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Hempsted Playgroup and Toddlers

 

Whistle blowing policy and guidance

 

Hempsted Playgroup is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability.  In line with this commitment we encourage employees, volunteers and any others with serious concerns about any aspect of the setting to raise those concerns in the appropriate way. 

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This whistle blowing policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and volunteers to raise concerns within the setting without fear of reprisal rather than overlooking a problem or taking the matter to others outside the setting.

 If the concern or allegation is one of Child Protection then the Hempsted Playgroup Allegation Management policy must be followed.

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Staff have the right and individual responsibility to raise any matters of concern regarding poor practice at work.  Staff are responsible for the safety and well being of all children attending the setting and this must take priority over loyalty towards colleagues.

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The policy is intended to:

• Encourage and enable individuals to raise genuine and legitimate concern

• Support staff to take an active role in the elimination of poor practice

• Ensure concerns are appropriately investigated

• Protect those making the complaint from victimisation or retaliation

 

Hempsted Playgroup has additional policies and procedures covering discipline, grievance and complaints.  This policy is intended to complement these and cover concerns that fall outside the scope of the other policies and procedures.

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Confidentiality:

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The management/committee will try to protect a person’s identity when a concern is raised, however in some circumstances identities will have to be revealed to the person complained against and the complainant may be asked to provide written or verbal evidence in support of their complaint. 

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If a person’s identity is to be disclosed they will be informed of this prior to the disclosure and the reasons for this.  Having raised the concerns the management /committee expect the complainant not to talk about it to other people, inside or outside the setting.

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Untrue allegations:

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If an allegation is made in good faith but is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against the complainant. If, however, an allegation proves to be malicious, disciplinary action may be taken against the person responsible for the malicious act. 

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HOW TO RAISE A CONCERN

In the first instance concerns should be raised with the Play leader.  However, this may not always be appropriate in which case concerns should be raised with the chairperson or management committee.

Concerns are best raised in writing.

You are invited to set out the background and history of the concern giving names, dates and places where possible and the reasons for your concerns.  The earlier you express your concerns the easier it is to take action.

If you do not wish to put the allegations in writing the person to whom you are making the complaint will make a written record of the interview and will ask you to sign to confirm the accuracy of the notes taken. Although you will not be expected to prove the truth about your allegations, you will be required to demonstrate that there are sufficient grounds for your concerns.

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You should NOT:

• Investigate the matter yourself

• Alert those suspected of being involved

• Approach or accuse individuals

• Tell anyone other than the designated persons (Management/committee)

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Within a week of the receipt of your concern you will receive a written acknowledgment of your concern, together with a copy of your statement where appropriate. The management/committee will investigate your concern and within 2 weeks you will be informed of what action is taken and will be kept up to date on the progress of the investigation. 

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If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation you may elevate your concerns directly to the Gloucestershire Early Years Team

Tel 01452 427224          earlyyearsteam@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

or to Ofsted Tel 0300 123 1231    www.ofsted.gov.uk

Disciplinary Action may be taken if it is found that a member of staff has failed to raise a concern that if known about may have had a significant impact on the effectiveness of safeguarding at Hempsted  Playgroup

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Reviewed September 2023

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