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Safeguarding Children in the UK

In the UK, important laws and rules protect children from harm. These laws help protect children from abuse, neglect, and other dangers. Here is an easy-to-understand overview of the key legislation and guidance of the child safeguarding system.

The Children Acts of 1989 and 2004

• Children Act 1989: This law says that local authorities (like councils) must look after the well-being of children in their area. It states that the child's safety and happiness are the most important things.

• Children Act 2004: This law was created after the tragic death of a child named Victoria Climbié. It strengthened the 1989 Act and created roles and partnerships to protect children better.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

This set of guidelines explains how different organizations should work together to protect children. It tells local councils, schools, healthcare providers, and other agencies what they should do to keep children safe and happy.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)

These rules are specifically for schools and colleges. They tell schools what they need to do to ensure children's protection. All school staff must receive training on how to spot and handle child protection issues.

The Care Act 2014

Although this law mainly deals with adults, it also affects older children moving into adult services. It ensures that local authorities create safeguarding boards focusing on adults and children.

The Children and Social Work Act 2017

This law aims to improve support for children in care and those leaving care. It also ensures social workers have the right skills to protect and support children properly.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

This law sets up a system to check that people who want to work with children (and vulnerable adults) are safe to do so. It is managed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which prevents unsuitable people from working with children.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003

This law includes specific crimes related to harming children, such as grooming and exploitation. It helps protect children from sexual abuse.

Prevent Duty (Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015)

This law requires certain authorities, including schools, to take steps to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. It's part of the broader effort to keep children safe.

Local Safeguarding Partnerships

Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (LSCPs) replaced the older Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs). These partnerships bring together different agencies to coordinate safeguarding efforts in local areas.

Online Safety and Data Protection

• Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR: These laws ensure children's personal information is handled safely and securely.

• The Online Safety Bill (2024): This new law aims to make the internet safer for children by holding tech companies responsible for harmful content on their platforms.

Additional Guidance and Standards

• What to do if you're worried a child is being abused (2015): This guide helps anyone who works with children know what to do if they think a child is being harmed.

• Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners (2018): This advice helps professionals understand when and how to share information to protect children.

These laws and guidelines ensure that everyone caring for children works together to keep them safe and well. By following these rules, the UK aims to provide a secure environment for all children to grow up in.

AUTHOR:- Iona has nearly 10 years of experience supporting nurseries and childminders in curriculum planning, leadership, and safeguarding. Her writing is informed by public information and sector insight, aiming to provide accessible, practical support for professionals working with children. She is part of the On the Button team, helping deliver Well-being, Safeguarding and Complaint Management Software that empowers practitioners to identify concerns early and act confidently.

On the Button provides innovative software tailored to the needs of the early years sector, with a strong focus on EYFS well-being and early years safeguarding. Our tools help senior practitioners to confidently track concerns, maintain robust records, and respond effectively — all while meeting statutory guidance. From early years complaint management to team-wide safeguarding alerts, our platform puts children's safety and emotional health first.