Safety and Security

A safe, secure nursery environment

The safety of the children in our care is of paramount importance. Across both our Shortlands and Sydenham nurseries, access is strictly controlled and our staff follow clear procedures to protect children, support their wellbeing and give parents peace of mind.

From secure entry systems and visitor procedures to safeguarding training, daily risk assessments and safe recruitment, every part of nursery life is carefully considered.

Everyday safety procedures

Our nursery routines are designed to protect children while keeping the environment calm, welcoming and reassuring.

Visitors

All visitors must sign in on arrival. Visitors are chaperoned by a member of staff and are never left unattended.

Child collection

Children are only released to authorised collectors. If someone else is collecting, parents must inform the nursery first.

Password system

Each child has a unique password which can be used to identify an authorised person collecting them.

Controlled access throughout the day

Both nurseries have secure entry procedures in place so staff can monitor who enters and leaves the building.

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Video intercom system

Staff can check and monitor visitors before entry is permitted.

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Locked gates and doors

Main gates and doors are kept locked to maintain a secure nursery environment.

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Supervised access

Access to the nursery is carefully managed by staff throughout the day.

These procedures help ensure children remain safe and secure while in our care.

Safe recruitment

We follow robust recruitment procedures to help ensure that every member of staff is suitable to work with children.

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DBS checks

All employees are checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service when they start at Little Cherubs.

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Professional references

Previous professional references are sourced as part of the recruitment process.

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Formal induction

New staff attend induction days covering nursery policies, procedures and expectations.

Suitability is risk assessed during recruitment to help safeguard children from the very beginning.

Health and safety

Both nurseries have clear health and safety procedures in place to support children’s safety and security at all times.

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Daily risk assessments

Each room and outdoor area is risk assessed every day to ensure the environment is safe.

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Regular maintenance

Maintenance is carried out as needed so the nursery remains safe, suitable and well cared for.

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Designated officers

Named staff hold responsibilities for key areas including health and safety, safeguarding, SEN and fire safety.

Helping children learn how to stay safe

We believe children should be supported to understand simple ways of keeping themselves safe. Age-appropriate discussions and activities are built into nursery life, including topics such as road safety, being aware of strangers and making safe choices.

These conversations are handled sensitively and in a way that feels calm, reassuring and suitable for young children.

Safeguarding children

Little Cherubs has a clear commitment to protecting children and promoting their welfare. We work with children, parents, external agencies and the wider community to help give every child the best possible start in life.

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Designated Safeguarding Leads

Each nursery has at least two Designated Safeguarding Leads responsible for safeguarding procedures and welfare.

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Staff training

Staff complete safeguarding training, including Level 2 safeguarding, FGM and Prevent training during induction.

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Clear reporting procedures

Staff are trained to recognise concerns, record them correctly and report them through the correct channels.

Key safety roles within the nursery

Our team includes designated staff who help maintain high standards and keep procedures up to date with current guidance and regulations.

Safeguarding Leads

Overseeing child protection, welfare and safeguarding procedures.

Health & Safety Officers

Supporting safe environments, checks and procedures across the nursery.

SEN Coordinators

Helping children with additional needs receive suitable support.

Fire Marshals

Supporting fire safety procedures, drills and emergency readiness.

Safeguarding policies

Our safeguarding policies explain how we protect children, manage concerns and work with families and external agencies when needed.

Parents are welcome to view the relevant safeguarding policy for their nursery setting.

Shortlands policy Sydenham policy

Peace of mind for parents

We know trust matters. Our safety and security procedures are designed to reassure families that children are protected, supported and cared for by a responsible, well-trained team.

Speak to us

See Little Cherubs for yourself

Come and see how the nursery feels day to day. Meet the team, explore the space, and ask any questions.

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