Protecting Children
Safeguarding is a set of guidelines and actions that helps to keep children safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation. If you’re worried about the wellbeing or safety of a child, there are several steps you can take.
Outside of school
If the situation you’re worried about happening outside of school, in the local community or at home, it's a good idea to talk to a trained adviser for support.
They can help you work out the best way forward for you and the child you’re concerned about
- Call the NSPCC’s 24/7 helpline for help understanding how best to safeguard a child’s wellbeing on 0808 800 5000
- Report abuse online
- Learn more about safeguarding children from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
In School
When you talk to the teacher or head teacher about your concerns, try to stay calm and give clear examples of what has caused your worry. For example, give facts like dates, places, names, things you've noticed, or if someone has told you about their experiences.
Work with the school to resolve the problem and keep the child safe. All schools must have a safeguarding policy and a Designated Safeguarding Officer, who will know how to deal with any safeguarding concerns and take the steps needed to ensure the child’s safety.
If you’re concerned the school is not dealing with your safeguarding concern properly, call the NSPCC’s 24/7 helpline: 0808 800 5000, or the Learning Disability Helpline: 0808 808 1111.
In Care Settings
You can speak to the manager of the care provider. If you feel this isn’t appropriate - because you think they are causing the harm, for example - go straight to the Local Authority Safeguarding Children’s Board. You’ll find their contact details on the local council website. Although health care packages are funded by the NHS and regulated by Ofsted, Local Authorities have overall responsibility for safeguarding all vulnerable children in their community. If you have any problems contacting the Local Authority, or they don’t respond appropriately, you can call Ofsted: 0300 123 1231.
Safeguarding Newsletters
