Taking action
When you are on a placement in a childcare setting, it is unlikely that you will need to take action in relation to any safeguarding issues. However, it is useful to know how to take action should you need to.
Think first
Do you know what you would do if you suspected that a child was being abused or had concerns about a child’s safety? Type some ideas in the box below before you move on.
Click on the buttons below for guidance on how to take action in different situations.
Concerns about a child
If you are concerned about a child or suspect that a child is showing signs of abuse, you should:
- Check your setting’s Safeguarding Policy to understand the process for reporting your concerns (for example, who you should contact)
- Make sure children know that they can talk to you if they have any problems or concerns (either about their own safety or that of a friend)
- Deal with issues professionally and in complete confidence at all times
- Listen to the child, take what they say seriously and explain that you will have to tell someone who can help them
- Write down what you have observed or what has been said to you and keep this information secure and confidential
- Not make promises to keep information a secret
Concerns about a member of staff
If you ever have any concerns about members of staff not complying with safeguarding policies in a childcare setting, you should report it to the designated safeguarding officer (you can find out who this is by reading your setting’s Safeguarding Policy). All settings should also have a whistleblowing policy. It is important to be familiar with this too.
If you are concerned that a member of staff is abusing a child (or children), then you should follow the same procedure as you would if you suspected abuse by a parent or carer (again, this will be stated in your setting’s Safeguarding Policy).