At Acorn Childcare Centre, Hollie, our Deputy Manager, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the setting. Hollie ensures that safeguarding policies and procedures are followed, staff are appropriately trained, and that any concerns are responded to promptly and sensitively.

Supporting the DSL, we have a team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads who help ensure safeguarding is embedded across the Centre at all times:

• Lorna – Nursery Manager

• Donna – Deputy Manager

• Sarah – Building Lead

• Sally – Building Lead

• Martha – Office Manager

This wider safeguarding team helps ensure that a senior, trained member of staff is always available to listen, offer guidance, and take appropriate action when needed.

Parents and carers are welcome to speak to Hollie or any of the Deputy DSLs if they have concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, or if they would like advice or support. All concerns are taken seriously and handled in line with our safeguarding procedures, with the child’s best interests always at the heart of every decision.

If you are unsure who to speak to, any member of the Acorn team will be happy to help guide you to the right person.

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We work closely with children, families, external professionals, and the wider community to ensure all children are safe, supported, and able to thrive. We believe every child has the right to be treated with respect, to feel valued, and to grow in a safe and caring environment, free from harm or abuse in any form.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our team is committed to protecting children from harm and ensuring their health, development, and emotional wellbeing are always supported. We have clear and robust safeguarding procedures in place, which are regularly reviewed and followed by all staff.

Our Approach to Safeguarding

Safeguarding at Acorn goes beyond policies and procedures — it is part of our everyday practice. This includes:

• Creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children

• Supporting children to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging

• Being alert to any concerns about a child’s wellbeing and responding appropriately

• Working in partnership with parents and carers, and with external agencies when needed

We are committed to promoting equality, inclusion, and respect for all. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we also take active steps to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and promote acceptance and tolerance of different beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. Further details can be found in our Inclusion and Equality Policy.

Shared Responsibility

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, students, supply staff, and visitors to Acorn Childcare Centre are made aware of our safeguarding policies and are expected to follow them at all times. Our team receives regular safeguarding training to ensure they are confident in recognising concerns and know how to respond appropriately.

Our Policies and Procedures

Safeguarding is a wide and important area, and our main safeguarding policy works alongside a number of other policies and procedures, including:

• Online Safety

• Prevent Duty and Radicalisation

• Looked After Children

• Safer Recruitment of Staff

• Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

• Promoting Positive Behaviour

For more detailed information, please refer to the relevant policies available on our website. We regularly review our policies to ensure they reflect best practice and current guidance, and we welcome feedback or suggestions from families as part of this process.

Concerned About a Child’s Safety?

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, we encourage you to seek advice and support. Please click here for further guidance and information.