Whistleblowing Policy

Policy statement

Employees are often the first to realise that there may be something wrong within their setting.

However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues. They may also fear harassment or victimisation as a result of speaking up. In these circumstances it may feel easier to ignore the concern rather than report what may be just suspicion of malpractice and wrongdoing at work.

At Jack and Jill Community Preschool we are committed to the highest possible standard of openness. We encourage Preschool Team members and other with genuine concerns about any person linked with the setting and/or others (e.g. parents/carers) to come forward and voice those concerns. This policy document makes it clear that employees, families, and others can voice ANY concern without fear of reprisals.

Our Whistleblowing Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise such concerns, should they occur at Jack and Jill Community Preschool, rather than overlooking the problem. Any concerns should be taken to our Designated Safeguarding Lead, a member of the Management Team, or our Head of Trustees, Laura Gummow, and discussed.

We will follow all legal framework for guidance when it comes to ‘whistleblowing’. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, commonly known as the ‘Whistleblowing Act’, gives employees who raise concerns protection from any backlash

Procedures

How to raise a concern

Where at all possible, concerns should normally be raised with a member of the Management Team. We offer frequent opportunities for one-to-one conversations throughout the year and remind all team members at weekly staff meetings that the Management Team is always available to them. However, we do understand that such a ‘starter conversation’ will be dependent upon the seriousness and sensitivity involved, and who is suspected of any wrong doing.

If concerns are regarding a member of the Management Team, the Head of Trustees, Laura Gummow, is available for speak to instead. In the event that it is deemed unsuitable to contact the Head of Trustees, concerns should be taken directly to Ofsted (see end of policy for contact details). If the concern is regarding a member of the Preschool Team and safeguarding, concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who will contact the Designated Officer for Allegations (DOFA).

In addition to the end of this policy, contact details for Ofsted and the Wiltshire DAFO are also displayed in the staff toilet onsite, and freely accessible online.

If the concern is about the DSL, the person raising the concern must notify the DOFA immediately.

Concerns should preferably be expressed in writing, stating the history of the concern, names of persons involved, dates and places and any other information that is relevant to the concern they wish to be investigated: The more details that are provided will allow the investigation to be completed more in more detail and as promptly as reasonably possible. Although a Preschool Team member is not expected to prove beyond doubt the truth of the allegation, they will need to demonstrate that they have an honest and reasonable suspicion that malpractice has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur.

Procedure/Investigation

The action taken will depend on the nature of the concern. The appropriate person/s will investigate the concerns thoroughly, ensuring that written response is provided within five working days. The response should include details of how the matter was investigated, conclusions drawn from the investigation, and whom to contact should the individual raising the complaint be unsatisfied with the response and wish to raise the matter further. If the investigation cannot be completed within the timescale above, the individual raining the concern should receive a response that indicates:

  • Progress to date
  • How the matter is being dealt with
  • How long it will take to provide a final response

In order to protect individuals, initial enquiries (usually involving a minuted meeting with the person/s raising the concern) will be made to decide whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take. Concerns or allegations that raise issues that fall within the scope of other policies will be addressed under those procedures. Some concerns may be resolved at this initial stage simply by agreed action or an explanation regarding the concern without needing further investigation. 

If you do not feel that the complaint has been dealt with effectively or you still have concerns, you have the right to refer your concern to Ofsted (see end of policy for contact details)

Confidentiality

At Jack and Jill Community Preschool we will do our best to protect your identity when you raise a concern. However, it must appreciated that, in the interests of adhering to our safeguarding policies, the investigation process may reveal the source of the information and a statement by you may be required as part of the evidence.

Anonymous allegations

You are strongly encouraged to put your name to any allegation you are raising: Concerns expressed anonymously are much less powerful. Regardless, anonymous allegations will be considered, and any pertinent actions taken at the discretion of Jack and Jill Community Preschool, and in conjunction with the relevant agencies where appropriate. Keeping in line with this discretion, the following factors will be taken into accountwhen considering how to deal with any allegations:

  • The seriousness of the issue raised
  • The credibility of the allegation
  • The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources.

Untrue allegations

At Jack and Jill Community Preschool we understand and appreciate that deciding to report a concern can be incredibly difficult and uncomfortable. We therefore go into every investigation assuming that any concern brought forward is legitimate. If a member of the Preschool Team makes an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against him/her/them. As a setting, we will offer emotional support where we can and work together to re-build trust where it may have been tainted by a concern and subsequent investigation.

If, however, a member of staff makes an allegation frivolously, maliciously, or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against them.

How the matter can be taken further

If a matter needs to be taken to the DOFA directly, their contact email is as follows:

dofaservice@wiltshire.gov.uk

If a complaint has not been dealt with in a manner which is satisfactory to the individual or persons bringing forward the concern, then they can contact Ofsted directly at the following address:

Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
Telephone (general helpline): 0300 123 1231
Further information regarding whistleblowing can be found on the NSPCC whistleblowing website.
Their contact number is 0800 028 0285 and email is help@nspcc.org.uk

I have read and understood this policy and will adhere to it as part of my daily practice

NameSignatureDate
Marlis Juerging-Coles  
Liz Wilkins  
Lou Barlow  
Josh Bosley  
Nicky Taylor  
Laura Slater  

Reviewed on:

Manager signature:

Trustee team signature: