Safeguarding and child protection: Our commitment

Safeguarding is everybody's business.

The Education Welfare Service plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and young people, ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and right to a secure learning environment. Education Welfare Officers work closely with schools, families, and multi-agency partners to identify and respond to concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.

Our officers are trained to recognise signs of neglect, abuse, or other safeguarding risks and follow strict protocols to protect vulnerable learners. They act promptly to report concerns and collaborate with social services and other agencies to provide timely support and interventions.

By promoting a culture of vigilance and partnership, the Education Welfare Service helps create safe and supportive educational settings where every child can thrive.

What to do if you have concerns about a child, young person or adult’s safety or welfare

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult, it is your responsibility to take immediate action.

Record the concern in writing and include;

The child or adults Name
Address
Date of birth
Details of your concern
Your name and contact information

Report without delay, pass your concerns to the appropriate team. Never assume someone else will report your concerns. Take positive action and report it immediately. Children or adults at risk should not be expected to take responsibility for themselves or others.

If in doubt you can contact the Child Care Assessment Team or Adult Safeguarding Team to seek advice.

Important guidance:

Do not assume someone else will report the concern, you must act.
Children and adults at risk should not be expected to protect themselves or others.
If there are signs of physical injury, seek medical help immediately.
Listen carefully and patiently, do not question or judge what you are told.
Never promise confidentiality, explain that you need to share the information to keep them safe.
Write down details of the conversation as soon as possible.

This guide is a summary and not a replacement for the full Wales Safeguarding Procedures (opens in a new tab). Always ensure you are familiar with the safeguarding policies relevant to your role.

Contact information

Child Care Assessment Team: 01437 776444

Adult Safeguarding Team: 01437 776056

Social Services out of hours: 0300 123 5519

Police

In an emergency ring 999

Non-emergency 101

Other useful telephone numbers

NSPCC: 0808 8005000

Childline: 0800 1111

Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 8010800

Care Inspectorate Wales: 0300 7900126

School Attendance and Pupil Welfare