Showcase Magazine Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 7
SAFEGUARDING
Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Ellen Roberts
07715 658036
Protecting Adults as Well as
Children
When we hear the word safeguarding, our minds naturally turn to protecting children. They are, quite rightly, at the
heart of everything we do. However, effective safeguarding extends beyond the children in our care. It also means
creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for colleagues, parents, carers, and other adults we work
alongside every day. Safeguarding is about protecting people's health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling
everyone to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation. While the legal frameworks may
differ depending on whether someone is a child or an adult, the underlying principles remain the same: noticing
concerns, acting appropriately, and promoting a culture where everyone feels safe.
Creating a Culture of Respect
The way adults treat one another sets the tone for the entire setting. Children learn as much from what they see as
from what they are taught, meaning respectful professional relationships are a powerful part of safeguarding in
practice. This includes:
Treating colleagues with dignity and respect
Challenging inappropriate language, behaviour, or attitudes
Maintaining professional boundaries
Speaking up when something doesn't feel right
Supporting one another's wellbeing and recognising when someone may be struggling.
A positive workplace culture reduces the likelihood of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and unsafe practice,
whilst also making it easier for staff to raise concerns without fear.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Many early years practitioners work closely with parents, carers, grandparents, and other family members. While
our primary responsibility is always the child, we may also become aware that an adult is experiencing abuse,
neglect, coercive control, exploitation, mental ill health, or other vulnerabilities. Examples might include:
A parent disclosing domestic abuse
An elderly grandparent appearing neglected while regularly collecting a child
A young parent showing signs of financial exploitation
An adult with additional needs who appears unable to keep themselves safe.
We are not expected to investigate these situations ourselves, but we should remain professionally curious,
respond with empathy, and know how to access appropriate support or make referrals where necessary.
Sometimes supporting an adult is also one of the most effective ways of safeguarding the child.
Looking Out for One Another
Working in education and early years can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding.
Colleagues may experience stress, burnout, bereavement, financial pressures, domestic abuse, or mental health
difficulties that are not immediately visible. Being aware of changes in someone's behaviour, checking in with
colleagues, and encouraging them to seek support can make a significant difference. Creating an environment
where asking for help is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness benefits everyone.
Professional Conduct Matters
Every member of staff has a responsibility to maintain professional standards, both inside and outside the
workplace. Professional conduct helps to protect children, colleagues, families, and individuals themselves. This
means:
Communicating respectfully at all times
Maintaining confidentiality
Using social media responsibly
Following safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures
Reporting concerns promptly
Challenging unsafe or unprofessional practice appropriately.
Safeguarding is strengthened when everyone understands what good professional behaviour looks like and feels
confident in addressing concerns when standards fall short. Safeguarding is about people - whether 2 or 102!
｜
Showcase Training 7
