Clever Clogs Pre-SchoolSafeguarding Children
Clever Clogs Pre-school
1.10 Whistleblowing Policy
Policy Statement
Definition:
Whistle blowing is raising a concern about malpractice within an organisation.
Protection:
Clever Clogs Pre-School is, as an organisation, committed to delivering a high quality pre-school service, promoting organisational accountability and maintaining public confidence.
The policy provides individuals in the workplace with protection from victimisation or punishment where they raise a genuine concern about misconduct or malpractice in the organisation. The policy is underpinned by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which encourages people to raise concerns about misconduct or malpractice in the workplace, in order to promote good governance and accountability in the public interest. The Act covers behaviour, which amounts to:
- A Criminal offence
- Failure to comply with any legal obligation
- A miscarriage of justice
- Danger to health and safety of an individual and/or environment
- Deliberate concealment of information about any of the above
It is not intended that this policy be a substitute for, or an alternative to the formal Grievance Procedure, but is designed to nurture a culture of openness and transparency within the organisation, which makes it safe and acceptable for employees and volunteers to raise, in good faith, a concern they may have about misconduct or malpractice.
An employee or volunteer who, acting in good faith, wishes to raise such a concern should normally report the matter to the manager or deputy manager – who are also the Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Lead - who will advise the employee or volunteer of the action that will be taken in response to concerns expressed. If the employee or volunteer believes the matter cannot be discussed with either the manager or deputy manager due to possible involvement, they must contact the owner Jane. If Jane cannot be contacted or the individual believes it cannot be discussed with them due to involvement, they must then contact the The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Details for the LADO can be found on the staff notice board in the kitchen area.
Concerns should be investigated and resolved as quickly as possible.
If the employee or staff member has concerns over how child protection issues are being handled in the setting, they can call the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line - 0800 028 0285.
A disclosure in good faith to the pre-school owner will be protected. Confidentiality will be maintained wherever possible and the employee or volunteer will not suffer any personal detriment as a result of raising any genuine concern about misconduct or malpractice within the organisation.