How to spot signs of abuse

As a childcare professional, you have a responsibility to the children you care for and, because of your close contact with them, you may be the first person to spot early signs and symptoms of abuse. 

What to do if you have concerns

If you have concerns follow the procedures on the Berkshire Child Protection Procedures Online website. For more information see our Safeguarding Children page. Also attached below is Safeguarding Guide for Professionals - Levels of Need. This sets out the Wokingham Safeguarding Children Board Levels of Need. We have defined four levels of need that guide the nature of services that can be provided to a child.

Private fostering legislation

There have been a number of high profile cases, in recent years, where privately fostered children have been neglected or harmed. As a result of some of these cases, the government introduced new legislation and regulations.

Responsibilites of the Council and Professionals

The private fostering regulations place a duty on Local Authorities to ensure that all privately fostered children are well cared for and living in a safe environment. The legislation also places responsibilities on education, health and other professionals who are engaged with children to notify the Local Authority of any private fostering arrangement that they are not satisfied with. 

Report concerns about private fostering

If you are aware of any children that your service is working with, who you believe may be living in a private fostering arrangement, you must notify our Children’s Services Referral and Assessment Team of the arrangement if you're not certain that the child’s parent, guardian and/or private foster carer has made the Local Authority aware of the child’s situation. More information about private fostering can be found on our private fostering page.