Child Safeguarding Policy
Our Commitment
At Little Maestros, safeguarding children is our highest responsibility. We believe that every child
has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected—physically, emotionally, and
psychologically—at all times. All staff members, regardless of role, are expected to prioritize
child safety above all else.
Core Safeguarding Measures
1. Background Checks
●All teachers and support staff at Little Maestros undergo thorough background
verification at the time of hiring.
●This includes police verification, identity proof, reference checks from previous
employers, and declaration of any criminal record.
2. CCTV Surveillance
● All common areas, entry and exit points, corridors, and classroom entrances are covered
by 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
● Footage is stored securely and reviewed regularly for safety audits.
● Cameras are not installed inside changing areas or toilets to respect privacy.
3. Two-Adult Policy
● At no time may a child be left alone with one adult behind closed doors. A minimum of
two adults must be present when working with children in enclosed spaces.
Staff Training & Readiness
CPR and Emergency Response
● All teaching and support staff are trained annually in Child CPR, basic first aid, and
emergency choking response.
● CPR certification is mandatory for classroom teachers and renewed as per schedule.
Safeguarding Orientation
● Every staff member receives safeguarding orientation at the time of joining and attends
refresher sessions twice a year.
● Topics covered include:
○ Recognizing signs of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse
○ Understanding appropriate and inappropriate physical contact
○ Responding calmly to distress and disclosures
○ Reporting obligations and chain of command
The Safeguarding Team
Child Safeguarding Officer (CSO)
● The CSO is the designated authority for handling reports, concerns, or breaches
related to child safety.
● All observations, incidents, or doubts must be brought directly to the CSO, verbally and
in writing, within 24 hours.
Safeguarding Lead (SL)
● The Safeguarding Lead supports the CSO, maintains training records, monitors
compliance, and ensures corrective actions are taken where needed.
● In the absence of the CSO, the Safeguarding Lead serves as the point of contact.
Staff must be aware of who the CSO and SL are at all times, and their contact details will be
displayed in every classroom and staff room.
Reporting Expectations
When to Report
● Teachers and staff must report immediately if they:
○ Observe any unexplained injury or change in behavior
○ Suspect a child may be subject to emotional, physical, sexual abuse, or
neglect
○ Witness any adult-to-child or child-to-child interaction that is inappropriate
○ Find themselves in a situation that could be misinterpreted or in violation of
policy
Self-reporting
● Staff who may have accidentally breached protocol (e.g., unintentionally being alone with
a child, or assisting a distressed child physically) must self-report to the CSO
immediately to allow transparency and documentation.
Zero Retaliation
● Any concern raised in good faith will be handled confidentially and without fear of
retribution. Protecting children takes priority over discomfort or hierarchy.
Physical Environment & Safety Aids
All classrooms are child-proofed with rounded edges, covered sockets, and
age-appropriate materials.
First aid kits are maintained in every room and checked weekly.
Anti-choking devices are stationed at key access points within the preschool.
Fire safety drills are conducted monthly; children are trained gently in evacuation
protocols.
Confidentiality & Parental Involvement
Parents are kept informed of any injuries, behavioral concerns, or emotional distress.
Safeguarding records are confidential and stored securely, accessible only to authorized personnel.
In serious cases, external authorities (child welfare departments or medical professionals) may be contacted, following established legal guidelines.