Our commitment
The welfare of children and young people is central to the centre’s work. Kip McGrath Darlington is an Ofsted-registered centre (EY547790), and teachers working at the centre are DBS checked. Every child should be treated with dignity, listened to and supported in a calm, appropriate environment.
Designated safeguarding contact
Christopher Baptist, Centre Director, is the designated safeguarding contact and the registered person for Kip McGrath Darlington. Safeguarding concerns arising at the centre should be reported to him promptly by telephone on 07723 450818 or in person at 3 Beaumont Street, Darlington, DL1 5SZ. Email may be used for a non-urgent request to speak, but must not be used where a child may be at immediate risk.
How we work
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and safe working practices.
- Listen to concerns and take disclosures seriously without promising secrecy.
- Record and report concerns through the centre’s safeguarding procedures.
- Share information only where necessary, proportionate and lawful.
- Work with parents, carers, schools and safeguarding authorities when appropriate.
- Respond to online-safety, bullying, discrimination and peer-on-peer concerns.
Raising a concern
If you are worried about a child’s experience at the centre, contact Christopher Baptist as soon as possible. You do not need proof before sharing a genuine concern. The concern will be recorded and considered under the centre’s safeguarding procedures, with information shared only where necessary to protect a child or meet a legal duty.
External escalation
- Immediate danger: call 999.
- Concern about a child in Darlington: contact Darlington Children’s Services on 01325 406222.
- Police, non-emergency: call 101.
- Concern about the childcare provider: contact Ofsted using the current guidance on GOV.UK .
A parent, child or professional may contact Children’s Services or the police directly. They do not have to raise the matter with the centre first, particularly where doing so could increase risk or where the concern relates to the designated safeguarding contact.
Contact the centre
Questions about these policies can be sent to darlington@kipmcgrath.co.uk, raised by telephone on 07723 450818, or posted to 3 Beaumont Street, Darlington, DL1 5SZ.