Parental Notification Letter Template (Free)

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LETTER · Free template · The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org) · Use only where safe to do so · Blue boxes are guidance notes and will not print

Before using this letter: The DSL must confirm that notifying the parent/carer will not place the child at greater risk. Where the parent/carer is the subject of the concern, or where police/social care have advised against notification, do NOT send this letter. If in doubt, consult MASH before contacting the family.

[School name]
[Address line 1]
[Address line 2]
[Postcode]
[Telephone]
[Date]

Dear [Parent / Carer name],

Re: [Child's first name] [Child's surname] — [Year Group / Class]

Choose one of the two opening options below and delete the other. Option A is for cases where a referral has been made; Option B is for cases where a concern has been recorded but no formal referral made at this stage.

Option A — Referral made:
I am writing to let you know that [School name] has a duty under the Children Act 1989 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 to refer concerns about a child's welfare to children's services where the threshold for intervention may be met. I am contacting you because we have referred a concern about [Child's first name] to [Local Authority / MASH name]'s Children's Services. This referral was made on [date].

Option B — Concern recorded, no referral:
I am writing to let you know that a member of staff at [School name] recorded a welfare concern about [Child's first name] on [date]. We take the wellbeing of every child in our care seriously and wanted to make you aware of this, so that we can work together in [Child's first name]'s best interests.

I want to reassure you that our priority at all times is the safety and wellbeing of [Child's first name]. We are committed to working openly and honestly with families wherever we can, and to keeping you informed of any relevant developments.

Only include the paragraph below if a social worker has been allocated or is expected to make contact.

You may be contacted by a social worker from [Local Authority name] Children's Services. Their role is to work with families to make sure children are safe and well supported. You are not required to speak with anyone before taking legal advice if you wish to do so, and you can contact a solicitor at any time.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to speak with me, please contact the school on [telephone number] and ask for the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Yours sincerely,

___________________________________
[DSL name]
Designated Safeguarding Lead
[School name]

After sending: Retain a copy of this letter in the child's safeguarding file (not educational file). Record the date, method of delivery (post / hand-delivered / email — only if secure), and the name of the member of staff who sent it.

Statutory references: Children Act 1989 s.17 and s.47 · KCSIE 2025, paras 70–78 · Working Together 2026, Chapter 2
Free template from The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org). The DSL must ensure this letter is appropriate for the specific circumstances before sending. Not legal advice.