For families
Safeguarding Questions for Families
Safeguarding is not one question at interview. These are the checks and conversations that keep a placement safe over time.
1.Checks to complete yourself
- See the original Enhanced DBS certificate, not a photocopy or photograph
- Check the issue date; consider the Update Service for ongoing status
- Verify Right to Work using a Home Office share code
- Take up two recent references by phone and ask directly about concerns
- Confirm first aid and safeguarding training and the expiry dates
2.Questions to ask at interview
- What does safeguarding mean in a private household?
- What would you do if you had a concern about a child's welfare?
- How do you record incidents and accidents?
- How do you handle photographs and social media?
- Who else might be in our home while you are working?
- What are your boundaries around discipline?
3.Ongoing practice at home
- Agree who may collect the children and use a password
- Keep an accident and incident book
- Agree rules on visitors and lone working
- Keep talking to your children about their day
- Review the arrangement formally every few months
4.If you are worried about a child
- Write down what you saw or heard, with dates and times
- Contact your local authority children's services
- Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice
- In an emergency, call 999
Would you rather talk it through?
Our team can help you work out what support fits your household, at no cost.
Speak to our team