Guidance for the Child Protection Procedure in Bedfordshire
As taken from the Child Protection Manual of Procedure 1995. Based on the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) Procedures.
This guidance covers full and sessional daycare, this includes, Childminders, Pre-school - Playgroups, Private and Voluntary Nurseries and Out of School Clubs.
- 10.4.1 Where there are grounds for suspecting child abuse in respect of a child attending day care, the childminder or group leader of the playgroup, nursery, or out of school club must notify the duty Social Worker in the local Social Services Area Office immediately even if the child has a known social worker (care organiser).
- 10.4.2 Where a child whose name is on the Child Protection Register is minder or attends a group, very careful note must be taken of the physical and emotional condition of the child on admission. Any addition injuries, however minor and any unexplained absences must be notified to the Duty Social Worker in the local Social Services Department Area Office. Where the placement is part of the help provided to a family by the Social Services Department then the requirement to notify and any other special requirements should be addressed in writing at the time of placement.
- 10.4.3 When notifying the Duty Social Worker the person responsible
should clearly state:
- the planned time for the child's departure
- who would normally collect the child
- arrangements for the future contact with the referrer
- 5.4 The following information must be given to the Duty Social
Worker so far as it is available:
- Cause for concern
- The name(s) of the child(ren) in question and the date of birth
- The address of the child(ren)
- The name(s) of the parent(s) and/or carer (if different) of the child(ren)
- The school/nursery/daycare facility that the child(ren) attend(s)
- The family's GP
- Any other professional involved with the child(ren) or family, e.g. Social Worker, Health Visitor and Probation Officer, Hospital etc.
- Other information, including anything which may be relevant to how the investigation is to be conducted.
To report suspicions of Child Abuse in Bedfordshire
For South Bedfordshire ring 01582 665861 and ask for the Duty Desk - Childcare
For North Bedfordshire ring 01234 345331 and ask for the Duty Desk - Childcare
To contact a Duty Social Worker out of office hours ring the Emergency Duty Team on 0870 2385465
For Child Protection Training in Bedfordshire
Contact the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership on 01234 228120. Or look at the courses available on our training page.
