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: Explain the responsibilities of the Early Years practitioner in relation to whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is the act of disclosing information about wrongdoing within an organisation. It can be done internally, to a manager or senior figure within the organisation, or externally to a regulatory body, such as OFSTED or the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
Whistleblowers are legally protected from reprisals, and their identities will be kept confidential, if possible.
The Early Years practitioner has a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children in their care. If they have concerns about any aspect of the care being provided, they should raise these concerns with their manager or another senior figure within the organisation. If they feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously, or action is not being taken to address the issues, they may wish to blow the whistle externally.
Whistleblowing can be a difficult decision to make, and there may be risks involved. However, it is important to remember that children’s welfare should always be the paramount concern. If you are in any doubt, seek advice from a professional body or trade union.