Safeguarding is Everyone's Business

Who to contact

The point of contact for Children's Services is the Access Centre, sometimes referred to as the Children's Social Care Access Centre.  All referrals and enquiries regarding issues of possible child protection should be made to the Access Centre using the contact numbers below:

As an early years or childcare practitioner, provider or manager, you are in a unique position to observe any changes in a child's behaviour or appearance which may give rise to concern about their well-being.  If there are any reasons to suspect that a child in your care is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of abuse, there is a statutory responsibility under The Children Act 2004, Section 11, to take action on behalf of the child and to contact an agency that has a duty to make enquiries.  In Worcestershire this agency is the Children' Services department in the local authority.

The Welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) also make it clear that everyone involved in the care and education of young children has a role to play in safeguarding and promoting their welfare.  The EYFS Statutory Framework includes both specific legal requirements and statutory guidance for which providers must have regard, in order to safeguard and promote children's welfare.

The Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB)

The WSCB has responsibility for ensuring that agencies work together effectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people in Worcestershire.  Partner agencies include Children's Services, health, police, probation, district councils and the NSPCC. See the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB) website.