Annexure A. Definitions
Abuse could mean neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse or any combination of these. Parents, carers and other people can harm children either by direct acts and/or failure to provide proper care.
Child refers to all young people who have not yet reached their 18th birthday. On the whole, this will apply to all children in our setting; however, the policy will extend to visiting children and students from other establishments.
Child protection is an aspect of safeguarding but is focused on how we respond to children who have been significantly harmed or are at risk of significant harm.
Chair refers to the Chairperson of the management committee.
DSL refers to Designated Safeguarding Lead.
DDSL refers to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Early Help is support for children of all ages that improves a family’s resilience and outcomes or reduces the chance of a problem getting worse. Providing early help is more effective in promoting the welfare of children rather than reacting later. It is particularly important that the DSL/DDSL know what the local early help process is and how and where to access support.
EYFS refers to the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
LADO refers to the Local Authority Designated Officer (for Allegations).
LCSS refers to Locality Community Support Service.
MASH refers to Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.
OCSP refers to Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Parent refers to birth parents and other adults in a parenting role for example adoptive parents, stepparents, guardians and foster carers.
Provider refers to an individual or an organisation who provides childcare. This may be in the private, voluntary or independent sector. It could cover sole traders, partnerships, committees, trustees.
Safeguarding Partners are under a duty to make arrangements to work together, and with other partners locally including education providers and childcare settings, to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in their area. Local safeguarding arrangements are led by three statutory safeguarding partners:
- The Local Authority;
- Integrated Care Boards (ICB) - commissioners of local health services; and
- The Chief Police Officer
In Oxfordshire the safeguarding partners have made arrangements to work with other relevant partners through the OCSP.
Staff applies to all those working for or on behalf of the setting, full time or part time, in either a paid or voluntary capacity. This may also include committee members and trustees. Staff are particularly important, as they are in a position to identify concerns early, provide help for children, promote children’s welfare and prevent concerns from escalating.