Safeguarding Children Policy
The Sleeping Baby Routine Consultancy
Charmian Mead, Baby & Toddler Sleep Expert
Policy Statement
The Sleeping Baby Routine is committed to promoting the welfare, wellbeing and safety of all children and families using its services.
Charmian Mead works with babies and young children from birth to three years of age through remote consultations, home visits, overnight support, newborn home stays and ongoing family support programmes.
The welfare of the child is always paramount. Any concerns regarding the safety, wellbeing or welfare of a child will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately in accordance with UK safeguarding guidance and legislation.
This policy aims to:
- Protect children and families receiving services from The Sleeping Baby Routine
- Provide clear guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns
- Ensure appropriate action is taken where concerns arise regarding a child’s welfare
- Promote safe and professional working practices
This policy applies to all services provided by The Sleeping Baby Routine, including:
- Remote consultations
- Telephone consultations
- Video consultations
- Home visits
- Overnight support
- Newborn home stay support
- Ongoing support programmes
Commitment to Safeguarding
Charmian Mead is committed to:
- Treating all children with dignity, respect and care
- Creating a safe and supportive environment for families
- Maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Acting in the best interests of the child
- Following current safeguarding guidance and legislation
Maintaining confidentiality unless there is a concern regarding the safety or welfare of a child
Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse within the household
- Unsafe living conditions that place a child at risk
- Concerns regarding a parent’s ability to provide safe and appropriate care
- Serious concerns relating to a child’s health, wellbeing or development
Responding to Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises, The Sleeping Baby Routine will:
- Remain calm and professional
- Record factual observations and information accurately
- Avoid making assumptions or conducting investigations
- Seek appropriate advice where necessary
- Refer concerns to the relevant local authority safeguarding team, social services, health professionals or emergency services where appropriate
- Prioritise the safety and welfare of the child at all times
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted without delay.
Confidentiality
Information shared by families will be treated as confidential.
However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of harm. In such circumstances, relevant information may be shared with appropriate safeguarding agencies in order to protect the child.
Professional Practice. Charmian Mead will:
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Hold appropriate insurance cover
- Undertake relevant safeguarding training and refresh training as required
- Maintain an up to date DBS certificate where appropriate
- Keep accurate records relating to safeguarding concerns
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or working practices change.
Version 1.0
Review Date: June 2027
Policy Owner: Charmian Mead, The Sleeping Baby Routine