Nothing matters more to us than the safety of the children entrusted to us. At The Chrysalis, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility — every member of staff is trained, vigilant, and committed to keeping children safe from harm.
Our Commitment
The Chrysalis is committed to providing a safe, caring environment where every child is protected from abuse, neglect, and harm. We believe that:
- The welfare of the child is always paramount.
- Every child, regardless of age, ability, or background, has the right to protection.
- All concerns and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
The school has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for all child-protection matters. The DSL:
- Receives and acts on any safeguarding concern
- Maintains confidential records
- Liaises with parents and, where necessary, external authorities
- Ensures all staff are trained and up to date
Safer Recruitment
We take great care in who we employ to work with children. Our recruitment process includes:
- Verification of identity and qualifications
- Reference checks from previous employers
- Background and character screening
- A probationary period with close supervision
No adult is left unsupervised with children until all checks are satisfactorily completed.
Recognising Signs of Concern
All staff are trained to recognise possible signs of abuse or neglect, which may include physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect. Staff remain alert to changes in a child's behaviour, appearance, or wellbeing, and know how to respond appropriately.
Reporting Procedure
If a member of staff has a concern about a child, they will:
- Record what they have seen or heard, factually and promptly.
- Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.
- Maintain strict confidentiality, sharing only with those who need to know.
The DSL will assess the concern and take appropriate action, which may include contacting parents or the relevant child-protection authorities.
Safe Arrival & Collection
Children are only released to parents or authorised adults named on the child's file. We ask parents to:
- Inform us in advance if someone else will collect their child
- Ensure the authorised person carries identification
- Keep the school updated with current contact details
Supervision & Ratios
We maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios at all times, with the closest supervision given to our youngest children. Children are never left unsupervised, indoors or outdoors.
Photography & Online Safety
Photographs of children — for daily reports, records, or school communications — are only taken and shared with parental consent. Images are stored securely and never shared publicly without permission. Parents indicate their photo preferences at enrolment.
Training & Review
All staff receive safeguarding training on induction and regular refreshers thereafter. This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if guidance changes, to ensure it remains effective and current.