Parent Zone
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Every child deserves to feel safe, protected and heard.Our Approach
Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Safeguarding is more than responding when something goes wrong. It means creating an environment where children feel secure, are listened to and can confidently express their feelings.
Every member of our team is trained to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and always put the child’s welfare first.
Children are heard
We take children’s feelings seriously and give them safe, age-appropriate ways to express themselves.
Concerns are recognised
Our practitioners are trained to recognise changes in a child’s behaviour, appearance or emotional wellbeing.
Concerns are addressed
Concerns are recorded carefully and shared promptly with a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Families are supported
We work openly with families and collaborate with other professionals whenever additional support is required.
Policies & Guidance
Safeguarding Information
Access our nursery policies and trusted government guidance relating to safeguarding and children’s welfare.
Safeguarding Policy
Read how we protect children, respond to concerns and fulfil our safeguarding responsibilities.
View policy Shooting Stars PolicyAccidents and Incidents Policy
Find out how accidents and incidents are managed, recorded and communicated within our nurseries.
View policy Statutory GuidanceWorking Together to Safeguard Children
The government’s statutory guidance on how organisations work together to help, support and protect children.
Read the guidance Family GuideIllustrated Safeguarding Guide
A clearer, illustrated explanation of safeguarding for children, young people and their families.
View the guideAttendance & Welfare
Let Us Know When Your Child Will Be Absent
We understand that children may need time away from nursery for many different reasons. We simply ask that every absence from a booked session is reported to us.
Nursery attendance is not compulsory
You may keep your child at home or take time away from nursery for any reason. This could include illness, appointments, holidays, family time or simply a change to your plans. You do not need to ask our permission.
However, we have a duty of care and safeguarding responsibility to follow up when a child does not arrive for a session we were expecting them to attend.
Tell Us Through Famly
Please send the nursery a message through Famly before the booked session, or as soon as you know your child will not be attending.
What We Need to Know
Tell us the reason for the absence, how long you expect your child to be away and let us know if their expected return date changes.
If We Have Not Heard From You
We will try to contact you and, where necessary, your child's emergency contacts. We may also review patterns of absence and follow our safeguarding procedures if we are concerned about a child's welfare.
Reporting an absence only takes a moment
Use the Famly app to keep your child's nursery informed. If you cannot access Famly, please contact the nursery directly.
Go to the Famly PageOur Attendance Policy
For further information about attendance, reporting absences, our responsibilities and the procedures we follow, please read our Attendance Policy.
View Attendance Policy (PDF)Early Help
Support Before Problems Feel Too Big
Every family needs help sometimes. Early Help brings families and professionals together to provide practical support at the earliest opportunity.
Early Help can support families with:
Parenting and family routines
Behaviour and emotional wellbeing
Housing or financial pressures
Relationships and domestic abuse
SEND and child development
Health, bereavement or family change
How We Can Help
Speak to Someone Who Already Knows Your Family
You can speak privately to your child’s key person, nursery manager or safeguarding lead. We will listen to what is happening and help you consider which support may be useful.
Where appropriate, we can help you access local Early Help services and work alongside your family and other professionals.
Would some extra support help your family?
You do not need to wait for a situation to become serious before speaking to us.
Safeguarding Support
Speak to Our Safeguarding Team
You do not need to be certain before sharing a concern. Our safeguarding team will listen carefully, offer guidance and explain what happens next.
Hamiz Kamran
Group Head of Safeguarding
Hamiz oversees safeguarding policy, practice, training and support across every Shooting Stars nursery, helping to ensure a consistent and effective approach throughout the group.
Also Designated Safeguarding Lead for AshtonYour Local Contact
Find Your Nursery’s Safeguarding Lead
Select your child’s nursery to find the Designated Safeguarding Lead for that setting.
