Safeguarding Our Children
At Tom Thumb Nursery, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We work together to create a nurturing, secure environment where children feel happy, confident and ready to learn.
What Safeguarding Means
Safeguarding is more than recognising when a child may be at risk. It includes everything we do to protect children from harm and support their development. This means:
- protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
- preventing harm to their health or development
- ensuring they grow up with safe, consistent care
- taking action so every child has the best life chances
Safeguarding applies to all children up to the age of 18.
Safeguarding covers many areas, including neglect, emotional and physical abuse, children missing from education, child sexual exploitation (CSE), bullying (including online), domestic violence, drugs, fabricated or induced illness, faith‑based abuse, FGM, forced marriage, gangs and youth violence, mental health, preventing radicalisation, sexting and trafficking….
Safeguarding at Tom Thumb Nursery includes several important elements that help us create a safe and supportive environment. We work together under the umbrella of the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
Safer Recruitment We ensure everyone working with our children is properly qualified, suitable for their role and fully vetted.
Risk Assessment All trips, outings and activities are risk assessed to minimise hazards and keep children safe.
Partnership Working We work closely with families and external agencies to share information appropriately and support children’s needs.
Safer Premises Our nursery is secure, well‑maintained and welcoming. Drop‑off and collection routines are carefully managed.
Curriculum We offer a broad, balanced curriculum that is fun, engaging and safe. Children build confidence, resilience and problem‑solving skills.
Child Protection Child protection is part of safeguarding. It involves taking action to protect children who are suffering, or may be at risk of significant harm.
Our Safeguarding Guidance
We follow the Department for Education’s key safeguarding documents:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022)
- The Prevent Duty (2015)
Training and Awareness
All staff and volunteers receive annual Staffordshire Safeguarding updates, as well as Child Protection and PREVENT training. Everyone understands the procedures for reporting concerns to our designated safeguarding leads.
If You Are Worried About a Child
At Tom Thumb Nursery, we work closely with families to keep every child safe, happy and supported. If you ever have a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing, there are clear steps you can take.
In an emergency
If a child is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
If you are worried about a child
For all other safeguarding concerns, Staffordshire County Council uses a single referral route called the Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door (IFD). This is where concerns about a child’s safety, welfare or home situation can be shared.
Parents, carers and professionals can contact the IFD for:
- Worries about neglect, emotional or physical harm
- Concerns about a child’s home environment
- Support for families who may be struggling
- Advice if you’re unsure what to do next
You can make a referral or ask for advice through the Staffordshire County Council website.
What we do as a nursery
If we ever have a concern about a child, we:
- Speak with our Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Follow the procedures set out in national guidance such as Working Together and Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Contact the IFD for advice or referral when needed
- Work in partnership with families wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so
- Keep all records secure and confidential