Safeguarding

Several important changes have taken place, in relation to safeguarding children and child protection, as a result of highly publicised serious case reviews.
 
These include:

• 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'  2011 update  - containing more specific guidance for early years and clearer advice regarding management of allegations against staff.
• Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) now providing online training for safer recruitment.
• In January 2011 Kent Children's Social Services updated their Eligibility and Threshold Criteria.
  Introduction of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) to provide early intervention services for children who may need help to reach their potential but who are not yet at the level of concern for Social Services action.

To assist in understanding, implementing and managing these changes, the Early Years and Childcare team in conjunction with the Children's Safeguards team have provided updated policy templates and additional guidance to ensure that current policies and practices are up to date, in early years provision.