Nursery World - Carers' role in protection

By Mary Marsh, NSPCC chief executive There is increasing awareness that all those who work with children have a role to play in child protection. Nursery workers and other childcarers such as childminders and nannies are in regular contact with children and families, so it is important that they can recognise the signs of child abuse and neglect, know who to turn to for advice and where to report their concerns. They should also have clear procedures in place. Like other professionals who work with children, childcarers can potentially contribute vital information on cases leading to an essential fuller picture of a child's welfare.

There is increasing awareness that all those who work with children have a role to play in child protection. Nursery workers and other childcarers such as childminders and nannies are in regular contact with children and families, so it is important that they can recognise the signs of child abuse and neglect, know who to turn to for advice and where to report their concerns. They should also have clear procedures in place. Like other professionals who work with children, childcarers can potentially contribute vital information on cases leading to an essential fuller picture of a child's welfare.

Very young children are particularly at risk. Worryingly, the number of babies being killed in Britain has risen over the last five years and they are now five times more likely to be killed than any other age group.

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