The child's words, fact and opinion

Records are clearer and more reliable when they separate direct observation, the child's own words, third-party reports and staff interpretation. If a child says, "I hate going there," record that phrase rather than summarising it as "young person was difficult about contact." One is evidence; the other is an interpretation.

Staff will still use professional judgment, but the safest records make it obvious what was said by the child, what was observed, and what conclusions were drawn. That supports fairness, safeguarding and later review.

Simple recording distinctions

• Fact: what you directly saw or heard.
• Child's words: key phrases written as accurately as possible.
• Third-party information: what someone else reported.
• Opinion: your interpretation or professional view.
• Context: what happened before and after.

Manager focus: child voice

When the child's actual words are lost, the meaning of the event can change in ways that weaken safeguarding and fairness.