The Willows recognises its duty of care to all children and young people who attend the provision. We are committed to child protection and to creating an environment where every young person feels safe, valued, and heard. This policy sets out the procedures we follow when a concern about a child's welfare is identified.

This policy is written in accordance with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — Nicola Bevan — holds overall responsibility for child protection at The Willows. All staff share a responsibility to:

• Be vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Report concerns promptly to the DSL without delay.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Treat all information about children and families with confidentiality and respect.

If a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, the member of staff should:

• Listen carefully and remain calm.
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling someone.
• Not ask leading questions or attempt to investigate.
• Not promise to keep the information secret.
• Record what was said as soon as possible, using the child's own words.
• Report immediately to the DSL.

Where the DSL believes a child may be at risk of significant harm, a referral will be made to Hampshire Children's Services without delay. The DSL will:

• Contact Hampshire Children's Services on 0300 555 1384.
• Follow up any verbal referral in writing within 24 hours.
• Inform parents unless doing so would place the child at greater risk.
• Maintain a confidential record of all concerns, referrals, and actions taken.

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, the DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately. The member of staff will be suspended from duties pending investigation. All allegations will be handled in accordance with Hampshire LADO procedures.

Hampshire LADO: 01962 876364

All child protection records are kept securely, separately from general records, and are accessible only to the DSL and relevant agencies. Records are retained in line with statutory guidance and transferred securely if a child moves to another provision.

This policy is reviewed annually and following any significant incident or change in statutory guidance. Next review: July 2027.