At Seven Steps Childcare, the safety and well-being of every child is our primary focus. We maintain a high standard of vigilance to ensure children are protected from harm and nurtured in a safe environment.
Our commitment to safety
- Professional standards: We follow all UK statutory guidance and local safeguarding arrangements to ensure our practice meets the highest legal requirements.
- Continuous training: The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and any assistants undergo regular, specialist training to stay up to date on all aspects of child protection.
- Vigilance and curiosity: We practice ‘professional curiosity,’ meaning we look closely at a child’s lived experience and maintain an alert, proactive attitude toward their safety.
Digital safety and privacy
- Secure technology: We use a dedicated business device for observations and a secure, password-protected application for internal records.
- Image protection: Personal devices are never used to store images of children, and we will never use a child's photo for social media or marketing without your explicit written consent.
- Daily records: As a safety precaution, we take a daily arrival photograph of each child for internal record-keeping purposes only.
Working with parents and partners
- Open communication: we believe in working transparently with parents. We also cooperate fully with social care and other professional agencies when necessary to support a child’s welfare.
- Cross-border support: Due to our location, we are fully prepared to coordinate with safeguarding partners in both Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
- Attendance monitoring: Because consistent attendance is a protective factor, we monitor absence patterns and follow up on any unexplained non-attendance.
Vetting and accountability
- Strict checks: Every adult in the setting, including household members and assistants, must hold an Enhanced DBS check and undergo rigorous suitability assessments.
- Safe culture: We maintain a ‘no-blame’ culture where any concerns about practice can be raised safely and addressed immediately.