Recording, information sharing and professional challenge

Accurate safeguarding records enable timely action; poor records obscure patterns. When staff note a concern they should record what happened, when it happened, who was involved, the child's words, observed signs, any action taken and who was informed.

Information sharing is central to safeguarding. Working Together 2026, the Home Office toolkit and the Wales guidance all require practitioners to share relevant information promptly and warn that data protection should not be used as a default reason for inaction.

What factual recording should capture

• Time and place: missing periods, pick-up points, routes, addresses and vehicles.
• People and devices: names, nicknames, phones, apps and linked peers.
• The child's own words: write them accurately where possible.
• Presentation: injuries, tiredness, intoxication, distress or fear.
• Action taken: calls, searches, notifications, welfare checks and advice received.
• Next step: what still needs to happen and who is responsible.

Professional challenge matters. If a pattern is being dismissed as lifestyle, attention-seeking or ordinary teenage behaviour, staff should escalate appropriately and keep the concern open.

Manager focus: visible action plans

Good recording does not just describe the last episode. It helps the next worker and the next agency see the whole pattern.