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POLICY INFORMATION

The 2025 Ofsted guidance required providers to notify Ofsted of allegations of 'serious harm or abuse.' The 2026 version removes the word 'serious' and requires notification of allegations of 'harm or abuse,' with a new footnote linking 'harm' to the statutory definition in s31(9) Children Act 1989 - ill-treatment, impairment of health or development, including impairment from witnessing ill-treatment of another.

From Sept 2026 there will be a lower bar for what must be reported which includes children witnessing domestic abuse.

If you have reason to believe a child in our care is subject to abuse or neglect, you must inform the nursery DSL.

• The responsibility of the DSL is to make an assessment of the relevant information.
• Southampton Children’s Resource Service or Hampshire Children’s Services will be contacted for further advice and/or guidance.
• Group DSL to be informed of any reports/ concerns raised.
• Parents may be consulted if doing so does not put the child at further risk.
• All concerns and actions taken must be recorded in a thorough and factual manner on relevant forms. These are stored in a locked filing cabinet or on a secure, password protected computer.
• If you are not satisfied that your concerns have been dealt with satisfactorily, you should report the incident to the local authority yourself.

An allegation of child abuse or neglect may lead to a criminal investigation.

• Do not do anything that could jeopardise a police investigation, such as asking a child leading questions or attempting to investigate the allegations of abuse.
• Pass on the facts and your concerns to the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• It is important that the matter remains confidential and should not be discussed with any other person.

In an emergency situation, the police must also be informed by calling 999