Safeguarding

Keeping Your Children Safe

At STEM Den, the safety, well-being, and happiness of your children are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to providing a secure, inclusive, and welcoming environment where every child can thrive.

To ensure we maintain the highest standards of care and comply fully with the latest statutory guidance, we have a dedicated safeguarding team ready to support our children and their families.

Your safeguarding leads are Mrs Vanessa McSween and Mrs Butler-Cox

Vanessa and Aimee are specially trained to oversee the safety and welfare of all children in our care. They are your first points of contact for anything related to safeguarding and child protection.

Working in Partnership with You

We know that you know your child best. Whether you have a specific concern about a child's welfare or simply want to share a small worry about how your child has been feeling, Vanessa and Aimee are here to listen.

We operate a strict "open door" policy. No concern is ever too small, and all conversations are handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

To speak with Vanessa or Aimee: Please catch them during drop-off or collection times, or contact them directly on 07510 204677 or stemdennorthwood@gmail.com

External Support & Reporting

While Vanessa and Aimee are always here to help, safeguarding is a community-wide effort. We work closely with local and national agencies to ensure the best outcomes for our children. If you ever need independent advice or wish to report a concern outside of STEM Den, the following organizations are available to support you:

Hillingdon Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP)We work in partnership with Hillingdon's local authority to keep children safe. If you are worried about a child in the community, you can reach out directly to the Hillingdon Stronger Families Hub:

• Phone: 01895 556 006
• Email: strongerfamilieshub@hillingdon.gov.uk
• If a child is in immediate danger, always dial 999.

The NSPCC HelplineThe NSPCC offers free, confidential advice and support for anyone worried about a child. You can contact them anonymously if you prefer.

• Phone: 0808 800 5000
• Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Whistleblowing & Raising Concerns

We are committed to fostering a culture of openness and transparency. If any parent, carer, or staff member has a concern about STEM Den's safeguarding practices or the conduct of an adult working here, we urge you to bring it forward.

You can raise these concerns directly with our setting manager or either of our DSLs. However, if you feel your concern has not been addressed, or if you feel uncomfortable raising it internally, you are fully supported in seeking outside guidance.

NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line

If you are worried about how child protection issues are being handled in our setting (or any organization), the NSPCC provides a dedicated whistleblowing advice line:

Phone: 0800 028 0285

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Together, we can ensure that STEM Den remains a safe, supportive, and joyful place for your child to learn, play, and explore.