Let’s keep children safe by raising awareness of how, and why, they could leave a childcare setting without a responsible adult
By Kim Connolly, Team Manager
The early learning and childcare (ELC) workforce has played a key role in maintaining essential services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting positive outcomes for children of key workers and vulnerable children. As restrictions eased and ELC settings have been able to be provide care for all eligible children, staff have been welcoming families back in line with the Covid guidance. While it has been very challenging at times, children have continued to receive high quality care and learning experiences.
It has also been a particularly challenging time for families and children during the pandemic. The physical and emotional relationships and connections that we need with others has been significantly affected. Many children have not had the opportunity to ‘settle in’ to their new setting as they would have previously. However, services have been incredibly creative in the ways they have supported and connected with children and families, including the successful use of virtual technology.
Over the next few months there will be many new children joining services and some new staff teams forming. It is therefore a good time to remind all ELC services to be aware of how and why children could potentially leave a setting without a responsible adult, placing them at significant risk. For example, staff should be aware if fences have been broken, doors/gates have been left open or not secure or adults have been distracted and not all children have been accounted for. It is important to use vigilance and strong team work to ensure children are safe.
It is also important that children have an emotional bond with their primary caregivers to feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their new environment. It is essential that caregivers know the care and support needs of the children, are alert to children’s whereabouts and ensure that the indoor and outside environments are safe and secure.
That’s why we have introduced Simoa, the elephant, to all ELC settings. Let’s raise awareness and act responsibly to safeguard, protect and support children’s wellbeing.
Simoa always remembers:
Safe
Be alert to all potential risks in your setting. 
Inspect
Look around and inspect the environment to make sure a child can’t leave an area without staff or their parent/carer.
Monitor
Regularly check that all children are accounted for particularly when they are outside, on outings or using transport.
Observe
Observe children and think about their feelings and emotional security – use these observations to support children to feel loved and secure.
Act
Assess and take action to keep children safe.
All services should notify the Care Inspectorate of any incidents, so that we can all share the learning and keep children safe. We want to engage with services to reduce and prevent occurrences of children being in unsafe situations.
If you would like to share this message with staff and parents in your setting you can download our posters and graphics from The Hub