If you have reason to believe a child in our care is subject to abuse or neglect, you must inform the nursery DSL.

• The responsibility of the DSL is to make an assessment of the relevant information.
• Southampton Children’s Resource Service or Hampshire Children’s Services will be contacted for further advice and/or guidance.
• Group DSL to be informed of any reports/ concerns raised.
• Parents may be consulted if doing so does not put the child at further risk.
• All concerns and actions taken must be recorded in a thorough and factual manner on relevant forms. These are stored in a locked filing cabinet or on a secure, password protected computer.
• If you are not satisfied that your concerns have been dealt with satisfactorily, you should report the incident to the local authority yourself.

An allegation of child abuse or neglect may lead to a criminal investigation.

• Do not do anything that could jeopardise a police investigation, such as asking a child leading questions or attempting to investigate the allegations of abuse.
• Pass on the facts and your concerns to the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• It is important that the matter remains confidential and should not be discussed with any other person.

In an emergency situation, the police must also be informed by calling 999

Transfer of child protection records or welfare concerns