When considering safeguarding in early years settings, we assume everyone follows the proper procedures. But what happens when things slip through the cracks?

Recently, I came across a concerning news story about a preschool that was forced to close for six weeks due to safeguarding concerns. You can read the full article from the BBC here: https://bit.ly/42T1gfr

The official report stated:

"It told the preschool it needed to ensure staff followed and implemented safeguarding policy and protected the privacy of children in their care."

This statement raises an important question: Could this happen to your setting?

What Went Wrong?

The inspection found serious safeguarding failings, including:

🚩 Staff not consistently following safeguarding policies.

🚩 Weak procedures that left children's privacy at risk.

🚩 Poor management of sensitive information.

As well as this, Ofsted told the setting:

"It must ensure information about children is only available to those who have a right or professional need to see them."

This wasn't a case of intentional wrongdoing—these failures often happen because practitioners are busy, overwhelmed, or unaware of best practices. However, in safeguarding, even small mistakes can have serious consequences.

Why Traditional Safeguarding Methods Can Fall Short

Many early years settings still rely on paper-based records, word-of-mouth updates, or scattered digital files.

Although many settings use these methods, there are some significant risks:

❌ Misplaced or incomplete records – Paper files can go missing, and handwritten notes can be forgotten or illegible.

❌ Lack of accountability – If no one tracks actions after a concern is raised, issues may slip through the cracks.

❌ Confidentiality breaches – Are all concerns truly kept on a 'need-to-know basis'? In many settings, sensitive information is too easily accessed or shared informally.

❌ Inconsistent reporting – Different Staff may record concerns differently, making it difficult to track patterns over time.

How On The Button Can Help

This is precisely why we created On The Button—a secure, centralised safeguarding, well-being, and complaint management system designed for early years settings.

✅ All safeguarding records are securely stored—no loose papers, no risk of misplaced reports.

✅ Access is controlled—only those with a professional need to know can view sensitive information.

✅ Concerns are logged and tracked over time—so what is considered isolated minor issues don't go unnoticed.

✅ Actions are recorded—ensuring accountability and compliance.

✅ Anonymised whistleblowing—allowing Staff to report concerns safely.

With real-time tracking and automated logs, nothing gets lost or forgotten. More importantly, having a clear, structured system makes it easier for Staff to consistently follow safeguarding procedures—reducing the risk of human error.

Could Your Setting Pass a Sudden Safeguarding Inspection?

Would you feel confident if an inspector walked in today and reviewed your safeguarding records?

Here are some key questions to reflect on:

🔍 Are all concerns recorded consistently and securely?

🔍 Is information protected on a strict 'need-to-know' basis?

🔍 Can you easily track and monitor patterns of concern?

🔍 Do Staff have a clear, structured way to report safeguarding issues?

🔍 Would an inspector see clear evidence of safeguarding in action?

If you're unsure about any of these, it's time to strengthen your safeguarding processes.

Protect Your Setting Before It's Too Late

Nobody expects to be at the centre of a safeguarding investigation—but it happens. And when it does, the impact on a setting can be devastating, from temporary closures to permanent reputational damage.

However, proactive safeguarding can prevent these risks.

That's why settings across the UK are turning to On The Button—to ensure they are always ready for inspections and, more importantly, always putting children's safety first.

👉 Find out how On The Button can help your setting: www.weareonthebutton.com