Policies

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy: Policies

World’s End Under Fives Centre

Welcome

At World’s End Under Fives Centre, your child’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness are at the heart of everything we do. We want parents and carers to feel confident that our Centre is a secure, nurturing place where children are protected, listened to, and supported. This policy explains how we safeguard children and what you can expect from us.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive environment for every child. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors all share the duty to protect children from harm.

Purpose

This policy explains how we keep children safe and what actions we take if concerns arise. It ensures our Centre promotes wellbeing, respect, and trust in all relationships.

Legal Framework

Our safeguarding practice follows:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

Designated Safeguarding Leads

The Centre has appointed:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Patricia Alert – manager@worldsendu5.onmicrosoft.com or 0207 351 5871
  • Deputy DSL: Ellen Godden — 📞 07807 500 752

These are the main contacts for any safeguarding or child protection concerns.

Responsibilities of the DSL and Deputy DSL

They are responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding and child protection concerns
  • Liaising with Children’s Social Care and other agencies
  • Maintaining confidential safeguarding records
  • Supporting staff and volunteers
  • Ensuring all safeguarding training is up to date

Their contact details are displayed prominently within the Centre.

Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms — physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Our staff are trained to recognise signs and act promptly. Parents are encouraged to speak to the DSL or Deputy DSL if they ever have concerns about a child’s welfare.

Responding to Concerns

If a concern is raised:

  • It will be taken seriously and handled sensitively.
  • The DSL will follow local safeguarding procedures.
  • Information will be shared only with those who need to know, respecting confidentiality and data protection laws.

Safe Recruitment and Training

All staff and volunteers undergo appropriate background checks and safeguarding training. We regularly review our procedures to ensure best practice.

Working with Parents

We believe safeguarding works best when parents and staff communicate openly. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, supported, and happy.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if guidance changes. The latest version is always available on our website and at the Centre.

💬 What to Do If You’re Worried About a Child

If you’re ever concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing:

  • Speak to Patricia Alert (DSL) or Ellen Godden (Deputy DSL) straight away.
  • You can also contact Children’s Social Care – Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC):
    • Phone (Office hours): 020 7361 3013
    • Out of hours (Emergency Duty Team): 020 7361 3002
    • Email: socialservices@rbkc.gov.uk
  • In an emergency, call 999.