Crocus Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our statutory responsibilities under the Children Act 2004 and are committed to protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to grow up in a safe, supportive environment that enables them to achieve their full potential and enjoy the best possible health and wellbeing.

Safeguarding applies to all children and young people, regardless of their:

• Age
• Gender
• Disability
• Ethnic origin
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Culture
• Social background
• Sexual orientation

We recognise that abuse and neglect can occur in any family, community, or setting.

Our Responsibilities

Crocus Medical Practice has a duty to ensure that all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and know how to respond where there are concerns that a child or young person may be at risk.

Our Practice is committed to:

• Protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children.
• Identifying concerns at an early stage.
• Providing appropriate support and signposting where needed.
• Working closely with other agencies to help keep children safe.
• Ensuring staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and support.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and all members of the Practice team have a role to play in protecting children and young people.

Working in Partnership

Effective safeguarding relies on close partnership working between healthcare professionals, social care services, education providers, police, and other organisations.

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we may work with:

• Children's Social Care Services
• Health Visitors
• School Nurses
• Hospitals and Community Healthcare Teams
• Local Safeguarding Partnerships
• Educational Settings
• Police Services

Information may be shared with relevant agencies where it is necessary to protect a child or young person from harm.

Sharing Information

To provide safe and effective care, the Practice may need to share information with partner organisations involved in safeguarding children and young people.

Where possible, we will seek the consent of parents, carers, or young people before sharing information. However, there are circumstances where information may need to be shared without consent if:

• There are concerns about a child's safety or welfare.
• A child or young person may be at risk of significant harm.
• There is a legal obligation to disclose information.
• Sharing information is necessary to protect the child or others from harm.

Any information shared will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation, NHS confidentiality requirements, and safeguarding guidance.

Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse – causing physical harm or injury.
• Emotional abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment that affects a child's development and wellbeing.
• Sexual abuse – involving a child in sexual activity or exploitation.
• Neglect – the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs.

Concerns may arise from what a child says, behavioural changes, injuries, family circumstances, or information received from other professionals.

If You Have Concerns

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, please speak to a member of our Practice team as soon as possible.

You can contact:

• A GP
• A Practice Nurse
• The Practice Safeguarding Lead
• A member of the Practice Management Team

All concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and dealt with in accordance with local and national safeguarding procedures.

In an Emergency

If you believe a child or young person is at immediate risk of serious harm, contact:

Emergency Services: 999

For non-emergency safeguarding concerns, please contact the Practice or your local Children's Social Care Service.

Crocus Medical Practice is committed to working with families, carers, and partner organisations to ensure that every child and young person is safe, supported, and protected from harm.