Working in Early Years? Then you know it’s about more than just playdough and storytime. It’s a privilege, sure, you’re there for those first wobbling steps, those wide-eyed discoveries.
But let’s be honest, it’s also a responsibility that can feel huge. Keeping children safe is the absolute core of everything we do.
Lately, it feels like we’re hearing more about where our safeguarding systems are falling short. A recent report from the Children’s Commissioner really hit home for me.
While it looks at the big picture, the lessons are like a flashing neon sign for anyone working with young children. It got me thinking, and I wanted to break it down for us: what’s going wrong, and what does it mean for our day-to-day practice?
The LADO: A Vital Role, But Is It Working?
The report puts a big spotlight on the Local Authority Designated Officer, or LADO. Every area has one. In a perfect world, they’re the go-to person when there’s an allegation against an adult who works with children, be it a teacher, a nursery practitioner, or a volunteer.
But here’s the troubling part: the report shows that how this role works in practice is a real mixed bag across the country. It’s creating a postcode lottery for child safety, and that’s just not good enough. The main issues?
Everyone’s Doing Their Own Thing:
There’s no single, national rulebook for how LADOs handle cases. What happens in one town might be completely different in the next. This inconsistency creates gaps, and gaps are where children can slip through.
Nobody’s Talking to Each Other:
Imagine vital information about a potential risk being stuck in separate silos, Ofsted has some, the police have another piece, the LADO has a bit. When these agencies don’t share information effectively, we’re not getting the full picture, and that puts children in danger.
The “Wilful Harm” Hurdle:
This one is tough. To bring criminal charges, you often have to prove someone meant to cause harm. But what about harm that comes from sheer neglect or a dangerously flawed procedure? It’s like saying an accident is less serious than an attack, when the outcome for the child can be just as devastating.
The Biggest Heartbreak: When We Fail to Listen
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching part of the report is how we sometimes fail to truly listen to children. And this is especially critical in Early Years.
Our children might not have the words to tell us what’s wrong. They speak through their behaviour, their emotions, their play.
The report highlights that non-verbal children, particularly those with disabilities, are at a terrifying risk of being unheard.
The thought that a child could suffer serious abuse without anyone being held accountable because they couldn’t speak up… it’s unacceptable. It’s on us to become experts in listening with our eyes. To understand that a sudden change in behaviour, a withdrawn mood, or a fear of a certain adult is a child shouting without making a sound.
What This Means for You, Today
So, with all this big-picture stuff, what can we actually do? It comes down to being sharp, proactive, and deeply tuned-in in our own settings.
Actually Know Your LADO.
Don’t just have their number buried in a policy folder. Know who they are. Understand the referral process. If you have a nagging concern about a colleague, the LADO is your first port of call. Use them. That’s what they’re there for.
If in Doubt, Report.
Even if something doesn’t seem like a “police matter,” it might still need to go to the LADO and the DBS. Remember, it’s a legal requirement to refer someone to the DBS if they’re dismissed (or would have been) for a safeguarding reason.
Build a Culture of Courage.
Safeguarding isn’t just a policy on a shelf. It’s the culture of your setting. It’s about creating an environment where every single staff member feels brave enough to speak up, no matter who the concern is about. The child’s safety must always, always come before politeness or protecting reputations.
Become a Expert Observer.
We are the eyes and ears for the children who can’t tell us what’s happening. Trust your gut. If a child’s behaviour shifts and something feels off, document it. Talk to your safeguarding lead. Your professional curiosity could be everything.
The Children’s Commissioner is calling for big reforms, and let’s hope they happen. But while we wait for the system to get stronger, our practice has to be unwavering. By understanding these cracks in the foundation, we can be the ones to stand firmly in the gap for the children who need us mos
