4.4 Describe the actions to take if a child or young person alleges harm or abuse in line with policies and procedures of own setting

This guide will help you answer 4.4 Describe the actions to take if a child or young person alleges harm or abuse in line with policies and procedures of own setting.

When a child or young person tells you they have been harmed or abused, the situation must be taken seriously. Every setting has clear safeguarding and child protection policies to guide staff on what to do next. These policies align with UK legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, and statutory safeguarding frameworks.

The term safeguarding means protecting children’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and ensuring they live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Abuse can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect. Harm refers to any damage to a child’s health or development.

Keeping children safe is the duty of everyone working in education and childcare settings. This includes teachers, support staff, volunteers and any adults on site. Your actions at the moment of disclosure are critical. The way you respond can affect the child’s trust and the outcome of any investigation.

Staying Calm and Listening

When a child makes an allegation of harm or abuse, your first responsibility is to remain calm. Children can be frightened, confused or anxious when they speak up. If you appear shocked or dismissive, they might stop speaking altogether.

You should:

• Give the child your full attention
• Allow them to speak in their own words
• Avoid asking leading questions
• Use a supportive tone of voice
• Show that you are listening through body language such as nodding

A leading question is one that suggests the answer. For example, asking “Did your dad hit you?” directs the child’s response, which could affect future evidence. Instead, you could ask, “Can you tell me what happened?” or “Can you explain more about that?”

Reassuring the Child

You must reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you. Say clearly that you believe them and that you take their words seriously. Avoid making any promises you cannot keep. For example, never promise to keep the information secret. You have a duty to share it with the right people to protect the child.

Reassurance statements can include:

• “You have done the right thing by telling me.”
• “I am glad you told me.”
• “We will tell someone who can help keep you safe.”

Avoid giving opinions about the alleged person or making assumptions about what will happen next. Keep the focus on the child and their safety.

Following Setting’s Policies

Every school or childcare setting has its own safeguarding policy. This policy will be based on national and local procedures. As soon as the child finishes speaking, you need to act according to that policy. In most cases, you will report the disclosure to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or child protection officer in your setting.

The DSL has specialist training and will know how to act on the information. They may contact the local safeguarding hub, social services or the police. Your role is to pass on the details exactly as the child gave them.

Recording the Disclosure

All safeguarding policies will require you to make a written record of the disclosure. This should be done as soon as possible after the conversation to keep the details accurate. Records may be used in official investigations.

When you record the disclosure:

• Write the child’s own words as accurately as you can
• Note the date, time, place and who was present
• Include your name and role
• State what the child said, not what you think they meant
• Avoid including your personal opinions
• Sign and date the record

If the disclosure was verbal and in confidence, you still need to record it. Your record should be factual and clear so anyone reading it can understand the situation without extra explanation.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality means keeping personal information private and only sharing it with authorised people. In cases of alleged harm or abuse, the right people to share with include the DSL, safeguarding team, social services or police. Colleagues or friends who are not part of this process should not be told.

The law, such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, allows you to share information if a child is at risk of harm. In fact, failing to share in this situation could put a child in greater danger.

Always check your setting’s safeguarding policy to know exactly who you can speak to about a disclosure. Sharing beyond that list would be a breach of trust and policy.

Taking Immediate Protective Steps

Sometimes, a child may be in immediate danger. They might have injuries, be scared to go home, or be at risk from someone on site. In those cases, the DSL or safeguarding lead will take urgent steps to keep them safe while waiting for further action.

Your role is to support this process. This could involve:

• Staying with the child while the DSL contacts agencies
• Moving the child to a safe and quiet area
• Providing reassurance and comfort
• Assisting with arrangements for safe collection by a trusted adult

Never try to investigate or confront the suspected abuser yourself. This could compromise evidence and place you in danger.

What Not to Do

It is important to avoid actions that could harm the child’s trust or the legal process.

Do not:

• Promise secrecy
• Criticise or confront the alleged person
• Ask detailed or suggestive questions
• Investigate the allegation yourself
• Delay reporting to the safeguarding lead
• Share the information with people who are not authorised
• Express doubt or disbelief

These actions can damage the case, discourage the child from speaking further, and put them at greater risk.

Different Forms of Abuse

To respond correctly, you should know the types of harm or abuse a child might describe.

• Physical abuse: Hitting, shaking, burning, or other physical harm
• Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment, such as humiliating, scaring or isolating a child
• Sexual abuse: Forcing or enticing a child into sexual activities, including non-contact acts
• Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care and supervision

Recognising the signs of each type can help you take quick and correct action when you hear a disclosure.

The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is the person in your setting responsible for managing safeguarding and child protection concerns. They have specific training to handle allegations, liaise with outside agencies, and keep accurate records. They also support other staff in understanding safeguarding policies.

When you receive a disclosure:

• Speak to the DSL immediately or as soon as possible
• If the DSL is not available, use the back-up contact named in the safeguarding policy
• Keep the child’s safety as the top priority

There may be times when you have to bypass the DSL, such as if they are implicated in the allegation. In this case, the policy will tell you who to contact — usually the headteacher or directly the local authority safeguarding team.

Acting Quickly

In allegations of harm or abuse, timing is critical. Children can be at ongoing risk, and delays in reporting can cause more harm. Quick action allows professionals to protect the child, preserve evidence, and investigate properly.

Some cases require immediate referral to the police or children’s social care. Your policy will make it clear that you should hand over this decision to the DSL, but you should never delay telling them.

Working with Other Professionals

Responding to allegations usually involves other professionals, such as:

• Social workers
• Police officers
• Health professionals
• Education welfare officers

The safeguarding process is designed so each professional can share relevant information to keep the child safe. Your accurate and timely report may be one part of a bigger picture.

Supporting the Child through the Process

After a disclosure, the child may feel anxious, worried about outcomes, or frightened about the future. You can help them by:

• Providing a listening ear without pressing for more details
• Continuing to treat them in the same way as before
• Maintaining boundaries and professionalism
• Encouraging them to speak to the DSL or other trusted adults if they want support

Do not treat the child as if they are in trouble. Your attitude can make a big difference to how they cope with the process.

Following Up

After you have reported the allegation to the DSL, you may not be given detailed updates, especially if an investigation is underway. This is to protect confidentiality.

You may, however, be asked for additional information. Be prepared to:

• Check your written record for accuracy
• Clarify any points you made
• Attend meetings if needed

If you see the child regularly, keep observing their wellbeing and report any further concerns in the same way.

Staff Training and Awareness

Your setting should give you regular safeguarding training. This training will tell you exactly how to respond to disclosures and keep your knowledge up to date. It may include practice scenarios and reminders of local referral procedures.

If you are unsure about any part of the process in the future, you should ask the DSL for clarification in advance, not during an actual incident.

Final Thoughts

Handling a disclosure of harm or abuse from a child is one of the most sensitive and serious tasks in education and support work. The child’s courage in speaking up must be met with your calm, respectful and prompt action. You do not need to investigate or solve the problem yourself. Your main duty is to listen, record, and report to the right people according to your setting’s safeguarding policy.

By staying calm, acting quickly, keeping accurate records and sharing information only with authorised persons, you help create an environment where children feel safe to speak out. This approach protects children and upholds your responsibility under safeguarding law and guidance.

Always remember that the way you handle the first conversation can have a lasting impact. A respectful and professional response can give a child confidence in the system designed to protect them.