About Safeguarding

What is safeguarding? Safeguarding is a term used to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people — especially children, young people and vulnerable adults — to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.

One definition of safeguarding is:

• Protecting children from maltreatment.
• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Essentially, safeguarding is how you ensure the safety of the children (and elderly) in your care. It is the responsibility of every professional that comes into contact with a child, not simply those who work in education.

There are many different policies and legislation regarding safeguarding children, as it is such a fundamental aspect of childcare.