Safeguarding and Child Protection

Reviewed: January 2026

Hillside Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. We aim to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and supported at all times.

Safeguarding underpins all aspects of our practice, and the safety and wellbeing of children is always our priority.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

The setting has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who takes overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. A trained safeguarding lead is always present within the setting during opening hours.

All staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their responsibility to report any concerns immediately.

All staff, students and regular volunteers are appropriately vetted and required to follow the setting’s safeguarding, security and professional conduct procedures at all times.

Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Staff are trained to recognise signs of possible abuse or neglect and understand the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child’s welfare.

Concerns are reported immediately and recorded appropriately. Where necessary, information may be shared with relevant external agencies to ensure children receive appropriate support and protection.

Working with Parents and Other Agencies

We work in partnership with parents and carers to support children’s wellbeing and aim to build open and honest relationships with families, while always prioritising the safety of the child.

Where appropriate, we work with external professionals and agencies to ensure children receive the support they need.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information relating to safeguarding is treated with the highest level of confidentiality and stored securely.

Information may be shared with relevant professionals where there is a safeguarding concern, in line with statutory guidance.

Safer Practice and Staff Conduct

All staff are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times and follow the setting’s policies and procedures.

The setting follows clear procedures relating to visitor management, security, supervision and the safe use of mobile phones and electronic devices within the setting.

Any concerns about the behaviour or conduct of an adult working with children are reported immediately in line with the setting’s whistleblowing procedures.

Further Information

Hillside Pre-School is part of Operation Encompass, a safeguarding initiative supporting children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please speak to the Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead. A full safeguarding and child protection policy is available upon request.