Safeguarding in Early Years: Protecting Children and Supporting Families in Crisis

safeguarding kids moving

Recently the BBC news have reported about the tragic deaths of children in temporary housing and the extraordinary efforts of schools like St Nicholas Church of England Primary Academy in Boston, Lincolnshire highlight the critical role that schools and Early Years settings play in safeguarding vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis.

For Early Years practitioners, safeguarding is not just a policy—it’s a moral imperative to ensure every child is safe, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive. This blog explores how safeguarding policies and procedures can be used effectively to protect children and support families, particularly those facing poverty, homelessness, and other challenges.

The Tragic Reality of Temporary Housing

Official data from the NHS-funded National Child Mortality Database reveals a heartbreaking statistic: temporary housing has contributed to the deaths of at least 74 children in England over the past five years. Among these, 58 were infants under one year old.

These deaths are not just numbers—they represent preventable tragedies rooted in systemic neglect.

Why is Temporary Housing So Dangerous?

Temporary accommodation, which includes hotels, hostels, caravans, and B&Bs, is often ill-equipped to meet the needs of families.

Overcrowding, mould, and a lack of basic necessities like cots or Moses baskets create unsafe environments for children.

Families frequently face multiple moves, disrupting stability and access to essential services. For infants, these conditions can be lethal.

These stories are not isolated. A record 123,000 families in England are living in temporary accommodation, and nearly 6,000 households with children are in B&Bs—many beyond the statutory six-week limit.

Systemic Failures and Calls for Change

Despite government guidance recommending cots for children under two in temporary housing, advocates argue that such measures need to be legally enforced to prevent further deaths.

Dame Siobhain McDonagh, MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Households in Temporary Accommodation, calls for stronger protections, stating, “Deaths in temporary accommodation should be zero.”

The Role of Safeguarding in Early Years

Safeguarding in Early Years settings involves protecting children from harm, ensuring their well-being, and creating an environment where they can grow and develop safely.

This responsibility extends beyond the nursery to supporting families and addressing the root causes of vulnerability.

Key Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

  1. Early Help and Intervention:
    • Early Years settings are often the first point of contact for families in crisis. Practitioners can identify signs of vulnerability, such as poverty, homelessness, or domestic violence, and provide early intervention.
    • Policies should outline clear procedures for referring families to local authority services, housing support, or charities that can offer practical help.
  2. Safe Sleep Practices:
    • For families in temporary housing, unsafe sleeping arrangements can pose serious risks to infants. Early Years practitioners can educate parents about safe sleep practices, such as using a cot or Moses basket, and work with local authorities to ensure families have access to these essentials. See our blog on Sleeping Safely with a Baby
  3. Health and Well-being Checks:
    • Regular health checks can help identify issues like malnutrition, poor hygiene, or untreated medical conditions. Practitioners can collaborate with health visitors and social workers to ensure children receive the care they need.
  4. Recording and Reporting Concerns:
    • Robust record-keeping is essential for tracking concerns about a child’s welfare. Practitioners must follow procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns to designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) and, if necessary, to local authorities or the police.
  5. Creating a Safe Environment:
    • Early Years settings should be a sanctuary for children, offering stability, warmth, and care. Policies should ensure that children feel safe and supported, with access to food, clothing, and hygiene facilities if needed.

How Early Years Practitioners Can Support Families

Supporting families is a key part of safeguarding. By addressing the challenges families face, practitioners can help create a stable environment for children to thrive.

Practical Support

  1. Access to Essentials:
    • Many families in temporary housing lack basic necessities like food, clothing, and hygiene products. Early Years settings can provide these items or connect families with local food banks, charities, and support services.
  2. Parenting Support:
    • Parenting courses, budgeting workshops, and cooking classes can empower families to manage their circumstances better. These initiatives can be offered in partnership with local organizations.
  3. Emotional Support:
    • Families in crisis often feel isolated and overwhelmed. Practitioners can offer a listening ear, signpost to mental health services, and create a supportive community within the setting.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

  • Early Years settings should work closely with social services, health visitors, housing officers, and charities to ensure families receive holistic support. Multi-agency collaboration is essential for addressing complex issues like homelessness and domestic violence.

The BBC highlight: St Nicholas Church of England Primary Academy, Boston, Lincolnshire

St Nicholas provides a powerful example of how Early Years settings can go above and beyond to support vulnerable children and families. The school offers:

  • Food and clothing: Ensuring children have what they need to stay healthy and warm.
  • Hygiene support: Helping children brush their teeth and maintain basic hygiene.
  • Emotional care: Providing a safe, loving environment where children feel valued.
  • Parental support: Offering parenting courses and budgeting classes to help families improve their circumstances.

These efforts have not only improved children’s well-being but also led to significant academic progress, demonstrating the impact of a holistic approach to safeguarding.

What Early Years Practitioners Can Do

  1. Be Vigilant:
    • Look out for signs of vulnerability, such as changes in behaviour, frequent absences, or signs of neglect. Early identification is key to preventing harm.
  2. Build Relationships:
    • Develop trusting relationships with families to understand their challenges and offer support without judgment.
  3. Advocate for Families:
    • Use your knowledge of local services to advocate for families, helping them access housing support, financial assistance, or mental health services.
  4. Promote Safe Practices:
    • Educate parents about safe sleep, nutrition, and hygiene, particularly for families in temporary housing.
  5. Stay Informed:
    • Keep up to date with safeguarding training and local resources to ensure you can provide the best possible support.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Early Years Practitioners

The stories of children dying in temporary housing and the extraordinary efforts of schools like St Nicholas remind us of the vital role Early Years settings play in safeguarding vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis.

Safeguarding policies and procedures are not just paperwork—they are tools to protect children, empower families, and create a brighter future for the most vulnerable in our society.

As Early Years practitioners, you are on the front lines of this work. By being vigilant, compassionate, and proactive, you can make a profound difference in the lives of children and families. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has the safety, stability, and support they need to thrive.

What Can You Do Today?

  • Review your safeguarding policies: Ensure they are up to date and reflect the needs of vulnerable families.
  • Build partnerships: Connect with local charities, food banks, and support services to create a network of help for families.
  • Educate and empower: Share information about safe sleep, nutrition, and hygiene with parents.
  • Advocate for change: Use your voice to call for systemic reforms that address the root causes of poverty and homelessness.

Together, we can create a world where every child is safe, loved, and given the opportunity to shine.

To read the BBC news articles click here: 

Temporary housing linked to deaths of at least 74 children – BBC News 

Nearly half of schools give families financial help, teachers say – BBC News 

Kathy
Leatherbarrow
Early Years Consultant
Kathy Leatherbarrow is an experienced early years consultant with over 25 years in the field. She excels in improving childcare quality, mentoring staff, and exceeding Ofsted standards. Kathy is committed to providing every child with the best start in life.