We want to help you safeguard children in your care effectively. Below and on the following pages, you will find guidance from us and the government.

Contact us

If you are concerned about a child, you should first talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in your childcare or early years setting.

In an urgent need you can contact our children's first response hub.

If there is a concern about a professional working with children, the DSL may refer into the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Working together to safeguard children

The government outlines the correct process for multi-agency handling of a child safeguarding concern, on their working together to safeguard children page.

We also have a guide for safer working practice when working with children and young people.

Child abuse

The government has guidance on what to do if you are worried about a child being abused. It's important to remember that controlling or coercive behaviour is a crime, and that there is statutory guidance on how to report controlling behaviour.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Altering or removing parts of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, known ad female genital mutilation (FGM), is illegal. You have a mandatory duty to report if you know or suspect a female under 18 has undergone any kind of FGM.

The government outlines the process for mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation.

Online safety

The government has produced a guide to help safeguard children, families and professionals keep themselves safe online.

We have produced our own guide below. Local groups can also sign up to the Dorset Pledge.