Our Responsibility & Our Promise

We have rigorous safeguarding procedures in place to create environments where children feel genuinely safe and parents feel completely confident. Our comprehensive safeguarding policies are regularly updated and rigorously implemented and exceed statutory requirements in many places.

Every staff member receives enhanced safeguarding training, updated annually with additional specialised training for designated safeguarding leads. Beyond formal training, we've cultivated a safeguarding culture where "whistle-blowing" is encouraged and promoted by every team member who understands their responsibility is to put the needs of the child first in every possible situation.

Regular supervision provides opportunities to discuss concerns, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. Our low staff turnover means children interact with familiar adults who know them well enough to notice changes that might indicate concerns.

Our policies follow the legislation and statutory guidance of the following Acts:

• Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (2025)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Children Act 1989
• Children Act 2004
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)
• The Prevent Duty (2023)
• Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003)
• Serious Crime Act (2015)
• Data Protection Act (2018) & UK GDPR
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
• Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Ealing Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures

Our Child Protection Commitment

We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously. As a registered childcare provider, if we have any concerns regarding a child's welfare and protection, we have a legal responsibility to contact social services. This commitment ensures that every child receives the protection and support they deserve.

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Designated Safeguarding Leads

Each of our four nurseries has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who holds advanced safeguarding training. The DSL is your first point of contact for any safeguarding concern about a child's welfare or safety.

DSL details are displayed in the reception area of each nursery. You can also find the name, photo, qualifications and contact details for the DSL at your branch on our Our Team page.

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Caring Staff

Our dedicated team forms the foundation of our safeguarding approach. Our staff are carefully selected based on their qualifications and experience, as well as their ability to care for young children with love, care and patience. The majority of our staff are fully qualified with many years of experience in early childhood education.

Staff qualifications include QTS, EYPS, NNEB, PPA, BTEC, NVQ, and QCF Diploma in Montessori, ensuring your child receives expert care from knowledgeable professionals.

All staff and trainees undergo enhanced DBS checks, provide two verified references and undergo rigorous interview procedures. A safeguarding induction is completed before any new staff member has unsupervised contact with children. Work experience students and volunteers are never left alone with children at any time — a permanent member of staff must be present.

We operate in accordance with the requirements of the Children's Act 1989 & 2004 in both our staff-to-child ratios and our qualified staff ratios. We exceed the requirements on ratios by choice of company ethos. Fully qualified staff are always on duty throughout the day, providing consistent, professional supervision and care.

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How We Keep Children Safe Every Day

Secure Entry & Collection

Caller identity must be established before the door is opened. Unknown visitors must provide their name, reason for visit and identification before access is granted. All visitors sign the visitor's book on arrival.

Each child must have at least two authorised collectors. A password and brief description are required if your child is to be collected by anyone other than their usual carer. We maintain a register of any individuals who are prohibited from contact with specific children and staff are trained to act on this immediately.

If a child has not been collected one hour after closing time and we are unable to reach any emergency contacts, we will contact the local Social Care Out-of-Hours Duty Officer in line with our safeguarding responsibilities.

Mobile Phone & Camera Policy

Personal mobile phones are switched off and locked in staff lockers at the start of each shift. Smartwatches are not permitted while on duty with children. No images or videos may be captured on personal devices — nursery equipment is used only for educational purposes. Managers and DSLs conduct regular unannounced compliance checks to ensure this policy is followed.

Supervision & Ratios

All children are supervised by adults at all times and are always within sight. Our staff-to-child ratios exceed the requirements of the Children's Act — this is a deliberate choice reflecting our nursery's ethos. Fully qualified staff are always on duty throughout the day.

First Aid

All staff are qualified paediatric first aiders, with certificates renewed at least every three years. First aid boxes are clearly marked, regularly checked and maintained in line with regulations.

Risk Assessments

Daily safety checks are carried out on all premises, indoors and outdoors, before sessions begin. Risk assessments are completed every time before children use the outdoor area. Monthly equipment checks are conducted, and written risk assessments are completed for all off-site visits regardless of duration. Outdoor spaces are securely fenced to prevent children from exiting and outsiders from gaining entry.

Fire & Emergency Procedures

Fire drills take place every other month and may be unannounced. Fire alarms are tested every Monday by the Manager. Automatic fire and heat detection and alarm systems cover all areas. A lockdown procedure is in place for situations such as intruders or environmental hazards.

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Online Safety

Internet use in the nursery is carefully planned, targeted and filtered for educational purposes. Appropriate filters are applied to all nursery devices and reviewed regularly by management. Children do not have access to email, chat rooms or social networking sites. Staff are prohibited from discussing children or the setting on any social media platform. All devices are password protected. Parents' attention is drawn to the nursery's e-safety policy on request.

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What To Do If You Have a Concern

If you have any concern about a child's safety or welfare, please speak to the Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead at your branch. You can find DSL contact details on our Our Team page or displayed in each nursery's reception area.

If your concern involves a member of staff, raise it with the Manager or DSL. If the concern involves the Manager themselves, you should contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) directly. Contact details for the LADO and other external agencies are listed below.

All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially. You can also raise concerns directly with the external agencies listed at the bottom of this page.

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Health and Safety Standards

We take all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using our premises. We maintain comprehensive health and safety regulations and expect all parents and visitors to support us in maintaining these high standards.

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Incident Recording and Emergency Response

We maintain detailed records of all major accidents, bumps to the head, and incidents relating to your child. Parents must acknowledge receiving this information by signing the incident form, ensuring clear communication about their child's wellbeing.

In the unlikely event of a serious accident, we will immediately call the emergency services and contact you simultaneously. Our staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to any emergency situation.

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Data Protection and Confidentiality

We acknowledge that all personal data supplied will be held in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. For detailed information about how we handle your family's personal information, please see our nursery Privacy Policy.

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Creating a Safe Environment

Our commitment to safeguarding extends beyond policies and procedures. We strive to create an environment where children feel secure, valued, and protected. Through our qualified staff, robust procedures, and ongoing vigilance, we ensure that Snowflakes remains a safe haven for every child in our care.

Your child's safety is not just our responsibility – it's our promise to you and your family.

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Our Ofsted Reports

We are proud that Ofsted has confirmed safeguarding arrangements are effective across all four of our nurseries. Every inspection has noted an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

Grand Union Village, Northolt — Rated Outstanding, inspected 13 October 2022 (Ref: EY394004). Ofsted noted robust recruitment procedures, daily risk assessments of indoor and outdoor environments, and that all staff understand the importance of keeping children safe and know the procedures to follow should concerns arise. Read the full report

Lady Margaret Road, Southall — Rated Good, inspected 10 January 2024 (Ref: EY393991). Read the full report

Norwood Green, Southall — Rated Good, inspected 8 August 2024 (Ref: EY561899). Read the full report

Comer Crescent, Southall — Rated Good, inspected 3 September 2024 (Ref: EY497465). Read the full report

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Useful Numbers & Links

Ealing Children's Integrated Response Service (ECIRS)

‍Call: 0208 825 8000

Email: ecirs@ealing.gov.uk

Contact ECIRS if you are concerned that a child may be at risk of harm or may be experiencing verbal or physical abuse.

The Family Rights Group

‍Freephone: 0808 801 0366

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9.30am–3pm

Ofsted

0300 123 1231 — for concerns about a registered childcare provider or to check a provider's registration.

NSPCC Helpline: 0800 500 5000

Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk

Read More On What is Child Abuse

Always call 999 for children you believe to be at immediate risk.

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For assistance we have someone on our team who can give advice at any of our branches:

• Lady Margaret Road Branch: 020 8571 6378
• Grand Union Village Branch: 020 8845 8998
• Comer Crescent Branch: 020 8571 6867
• Norwood Green Branch: 020 8507 3222

This page was last reviewed February 2025. Our safeguarding policies are reviewed annually and are available on request from any branch.
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