A Safe, Trusted Kindergarten in Hove
Safeguarding is central to everything we do.
It runs through how we speak to children, how we set up our spaces, how we train our team and how we respond when something isn’t right.
Every adult here understands their role and takes it seriously.
We maintain high standards, clear systems and a culture of responsibility to ensure every child is safe, supported and respected.
Our commitment to safeguarding
We create a culture where:
children are listened to
concerns are taken seriously
we act without hesitation
All staff understand their role in keeping children safe and are supported to act with confidence and professionalism.
How we keep children safe
Strong Leadership
Safeguarding is actively led and monitored, with clear expectations and accountability across the team
Trained & Supported Staff
Staff receive ongoing safeguarding training and guidance to ensure knowledge is current and practice is consistent.
Clear Safeguarding Procedures
All concerns are reported immediately to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and followed up appropriately.
Speaking Up Culture
Whistleblowing is encouraged. Staff are expected to report unsafe practice, poor conduct or concerns without hesitation.
Safe, calm environment
Children are safest when they feel secure, understood and supported.
We provide:
- consistent routines
- calm, attentive adults
- environments designed for safe exploration
Our approach ensures children feel confident and emotionally secure.
Emotional Safety & Wellbeing
Just Right System
We support children’s regulation using our Green, Amber and Red system, helping them understand and manage their feelings.
Co-Regulation
Adults support children through calm presence, connection and guidance rather than control or punishment.
Understanding Behaviour
Behaviour is understood as communication. Staff respond thoughtfully and support children to develop self-regulation.
Health, Safety & Daily Practice
We maintain high standards across all areas of daily practice.
Our adult-to-child ratios exceed statutory EYFS requirements
Environments are regularly checked and well maintained
Hygiene and infection control procedures are followed consistently
Accidents and incidents are recorded, reviewed and shared with families
Children’s wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do.
Professional Standards
Our team is carefully chosen and held to clear professional standards, with the training and support to maintain them.
respectful, open communication between staff
clear boundaries and expectations across the team
ongoing training and professional development
strong, supportive leadership
Your child is always in the company of adults who know what they’re doing and are committed our ethos.
Working with Families
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility.
We work in partnership with families to:
communicate concerns
support children consistently
ensure transparency and trust
Families are encouraged to speak openly with us at any time.
Why this matters
Children thrive when they feel safe, emotionally settled and confident in the adults around them.
At Young Friends, every child is protected, listened to, supported and respected.
This is the foundation from which confident, curious and capable learners grow.
