Safeguarding Referrals: A Step-by-Step Guide for School Staff
When to refer, how to refer, and how to record. A practical walkthrough for teachers, DSLs and support staff navigating the referral process.
For School Staff
Every member of school staff has a role in safeguarding. This guide covers what to do when you have a concern, from your first duty to report to your DSL through to external referral. All guidance reflects KCSiE 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026.
Step 1: Recognise and Record
Safeguarding concerns arise from many triggers: a child's disclosure, a physical observation (unexplained injury), a behavioural change, or information from another person. When you notice a concern:
- Record what you saw, heard, or were told. Use the child's exact words where possible. Do not paraphrase or interpret.
- Note the time, date, and setting
- Record any physical signs (location of marks, description) but do not photograph or examine the child
- Do not promise confidentiality to the child
Step 2: Report to Your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Under KCSiE 2024 , all school and college staff must report safeguarding concerns to the DSL (or deputy DSL in their absence) without delay. This is a duty, not a choice, even if you are uncertain.
- Use your school's agreed recording system (e.g., MyConcern, CPOMs, or a paper concern form)
- If the DSL is unavailable and the concern is urgent, you can refer directly to children's social care
- If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first
Step 3: DSL Assessment and Decision
The DSL's role is to assess the concern and decide on the appropriate response. Possible actions include:
- Monitor and review , concern noted but requires further information
- Early help offer: referral to early help services to provide support before statutory threshold is reached.
- Referral to children's social care where abuse or neglect is suspected or confirmed.
- Police referral where a crime may have occurred. Always refer in parallel with social care when a child is at risk.
Step 4: Making a Referral to Children's Social Care (MASH)
Most local authorities in England operate a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) as the single point of contact for referrals. When making a referral:
- Call the MASH or children's social care duty number for your local authority
- Have ready: child's name, DOB, address, school, nature of concern, and any relevant history
- Follow up the telephone referral in writing within 24 hours (using your local authority's referral form)
- Social care must acknowledge receipt and inform you of next steps within 1 working day
- If you do not hear back, follow up and document that you did
What Happens After Referral?
Following a referral, children's social care will conduct an Initial Assessment within 5 working days to determine the level of risk and need. This may lead to a Strategy Discussion (involving police, health, and education), a Child Protection Enquiry (Section 47) , and potentially a Child Protection Conference within 15 working days.
Once a referral is made, your role as a school continues. Schools are key partners in the child protection process and will be invited to contribute to assessments and conferences.
Key Contacts and Resources
- Your Local Authority MASH: find via your LA website or gov.uk.
- NSPCC Learning DSL Training: learning.nspcc.org.uk
- DfE KCSiE 2024: gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
- In an emergency: 999 (police/ambulance)
- NSPCC Helpline (professional consultation): 0808 800 5000
Sources: DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (September 2024); HM Government, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 (March 2026); DfE, What to do if you're worried a child is being abused 2015 ; NSPCC, Safeguarding Referrals: Best Practice Guidance (2024). Last reviewed: April 2026.