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Everyone is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
If you think a child is being abused or neglected – contact the council’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) during office hours by phoning 023 9268 8793 or emailing pccraduty@portsmouthcc.gcsx.gov.uk. At other times phone the out of hours service on 0300 555 1373. Leave your name and number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. For more information, read the keeping children safe page.
If you have concerns about someone who works with children such as a nursery worker, childminder or someone who works in a school – contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Hayley Cowmeadow on 023 9288 2500 or email LADO@portsmouthcc.gov.uk and also the linked Quality and Sufficiency Officer on 023 9284 1974 or via eydelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure. The safeguarding and welfare requirements are designed to help providers create high quality settings which are welcoming, safe and stimulating. Providers must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well as specified in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (pages 16-35).
Useful Links and Documents:
The LADO role applies to paid, unpaid, volunteers, casual, agency or anyone self-employed and can relate to concerns regarding allegations or offences emanating from outside of work as well as their practice whilst working with children. More information is available on the PCSB website.
The LADO should be alerted to all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
If an allegation is made against a member of staff in your setting, you must manage the situation in line with clear and robust safeguarding procedures. It is essential that the LADO is informed and that you do not carry out any investigations or discuss the situation with the member of staff concerned as this could affect the outcome. A decision needs to be made by the setting manager whether to suspend the staff member (this is to protect both them and all involved – not a suggestion of guilt) or to allow them to continue working – this depends on the level of risk involved.
Safe Recruitment procedures are a vital part of your safeguarding practice. Here is a list of 8 things to remember to ensure you are applying safe practice in your setting.
If you need any support, contact the team via 023 9268 1974 or email eydelivery@portmsouthcc.gov.uk. If you become aware of somebody unsuitable to work with children who has applied for a job with you, you should contact the LADO phone on 023 9288 2500 or email LADO@secure.portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Prevent is part of the national counter-terrorism strategy and aims to stop people being drawn into or supporting terrorism. We all have a duty to report concerns of radicalisation and/or extremism – this should be done via Portsmouth MASH on 0845 671 0271 or e-mail pccraduty@portsmouthcc.gcsx.gov.uk, or via Hampshire Constabulary on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
For more information on the Prevent Duty visit the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children’s Board website.
The Department for Education issued advice for schools and childcare providers on the Prevent Duty which you can read here.
FGM is a form of child abuse and is an act of violence against women and girls. It is sometimes also known as female circumcision.
You can find out more on the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children’s Board website.
Free training is available on the Prevent Duty and FGM for frontline staff and managers – visit SAFE Community Interest Company for more information.