Most of us will have heard the heartbreaking news reported on January 17, 2024, about the passing of two-year-old Bronson Battersby due to starvation after his father passed away of a heart attack. Upon hearing this tragedy we felt compelled to reflect on the vital role early years managers play in ensuring the safety and happiness of the little ones in our care. While recognising the limited details available surrounding this tragic event, we must consider the significance of professional curiosity and the indispensable role early years managers can play in averting such heart-wrenching incidents.
The term "professional curiosity" reminds us to keep a watchful and inquisitive eye on the well-being of the children entrusted to us. It encourages us to go beyond our regular routines and ask questions when situations seem a bit off, digging deeper without the fear of being seen as being nosey. Though we may not have all the details about Bronson's case, the apparent lack of communication and urgency between social workers and police, highlights the need for cultivating professional curiosity among those involved.
In our early years settings, professional curiosity isn't confined to the physical boundaries of our nurseries. It's about maintaining open lines of communication with parents and carers, fostering an environment where concerns can be freely shared in line with confidentiality protocols. This collaborative approach not only builds strong partnerships but also ensures that any deviations from the norm are recognised and addressed promptly.
A crucial component of professional curiosity in our early years settings is taking action when a child misses a scheduled day at the setting. Early years managers should feel empowered to reach out to parents or carers, expressing genuine concern for the child's well-being. By doing so, we not only demonstrate our dedication to the children but also create a safety net that could potentially prevent unfortunate outcomes.
Reflecting on past serious case reviews, it becomes clear that we must consistently learn and apply lessons to enhance our safeguarding practices. Have we absorbed the insights from these reviews, and are we actively implementing changes to prevent similar incidents? This heart breaking case serves as a poignant reminder that we must remain vigilant and continuously adapt our approaches to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
To attempt to prevent future incidents, early years managers can work collaboratively with their teams, offering training to improve culture, communication and team working Online Training | The Early Years Company and fostering an open culture where concerns can be raised without fear. Regular professional development can enhance the skills of educators, empowering them to identify areas of concern and feel empowered to take appropriate action.
The tragic loss of Bronson Battersby underscores our profound responsibility as early years managers. Let's encourage professional curiosity, encourage open communication, and learn from past experiences to create even safer environments for the children we cherish. Together, we can ensure that no child is left unnoticed or unheard.