Whistleblowing Policy

This Policy links to: The Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE 2021) Statutory Framework

Other Nursery policies: Child Protection, Confidentiality, Student and Volunteer, Visitors, Staff

Aims

Bizzie Lizzies is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of openness, reflective practice, and accountability.
This applies to all employees and applies equally to those designated as casual, temporary, or work experience students.
In line with this commitment, we expect employees, and others that we deal with, who have serious concerns about any aspect of the Nursery's work to come forward and voice those concerns.
We expect our staff to always act in a professional manner.
This policy is intended to encourage Staff (paid and volunteer), students and others to report suspected or actual occurrence(s) of illegal, unethical, or inappropriate events, behaviours, or practices without retribution.
It is recognised that most cases will have to proceed on a confidential basis.

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is a term used when someone who works in or for an organisation wishes to raise concerns about malpractice in the organisation.
Whistleblowing encourages and enables staff to raise serious concerns within the nursery, rather than overlooking a problem or “blowing the whistle” outside.
Making a disclosure in the public interest (whistleblowing) is essential for keeping children safe in the setting and to ensure good quality practice across the setting.
This policy is underpinned by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which encourages people to raise concerns about misconduct or malpractice in the workplace, to promote good governance and accountability in the public interest. The act covers behaviour that 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
Bullying, humiliation, discrimination, poor practice, unsafe practice, abuse, or neglect
Deliberate concealment of information about any of the above

Whistleblowing procedure

At the earliest opportunity the Whistle-blower should promptly report the suspected or actual event to the Nursery Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or in her absence the DDSL.
In the event of a concern being raised against the DSL, concerns are to be raised with a member of the management team or the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
The DSL will inform Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person working or looking after the children at the premises as soon as possible-but certainly within 14 days.
The DSL or DDSL who receives the report must promptly act to investigate and/or resolve the issue.
If the investigation of a report, that was done in good faith and investigated by the DSL/DDSL, is not to the Whistleblower’s satisfaction, then he/she has the right to report the event to Ofsted on 0300 123 1231.
The identity of the Whistleblower, if known, shall remain confidential to those persons directly involved in applying this policy, unless the issue requires investigation by Ofsted or the Police

Important Contact information,