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SAFEGUARDING POLICY 

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Kate Child - Parenting Coach and Consultant 

Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults 

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Policy Version 1.0 

Date Adopted 16/03/2026 

Review Date 16/03/2027 

Policy Owner Kate Child 

Contact Hello@katechild.com  07799262285 

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Applicable Legislation 

Children Act 1989 & 2004; Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023; UK GDPR; Data Protection Act 2018 

 

1. Introduction and Purpose 

This policy sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of Kate Child ("the Practitioner"), operating as a self-employed parenting coach and consultant based in England. It establishes clear procedures for recognising and responding to concerns about the welfare of children (under 18) and vulnerable adults, and for sharing information with statutory agencies where necessary. 

The Practitioner is committed to upholding the welfare of children and vulnerable people as the paramount consideration in all aspects of their work. This policy protects both the clients I work with and myself as a practitioner, by ensuring that any referrals or disclosures are handled in a lawful, proportionate, and professionally defensible manner. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all services delivered by the Practitioner, including: 

  • One-to-one parenting coaching sessions (in-person, online, or by telephone) 

  • Group workshops and training events 

  • Written materials, resources, and follow-up communications 

  • Any subcontractors, associates, or volunteers acting on behalf of the Practitioner 

 

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework 

This policy is informed by the following legislation and statutory guidance: 

  • Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) 

  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017 

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 

  • Care Act 2014 (regarding adult safeguarding) 

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) 

  • Data Protection Act 2018 

  • Human Rights Act 1998 

  • Local authority multi-agency safeguarding procedures (as applicable to the area(s) in which I work) 

As a self-employed practitioner, I am not subject to the mandatory reporting duty under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 in the same way as regulated professionals; however, I have a moral and professional duty of care and will act in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 guidance. 

 

4. Definitions 

4.1 Child Safeguarding 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development; ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. 

4.2 Categories of Abuse (Children) 

The four main categories of child abuse recognised in statutory guidance are: 

  • Physical abuse — including hitting, shaking, burning, or fabricating illness 

  • Emotional abuse — persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe adverse effects on a child's development 

  • Sexual abuse — including contact and non-contact acts, online exploitation, and grooming 

  • Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs 

4.3 Adult Safeguarding 

A safeguarding adult concern arises where an adult aged 18 or over has care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves because of those care and support needs. 

4.4 Vulnerable Adult 

For the purposes of this policy, a vulnerable adult is any adult who may be at risk of harm due to their age, disability, mental health, or other personal circumstances, regardless of whether they currently receive formal care and support. 

 

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns 

I will remain alert to signs that may indicate a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm. These may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Disclosures of abuse or neglect by a child or parent/carer 

  • Observed injuries or signs inconsistent with explanations given 

  • Significant changes in a child's behaviour or emotional state as described by a parent 

  • A parent/carer expressing intent to harm themselves or their child 

  • Information suggesting a child is witnessing domestic abuse or living in a harmful environment 

  • Concerns that a parent's mental health, substance misuse, or other vulnerability is placing a child at risk 

  • Allegations of abuse against any person working with children 

I will not investigate allegations or seek to confirm suspicions. My role is to identify concerns and refer them to the appropriate statutory agency. 

 

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing 

6.1 General Principle 

Confidentiality is fundamental to the coaching relationship. All personal information shared by clients will be treated with discretion. However, confidentiality is not absolute. I will make clear to clients at the outset of our work together that there are circumstances in which I may need to share information without their consent. 

6.2 When Information May Be Shared Without Consent 

Information may be shared without consent where: 

  • There is a risk to the life of the client or another person 

  • A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm 

  • There is a legal obligation to disclose (e.g., court order, statutory duty) 

  • Sharing is necessary to prevent a serious crime 

The threshold for overriding confidentiality is significant harm. I will use professional judgement and, where possible, seek advice from the local authority's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or Children's Services before making a referral, unless doing so would place a child at greater risk. 

6.3 UK GDPR and Data Protection Lawful Basis 

Where I share personal information for safeguarding purposes without consent, I will rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR: 

  • Article 6(1)(d) — vital interests: necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another person 

  • Article 6(1)(e) — public task: processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest 

  • Article 9(2)(c) — special category data: necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another person 

Information will only be shared with the appropriate statutory agency (Children's Services, police, MASH, adult social care) and will be limited to what is necessary, relevant, and proportionate to the concern. I will document the basis for my decision before or immediately after sharing. 

6.4 Informing the Client 

Wherever safe and appropriate to do so, I will gain consent/ inform the client that I am making a referral before I do so. I will not notify a client where doing so would place a child or other person at greater risk of harm. 

 

7. Procedure for Responding to a Safeguarding Concern 

Step 1 — Listen, Observe, and Record 

If a concern arises — whether through a direct disclosure, observation, or third-party information — I will: 

  • Listen carefully and remain calm 

  • Not ask leading questions or conduct an investigation 

  • Make a factual, contemporaneous record as soon as possible, noting exactly what was said or observed, using the person's own words where possible 

  • Record the date, time, location, and any other relevant context 

Step 2 — Assess the Level of Risk 

I will consider whether the concern relates to: 

  • Immediate risk of significant harm — requiring urgent referral to the police (999) and/or Children's/Adult Social Care without delay 

  • Non-immediate concern — requiring a referral to the local MASH or Children's/Adult Social Care within 24 hours 

  • A lower-level concern — requiring me to seek advice from Children's Services/MASH before deciding whether a formal referral is necessary 

Step 3 — Seek Advice if Uncertain 

If I am unsure whether a concern meets the threshold for a referral, I will contact the relevant local authority's MASH or duty social worker for a consultation. I can do this without disclosing the client's identity initially. I will record the advice I receive. 

Step 4 — Make a Referral 

If it is determined that a referral is necessary, I will follow instructions which may include: 

  • Contact the relevant statutory agency by telephone 

  • Follow up in writing (using a referral form where provided, or by email) 

  • Provide factual information only — what I have seen, heard, or been told 

  • Distinguish clearly between facts, observations, and professional judgements 

  • Retain a copy of all referral correspondence in my records 

Step 5 — Record and Review 

I will keep a full written record of: 

  • The nature of the concern 

  • All actions taken, including dates, times, and the names of professionals spoken to 

  • Any advice received 

  • The outcome of the referral, where this is made known to me 

All safeguarding records will be stored securely and retained for a minimum of 7 years (or until the child reaches the age of 25, if applicable), in accordance with recommended practice for safeguarding records. 

 

8. Key Referral Contacts 

Agency / Service 

Contact Details 

Emergency (Police/Ambulance) 

999 (immediate risk) / 101 (non-emergency) 

Local MASH / Children's Social Care 

Phone: 0300 470 9100, option 3 

Open: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 

Evenings, weekends and bank holidays 

Phone: 01483 517 898 

cspa@surreycc.gov.uk 

Adult Social Care 

Safeguarding Professional Referral  

0300 200 1005  

Out of hours emergency duty - . 01483 517898 

NSPCC Helpline (professional advice) 

0808 800 5000 / help@nspcc.org.uk 

Childline (for children to self-refer) 

0800 1111 / childline.org.uk 

 

9. Training and Competency 

I am committed to maintaining my safeguarding knowledge and skills. I will: 

  • Complete recognised safeguarding training to at least Level 2 (or equivalent) and refresh this training at least every three years 

  • Keep a record of all safeguarding training undertaken, including dates and certificates 

  • Remain up to date with changes to statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 

 

10. Record Keeping and Data Security 

All safeguarding records will be: 

  • Stored securely  

  • Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the concern, or until the child reaches the age of 25 (whichever is later) 

  • Accessible only to the Practitioner, except where sharing is required by law or statutory agency request 

I will maintain a confidential Safeguarding Log recording all concerns, advice sought, referrals made, and outcomes 

 

11. Allegations Against the Practitioner 

If an allegation of abuse is made against me, or if I become aware that my conduct may give rise to a safeguarding concern, I will: 

  • Inform the relevant local authority's Designated Officer (LADO) without delay — the LADO manages allegations against adults who work with children 

  • Co-operate fully with any investigation 

  • Seek independent professional advice as appropriate 

LADO Contact for my local authority: 0300 123 1650 (option 3) or email LADO@surreycc.gov.uk 

 

12. Whistleblowing 

If I have concerns about the safeguarding practices of another professional, organisation, or agency I work alongside, I will raise these through the appropriate channel. I am committed to challenging poor practice and will not allow professional deference to prevent me from acting in the best interests of a child or vulnerable person. 

 

13. Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner in the event of: 

  • Changes to relevant legislation or statutory guidance 

  • A significant safeguarding incident or concern arising from my practice 

  • Recommendations from training, supervision, or consultation 

 

14. Declaration 

 

 

Name 

Kate Child 

Signature 

Kate CHild 

Date 

16/03/2026 

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