Safeguarding is everyone's business
Early years and childcare practitioners play a vital role in safeguarding, as they are uniquely placed to observe changes in a child's behaviour, appearance, or wellbeing that may indicate a cause for concern.
Under Section 40 of the Childcare Act 2006, early years providers have a legal duty to comply with the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework (DfE, 2025), which states:
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.
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility - timely action and awareness can make a crucial difference in a child's life.
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 refer to the Department for Education (DfE) guidance on sharing information for advice on how to share safeguarding and other confidential information appropriately and lawfully.
Allegations against members of staff and the role of the LADO
For information on procedures for managing allegations against individuals who work with children and the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) please visit the Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Keeping effective safeguarding records
Accurate and detailed safeguarding records are essential for protecting children and supporting effective interventions. These records should be clear, factual, and stored securely, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection laws.
For guidance on the retention and storage of child protection records, please visit the NSPCC website for guidance on retention and storage of child protection records.
Safeguarding professional development opportunities
For information about available safeguarding professional development opportunities, please visit the Herefordshire Safeguarding Partnership Learning Management System website. You can also visit our Herefordshire Early Years Eventbrite page to register for upcoming safeguarding training.