Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding Policy for Ria Michaela’s Nanny & Private Household Staff Agency.
Purpose of this Policy
The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to:
• Protect the children and young people who receive services through riamichaela.com from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
• Provide candidates, staff, and families with the principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
This policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of riamichaela.com, including candidates (nannies, tutors, babysitters, and other childcare or educational professionals), agency staff, sessional workers, contractors, and volunteers.
Legal Framework
This policy has been developed in line with UK safeguarding legislation, including but not limited to:
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• The Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
• Prevent Duty Guidance (2015)
A full summary of key legislation and guidance can be found at nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.
Supporting Documents
This safeguarding policy should be read alongside our other organisational policies, including:
• Role description for the designated safeguarding officer
• Procedures for dealing with disclosures and safeguarding concerns
• Managing allegations against candidates and staff
• Data protection, confidentiality, and information sharing procedures
• Code of conduct for candidates, staff, and volunteers
• Behaviour guidelines for children and young people
• Photography and social media policy
• Safer recruitment and DBS checking procedures
• Online safety policy
• Anti-bullying policy
• Managing complaints and whistleblowing policy
• Health and safety policy
• Training and supervision guidelines
• Adult-to-child supervision ratios
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We believe that:
• Children and young people should never experience any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• We have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people and to promote their welfare.
• Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we work in partnership with families, local authorities, and relevant agencies to ensure children’s safety.
We recognise that:
• The welfare of children is paramount in all our work and decision-making.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection.
• Some children are more vulnerable due to factors such as disability, communication needs, or past experiences, and they may require additional safeguarding measures.
• Clear safeguarding procedures are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all children under our agency’s care.
How We Keep Children Safe
Ria Michaela’s Nanny & Private Household Staff Agency is committed to safeguarding children by:
• Valuing, listening to, and respecting children in our care.
• Appointing a designated safeguarding officer (DSO) and deputy to oversee child protection concerns.
• Ensuring all candidates undergo thorough vetting, including enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and identity verification.
• Providing safeguarding training and guidance to all nannies, tutors, babysitters, and childcare professionals registered with our agency.
• Maintaining clear procedures for raising and reporting safeguarding concerns, including mandatory reporting obligations.
• Recording and storing safeguarding information securely, in compliance with data protection laws.
• Sharing safeguarding information appropriately with relevant agencies, in line with statutory guidance.
• Handling allegations against staff or candidates in accordance with best practices and legal requirements.
• Ensuring clear behaviour and conduct policies for all candidates working under our agency.
• Providing families with safeguarding guidance and ensuring they know how to report concerns.
• Creating a safe environment free from bullying, discrimination, and harm.
Reporting Concerns
If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services at 999.
All candidates and staff working through riamichaela.com must report any safeguarding concerns to our Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Ria Michaela
Email: info@riamichaela.com
Phone: 07761 697734
External Safeguarding Contacts:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 / help@nspcc.org.uk
Brent Family Front Door (Children's Social Services):
Office Hours (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm): 020
8937 4300 (option 1)
Outside Office Hours (Emergency Duty Team):
020 8863 5250
Email: Family.Frontdoor@brent.gov.uk
Brent Safeguarding Adults Team:
Phone: 020 8937 4098 / 4099
Email: SafeguardingAdults@brent.gov.uk
Non-Emergency Police (Child Protection Team): 101
Review & Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with UK safeguarding laws and best practices.
Last reviewed: Friday, 23rd February 2025
Next review due: Monday 2nd March 2026