- Home
- Parents
- Safeguarding concern
Safeguarding concern
Worried About a Child?
If something does not feel right, do not ignore your concern. You do not need to be certain before asking for help.
Is a Child in Immediate Danger?
Call 999.
Do not wait to contact the school if emergency help is needed.
What Should I Do?
1. Listen
If a child tells you something, stay calm and listen.
2. Reassure
Let the child know that telling someone was the right thing to do.
3. Share the Concern
Contact the school safeguarding team or an appropriate safeguarding service.
4. Get Advice
If you are unsure what to do, use one of the trusted services below.
Contact Your Child's School
If your concern relates to your child, another pupil or something happening in or around school, contact the school and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team.
You can share a concern even if you do not have all the information.
What Are You Worried About?
Safeguarding concerns can take many different forms.
A Child Being Hurt
You are worried that a child may be experiencing abuse or harm.
Neglect
You are worried that a child's basic care or safety needs may not be being met.
Bullying
Your child is being repeatedly hurt, threatened, excluded or targeted.
Online Harm
Something online is frightening, upsetting or putting your child at risk.
Exploitation
You are worried someone may be pressuring, controlling or exploiting a child.
Something Just Feels Wrong
You cannot explain exactly why you are worried, but something is concerning you.
Not Sure if It Is a Safeguarding Concern?
You do not need to work this out on your own. If you are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing, ask for advice.
The NSPCC has child protection specialists who can listen to your concern and advise you about what to do next.
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Has a Child Told You Something?
Stay calm and give the child time to speak.
- Listen carefully.
- Take what the child tells you seriously.
- Reassure them that telling you was the right thing to do.
- Explain that you may need to get help to keep them safe.
- Share the concern with an appropriate safeguarding service.
Worried a Child May Be at Risk of Abuse or Neglect?
If you think a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, you can contact the children's social care team at their local council.
You do not need to be certain that abuse has taken place before sharing a concern.
Is the Concern Online?
Online concerns can include bullying, harmful content, exploitation or worrying contact with another person.
LGfL ParentSafe brings together straightforward guidance for parents about online safety and wider safeguarding issues.
Worried About Exploitation, Gangs or County Lines?
LGfL ParentSafe provides dedicated parent information about gangs, county lines and child exploitation.
Worried About Extremism or Radicalisation?
LGfL ParentSafe brings together parent guidance and routes to further support for concerns about extremism or radicalisation.
Trusted Support
NSPCC
For adults who are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing.
0808 800 5000
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Childline
Free support for children and young people about anything that is worrying them.
0800 1111
LGfL ParentSafe
Parent-friendly advice about keeping children safe online and beyond.
Why Schools Take Safeguarding Concerns Seriously
Schools and colleges in England follow Department for Education statutory safeguarding guidance.
Department for Education: Keeping Children Safe in Education ›
If You Are Worried, Speak Up
You do not need to have all the answers. Sharing a concern can be the first step towards getting a child the help and support they need.