Aim:  To provide a safe environment for both children and staff and to ensure that staff are aware of how to prevent, recognise and respond to cases of abuse and suspicion of abuse.

Procedure: We will ensure all staff are aware of steps to take when dealing with cases of child abuse and will provide opportunities for all staff to attend workshops on dealing with child abuse.  Staff will care for child’s immediate needs and report suspected abuse to the Person Responsible and record the findings in the red notebook located in the office labelled “Recognizing and Responding.”  If the Person Responsible is suspected of the abuse the staff member reporting must contact Bright Stars Service Provider on 0210419373 and inform CYF on 0508 326459.  Written record will document – date, time, place of observation/reporting of abuse, names of anyone present, what the child has said and also document the physical or behavioural signs of the abuse.  If suspected abuse is by a staff member this serious incident will also be reported to the Ministry of Education on (06) 8336730. Person Responsible will treat all cases as serious and will gather a full report and will ring CYF (0508 326 459) who will be able to inform what actions need to be taken. Person Responsible will ask for timeframe and ensure the required steps are actioned.

We will ensure all records and conversations remain confidential.

Website - www.cyf.govt.nz will be referred to for more information.