Safeguarding is everyone's business
Early years and childcare practitioners are in a unique position to observe changes in a child's behaviour or appearance which give rise to concern about their wellbeing, and section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on early years providers to comply with the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE 2024), which states that:
'If providers have concerns about children's safety or welfare, they must immediately notify their local authority children's social care team, in line with local reporting procedures, and, in emergencies, the police. Providers must also take into account the government's statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE) and Prevent duty guidance. All schools are required to have regard to the government's statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education, and other childcare providers may also find it helpful to read this guidance'.
Who to contact
If you are you worried that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm and needs immediate protection:
- Contact the police on 999 if there is an immediate risk of danger
- Otherwise, contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01432 260800
Please see the government advice on sharing information appropriately (pdf).
Allegations against members of staff and the role of the LADO
For information regarding the procedures for managing allegations against people who work with children and the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) please visit the professionals section on the Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Keeping effective safeguarding records
Please visit the NSPCC website for guidance on retention and storage of child protection records.
Safeguarding professional development opportunities
For information about availability of safeguarding professional development opportunities see the Herefordshire Safeguarding Partnership Learning Management System.