Responding to Concerns

A credible concern triggers a standardised response: protect the child, capture accurate information, and escalate through safe channels. The aim is not to prove abuse but to ensure that those with statutory powers can assess risk swiftly.^[1]

Immediate priorities in practice

• Safety first: if the child is in immediate danger, call emergency services; do not allow unsafe discharge.^[1][4]
• Calm, child-centred communication: avoid shock or disbelief; do not ask leading questions or press for detail.^[4]
• Accurate, contemporaneous records: write verbatim statements in quotation marks; capture who was present, timings, and any explanations offered.^[3][6]

Escalation and consultation

Inform the safeguarding lead promptly.^[5]

If they are unavailable or time-critical risk exists, contact children's services directly. Provide the minimum necessary facts: what was seen or heard, when, who was present, and any immediate safety concerns.

Record the name and role of the professional you spoke to, advice given, and agreed next steps. Where appropriate, inform the GP or school nursing service to support a coordinated response.^[2]

Professional judgement and proportionality

Not every concern requires an immediate referral; some require advice or early-help pathways. However, it is important not to delay referral to gather "better evidence" when risk of significant harm is suspected.

Common pitfalls include promising secrecy, confronting alleged perpetrators, or conducting an independent investigation. If the child leaves before decisions are made, note contact details, risks explained, and any plan for rapid follow-up.

Provide accessible information to the child about what will happen next, aligned to their age and understanding.^[1][3][4]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance, Department for Education Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners, Department for Education Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Protecting children and young people: The responsibilities of all doctors (including Keeping records), General Medical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
4. What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: advice for practitioners, Department for Education Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Safeguarding children and adults at risk, The College of Optometrists Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Child protection records retention and storage guidance, NSPCC Learning (September 2023) Find (opens in a new tab)