Effective Safeguarding in Early Years Settings

What do we mean when we talk about effective safeguarding and why is it important, especially in Early Years?

Effective safeguarding ensures that all children are safe, protected, and their needs are met. Some of the most vulnerable people in society are the very youngest, so we need to get it right from the beginning of a child’s journey.

The Best Start for Life government document (2021) states the first “1,001 days are a critical time for development, but they are also a time when babies are at their most vulnerable. Babies do not yet have the language skills to advocate for themselves so their carers must advocate on their behalf.”

More and more children are accessing some form of early years provision, from ad-hoc arrangements, family carers, childminders, nurseries, formal pre-schools and other groups. Wherever a child attends, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
With respect to this insight, it will refer in particular to Ofsted registered facilities.

There are very many considerations for settings when it comes to safeguarding. The Registered Person for OFSTED in the setting may also be the manager, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL), the SENCO, and wear many other hats. There may be other people employed to do these roles, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the ‘registered person’ or registered childminder to comply with all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, to ensure they are met and they have the right people in the right places.

This is not an exhaustive inventory and you do not have to know everything in its entirety but as a DSL, and especially as a responsible person for OFSTED, you should have a good working knowledge of the legislation that underpins your work with children. It is a role that is highly accountable and safeguarding is of paramount importance.