📖 Free Safeguarding Handbook

Know the Signs

A practical 16-section handbook for recognising indicators of abuse, exploitation, and harm — for teachers, DSLs, parents, and anyone working with children.

✔ KCSIE 2025 aligned ✔ Working Together 2026 ✔ Free to use & share
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Statutory basis: All school staff must be able to recognise indicators of abuse and exploitation under KCSIE 2025 Part 1. Concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately. In an emergency, call 999. To report child abuse, contact your local MASH or call NSPCC: 0808 800 5000.
Section 1

Physical Abuse

Injuries that cannot be explained, or explanations that don't match

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Physical abuse involves deliberately hurting a child — hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning, or suffocating. It also includes fabricated or induced illness (FII). KCSIE 2025 and the Children Act 1989 (s.31) define this as a form of significant harm.

Warning signs

Unexplained bruises, burns or cuts Injuries in unusual locations (torso, back, face, ears) Patterned bruising matching an object Bite marks Bruising at different healing stages Injuries inconsistent with child's age or development Flinching from physical contact Reluctance to get changed for PE Wearing long sleeves in warm weather Changing explanation for injuries Fear of returning home
What to do: Record what you observe — do not examine injuries. Report to the DSL immediately. Do not promise confidentiality. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.
Section 2

Emotional & Psychological Abuse

Persistent emotional ill-treatment that severely damages development

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Emotional abuse includes persistent criticism, threats, humiliation, rejection, and preventing a child from expressing their feelings. It also includes developmentally inappropriate expectations, seeing or hearing abuse of others, and serious bullying. It frequently occurs alongside other abuse.

Warning signs

Extreme low self-esteem or self-blame Excessive anxiety or fearfulness Sudden change in behaviour or mood Overly compliant or eager to please Delayed emotional development Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair-pulling) Lack of attachment to parent/carer Withdrawn or isolated from peers Low confidence and negative self-talk Age-inappropriate behaviour (regression or maturity beyond years)
What to do: Emotional abuse is harder to evidence — keep a detailed chronological record of observations and incidents. Report all concerns to the DSL. Contact the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.
Section 3

Sexual Abuse

Including contact and non-contact acts — any child can be a victim

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Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware. This includes contact acts (rape, touching) and non-contact acts (creating or viewing child sexual abuse material, online exploitation). Perpetrators can be adults or other children.

Warning signs

Sexualised behaviour inappropriate for age Sexual knowledge beyond developmental stage Unexplained physical symptoms (genital pain, STIs) Nightmares, sleep disturbance Reluctance to be alone with a specific adult Sudden school refusal Withdrawal from friends or usual activities Self-harm or eating disorder Running away from home Drawings or writing with sexual content
What to do: Do not investigate — report immediately to the DSL who will refer to children's social care and/or police. CEOP (online exploitation): ceop.police.uk. NSPCC: 0808 800 5000. Childline (for young people): 0800 1111.
Section 4

Neglect

The most common form of child abuse in the UK

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Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs — food, clothing, warmth, supervision, medical care, or emotional nurturing. It can include prenatal neglect (substance use during pregnancy) and educational neglect. It is the most frequently identified form of child abuse in the UK (NSPCC, 2024).

Warning signs

Consistently poor hygiene or dirty clothing Clothing inappropriate for weather Persistent hunger or taking food without asking Underweight or poor growth Untreated medical or dental problems Fatigue and inability to concentrate Frequently absent from school Reports being left alone at home No money for school meals or trips Poor social development
What to do: Persistent neglect can be as damaging as acute abuse. Log all observations with dates. Refer through DSL to children's social care under Working Together 2026. For advice, call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.
Section 5

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

15,500+ children at risk annually (Home Office 2024/25)

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CCE occurs where an individual or group exploits a child's vulnerability for financial or other advantage, compelling them to commit crimes — including drug running, theft, begging, or violence. Like CSE, CCE involves grooming and manipulation; victims often do not recognise themselves as victims. Defined in KCSIE 2025.

Warning signs

Unexplained gifts, money or new possessions New, older associates or "friends" Going missing from home or school Significant decline in school performance Carrying weapons or drugs Unexplained injuries Involvement with gangs or criminal activity Use of gang terminology or hand signs Fear of particular individuals or areas Change in social group or withdrawal from family
What to do: Report to DSL immediately. CCE constitutes a safeguarding concern requiring referral to children's social care and, where appropriate, the police. Do not confront suspected exploiters. County Lines Hub →
Section 6

County Lines Exploitation

2,740 county lines closed in the calendar year 2025 (NCA)

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County lines is where urban drug gangs establish a "line" (dedicated mobile phone number) to sell drugs in county or coastal towns, exploiting children and vulnerable adults to transport and sell drugs. Children as young as 10 have been exploited (NCA, 2024). It constitutes child trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Warning signs

Regularly missing from school or home — especially weekends/school holidays Returning tired, dishevelled or hungry Multiple mobile phones or SIM cards Unexplained cash, trainers or clothing Travelling to unfamiliar areas "Cuckooing" — staying in adults' homes Controlling relationship with older individual Reluctance to discuss whereabouts Debt bondage language ("they own me")
What to do: Refer to DSL — they will consider a NRM referral and police report. Missing episodes should be reported to police as a potential child trafficking situation. Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 0121 700. Full County Lines guide →
Section 7

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Victims are manipulated into believing relationships are genuine

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CSE is a form of sexual abuse where children are manipulated or coerced into sexual activity in exchange for gifts, money, affection, status, or simply as a result of being groomed into believing the relationship is consensual. Boys and young men are also victims. CSE can be online or in person, and may involve organised networks.

Warning signs

Older boyfriends or girlfriends Going missing, especially at night Unexplained gifts, money or phones Evidence of alcohol or drug use Sexually transmitted infections Sexualised language, dress or behaviour Pregnancy, especially with older partner Self-harm, eating disorder, withdrawal Secretive phone use, multiple accounts Found at hotels, fast food outlets at night
What to do: Report to DSL. DSL will refer to children's social care and consider CEOP referral. Do not challenge the "relationship" directly with the child — this can increase risk. CEOP: ceop.police.uk. NSPCC: 0808 800 5000.
Section 8

Online Grooming

Online grooming incidents rose 89% in six years (NSPCC, 2024)

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Online grooming involves building trust with a child online to facilitate abuse — sexual, financial, or criminal. Platforms used include Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, gaming platforms, and group chats. The Online Safety Act 2023 places new duties on platforms. "Sextortion" (threats using intimate images) is a rising risk for teenage boys.

Warning signs

Secretive about online activity Switching screen when adults approach Receiving unexplained gifts Spending long periods online, especially at night Withdrawn or emotional after device use New online "friends" they won't talk about Sexual images found on device Requesting privacy for online conversations Talking about an older friend met online Trying to meet online contact in person
What to do: Report to DSL immediately. If CSAM is suspected, do not view or preserve the material — report to CEOP and police. CEOP: ceop.police.uk. Childline: 0800 1111. Full Online Grooming guide →
Section 9

Radicalisation & Prevent

8,778 Prevent referrals in 2024/25 — 36% from education (Home Office)

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Radicalisation is a process by which a person comes to support terrorism or violent extremism, and may involve ideological, political, religious, or incel-related narratives. Schools have a statutory Prevent duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to identify and refer vulnerable individuals to the Channel programme.

Warning signs

Expressing support for extremist ideology Accessing extremist content online Glorifying violence or terrorism Sudden change in beliefs or behaviour Social withdrawal, new secretive contacts Expressing hatred of particular groups Possession of extremist literature or symbols References to a "cause" requiring violent action Incel ideology or misogynistic language (inc. online) Sense of grievance and victimhood
What to do: Report to DSL who will refer to the Prevent lead. Channel referral may follow. Do not challenge beliefs directly — this can entrench views. Prevent advice line: 0800 011 3764. Full Prevent guide →
Section 10

Domestic Abuse at Home

Witnessing domestic abuse is harm — recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021

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The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children who witness domestic abuse as victims in their own right. Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional, coercive control, economic, and sexual abuse between those aged 16+ who are or have been intimate partners or family members. Its impact on child development can be profound and long-lasting.

Warning signs in children

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem Aggression or bullying behaviour Developmental regression Fear of conflict or raised voices Reluctance to go home Protecting siblings excessively Injuries consistent with physical abuse Talking about violence at home Missing school frequently
What to do: Report to DSL. Consider immediate safety — if a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Refuge 24-hr helpline: 0808 2000 247. NSPCC: 0808 800 5000.
Section 11

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Mandatory reporting duty applies to all regulated professionals

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FGM is a criminal offence under the FGM Act 2003. Health professionals, teachers, and social workers have a mandatory duty to report to police where FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18 (Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, s.5B, as amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015). Risk is heightened around school holidays.

Risk and warning signs

Family from a community where FGM is practised Another female family member has had FGM Discussion of "special procedure" or "becoming a woman" Extended absence following a holiday abroad Returning from holiday in pain or walking differently Reluctance to participate in PE Requesting more frequent toilet visits
What to do: Report to DSL immediately. If FGM has occurred or is imminent, report directly to police (101 or 999 if immediate risk) — this is a legal mandatory reporting duty. NSPCC FGM helpline: 0800 028 3550.
Section 12

Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Abuse

A criminal offence — do not attempt family mediation

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Forced marriage (FM) is where one or both parties do not or cannot consent. It is a criminal offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Honour-based abuse (HBA) is violence or abuse committed to protect or restore "honour". Never attempt mediation with the family — this increases risk.

Warning signs

Absence after school holidays — particularly summer Expressing fear of family pressure Mentions of travel abroad with no expected return Sudden withdrawal from school Closely monitored — restricted freedom Evidence of physical abuse Self-harm, depression, suicidal ideation
What to do: Report to DSL — do not refer to family. Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151. Police (if immediate risk): 999. NSPCC: 0808 800 5000.
Section 13

Modern Slavery & Trafficking

Criminalised under the Modern Slavery Act 2015

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Child trafficking involves recruiting, transporting, or harbouring children for exploitation — including labour, sexual exploitation, or criminal purposes. County lines drug delivery is a form of trafficking. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the process for identifying and supporting victims.

Warning signs

Doesn't speak the local language or communicate freely Appears confused about location or date Accompanied by controlling adult Unable to confirm address or next of kin No access to their own documents Signs of physical abuse, malnutrition Appears to work excessive hours Living in cramped or unsuitable accommodation
What to do: Report to DSL who can submit an NRM referral. If immediate risk, call 999. Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 0121 700. NCA CEOP: ceop.police.uk.
Section 14

Substance Misuse

16,212 children in drug treatment in 2023/24 — up 13% (OHID)

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Substance misuse in children can be both a safeguarding concern in itself and a symptom of other exploitation or abuse. Substances include cannabis, cocaine, prescription drugs, nitrous oxide, vapes, and alcohol. County lines exploitation frequently involves coercing children through drugs.

Warning signs

Smell of alcohol, cannabis or solvents Drug paraphernalia found Unexplained intoxication or drowsiness Significant mood or behaviour changes Deteriorating academic performance Asking for money or stealing Bloodshot eyes, poor concentration Weight loss, poor self-care
What to do: Report to DSL — consider safeguarding referral alongside pastoral support. Young people's drug treatment referral via OHID/CAMHS. FRANK helpline: 0300 123 6600. Drugs Hub →
Section 15

Missing from Education (CME)

A potential indicator of neglect, exploitation, or safeguarding risk

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Children missing education (CME) are children of compulsory school age who are not registered pupils at any school and are not receiving suitable education elsewhere. Persistent absence (below 90% attendance) is a safeguarding concern and can be linked to county lines, exploitation, forced marriage, or neglect. Under KCSIE 2025, schools must have robust procedures for responding to unexplained absence.

Warning signs & triggers

Persistent unexplained absence Not returning after school holidays Family move without school notification Extended holiday taken in term time Frequent school changes without explanation Child withdrawn for home education without evidence Asylum-seeking or newly arrived family
What to do: Follow school CME policy — notify DSL and report to the local authority CME officer. Consider whether absence is linked to exploitation. Attendance & Safeguarding guide →
Section 16

Mental Health as a Safeguarding Concern

When mental health becomes a child protection issue

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Mental health difficulties are not in themselves a safeguarding concern — but they can indicate abuse or exploitation, or become a safeguarding concern where a child is at risk of harm to themselves or others. KCSIE 2025 requires staff to understand the role of mental health in the wider safeguarding picture. Self-harm and suicidal ideation require a safeguarding response, not just a pastoral one.

When to escalate to a safeguarding concern

Active self-harm with intent to cause serious injury Suicidal ideation with plan or intent Mental health linked to abuse or exploitation disclosure Parent/carer's MH affecting child's welfare Refusal of medical treatment by parents (Gillick competence issues) Child unable to keep themselves safe Psychiatric crisis with no adult safe to care for child
What to do: Always inform DSL. Do not promise confidentiality. CAMHS referral if clinical need. If immediate risk: 999 or A&E. PAPYRUS (youth suicide prevention): 0800 068 4141. Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7). MH & Safeguarding guide →

Emergency & Referral Contacts

999
Emergency — immediate risk of harm
101
Non-emergency police
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Free 24/7 — report child abuse concerns
Childline: 0800 1111
For children and young people
CEOP: ceop.police.uk
Online sexual exploitation — report here
Modern Slavery: 0800 0121 700
24/7 confidential
Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151
Mon–Fri, out-of-hours via switchboard
Prevent: 0800 011 3764
Radicalisation concerns

All professionals must refer through their DSL in the first instance, unless the DSL is implicated or unavailable, in which case refer directly to children's social care or the police.

Key Statutory Framework

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