Keeping children safe is our highest priority.

Little Blossoms is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child in Chloe's care. Chloe believes that the safety and wellbeing of children is paramount and takes precedence over all other considerations. This policy applies to all childcare arrangements provided by Little Blossoms, whether in the family's home or during any agreed activity. It is reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or best practice.

This policy is written in accordance with: • The Children and Young Persons Act 2001 (Isle of Man) • Isle of Man Safeguarding Children Partnership guidance • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Chloe follows the procedures and guidance issued by the Isle of Man Safeguarding Children Partnership and keeps her knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice up to date.

Chloe holds a recognised safeguarding and child protection qualification and is committed to keeping this training current. She understands her responsibilities under Isle of Man safeguarding legislation and is familiar with the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect. Chloe also holds an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, confirming her suitability to work with children. This is renewed regularly.

Abuse and neglect can take many forms. Chloe is trained to recognise the signs and indicators of: • Physical abuse — unexplained injuries, bruising, burns, or marks • Emotional abuse — persistent low self-esteem, fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme behaviour • Sexual abuse — age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour, physical signs, or disclosures • Neglect — poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, hunger, untreated medical conditions, or persistent tiredness Chloe also recognises that concerns may arise from a child's behaviour or from something a child says, and takes all such indicators seriously.

If Chloe has a concern about the welfare or safety of a child in her care, she will: 1. Take the concern seriously and act promptly 2. Make a written record of the concern, including the date, time, what was observed or said, and any relevant context 3. Not investigate the concern herself or confront the alleged abuser 4. Report the concern to the Isle of Man Children and Families Service as soon as reasonably practicable 5. Inform the child's parent or guardian, unless doing so would put the child at greater risk In an emergency where a child is in immediate danger, Chloe will contact the emergency services (999) without delay.

If a child tells Chloe something that suggests they are being harmed or are at risk of harm, Chloe will: • Listen calmly and carefully without interrupting • Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling someone • Not promise to keep secrets or ask leading questions • Use the child's own words and not put words in their mouth • Make a written record of what was said as soon as possible, using the child's exact words where possible • Report the disclosure to the Isle of Man Children and Families Service promptly Chloe understands that her role is to listen and refer, not to investigate.

Chloe keeps a written record of any safeguarding concerns, incidents, or disclosures. Records include: • The date and time of the concern or incident • A factual description of what was observed, heard, or reported • Any action taken and the outcome All safeguarding records are kept securely and confidentially. They are retained for as long as required by law or guidance, and are separate from general childcare records. Records may be shared with the Isle of Man Children and Families Service or other relevant authorities if required.

Chloe understands the importance of confidentiality in her work with families. Information about children and families is treated with the utmost discretion and is not shared with third parties except where: • Sharing is necessary to protect a child's safety or welfare • There is a legal obligation to share information with safeguarding or child protection authorities • The parent or guardian has given explicit consent The safety and welfare of the child will always take precedence over confidentiality. Chloe will not allow a commitment to confidentiality to prevent her from reporting a genuine safeguarding concern.

Little Blossoms has a strict no physical punishment policy. Chloe will never use any form of physical punishment, including smacking, slapping, shaking, or any other physical force, as a response to a child's behaviour. This applies at all times and in all circumstances. Any behaviour management used by Chloe will be age-appropriate, positive, and focused on the child's wellbeing and development.

If a parent, guardian, or other person has a concern that Chloe's behaviour or actions may have harmed a child, or placed a child at risk of harm, they should: 1. Contact Chloe directly in the first instance at [email protected] 2. If the concern is serious or urgent, contact the Isle of Man Children and Families Service directly All concerns will be taken seriously and handled promptly and appropriately. Chloe is committed to full cooperation with any investigation.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, please contact: Little Blossoms — Chloe [email protected] Isle of Man Children and Families Service Telephone: 01624 686179 (office hours) Emergency Duty Team: 01624 686368 (out of hours)

This safeguarding policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of Little Blossoms' childcare arrangements. The date at the top of this page reflects when it was last updated. Parents and guardians are encouraged to read this policy and to raise any questions or concerns with Chloe directly.