Safeguarding at Kids Planet

When you choose a nursery, you are trusting other people with what matters most. We never take that lightly.

At Kids Planet, safeguarding is fundamental. It underpins everything we do, every day. We focus on creating a safe, secure, nurturing environment where children are protected, listened to, and supported to thrive.

That’s why our nurseries are designed with safety in mind, with secure entry (including locked doors) and CCTV in indoor and outdoor play areas, alongside robust safeguarding policies, training, and procedures.

What Safeguarding at Nursery Means

Safeguarding is both protection and prevention. It is the everyday practice of keeping children safe and well, while also creating an environment where children feel secure, confident, and cared for.

Our Safeguarding Standards

We follow a robust framework to keep children safe, including:

🔒 Secure Settings & Robust Systems

We continually invest in secure safeguarding systems and software, including CCTV in indoor and outdoor play areas and secure entry arrangements, such as locked doors with passcodes and additional secure access technology.

🛡️ Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

Each nursery has trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee child protection concerns and ensure our safeguarding policies and procedures are followed correctly in every instance.

🤝 Safer Recruitment

Safeguarding starts before a colleague even joins our team. We follow strict safer recruitment practices, including enhanced DBS checks, thorough referencing, and detailed interviews.

📚 Ongoing Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding is not a one-off tick box. Our colleagues receive regular training to stay up to date with best practice and legal requirements, so they can spot concerns early and respond appropriately.

🏥 Working with Professionals

We work closely and transparently with local safeguarding teams, social services, and healthcare professionals to access expert advice and support when needed.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Watch our Chief Operating Officer discuss our proactive approach to safeguarding, including our use of CCTV and unannounced inspections, in this recent feature on Sky News.

Clear, Consistent Procedures

Strong safeguarding at nursery relies on clarity and consistency. That is why we keep our procedures under regular review and strengthen them where needed, so expectations are clear and practice is consistent across every Kids Planet nursery.

Our approach includes robust, auditable processes around:

✓ Personal and company devices

✓ Visitors and site access controls

✓ Outings and off-site activities

✓ Contractors and third-party working in our nurseries

✓ Handling and tracking of company equipment

These measures are designed to reduce risk and support safe practice, every day. For example, we use clear sign-in/out processes for devices, enhanced daily checks, and short “take a moment” style risk assessments that help teams identify environmental risks, blind spots, and where additional supervision may be needed.

Regular Checks & Audits

Alongside daily practice, we carry out regular internal audits and checks to make sure each nursery is meeting the high standards families expect and deserve. This helps us identify what is working well, spot improvements early, and keep raising the bar across our nurseries.

Safeguarding is Wellbeing

Safeguarding is not only about systems and processes; it is about nurturing children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. We do this by:

• Ensuring children feel listened to and supported.

• Providing tailored care, including for children with SEND.

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment.

• Building trusted relationships with caring colleagues.

Working in Partnership: Reporting a Concern

We believe safeguarding works best when nurseries and families work in partnership. If you ever want to talk something through, you do not need the perfect words. Just start with what you have noticed.

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, please ask to speak to:

✓ The Nursery Manager

✓ The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

We will respond calmly, professionally, and promptly, and we will follow the correct safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding FAQs

What is safeguarding at nursery?

Safeguarding at nursery is the everyday practice of keeping children safe and well. It includes prevention (safe routines, secure environments, clear procedures) and action (responding appropriately to concerns).

Who is responsible for safeguarding in the nursery?

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Each Kids Planet nursery also has trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee safeguarding practice and ensure the right procedures are followed.

How are colleagues trained in safeguarding?

Colleagues receive regular safeguarding training so they know what to look for, how to respond appropriately, and when to escalate concerns. Safeguarding learning is refreshed to keep practice consistent and up to date.

How do you keep the nursery secure?

We use secure entry arrangements and controlled access to help keep our nurseries safe. We also invest in safeguarding systems and software, including CCTV in indoor and outdoor play areas.

How do you make sure visitors and contractors are safe around children?

We have clear procedures for visitors, including signing in, supervision expectations, and site access controls. Contractors and third parties follow agreed processes so children’s safety and routines are protected at all times.

What about photos, phones, and devices?

We have clear procedures around personal and company devices to protect children’s privacy and reduce risk. This includes consistent expectations about when and where devices can be used, and auditable processes for company equipment.

How do you ensure standards are consistent across nurseries?

Alongside daily practice, we carry out regular internal checks and audits to make sure each nursery is meeting high safeguarding standards. This helps us identify improvements early and keep raising the bar across our settings.

What should I do if I’m worried about my child?

Speak to your nursery team as soon as possible. You can ask to speak to the Nursery Manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You don’t need perfect words — sharing what you’ve noticed is enough, and we will listen and take it seriously.