Embedded in everything we do.
At Smithfield, safeguarding begins with culture. Our team is trained to notice changes in children's behaviour, to take concerns seriously, and to act — rather than to wonder whether they've overreacted.
All of our staff hold enhanced DBS checks, renewed at appropriate intervals. Safeguarding training is mandatory at induction and refreshed regularly, and every member of the team holds an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid certificate. We follow the latest statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and the EYFS safeguarding requirements.
A concern raised and investigated unnecessarily is far better than a concern not raised at all.
Our designated safeguarding leads.
Every setting must have a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) - a senior member of staff with specific training and responsibility for managing concerns. If you have any concerns about a child, including your own, you can speak to our lead directly, in confidence.
A secure environment.
Our building operates controlled entry via intercom and key fob. CCTV covers the exterior and communal areas, and all visitors are signed in on arrival.
Children can only be collected by adults registered with us as authorised collectors. If you need to change a collection arrangement, please let us know in advance - we will not release a child to someone we haven't been told to expect, even if they know the child.
What to do if you have a concern.
If you have a concern about any child's welfare, at Smithfield or elsewhere, please speak to our designated safeguarding lead, in person, by phone or by email. All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.
Smithfield falls within the City of London Corporation — the local authority responsible for children's services in the EC1A area.
Our safeguarding policy.
Our full safeguarding policy is available to read or download below. It is reviewed and updated annually.
