We ensure that on accepting a place with us at Footprints, our parents and carers have access to our policies to ensure they understand the way we operate on a day to day basis. We also take our parents and carers points of view into consideration when regularly reviewing our policies.
Below you will find a few of our key policies - please click on the arrow to expand the box-
Administering Medicines Policy
Rationale
We are committed to ensuring that children with short or long-term medical conditions receive the care and medication needed for them to participate in the setting if they are well enough to attend. In order to achieve this, we are willing to administer medication provided we have the medical or technical knowledge to do so and have written parental permission.
Procedure
Children taking medication must be well enough to attend the nursery.
Children’s paracetamol (Calpol) is administered only with parental consent to children with high temperatures and for teething at parent’s request (consent given in enrolment form). We will not administer Calpol more than once in a day, if your child’s temperature continues to be high then we will ask for you to collect them.
Only prescribed medication is administered. It must be in date and prescribed for the current condition. It must be in the original bottle/packaging and not decanted.
Children’s prescribed medicines are stored in their original containers are clearly labelled and inaccessible to the children
Parents/carers give written permission for the administration of medication. The staff receiving the medication must ask the parent/carers to sign the consent form stating the following information: Full name of child. Name of medication, storage and expiry date. Dosage to be given in the setting and times to be given. Signature, printed name of parent/carer and the date.
The first dose of each medicine should always be given at home with sufficient time to observe the child’s responses to the medicine before the child is brought to my setting.
Long term or on going medical conditions
If a child has a long term medical condition or allergy, an individual Health Care plan will be written up with the family and the manager, detailing what needs to happen when there is a medical need.
For some conditions medications may be kept at the setting. Key persons/buddies check that medication held is administered on an as and when required basis, or on a regular basis, and is in date and return out of date medication back to the parent/carer.
For some medical conditions staff will have training in a basic understanding of the condition as well as how the medication is to be administered correctly, this will be written on the child’s care plan and shared with staff.
Childcare manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: December 2025
Policy to be reviewed on: December 2026
Complaints Procedure
Rationale
We are committed to work in close partnership with parents/carers in order to meet the needs of children and families and offer the highest quality education and care for all children. We believe children and parents/carers are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. We must follow the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Bill (DPB). By maintaining good communication with parents/carers we hope that parents/carers will bring to our attention any aspect of the service they are unhappy with in order for the matter to be resolved quickly.
Procedure
If ever you are unhappy about any aspect of our childcare setting please talk to us about your concerns, we will listen and investigate the issue as soon as possible. If you would rather discuss a concern out of hearing of your child, an arrangement can be made to discuss this either by telephone or in person at a more convenient time. A response should be received within one working day indicating what immediate action may have been taken to resolve the issue. If this is not possible due to operational circumstances, an acknowledgement, registering your concern/complaint will be given within one working day, followed by a full response within 3 working days.
If the nature of your complaint is in breach of one or more of the statutory requirements of registration and we have been unable to resolve your concerns by discussion, you will need to put your complaint in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days. When the complaint has been investigated Rhiannon or Pete will notify you of the outcome within 28 days of receiving the complaint. We will keep a written record of the nature of the complaint. Records of complaints will be kept for 3 years or between inspections whichever is the longest. We must also make these records available to Ofsted upon request.
If you are not happy with the outcome of the investigation or response from the Management, then you have the right to raise the matter with Ofsted.
The contact details for Ofsted are:
General Helpline number 0300 123 1231, complaints 0300 123 4666 or in writing to the Applications, Regulatory and Contact (ARC) Team, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD or through their website: https://contact.ofsted.gov.uk/onlinecomplaints
Childcare manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: February 2025
Policy to be reviewed on: February 2026
Attendance Policy - Child absences
Statutory framework 2025-
3.11 Providers must follow up on absences in a timely manner. If a child is absent for a prolonged period of time, or if a child is absent without notification from the parent or carer, attempts must be made to contact the child’s parents and/or carers and alternative emergency contacts. Providers must consider patterns and trends in a child’s absences and their personal circumstances and use their professional judgement when deciding if the child’s absence should be considered as prolonged. Consideration must be given to the child’s vulnerability, parent’s and/or carer’s vulnerability and their home life. Any concerns must be referred to local children’s social care services and/or a police welfare check requested.
3.12 Providers must have an attendance policy that they share with parents and/or carers. This must include expectations for reporting child absences and the actions providers will take if a child is absent without notification or for a prolonged period of time, for example: implementing the setting’s safeguarding procedures, following up with the parents and/or carers and contacting emergency contacts if parents and/or carers are not contactable.
Rationale-
At Footprints, we are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and consistent development of every child. Regular attendance is vital for children to fully benefit from the experiences we offer and is crucial for their learning and wellbeing. This policy outlines the expectations and procedures surrounding child absence from the setting.
Reporting an absence-
If your child is unable to attend nursery on their scheduled day, you must notify us by 9:30am on the first day of absence and continue to inform us daily for the duration of the absence. You can report absences via the nursery phone. We will then record the absence and reason for the absence on Tapestry.
Unexplained absence-
Children’s attendance is monitored closely. If we do not receive an explanation for your child’s absence by 9:30am, their key worker will ask the manager to contact you. We will continue to contact you throughout the day. If we are unable to reach you by the end of the day (5pm) then we will contact the emergency contacts that you have provided us with. If there is still no explanation within 24hrs, we may be required to notify Mash- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) (01904 551900, {Email: mash@york.gov.uk})
This procedure reflects guidance from the local authority and is in place due to past serious incidents where the absence of a child went unnoticed following a parent’s illness or emergency.
The sole purpose of this policy is to protect the safety and welfare of the child and their family.
A concerned absence-
Attendance records are regularly monitored to ensure children's safety and wellbeing is being monitored. If we are concerned about an absence or if there is persistent absence with no logical reason or a pattern in absences then a meeting will be arranged with the Nursery Manager to discuss the situation.
Emergency contacts-
Each September emergency contacts are collected and if we don’t receive four we will contact you for more. At each newsletter we will ask you to update us on any changes to these phone numbers.
Attending another setting-
If a child attends another setting then we may contact them to discuss any unexplained absences in order to ensure a child's safe
Flowchart-
Child absent
↓
9:30- Key person ask manager to contact home
↓
Manager to continue to contact parent throughout the day (calls and messages)
↓
5pm- Manager contact Emergency contacts
↓
24hrs- call Mash- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) (01904 551900, {Email: mash@york.gov.uk})
Advice for this policy has been taken from- https://www.raiseyork.co.uk/attendance
Childcare manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: September 2026
Policy to be reviewed on: September 2027
Illness and sickness Policy
Rationale
The health and well-being of all the children, staff and parents/carers who attend Footprints is of paramount importance to us. In order for us all to provide a clean and healthy environment it is important for us all to follow procedures. We follow the guidance given to us by Public Health England (PHE), in Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and other Child Care Settings.
Procedure
If your child becomes unwell during the nursery day, parent(s) will be contacted and a discussion will be had about what needs to happen next and whether the child needs to go home or if they are well enough to stay in nursery.
Calpol
If your child has a temperature but is not showing other signs of illness then a phone call home will be made to get permission to give calpol. If the child's temperature continues to rise or the child is not themselves after 30 or so minutes then a call is made asking the parents/carers to pick them up.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea
Should a child present vomiting (one case) or diarrhoea (three cases during their session) during the day at nursery, parents will be contacted and requested to collect him/her as soon as possible. The child should not return to nursery for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, providing that they are back to full health (and their stools have returned to normal without the aid of medication to control the situation).
We recognise that children who are teething, or weaning, frequently have loose stools and in that context we would not expect parents to collect their child.
Infections
If a child has ongoing discharge from their ears, nose or eyes, parents/carers might be advised to seek medical advice.
Conjunctivitis
To prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, if we believe your child may have symptoms relating to the virus, we will inform parents/carers promptly and advise that the child is collected as soon as possible. We will advise that the child is seen by a pharmacist for advice on what treatment is required. Once your child has been treated and the conjunctivitis appears controlled, providing the child is happy they may return to nursery. Conjunctivitis is very contagious so we ask that you bathe your child's eyes before bringing them into nursery.
Rash
Parents/carers will be contacted if your child develops an unexplained rash while at nursery and might be requested to seek medical advice if there is a concern.
Antibiotics
If antibiotics have been prescribed, we ask that your child has had the first dose at home to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction to it. If your child has never had antibiotics before we ask for you to monitor them for a longer length of time (at least 5 hours) after their first dose before bringing them into nursery.
Hand, Foot and Mouth
Hand, Foot and Mouth is very contagious, we ask that your child doesn’t return to nursery until they are feeling better and the spots have stopped weeping.
Other illness’
Below are the time frames children should be absent from the setting if they have an infectious illness:
Covid- Check current government guidelines
Chickenpox- until all vesicles have crusted over
Scarlet Fever- 24 hours after you take the 1st dose of antibiotics
Measles- 4 days from onset of rash
Mumps- 7 days and when swelling has gone down
German Measles- 4 days from onset of rash
Dysentery- until recovered
Scabies- until treatment is underway
Lice- until treated
Ringworm- until treatment is started and skin has healed
Impetigo- until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after antibiotics started
Whooping cough- 21 days from onset of cough
Infective jaundice- minimum 7 days following the appearance of jaundice
Childcare manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: January 2026
Policy to be reviewed on: January 2027
Positive Behaviour Policy
Rationale
Footprints Nursery has a Positive Behaviour Policy to ensure that staff and parents work together to value the promotion of positive behaviour. We want to encourage all children to understand and develop qualities such as kindness and have the ability to consider others while learning how to share, take turns and play in harmony together. We aim to foster a caring family atmosphere in which care and learning takes place in a safe and happy environment.
At this age children are learning how to behave appropriately. Many of the things they do are normal for their stage of development and we help them to learn when something is dangerous or harmful to themselves or others and to make positive choices in their behaviour.
Procedure
Regulating emotions and dealing with behaviour
At Footprints, we help children become aware of their emotions and teach them self-regulation strategies in a supportive and age-appropriate way.
Each morning, children are encouraged to name how they are feeling, using Colour Monster visuals to help them identify and communicate their emotions with peers and adults. We introduce calming techniques such as ‘shape breathing’ and offer a Calming Corner as a quiet space where children can go when they need time to reset or regulate.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
Our approach is rooted in promoting and celebrating positive behaviour. We seek to develop a child's social and emotional skills by helping them build empathy, compassion and to form positive relationships. For example, kindness provides a foundation for a strong moral compass, equipping them to make good choices, navigate conflicts and develop a positive personality that contributes to their well-being.
Be Brave – Be Unique – Be Kind – Be Curious – Be a Team – Be a Friend
These core values are at the heart of everything we do at Footprints. We embed them into daily life in a range of meaningful and age-appropriate ways:
We name and refer to the values regularly, pointing them out on our wall display and using them in conversations with the children.
Soft toy animals wearing labelled t-shirts representing each value live in the environment. Children can hold these when they demonstrate one of the values.
We use this language during daily handovers to parents, helping to connect home and nursery learning (e.g. “Today, Ted was so brave trying something new…”).
Our observations on Tapestry include references to the values (e.g. "Being brave on their first day" or "Showing curiosity when exploring the forest").
Older children receive special ‘Footprint Values’ stickers to celebrate when they’ve consistently shown one of the values.
These consistent and playful approaches help children internalise the values, recognise them in others, and feel proud of living them out.
Even when the physical wheel isn’t available, we continue to use the language and structure it promotes to guide conversations and support behaviour in a consistent and constructive way.
A simple verbal reminder: “Remember, we use kind hands with our friends.”
Explaining the consequences: “If you throw sand, it might get in someone’s eyes and hurt them.”
Distraction or redirection: Shifting the focus to a new activity to avoid escalation.
Offering choices: “You can either put your shoes on and come outside, or stay inside. Which would you like to do?”
Our aim is always to guide children toward understanding their emotions and actions, helping them to learn the skills they need to navigate social situations respectfully and confidently.
Biting
Biting is a common occurrence for children from teething through to preschool and the reasons for this can be varying. If a child is found to be going through a period of biting behaviour the child will be monitored and the parents informed. We will work closely with the child to try and find the reason for biting. This will be done through noting times of biting to establish if there is a pattern. Staff will work with the child to fulfil their needs and help stop the biting.
Verbal labelling of children with terms such as ‘naughty’ or ‘disruptive’ will not be used and children’s behaviour will not be a topic of discussion within the room.
Partnership with parents
Partnership with parents is key at Footprints Nursery. We want to work together with parents to provide the best form of care.
We will always encourage parents to inform us on details that may affect the child's well-being. This can be as simple as ‘mum is away this week for work’ or ‘dad has broken his arm’ small changes can potentially have a huge effect on a child's behaviour.
If we have concerns about a child's behaviour we will speak to you as the parents and put in place a system that will be effective for the individual child. This may be a sticker chart or a Behavioural plan and if necessary, seek advice from outside agencies.
Nursery manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: June 2026
Policy to be reviewed on: June 2027
Whistleblowing
Rationale- From the statutory framework 2025-
3.7 Providers must put appropriate whistleblowing procedures in place for all staff (including students and volunteers) to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in the setting’s safeguarding provision. This must include when and how to report concerns and the process that will be followed after staff report concerns. Providers must ensure staff are aware of the setting’s whistleblowing procedures and must ensure all staff feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and know that such concerns will be taken seriously by the senior leadership team.
3.8 Where a staff member feels unable to raise an issue with their employer, or feels that their genuine concerns are not being addressed, they should use the other channels open to them.
What is Whistleblowing-
Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. It enables staff to raise concerns about:
Risks to child safety or wellbeing
Poor or unsafe childcare practice
Staff conduct, including bullying, discrimination, harassment
Failure to comply with legal obligations
Criminal offences (e.g. theft, fraud, abuse)
Miscarriages of justice
Deliberate attempts to conceal any of the above
Breach of nursery or safeguarding policies
Actions which could seriously damage the nursery’s reputation
At Footprints, we understand that whistleblowing is an important aspect of safeguarding, where staff, volunteers and students are encouraged to share genuine concerns about a colleague’s behaviour. We understand that this behaviour may not be child abuse; however, the adult may not be following the code of conduct or could be pushing boundaries beyond normal limits.
We recognise that if a member of staff, volunteer or student raises concerns about a wrongdoing to Footprints management or to another organisation they are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. The Act applies where a worker has a reasonable belief that their disclosure tends to show one or more of the following offences or breaches the list given above.
Footprints will support measures that protect whistleblowers from any form of victimisation. We have a procedure to ensure concerns are dealt with effectively and efficiently and will do all that we can to preserve the confidentiality of the person/s who has raised a concern.
If a member of staff, volunteer or student has a concern the procedure below should be followed:
• Raise concern with the Managers (This is dependent upon who is suspected of the wrongdoing)
• Concerns can be verbal or written or anonymously (although this may limit investigation scope)
• Concerns are then written down clearly and include the background, history, names, dates and places and reason for the disclosure. When raising a concern, the whistle blower needs to demonstrate that they have an honest and reasonable suspicion that malpractice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur
• The Manager will respond to the concern, by carrying out an initial enquiry to decide if an investigation should take place
• If the concern falls within the offences/breaches as listed previously these will be referred for consideration under those procedures. Concerns may be resolved by agreed actions without the need for investigation
• If urgent action is required, this will be taken before any investigation is carried out
• Footprints will explain to the whistle blower how the concerns will be dealt with within 10 working days of the concern.
All concerns will be treated with confidence and every effort will be made not to reveal a staff member, volunteers, or student’s identity. However, while making all reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the concern, at a certain stage in the investigation it might be necessary to make the origins of the concern known to the person or persons the allegations are against.
We accept that deciding to report a concern can be very difficult and uncomfortable. If a member of staff, volunteer or student makes an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against him/her. If, however, a member of staff, volunteer or student makes an allegation frivolously, maliciously or for personal gain, disciplinary actions may be taken against them.
Whistleblowing contacts-
If you need to discuss a concern about member of staff or about the manager and you don’t feel like you can do so with our manager or deputy, here are some other numbers that you could use:
Ofsted Whistle Blowing Hotline:
Telephone: 0300 123 1231
Email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk
Post: Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
NSPCC Telephone:
0800 028 0285
Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk
LADO
Telephone:01603 223473
Email: LADO@norfolk.gov.uk
Childcare manager Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date written and signed: September 2026
Policy to be reviewed on: September 2027
Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures
Designated safeguarding lead is: Rhiannon Hale
Secondary safeguarding lead is: Peter Hale/ Eleanor Loveley
Significant immediate harm to the child contact Police 999.
If the matter is urgent contact MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) Monday – Friday between 8.30am and 5pm on 01904 551900 and select option 3, or email them a referral form MASH@york.gov.uk
If it is out of hours please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 131 2131.
If you would like to make a referral for Targeted Early Help support or access advice for a family, you can contact the MASH Early Help Co-ordinators on 01904 551900 and select option 2 or email them at earlyhelp@york.gov.uk
LSCB- Local safeguarding children board= CYSCP@york.gov.uk is City of York Safeguarding children Partnership
Rationale:
Our first responsibility and priority is towards the children in our care and their welfare and well-being is paramount under Section 27 of the Children Act 1989, Section 40 of the Children Act 2006 and the government document Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.
Child abuse happens to children and young people of both sexes, at all ages and in all cultures, religions and social classes and both to children and young people with and without disabilities. If we have any cause for concern, we will report it, following the York Safeguarding Board procedures listed below.
We aim to provide an environment where all children feel safe and can talk to us when they are worried about anything, enabling us to provide or seek any additional support that may be required. Any instances of discriminatory or derogatory language or behaviour (including language that is about disabled people or is homophobic or racist) will be challenged and an explanation given as to why it is unacceptable.
Footprints Home Nursery includes all adults who work with the nursery children. These adults are registered assistants. As the Manager, I (Rhiannon Hale) take the lead responsibility (designated safeguarding lead), for safeguarding children within the setting, ensuring that policies and procedures are fit for purpose and that all members of staff receive relevant appropriate advice, support, guidance and training,
Footprints have regard to the government’s statutory guidance documents: 'Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and the 'Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales’. It also has access to other helpful documents such as 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’; and 'Keeping Children Safe in Education’. These documents would be referred to if a relevant situation arose.
Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Raising awareness-
• Ensure that policies are known and implemented by all staff, are available to parents/carers & are updated and reviewed annually
•Procedures & implementation are updated/reviewed regularly
• Parents/carers are aware of the duty the setting has to protect children
• Raise awareness with the team
Training knowledge and skills-
• Keep theirs & staff training up-to-date including changes to legislation
• Understand the assessment process for EH/statutory intervention
• Understand the lasting impact that adversity and trauma can have, including on children’s behaviour, mental health and wellbeing, & response needed to promote outcomes
• Setting policy, procedures and documentation – all staff
• Staff to know the needs of children in need and those with SEND
• Encourage a culture of listening to children & taking account of their wishes and feelings
Managing referrals-
• Liaising with different agencies - LADO, MASH, Police, DBS
• Support staff to make referrals
• Recording – Case recording
• Seek appropriate consultation if needed – Line manager, MASH, EY Safeguarding Lead
• Overall responsibility
Working with others-
• Liaise with the other DSL & keeping them updated
• Liaise with the Child & Family Social Worker/case worker, LADO
• Support staff to attend & participate in multi agency meetings
• Act as a source of support, advice and expertise for staff
• Work with & be the point of contact for multi-agency partners involved
Procedure
What to do if you suspect abuse-
It is the responsibility of all members of the team to be vigilant for signs of abuse
If you are concerned about a child you must report it immediately to the Designated Child safeguarding lead - Rhiannon Hale - who is nominated to act on their behalf in referring allegations or suspicions of neglect or abuse to the statutory authorities. In the absence of the Designated Person the matter should be brought to the attention of the Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
if it is an emergency and the Designated Persons cannot be contacted then please directly ring York MASH (MuM-Agency Safeguarding Hub) team in York on 01904 551900 or email MASH@york.qov.uk will be contacted (Outside office hours, at weekends and on public holidays contact the emergency duty team on 01609 780780)
All information must remain confidential and only be discussed on a need-to-know basis.
Details of the concern and any action taken will be recorded on a Confirmation of Referral Form found on the Safeguarding website, www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk, or hard copies can be found in the setting.
Ofsted must be informed of any referral.
The local (York) procedures can be found by viewing the Safeguarding Partners website https://www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk/
In all instances, a record will be made of:
the child’s full name and address
the date and time of the record
factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
details of any previous concerns
details of any explanations from the parents/carers
any action taken such as speaking to parents/carers
If a child has disclosed information to you:
acknowledge their disclosure/ allegation and reassure them that it will be taken seriously
encourage the child to talk, without prompting or asking them leading questions. The child will not be interrupted when they are recalling significant events or made to repeat their account. We may use questioning techniques which involve using non-leading, open+ended questions that start with Tell, Explain or Describe known as the TED questioning techniques
explain what actions must be taken, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
record what has been disclosed using exact words where possible
make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion
Allegations against adults working with children:
If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student or volunteer or any other person who lives or works on the nursery premises regardless of whether the allegation relates to the nursery premises or elsewhere, we will follow the procedure below.
Procedure:
The allegation should be reported to the manager. If this person is the subject of the allegation then this should be reported to the Deputy Manager or straight to LADO
They will then inform The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 01904 551900 and Ofsted on 0300 123 4666 (within 14 days) in order for this to be investigated by the appropriate bodies promptly.
If as an individual you feel this will not be taken seriously or are worried about the allegation getting back to the person in question then it is your duty to inform the LADO yourself directly
A full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate professionals (LADO, Ofsted) to determine how this will be handled
The nursery will follow all instructions from the LJ\DO and Ofsted and ask all stafF members to do the same and co-operate where required
Support will be provided to all those involved in an allegation throughout the external investigation in line with LADO support and advice
The nursery reserves the right to suspend any member of staff during an investigation
All enquiries/external investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file for access by the relevant authorities
Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated
Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisations including the local authority children’s social care team and where an offence is believed to have been committed, the police, and will result in the termination of employment. Ofsted will be notified immediately of this decision. The nursery will also notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure their records are updated
All records will be kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 21 years and 3 months if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references and future DBS checks and avoids any unnecessary reinvestigation
The nursery retains the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry
Counselling will be available for any member of the nursery who is affected by an allegation, their colleagues in the nursery and the parents.
How we promote British values
We support the prevention of Radicalisation/extremism by implementing British values through the curriculum -
Mutual Respect & Tolerance: Encouraging children to share, take turns, and respect different backgrounds, cultures, and family structures.
Individual Liberty: Allowing children to make their own choices (e.g., choosing activities, toys, or snack options) to build self-confidence.
Democracy & Rule of Law: Involving children in creating simple classroom rules and teaching them to understand right from wrong.
How we promote Cultural Capital
What is cultural capital in childcare?
Cultural capital is the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success. It is about giving children the best possible start to their early education.
It may include:
finding books on a child’s favourite topic
creating role-play activities that further their interest in a particular idea
taking trips to the park
or organising visits from community figures such as the police.
Safer recruitment
We seek to safeguard children by safely recruiting our team of staff and volunteers, ensuring all necessary checks are made and providing essential training so that the team is well equipped to respond swiftly and appropriately to safeguarding situations that may arise (see Safe Recruitment Policy)
In support of this statement;
All offers of employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check
Two satisfactory references before they start.
These references will be scrutinised to ensure they are the latest employment the person has and that it mentions whether they have any safeguarding issues
Suitability checks will be carried out by Ofsted, staff will never be left alone until the suitability letter is issued
If myself or another member of staff have concerns about the suitability of the new staff member will be put under further scrutiny and more evidence might be required before a decision can be made on their suitability
No unscreened adult will be left unsupervised with a child or group of children
Volunteers
Any volunteers over the age of 16 will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check
References will be gathered before they start
They will be scrutinised to ensure we have enough information to make a decision on their suitability
If a volunteer is coming for more than 6 weeks then an EY2 form will be submitted to ofsted
Anyone coming in for work experience (under 16, through a secondary school and for a short period of time) will be reported to ofsted along with their DOB.
Agency staff will not be used
Staff Training
AII team members complete the York Safeguarding Children online Course every 2 years
In house refresher training is once a year
General up keep of safeguarding knowledge is done through weekly posters put up in the setting to read and sign and a quiz at each staff meeting
Any changes to safeguarding or any updates are either provided imminently or at staff meeting
Designated Lead to complete the 'Safeguarding for Early Years’ training provided by City of York Council’s Workforce Development Unit.
Whistleblowing
Please see whistleblowing policy which addresses-
Staff reporting concerns about colleagues, management or safeguarding practices.
Protection for staff who raise concerns.
Contact details for external agencies if concerns cannot be resolved internally.
Child Absence Procedures
Please see absence policy which includes-
How you follow up unexplained or prolonged absences.
When concerns about attendance become safeguarding concerns.
How emergency contacts are used if families cannot be reached.
Toileting, Nappy Changing and Intimate Care
Please see nappy changing and intimate care policy.
Footprints Nursery is committed to ensuring that all children's toileting, nappy changing and intimate care needs are met in a safe, respectful and dignified manner. Staff will support children sensitively, promoting their independence wherever possible while ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
Any concerns arising during toileting, nappy changing or intimate care will be recorded and reported in accordance with the Footprints safeguarding policy.
Safer Eating
Footprints Nursery recognises that mealtimes and snack times are an important part of children's daily experiences and that appropriate measures must be in place to ensure children can eat safely. We are committed to promoting children's health, wellbeing and safety by implementing effective procedures to minimise the risk of choking, allergic reactions and other food-related incidents.
Children will always be appropriately supervised while eating and drinking. Staff will remain vigilant and actively monitor children throughout mealtimes and snack times, ensuring that children are seated safely and that eating takes place in a calm and unhurried environment. Children will not be permitted to walk, run, play, or lie down whilst eating.
Footprints will obtain and maintain accurate information regarding children's dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, and medical needs before they start. This information will be regularly reviewed with parents and shared appropriately with relevant staff members. Clear procedures will be followed to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that children only receive food and drink that is suitable for their individual needs.
Staff will be aware of foods that may present a choking hazard and will ensure that food is prepared, cut, and served in an age-appropriate manner. The nursery will follow current guidance regarding choking prevention and safer food preparation for young children.
All staff will receive training and guidance appropriate to their role regarding safer eating practices, anaphylaxis awareness and emergency procedures. Where a child has a known allergy or medical condition requiring emergency medication, staff will be familiar with the child's individual healthcare plan and the location and use of any prescribed medication.
Any incidents relating to choking, allergic reactions, or concerns about a child's ability to eat safely will be reported to parents and reviewed to identify any further actions required to safeguard children.
Absences
See absence policy
We understand that children will be absent from the setting for varying reasons. For some children, repeated unexplained periods of absence; or leaving unexpectedly can mean that they are subject to, or at risk of, abuse or exploitation. We use attendance records to monitor children’s attendance and absences and will report any concerning periods of absence to the York MASH team.
Technology
With the increase in usage of information technology (IT) within today’s society, it is vital to safeguard children against potentially harmful exploitation
Any IT equipment used within the setting has appropriate filters in place to protect children from harmful online material
Any IT equipment children bring from home is also protected with appropriate filters
Children will be able to use IT equipment where we can safely supervise their activity and will only be allowed to play games that are listed as suitable for their age or their development stage
We will help children to understand that they should not give any personal information to people they do not know because sometimes people pretend to be someone else when online,
We use the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) 'Share Aware’ information to help us understand the apps, games and networks that are commonly used by children of different ages and the potential dangers with these.
If we become aware of a situation that is potentially abusive, it will be reported to the local MASH team by the designated safeguarding lead
Photographs
Consent for taking photographs and the use of these images if applicable, will be given by parents/carers in our consent agreements.
Photographic equipment including the setting specific tablets, to take images of a child’s development will only be stored and used in line with parental written consent. Tablets are password protected with only relevant persons having access to the password and are not accessible to anyone else without permission
The setting is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office as a data controller, which means we abide by guidelines for the storage and use of photographic images
We ensure that all children are protected against exploitation from others by never leaving a child alone with an individual who is in possession of a camera or photographic device which may be used inappropriately.
Staff are not permitted to bring any photographic equipment into the setting apart from a personal mobile phone which they should seek permission to use for personal reasons during working hours if necessary. This will be monitored by the designated safeguarding lead to ensure children’s safety. Staff must have smart watches on flight mode so they cannot read messages or take pictures,
Mobile Phones and smart watches
When working in the setting, personal mobile phones will be kept in the office away from children. Staff can access on their break (taken in a separate room to the children) or if they need to access it at another point they MUST ask the Manager or DSL. A staff member’s personal phone will never be used to take photographs of children in the setting.
The business phone is used as a phone for essential calls, enabling us to always meet the needs of the children and contact parents
On outings, the setting mobile phone will be taken for emergency purposes or a member of staff's phone will be carried by a different member of staff. Either way the phone will be left with another member of staff when taking a child for nappy changing or toileting,
Existing injuries
Parents/carers must notify us of any pre-existing accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded and signed by the parent/carers(s) on the day of entry.
If it is a minor scrape, this will be logged on a daily sheet. If it is more than this, a full sheet will be filled in and a parent will be asked to sign.
Any other business
If an allegation of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises or elsewhere is made, it will be reported to Ofsted and include the action taken in respect of the allegations. These notifications must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at least within 14 days of the allegations being made. The York Safeguarding Partner’s procedures will also be followed including reporting it directly to the Designated Officer (DO) within 1 working day of the allegation being made. The settings insurance company will be contacted, together with any local support that is available.
Inappropriate behaviour by anyone working in the setting will be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding lead and the procedures above will be followed. If the safeguarding lead is observed displaying inappropriate behaviour then the observer must report the incident directly to Ofsted and the DO following the procedure stated above.
The designated safeguarding lead will also, under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service when a member of staff is dismissed or would have been had they not left the setting first because they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm
It is not our responsibility to attempt to investigate a situation ourselves
Childcare provider’s Signature: Rhiannon Hale
Date: January 2026
Date of next review: January 2027
