Safeguarding and child protection are fundamental responsibilities for everyone working with children in Scotland.
Early Years practitioners spend a significant amount of time with the children in their care and can be well placed to notice changes in behaviour, appearance, development or family circumstances that may indicate a child needs additional support or protection.
Understanding what to look for — and knowing what to do next — is an essential part of creating a safe Early Years environment.
Child protection guidance in Scotland
Early Years safeguarding practice should be informed by the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 – updated 2023.
The Scottish guidance makes clear that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility and provides a national framework for organisations and local areas to develop their own child protection procedures, practice and training.
Child protection in Scotland also sits within Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), Scotland’s national approach to supporting the wellbeing of children and families and providing the right support at the right time.
Recognising when something may be wrong
Safeguarding concerns do not always present as a single obvious sign.
Practitioners may notice changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, changes in hygiene, increased anxiety, withdrawal, hunger or something a child says during everyday play and conversation.
One sign does not necessarily mean a child is experiencing harm. Practitioners should notice concerns, record them appropriately and follow their setting’s procedures.
Listen, record and report
If a child tells you something that causes concern, listen calmly and take them seriously.
Avoid asking leading questions or attempting to investigate yourself. Allow the child to speak in their own words and make an accurate, timely and factual record.
Every practitioner should also know to whom concerns are reported within their setting and how to escalate a concern if necessary.
Safeguarding and the Care Inspectorate
Safeguarding and child protection also feature within Scotland’s Quality Improvement Framework for Early Learning and Childcare, reinforcing the importance of staff having the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to concerns.
Regular training helps practitioners keep that knowledge current and understand their responsibilities.
Our Safeguarding & Child Protection for Early Years (Scotland CPD) course provides practical safeguarding training for people working within Scottish Early Years settings.
The course is included within our First Stop Early Years Learning Hub, alongside a growing library of Early Years CPD courses.
You can also explore our guide to the First Stop Early Years Learning Hub to find out more about the training available.
Settings can currently try the Learning Hub free for 90 days, with access for the whole team.
