Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.2: Understand legislation relating to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of children
Learning outcome: Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child has been abused or harmed
Assessment criteria: Describe actions to take if harm or abuse is suspected and/or disclosed
The primary reason for Early Years practitioners to be familiar with their setting’s policies and procedures is to know what they should do in particular situations. Your organisation’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures will explain your actions if harm or abuse is suspected and/or disclosed.
If a child discloses that they have been harmed or abused, you should encourage the child to talk to you about it and provide them with reassurance. You should always believe what a child says.; however, you should not ask leading questions that a child could simply agree with using a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
You should then record exactly what the child has disclosed and report it to your organisation’s safeguarding lead for guidance about what to do next. This can include speaking to the parents/carers, offering support or making a referral to other agencies, such as children’s social services.
A similar process will be used if you have suspicions of harm or abuse, such as a child having unexplained injuries or behaviours that are out of character.