How to Approach a Safeguarding Concern About a Child in School

Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility of all schools, and every parent should feel confident that concerns about a child’s welfare will be taken seriously. However, knowing how to approach a safeguarding concern in an educational setting can feel daunting. Whether it’s about your own child or another child, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure the concern is addressed appropriately.

1. Understanding What Constitutes a Safeguarding Concern

Safeguarding concerns include anything that might indicate a child is at risk of harm, including:

Physical abuse – unexplained bruises, marks, or injuries.
Emotional abuse – extreme criticism, humiliation, or fear-based control.
Sexual abuse – inappropriate behaviour, concerning knowledge, or disclosures.
Neglect – persistent lack of supervision, poor hygiene, or malnutrition.
Online safety risks – exposure to inappropriate content, grooming, or cyberbullying.

If you have a suspicion that a child is being harmed or is at risk, it is always better to report your concern rather than dismiss it.

2. Who to Report Your Concern To

Every school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for handling concerns about child protection. If you have a safeguarding concern:

Step 1: Contact the DSL – Most schools have clear safeguarding policies displayed on their website or in the reception area. The DSL (or their deputy) is the best person to raise concerns with.
Step 2: If the DSL is unavailable, speak to a senior leader – If you cannot reach the DSL, you can speak to the headteacher or a senior leader who has safeguarding training.
Step 3: If the concern involves school staff – If your concern is about a teacher or staff member, report it directly to the headteacher. If it involves the headteacher, report it to the school’s governing body or the local authority’s designated officer (LADO).

3. How to Raise Your Concern Effectively

When reporting a safeguarding concern, it’s important to be clear and factual. Here are some tips to ensure your concern is taken seriously:

Be specific – Give as much detail as possible, including dates, times, and any direct observations or disclosures.
Stick to the facts – Avoid speculation or assumptions. Report only what you have seen, heard, or been told.
Keep emotions in check – It’s understandable to feel worried or upset, but remaining calm and professional will help ensure your concern is heard clearly.
Put it in writing if needed – Some schools may ask you to follow up your verbal concern in writing. This ensures there is a formal record.

4. What Happens Next?

Once you raise a safeguarding concern, the school must take it seriously and follow their safeguarding procedures. This might involve:

Speaking with the child (if appropriate).
Consulting with external agencies such as social services or the police.
Taking immediate action if there is an urgent risk to the child’s safety.

Schools cannot always share details of their actions due to confidentiality, but they should acknowledge your concern and confirm that they are following the appropriate steps.

5. What If You Feel the School Is Not Taking Action?

If you believe the school is not responding appropriately, you have several options:

Raise your concern again – If you feel it hasn’t been addressed, follow up with the DSL or headteacher.
Contact the local authority safeguarding team – Each local authority has a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) that can provide advice and investigate concerns.
Report directly to social services – If you believe a child is at immediate risk, you can contact social services directly without going through the school.
Call the NSPCC – The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offers a confidential helpline for reporting concerns (0808 800 5000).

6. Supporting Your Own Child if They Are Affected

If your concern relates to your own child, they may need support as the school investigates. You can:

Reassure them – Let them know they did the right thing by speaking up.
Keep communication open – Allow them to talk without pressure and let them lead the conversation.
Monitor their wellbeing – Watch for changes in mood, behaviour, or school attendance.
Seek external support – Organisations like NSPCC, Childline, and school pastoral teams can offer further guidance.

Final Thoughts

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and schools take it extremely seriously. If you ever have concerns about a child’s safety, it is always better to raise them than to stay silent. By approaching concerns calmly, clearly, and through the correct channels, you can help ensure that children receive the protection and support they need.

If you need more information on safeguarding policies, check your school’s website or visit the NSPCC’s safeguarding resources.