This is a general term that refers to the action taken to keep children protected from harm.
In its guidance Working Together 2018, the government defines safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children as:
- Protecting children from maltreatment.
- Preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
- Ensuring that children grow up in situations consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Children’s services have overarching responsibility for safeguarding children and young people in their area. They do this by working in partnership with other key agencies, including health services and the police.
All agencies that come into contact or work with children should have their own safeguarding policies. This includes, but is not limited to, schools, hospitals, charities and sports clubs.