sussex Kids Hub’s wider commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children. At Sussex Kids Hub we recognise that mobile phones are a part of everyday life but there are times and places where their use is inappropriate.

Staff: Staff working directly with children must not use mobile phones as it is inappropriate and can distract them from caring for the children in their group. Mobile phones are to be stored with personal possessions at the start of each session and will be kept in a secure place, out of sight, until the end of the session. The exception to this rule is for the club manager who will always have a mobile phone on her/his person – any member of staff expecting an urgent call during working hours at the Club premises should direct these to the manager’s phone. Staff involved in the dropping off and collection of children will be required to have a mobile phone so that they can be in regular contact with the club manager in case of queries or emergencies. Once they return to club, their phone should be stored with their personal possessions.

Children: At Sussex Kids Hub we realise that a minority of children may have mobile phones on them. These are to be given to the manager to be kept in a locked box during Club hours and will be handed back to the children at the end of the session. If possible, such items should not be brought to Sussex Kids Hub but left at home.

Parents and Carers: Parents, carers and visitors must not use mobile phones or recording devices while within activity areas or where children are present. If an urgent call must be taken, the parent/carer will be asked to move away from the children to a designated safe area outside of the activity space before using their phone. This is to safeguard children, avoid confusion, and protect the privacy of all children attending the club.

Cameras and camera phones: One of the key ways that practitioners support children’s development in the Early Years and engage parents in their children’s learning is through photographs that record their activities and achievements. Staff will always check with parents that they consent to the use of cameras for appropriate recording purposes in this way.

Only the manager will be allowed at any time to photograph children using the work mobile phone or camera. These will be saved on the secure server and removed from the personal device at the end of each session.

First Aid

Sussex Kids Hub is committed to ensuring children receive appropriate first aid and medical support while attending the club.

• At least one paediatric first aid trained member of staff will be present during all sessions and outings.
• Staff first aid training is renewed in line with current guidance and certification requirements.
• First aid kits are checked regularly by management to ensure contents are fully stocked, in date, and suitable for the activities being delivered.
• All accidents, injuries, and treatment administered are recorded on an accident form and shared with parents/carers.
• Medication administered to children will only be given with prior written parental consent and recorded appropriately.

Safer Eating and Allergens

The setting is committed to promoting safer eating practices and protecting children with food allergies and intolerances.

• Information regarding children’s allergies and dietary requirements is clearly displayed in food preparation and serving areas whilst maintaining confidentiality.
• All staff are made aware of children’s allergies and receive appropriate training in allergy awareness and emergency procedures.
• Procedures are in place to prevent cross-contamination of allergens.
• Staff must sit with or remain directly alongside children while they are eating and must be able to see and hear children at all times to ensure children are eating safely and to respond immediately in the event of choking or allergic reaction.

Safer Recruitment

Sussex Kids Hub recognises the importance of safe recruitment and has taken into account the government guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 to ensure there is a safe and responsible recruitment process for all individuals who come into contact with children and young people. Safer recruitment training will be completed by those undertaking any recruitment. Sussex Kids Hub adheres to the principles and requirements set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children and complies with all relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

This applies whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

The club’s safe recruitment process includes:

• Ensuring job descriptions and job advertisements highlight the key responsibilities of the role and the club’s commitment to safeguarding.
• Applications must be made by the candidate and not an agent; Sussex Kids Hub will then shortlist and interview as appropriate for the role. Each candidate will be interviewed by two members of staff prior to any offer and interviews will include exploration of candidates’ attitudes and approaches towards safeguarding.
• Ensuring all applicants identity, qualifications and experience are verified through original documentation and any gaps in CVs will be properly explored.
• All roles or positions will require satisfactory references and criminal record checks under the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) appropriate to the role concerned and in line with The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; guidance for roles should be assessed in line with government guidance DBS checks for staff working with children.
• All staff will require an enhanced DBS.
• Those working with children will need written references including an express request of details of any safeguarding matters recording by previous employers to ensure the fulfilment of the club’s commitment to the ongoing safeguarding of children.
• A person may not commence work prior to the background checks and 2 references (one from a previous employer) being returned.
• All staff complete a probationary period of one month.

All staff working with children sign a self-declaration form. This requires employees to declare any criminal history they may have.

If a person’s criminal record check reveals cautions, convictions, community resolutions, warnings or final reprimands, Sussex Kids Hub will consider the nature of the offence/offences in deciding if the person is unsuitable for working with children and young people. Sussex Kids Hub will conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the information and the person may be required to attend a risk assessment meeting with the relevant Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) prior to any recruitment decision being made.

Participants with criminal records

Making safe and fair decisions about membership for people with criminal records.

1. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act means it is unlawful to refuse or withdraw membership or to prejudice a candidate in any way when a caution or conviction has been spent.
2. Following information coming to light, Sussex Kids Hub will establish whether the conviction is unspent. This can be achieved through a self-declaration form or a face-to-face meeting.
3. Following confirmation of an unspent offence the club may carry out a safeguarding risk assessment based on the activity being attended. Following the risk assessment, a decision will be made about the terms of participation.
4. In the event that a spent conviction comes to light, safeguarding should be at the heart of any decision and any breaches should be dealt with through normal disciplinary procedures, taking no account of the spent conviction.

Further details are outlined in the Safer Recruitment Policy.

Contact numbers at a glance

• LADO: LADO@Brighton-Hove.gov.uk
• Front Door Families (formerly MASH): 01273 290400
  Out of hours: 01273 335905
• Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)
• Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321
• NSPCC: 0808 800 500
• Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

Legislation, statutory guidance and procedures

This policy has been written with reference to the following legislation, statutory guidance and procedures:

• Children Act 1989, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Childcare Act 2016
• The Children Act 2004
• Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 Prevent Duty
• The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory framework April 2024
• Working together to safeguard children HMG 2024
• What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused HMG 2015
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023
• Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing Safeguarding Services DfE 2024
• Pan Sussex procedures – BHSCP