What Can You Do If You Have Safeguarding Concerns?

At Hampton Childcare Agency, we take safeguarding seriously. While situations requiring concern are rare, we know that childcare professionals may occasionally find themselves in a home where something does not feel quite right.

Whether it's a gut feeling, a concern about a child's wellbeing, or something witnessed - it is important to know what to do, who to contact, and when to speak up.

Always Trust Your Instincts

As someone working closely with children, you are often the first to notice if something seems off. Your professional judgement matters, and we encourage you to act on it.

Here is a guide to help you respond appropriately in different situations.

Emergency Situations

• If you believe a child, or anyone in the household is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police.

• If there is a medical emergency and a child needs urgent care, call 999 and request an ambulance.

Do not delay. Quick action can make all the difference.

Worried About a Child's Welfare?

If you suspect any form of neglect, abuse, or serious safeguarding concerns - but it is not an emergency -

contact your local Children's services.

We can point you in the right direction if you are unsure.

If you're uncertain, don't delay. It's preferable to sound the alarm than to remain quiet.

When You Do Not feel Comfortable About Something

If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in another person's home, even if it's not a safeguarding concern, please contact us.

For example

• The home or setting is unsafe or unsanitary

• A comment or any form of behaviour which is inappropriate

• Being offered alcohol or cigarettes by the host

• You hear or see something that is not right

• A child, or the children are very withdrawn or frightened

While you remain responsible for reporting safeguarding issues, we ask that we are informed so we can support you.

If you have already contacted the police or authorities please confidentially share information with us.

You are not alone but also ensuring your own safety and peace of mind is paramount.

Please seriously consider undertaking a Safeguarding course to keep you updated, and informed.

Useful information

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection

How to Build a Rewarding Career in Childcare

Nurturing moments: A rewarding career in childcare brings joy through simple walks and shared discoveries.

Are you considering a career in childcare? That's fantastic—you won't be disappointed!

Get ready to be cherished, worn out, covered in mysterious stains, have pockets filled with various items, and somehow always have a snack available.

Childcare is among the most fulfilling professions, trust me on this. However, it genuinely demands endurance, plenty of patience, and a great sense of humour.

If you are ready to embark on this adventure , here's how to build a fulfilling career.

Embrace the Chaos ( and learn to love glitter )

Children are little whirlwinds of energy, emotions, and, unfortunately, glitter! It somehow spreads everywhere, and you'll keep finding it for weeks afterward.

Regardless of whether you're a nanny, nursery practitioner, childminder, or play worker, you'll encounter sticky fingers, crayon-covered walls, and plenty of wet clothes. If you can embrace this and find humour in it, you can anticipate receiving unconditional love, amusing remarks, and hilarious quirks in return.

Get the Right Qualifications

Parents cherish their children more than anything and seek someone who does more than just sing "Baby Shark" on repeat. Investing in proper training is key:

• A Child Care or Early years qualification - so you can confidently explain why building a tower is actually brain development, how and why! Both you, and the parents of your charges will feel assured and confident.

• A Paediatric First Aid Certificate is essential. No matter how vigilant you are, children still manage to trip and fall over nothing.

• Safeguarding training. Another essential certificate to ensure every child is safe, happy and secure.

Develop a Poker Face

Children are hilarious and will say the strangest things at the worst moment .

" My baby sister can crap !" "What? Oh, Clap ! Of course"

If you can keep a straight face through these moments, congratulations - you're childcare material.

Master The Art of Distraction

Most under twos have the attention span of a goldfish on caffeine ! One minute they are happily playing , the next on the verge of a catastrophic meltdown because their sandwich was cut the wrong way.

What do you do ? Redirect of course , pull on all your resources ,calmness and reasoning, with a back up plan of funny voices, dance parties, songs and stories work wonders.

Build Your Reputation

Word of mouth and great references are everything in this line of work. Parents will recommend you if you :

• Show great initiative and always have a plan

• You are never late

• Their child adores you and you them

• You engage, educate, nurture and think out of the box

• You put their safety before anything

Set Boundaries

It is easy to give 100% in this job but do remember it can be ' full on'. Taking a break is crucial.

You are not failing if you allow your charge to have some independent play time whilst you sip your well earned coffee!

Remember why you do this role

Indeed, it can be chaotic, tiring, and frequently sticky, yet it is also brimming with laughter, milestones, and moments that remind you why you cherish this job.

For example, when. a child finally ties their shoes for the first time since you showed them, or remembers to say 'please' to another child, or gives you a big hug just because!

A career in childcare is not just a job - it is simply a journey of shaping little lives while collecting hilarious stories along the way.

Grab your patience, your snack stash, your best bedtime story voice and repertoire of nursery rhymes - it's going to be a rewarding ride ahead!

For Further information on becoming a Nanny , please get in touch for a chat.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Nanny !

Creating joyful memories: A warm welcome for the nanny as they join in the family fun.

Preparing your home for your new nanny's arrival can make the whole experience smoother for everyone involved.

Here is a guide to help you in setting up your space for a welcoming childcare experience, and positive working relationship.

First impressions matter!

Make sure to warmly welcome your nanny. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere benefits both the nanny and your children, helping them feel comfortable and establishing the tone.

Once the nanny has met your child a few times and you've positively prepared your child, involving the nanny in family life as much as possible aids in building connections and establishing trust.

Be available to answer questions your child may have, and provide feedback during the first few weeks.

Regularly check in to ensure everyone is comfortable and aligned with expectations.

Showing your nanny appreciation goes a long way!

Take some time to walk the nanny through your home .Point out key areas :

• Your child/children's bedroom, laundry baskets, clothes, toys and so forth

• The kitchen and where the meals, snacks are kept. Any feeding instructions or equipment use

• Additionally, the vacuum cleaner, dustpan and brush etc.

• The bathroom, where to find extra towels, toilet roll, extra nappies, wipes etc.

• Any private rooms such as an office space, or parents bedroom

• Ensure everything is well stocked in the beginning

Set up a safe and engaging environment

Ensuring your child's safety through childproofing is essential, providing peace of mind for both you and your nanny.

Look around the house an view what could be a potential hazard.

A well organised , child-friendly space makes it easier for the nanny to keep your little one safely engaged and entertained.

• Remove choking hazards or sharp objects

• Put chemicals, dangerous household products in locked cupboards or out of reach

• Secure heavy furniture and cover electrical outlets, and sharp corners

• Lock away garden tools and equipment

• Perhaps have a lock on the office door

• Set out safe and age- appropriate toys

• Window locks for upstairs

• Medications are in a locked box, cabinet, or placed high up.

• Check that doors, windows and baby gates are secure

Ensure your nanny is shown where to find first-aid supplies, medications, and/or allergy treatments.

Clear routines

Before the nanny starts, ensure everyone is clear on your child's current routine. A consistent schedule

helps the nanny understand expectations, whilst helping the little one feel secure and comfortable.

Ensure, the nanny is briefed on mealtimes and snack times. Sleep routines, favourite toy or comforter, along with any particular house rules.

You may like to talk through how your child likes to unwind before bed. There may be a particular story or music they like, or preferred lighting in the room.

Remember, if you have cameras in your property it is a legal obligation to inform the nanny of this.

Provide clear instructions on what your child can or cannot eat, and where to find it.

Be especially clear if your child has allergies or medical requirements , and ensure this is clarified before the nanny starts.

Establish a system for regular updates, this may be a whatsapp group, texts, or a nanny diary. A shared calendar for appointments, playdates and special events is highly useful.

Important contact information

Ensure the nanny has a list of emergency contacts in an easy-to-find location. Include:

• Your number and an alternative contact number, this could be a partner, close family friend, grandparent, or neighbour

• Your child's doctor's surgery

• Nursery or school (if applicable)

• Local emergency numbers

• Another parent at nursery/school (if relevant)

Prepare for emergencies

Along with the contact numbers , ensure your nanny knows how to use all the locking mechanisms in your house.

• Make sure they know where the spare keys are kept

• Where other keys to sheds, office,windows etc are kept

• Label different keys using a specific tab you can write on

• Emergency exits

• Fire extinguisher

• Where the fuse box is kept

• Torches incase of a power outage

• Details of a neighbour who will have spare house keys ( believe me this happens where keys get left in the house accidentally)

Set expectations

Clear communication from the beginning is key to a successful working relationship.

Discuss any household do's and don'ts for example, screen time, tv time, snacks and/or treats, dealing with negative behaviour. Make sure you and the nanny are on the same page when it comes to setting boundaries.

Clarify any expectations for extra responsibilities like light housekeeping or specific instructions from the start.

In Summary

Preparing for your nanny does not have to be complicated. By organising your space, sharing essential information , and communicating openly, you can ensure a positive stress-free experience for everyone involved. Plus the added bonus of peace of mind!