When you come into contact with children in any way in your day-to-day work it is part of your job to make sure that their wellbeing is safeguarded: Safeguarding children Course Work, UCL, UK

What do you need to know?

When you come into contact with children in any way in your day-to-day work it is part of your job to make sure that their wellbeing is safeguarded.

Please note that in this workbook the term ‘child/children includes any child or young person up to the age of 18.

Child protection and safeguarding

Safeguarding is preventative and involves promoting the welfare of children by
protecting them from harm and recognizing the risks to their safety and security. Child protection is the activity of protecting children who are suffering or maybe likely to suffer from significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is any wrongdoing that causes, or is able to cause, significant emotional or physical harm to a child. The following signs, symptoms and behaviors or indicators do not necessarily mean that a child is being abused but may mean you have a reason to be concerned.

Physical abuse

This is any abuse where a child is physically harmed, for example hitting, biting, and burning. Signs and symptoms might be unexplained wounds, bruises or broken bones. The child might make up stories to explain injuries or try to cover them up with clothing.

Emotional abuse

This means a child’s emotional needs are not being met. This could include being made to feel inadequate or not feeling loved and secure. A parent or carer may not be talking to them enough or giving them the attention they need. Typical signs and symptoms could include delays in development, speech disorders, or a fear of making mistakes or overreacting to them.